The Northwest Power Act of 1980 established the Northwest Power Planning Council (Council), an inter-state agency consisting of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. A primary responsibility of the Council is to develop a fish and wildlife program to help the Bonneville Power Administration direct the funding of projects that will protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and mitigate impacts associated with hydropower dams in the Columbia River Basin.

In 2000, the Council decided to amend its fish and wildlife program by giving people the opportunity to produce locally-developed plans for the 62 subbasins in the Columbia River Basin. These plans, intended to outline goals and strategies for fish and wildlife management over the next 10-to-15 years, incorporate local knowledge, policies, and priorities. State, tribal, and federal planning efforts are also integrated into the plans.

The 18 Columbia River subbasins in the State of Oregon encompass a wide variety of fish and wildlife resources, issues, and stakeholders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has multiple interests in participating in the subbasin planning process because of its obligation to protect species listed under the Endangered Species Act (e.g., bull trout and others); management role in operating the National Fish Hatchery System; ability to implement recovery actions; and responsibility to meet the expectations of our State, Tribal, and other partners. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office staff bring technical expertise and scientific crediblity to the effort.

Subbasin plans are expected to be completed by May 2004. To help meet the schedule in a timely way, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided a list of specific Field Offices to which the appropriate geographic subbasins are assigned. Additionally, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office recently developed guidance and work plan assignments related to subbasin planning in the State of Oregon. We are maintaining and regularly updating an online report consisting of the schedules, progress, and products in each of Oregon's 18 subbasins.

Items of Note

Additional information is available on the following aspects:

Background information about subbasin planning (includes contract information and forms)

Subbasin planning in the State of Oregon

Technical Guide for subbasin planners