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Public Recommendations Open for Annual $300 Million in Power, Conservation Projects by Staff Columbia Gorge News, January 20, 2025

THE GORGE -- The public has 90 days to send in recommendations for changes to the Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program, a 40-year effort to protect and mitigate for the impacts of the hydropower system on salmon and other fish and wildlife in the Columbia River Basin.

The Northwest Power and Conservation Council released the request for public input in a letter last Friday, Jan. 17. To learn more and submit a recommendation, go to www.nwcouncil.org/amend. The deadline for submissions is April 17. The council plans to adopt the updates in spring of 2026.

The Council updates the Fish and Wildlife Program every five years based on recommendations from regional tribes, state and federal agencies, local governments, nonprofits, energy customers, regional utilities, the general public, and more. Bonneville Power Administration funds these efforts to fulfill its mitigation responsibilities under the Northwest Power Act; currently, the Program provides about $300 million annually to support over 300 projects and initiatives throughout the Basin.