Four tribes, feds agree to fish plan

Federal authorities have agreed to a proposal that would pour $900 million into fish restoration in the Columbia River Basin over the next 10 years, ending decades of dispute with area tribes, including the Yakamas.

In return, four Columbia River tribes -- Yakama, Colville, Umatilla, and Warm Springs -- agree not to pursue any lawsuits against dam operators over endangered fish runs during the time of the agreement. The Nez Perce Tribe, which seeks the removal of four Lower Snake River dams, wasn't party to the agreement.

During a Monday teleconference in Portland, federal and tribal leaders described the agreement that promises to embark on about 200 projects that include improving habitat and hatcheries, installing fish screens and weirs, and increasing funding to existing tribal fish rearing programs as "unprecedented."

The proposal, which is open to public comment until April 23, faces final approval from a federal judge.

River tribes regard salmon as sacred and rely on fish from the river for several ceremonies, such as feasts honoring traditional foods, funerals and memorials as well as a livelihood from fish sales.

"This agreement is the best thing to happen to Columbia River salmon in a long time," said Fidelia Andy, chairwoman of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and Yakama Tribal Council member. "This is what the fish have been waiting for. The agreement and plan you have seen today is very large."

Most of the money -- $850 million -- will come from the federal Bonneville Power Administration, which manages power distribution on the river, but the impact on utility rates still isn't clear.

Some of that money will go to the Yakamas' salmon and steelhead restoration efforts on the Yakima and Klickitat rivers and restart a project restoring native coho in the Columbia River, said Yakama Tribal Council Chairman Ralph Sampson Jr.

A new hatchery will be built in the upper reaches of the Columbia River near the Colville reservation, where Chinook and steelhead are scarce.

"Finally, some recognition in fish restoration is coming to the tribes," he said. "We have practiced our stewardship since time immemorial."

* Phil Ferolito can be reached at 577-7749, or pferolito@yakimaherald.com.