HCPS SEEK A BALANCE BETWEEN PEOPLE, NATURE BY RANAE A. BUSCHER Parametrix, Inc. In recent years, declining salmon populations in Pacific Northwest rivers and streams have generated concerns for their survival. Increasingly, the needs of people compete against nature. How do we strike a balance? The mid-Columbia reach, a 250-mile stretch of the Columbia River that flows through central Washington, is one area where such concern is warranted. Along this section of the river, most salmon and steelhead runs have steadily declined. These species are at risk, in part, because hydroelectric dams make it difficult for fish to return to their spawning beds. Other factors such as habitat degradation and increasing populations of predators (e.g. squawfish) that feed on young salmon and The mid-Columbia HCP looks at how to improve salmon survival rates. steelhead, also impact the survival of the species. The public utility districts (PUDs) of Chelan, Douglas and Grant counties in Washington state have jointly developed measures to ensure both continued generation of hydroelectric power and healthier fish runs. The dams affected by this coalition and their respective PUD districts, include Wells (Douglas), Rocky Reach (Chelan), Rock Island (Chelan), Wanapum (Grant) and Priest Rapids (Grant). Working with project manager Jeff Osborn from Parametrix, the team is currently developing a Habitat Conservation Plan that addresses the needs of both people and natural resources. A Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is a provision under the Endangered Species Act that allows an applicant, such as a public utility district, water district, or the like, to be proactive in implementing measures that will enhance the viability of troubled species that are not yet listed under the act. Essentially, an HCP provides a "sooner, rather than later," approach to maintaining resources. Without an HCP, if a species is placed on the Threatened or Endangered Species list, an applicant's operations may be drastically affected or, in extreme cases, completely shut down. According to Osborn, a fisheries biologist, who has been working with the three districts since March 1995, this is the first aquatic HCP to be developed in the United States. Preserving salmon and steelhead populations is its primary focus. However, all aquatic life will be protected, if necessary in the future, he said. During Phase I of the mid-Columbia HCP, each PUD proposed practical actions that could be taken to improve survival rates and increase populations of salmon and steelhead. Such actions included (1) installing juvenile fish bypass systems at each of the five dams, (2) modifying spillways to alleviate problems with dissolved gas that can adversely affect fish, and (3) removing predators. When considering HCP development, the districts determined two main objectives: (1) to avoid future listings of mid-Columbia fish, aquatic plant or animal species under the Endangered Species Act; and, (2) to provide the districts with the ability to obtain Section 10 (Incidental Take) permits, if listings did occur. The latter would allow the districts to continue to operate while strictly adhering to the provisions and guidelines outlined in the HCP. Currently, Parametrix is participating in negotiations with state and federal fishery agencies and tribes, as well as initiating the HCP Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. Affiliated agencies and tribes include the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the tribes of Colville, Yakima and Umatilla nations. The draft EIS is expected to be completed later this year. Together, the HCP and EIS documents will be included in PUD re-licensing applications to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for all five dams. Representatives for Douglas, Chelan and Grant County PUDs include Dick Nason, Bob Clubb, and Don Zeigler, respectively. According to Don Zeigler, director of natural resources at Grant County PUD, implementing an HCP made sense. "We need the river to provide the fuel for our hydroelectric facilities. If we want to continue to use the river, we have to take care of the fish." Zeigler also stresses the importance of tributary habitat throughout the region. "We know after we make all the modifications, there will be some unavoidable loss," Zeigler said. For this reason, the districts have jointly created and will contribute to a compensation fund based on fish loss at their respective dams. These funds can be used to improve the habitat in the tributaries where the fish return each year to spawn and rear. "Between mitigation and compensation," Zeigler said, "our objective is to achieve 100 percent equivalent survival, or in other words 'no net impact.'" The PUDs will also be evaluating and monitoring fish survival to assess the effectiveness of measures taken through the HCP. They will, likewise, conduct further studies on predators. It is no easy task to develop, fund and implement an HCP. However, its benefits can be immeasurable. According to Osborn, "This HCP enables the districts to do something proactive to preserve valuable fishery resources, as well as provide certainty for their future operations."