Agreement renews agencies’ collaboration on international Columbia River issues

Garry Merkel, CBT Chair, Board of Directors and Bruce Measure, Chair NWPCC sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Golden, BC. The MOU formalizes a working relationship between the two agencies to collaborate on issues related to the well being of the Columbia Basin.

CBT and the council sign Memorandum of Understanding.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (the Council), a federally chartered compact of the northwestern states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, have renewed their agreement to collaborate on projects that promote an understanding and appreciation of the international Columbia River Basin. Council chair, Bruce Measure and CBT chair, Board of Directors, Garry Merkel signed the new agreement on Friday, March 18, at a meeting of the CBT Board of Directors in Golden.

“Our partnership with CBT helps the council fulfill one of its legal mandates, which is to inform the Pacific Northwest public about regional fish and wildlife and power issues,” Measure said. “Although the council has no authority in British Columbia, the Columbia River begins in British Columbia and through this partnership we can help citizens of both countries better understand the river we share.”

The new agreement, like the one it replaces, commits the two agencies to collaborate on projects that inform citizens about Columbia River issues and improve knowledge about the river. In the past, these projects have included producing a comprehensive map of the Columbia Basin showing major tributaries and hydropower dams, and helping citizens understand and participate in planning processes affecting trans-boundary rivers, hydropower generation, and fish and wildlife. The Columbia River Treaty review process, now underway in both countries, provides another opportunity to share information and inform citizens about the current and future uses of the river.

“By working together the council and CBT are enhancing trans-boundary co-operation on key issues related to the ecosystem and river management in the Columbia Basin,” said Merkel. “The renewal of this agreement ensures the two agencies will continue to work together to keep Basin residents informed about issues effecting the Basin.”

The council is a compact of the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington and is directed by the Northwest Power Act of 1980 to prepare a program to protect, mitigate, and enhance fish and wildlife of the Columbia River Basin affected by hydropower dams and a companion power plan to assure the northwest region an adequate, efficient, economical and reliable power supply. To learn more about the council, visit www.nwcouncil.org or call 1-800-452-5161.