Tuesday April 2, 2024
Lake Chelan Mirror —
Senator Cantwell, Representative Schrier, leaders of Yakama & Colville Tribes, NOAA, U.S. and Washington State Departments of Fish and Wildlife, and Chelan and Douglas County PUDs gathered at Rocky Reach Dam on Mar. 29 to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Mid-Columbia Habitat Conservation Plans.
“I’m delighted to be here 20 years later, to see the progress, to see the measurable results, to see the collaboration and the friendships that have taken place in this particular part of the United States. Trust me, a lot of people could learn from the example set by these agencies, by these organizations, by these people, all to work together for the betterment of salmon and our region,” said Sen. Cantwell.
20 years ago, Rocky Reach, Rock Island, and Wells Hydro Projects committed to a 50-year habitat conservation plan, or HCP, to achieve a no net impact on mid-Columbia salmon and steelhead runs.
HCPs are long-term agreements under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, that guide the protection of threatened or endangered species through habitat conservation, rehabilitation, or habitat development.