PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Biden administration has pledged over $200 million toward reintroducing salmon in the Upper Columbia River Basin in an agreement with tribes that includes a stay on litigation for 20 years.
The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Spokane Tribe of Indians signed the deal with federal officials on Thursday, The Seattle Times reported.
Salmon runs in the Upper Columbia had been abundant for thousands of years and were a mainstay of tribal cultures and trade.
Political Cartoons View All 1173 ImagesThe Upper Columbia United Tribes, which includes tribes in Washington and Idaho, have been working on the reintroduction plan.
“Taking this next step in studying salmon reintroduction above these blocked areas is the right thing to do and lays the foundation for the possibility of sustainable salmon runs in the upper Columbia River Basin,” executive director Kurt Miller said in a statement.
Persons:
—, Biden, Joseph, Salmon, ” Jarred, Michael Erickson, Kurt Miller
Organizations:
Seattle Times, Bonneville Power Administration, Columbia United Tribes, “, White, Council, Environmental, U.S . Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia
Locations:
PORTLAND, Columbia, Colville, d’Alene Tribe, Spokane, Washington, Upper Columbia, Washington and Idaho, Kettle Falls, Confederated