Large-scale manipulations -- such as through dike removal, changes in
hydrosystem-controlled flow regimes and altered predation management --
may be necessary to assess the impact human development has had on
Columbia River estuarine habitats and their fish and wildlife
populations, according to a scientific report released this week.

The governors of Montana and Oregon on Monday aim to trigger discussions
they hope will eventually give the Columbia Basin states and tribes more
clout in fish and wildlife restoration decisions.

Montana Gov. Marc Racicot and Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber have called a
public hearing take input on a "discussion draft" of proposed
legislation that would amend the Pacific Northwest Electric Power
Planning and Conservation Act.

Improved ocean and in-river migrating conditions in the past year or two
have added momentum to efforts intended to boost natural production of
Snake River fall chinook above Lower Granite Dam.

A test of hatchery supplementation using the only Snake River basin fall
chinook stock in the Northwest reaped benefits last year and this.