JOINT AGENCY NEWS RELEASE
PacifiCorp
California Department of Fish and Game
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Fish and Wildlife Association

For Immediate Release
Date:July 20, 2009
Contact:Art Sasse, PacifiCorp, 503-813-6801.

Major New Effort Launched to Restore Klamath Coho Salmon

State and federal agencies announce first round of projects to receive funding under new program established by PacifiCorp

SACRAMENTO, Calif. State and federal officials today announced the selection of four restoration projects designed to enhance coho salmon habitat in the Klamath River watershed. The projects will be funded through the new Coho Enhancement Fund established by PacifiCorp as part of the settlement discussions concerning the relicensing of PacifiCorps Klamath River Hydroelectric Project.

The projects, which include installing fish screens and increasing stream flows, will significantly benefit endangered fish populations.

Specific projects include:
Scott River Diversion Improvements
Denny Ditch Fish Screen in the Scott River
Seiad Creak Channel Reconstruction-Phase I
Seiad Creek Off-Channel Pond Habitat Construction

The funded projects demonstrate PacifiCorps commitment to taking action with these significant measures to protect and enhance environmental resources of the Klamath basin, said PacifiCorps Environmental Analyst Diane Barr. Well continue to use a balanced and pragmatic approach while the public policy decisions run their course.

The Coho Enhancement Fund will provide approximately $500,000 annually for projects that benefit coho salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act. The fund was established by PacifiCorp as part of its Interim Conservation Plan for the Klamath Hydroelectric Project. PacifiCorp developed the plan in conjunction with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state fishery biologists during negotiations regarding the potential removal of four Klamath River main stem dams. The Secretary of the Interior will make the final determination in 2012 whether to proceed with dam removal, pending completion of scientific studies and environmental review necessary to assess whether the potential benefits of dam removal outweigh the potential liabilities and risks. The dam removals could occur as early as 2020.

The projects empowered this year by the Coho Enhancement Fund withstood scientific review and illustrated a pressing conservation need, said Gary Stacey, California Department of Fish and Games Northern Regional Manager. Every project will trigger additional environmental benefits that go beyond improving conditions for coho salmon. We eagerly look forward to their completion.

Were extremely pleased to be working with both PacifiCorp and our agency partners on this important program, said Jeff Trandahl of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which will administer the fund. Its a natural complement to our existing work in the Klamath watershed and were excited to join in such a results-oriented effort to restore critical coho habitat and improve the river flows on which they depend.

The Coho Enhancement Fund represents an important partnership for NOAA Fisheries, along with our co-manager, DFG and the Hydropower Dams owner, PacifiCorp, said Rodney McInnis, NOAA Fisheries Service Southwest Regional Administrator. We\'re optimistic that restoration actions enabled by the fund will afford interim protections for coho by benefitting wild populations in the Klamath Basin.

A final Klamath River Hydroelectric Project settlement agreement is scheduled for completion in September 2009. Regardless of that outcome, the Interim Conservation Plan provides benefits for coho salmon and listed suckers prior to potential dam removal or until a new project operating license is obtained.

About NOAA
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth\'s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

About CDFG
The California Department of Fish and Game is the State\'s trustee agency for fish and wildlife resources. Our Mission is to manage California\'s diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public. In June 2004 a Recovery Strategy for California Coho Salmon was approved. Projects such as those funded by the Coho Enhancement Fund are part of our continued efforts to protect and recover coho salmon.

About PacifiCorp
As part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power provide more than 1.7 million customers in six western states with reliable, efficient energy. PacifiCorp is constructing the Energy Gateway Transmission Expansion, a $6.1 billion investment across multiple states in the western U.S. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. It also strives to promote innovation and works with customers and communities to increase the visibility of renewable energy generation technologies through education and community outreach. Pacific Power is headquartered in Portland and provides electric service to more than 724,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
An independent 501(c)3 charity established by Congress in 1984, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) sustains, restores and enhances the nation\'s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats.