October 2008 Issue

Draft Fuel Price Forecasts Released for Public Comment

The Council approved the release of preliminary fuel price forecasts for public comment. These assumptions cover the costs for natural gas, oil, and coal, but focus especially on natural gas prices, which will be a significant factor in the Council's Sixth Power Plan. The forecasts assume a reduction in the near term from recent high prices followed by increasing prices later in the 20-year forecast.

Council Extends Comment Period on Draft Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program

The Council agreed to extend the comment period for its draft Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program. The extension will allow stakeholders to submit written comments by December 1, 2008; consultations will continue until December 19.

Council Approves New Master Plan for the Hood River Production Program

The Council approved a revised master plan (160k PDF) for the Hood River Production Program. The new approach incorporates best practices recommended by the Hatchery Scientific Review Group, the Independent Scientific Advisory Board, and the Independent Scientific Review Panel, as well as the need for new trapping facilities when the Powerdale Dam is removed.

Update on 2008 Adult Fish Runs

Bill Tweit, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, gave an overview (970k PDF) of the 2008 salmon and steehead returns to the Columbia River. Noting that this was a halftime report, Tweit reviewed the general trends they have been seeing so far this year. He said that the spring Chinook season was the most challenging, with the in-season numbers at about 178,800 compared to preseason at 269,300. The summer Chinook run was fairly stable, and the sockeye was the largest run since 1955. So far, the trend for fall Chinook is looking favorable with 376,700 forecast, compared to 219,600 in 2007.