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Western States Water Council Water Re,sources Committee Minutes Boise, Idaho April 21, 2005 . strategic plan for water use, removing barriers to water markets, and finding ways to work within water law. People mostly want good data. However, to change behavior, piling facts in front of people isn't enough. He reviewed some of the steps taken since the September listening session. He mentioned requests for funding applications (RFAs). He concluded adding that little-by-Iittle there is a growing awareness of water quantity and the role USDA can play. THE WALLA WALLA RIVER BASIN FEASIBILITY STUDY Chris Hyland, Corps of Engineers Project Manager for the Walla Walla River Basin Feasibility Study, accompanied by Gary James, representing the Umatilla Tribe in Pendleton, Oregon, described the study as a good example of a collaborative effort, as opposed to some of the conflicts over water. Background information on the study was included in the briefing books under Tab K. Chris noted there has been a lot of conflict in the Methow ~nd Klamath basins. In the Walla Walla, we have the tribes, fisheries people and others working together. It nearly came to a Klamath-type situation, but we didn't want to go down that path. In the Umatilla, there have been no salmon runs for over 70 years, and only limited steelhead runs. We are working with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), but in the . Walla Walla there was no BOR project. It is a basin within a reservation, with ceded areas and rights to fish. Using a power point presentation, Chris examined the farming and fishing issues, and endangered species (spring chinook and bull trout). The Walla Walla study is a negotiation to protect both agriculture and fish - a win-win situation, building on a Umatilla comprehensive restoration strategy - instream flow, passage improvements, watershed protection, land purchases, and riparian improvements. BPA will provide money for fish passage. Another option is dam removal. Along the South Fork Touchet we are looking at purchasing of 8,700 acres over 10 miles of stream. We are also planning a hatchery for 2008. With big returns in the Columbia, some have moved into the Walla, Walla. Some 350 individuals returned in 2004, with 2005 smolts the first released. There are flow problems and concerns with high temperatures, spawning and rearing areas, etc. We are looking at flow enhancements and a Corp project sponsored by the tribe. We are working with local irrigators through conservation efforts to provide 25 cfs to avoid ESA"take" with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). There are both near and long term efforts with flow targets. We hope to reach 50-100 cfs for rearing and more for chinook and steelhead migration. Storage exchange is another option. Walla Walla means land with many waters. "I like [Walla Walla] onions on my salmon!" This is a $5.9 feasibility study cost, with a 50% inkind tribal contribution. We are looking at off-channel storage, exchanges, efficiency, building a dam off-channel for irrigation, and leaving water . instream for fish. The Pine Creek site has possibilities, with 2-3 fish barriers downstream which have 8