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The Kalispel Tribe of Indians has signed a 10-year, $39.5 million agreement with federal agencies that focuses on actions to address impacts of Albeni Falls Dam on fish and wildlife in the area of Lake Pend Oreille and the tribe’s reservation along the Pend Oreille River about 55 miles north of Spokane.
The agreement recognizes the tribe’s resource management expertise and its interest in operations at Albeni Falls Dam and includes specific provisions for the tribe to participate in decisions that affect fish, wildlife and water quality.
“The Kalispel Tribe is excited to see this agreement come to fruition as a result of nearly two decades of positive working relationships and on-the-ground successes. We believe this is just the beginning of a strong partnership with the federal agencies and we are hopeful for the future of our important and treasured resources,” said Kalispel Tribal Chairman Glen Nenema.
The agreement makes available approximately $39.5 million over 10 years, including $2.5 million for land acquisitions for wildlife habitat.
The tribe has identified habitat projects to benefit Endangered Species Act listed bull trout as well as west slope cutthroat trout and mountain whitefish.
In addition, the new agreement provides for the tribe, Army Corps of Engineers and Bonneville Power Administration to work together on improving water management actions in late summer and early fall to improve downstream water temperature for bull trout and other aquatic species.
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