Non-Binding City Policies (NCP)
Policy category
Policy number
ENN-4.02
Portland Recovery Plan for Salmon and Trout
Non-Binding City Policy
NCP-ENN-4.02
PURPOSE
WHEREAS, the quality of our life in Portland is directly related to our protection and stewardship of natural resources such as our land, earth, air and water; and
WHEREAS, populations of chinook salmon and steelhead trout have declined significantly as the result of many factors, including habitat loss, reductions in water quality, and fish harvest. These factors have resulted in salmon and steelhead populations that are precariously close to the brink of extinction; and
WHEREAS, among the chinook salmon and steelhead trout populations listed as threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act are those whose home streams drain into the Lower Columbia River, including the Willamette, Sandy and Bull Run rivers; and
WHEREAS, the success of protection and restoration efforts for chinook salmon and steelhead trout and other at-risk fish is dependent on a partnership between federal, regional, state and local government agencies, the private business sector, and the local community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland is the largest municipality within the Lower Columbia Basin and is in a position to assist in regional and state chinook salmon and steelhead trout recovery efforts; and
WHEREAS, in particular, the City’s bureaus already are improving habitat and water quality in rivers, and their tributaries, flowing into the lower Columbia for the benefit of fish and the regional environment and are working to identify additional conservation and enhancement measures in which they can participate; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland is committed to developing and cultivating a sustainable future for its community and wisely managing the resources upon which its environmental, social and economic health rely; and
WHEREAS, the activities of citizens and City government can affect the future of these threatened species; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Council of the City of Portland share our citizens’ values of a healthy environment and responsibility for the preservation of our natural resources; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland must find approaches that support the recovery of endangered species and at the same time meet other city and regional goals to secure the livability of our city and region; and
WHEREAS, Portland Future Focus calls for maintaining livability in Portland through an integrated planning process which focuses growth in appropriate places while protecting the natural environment and enhancing neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, the City’s bureaus have worked collaboratively to develop a framework for developing a recovery plan and have shared that framework with the communities stakeholders;
POLICY
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portland, Oregon,
(1) that with this resolution the City submits a comprehensive framework for developing a recovery plan for salmon and trout listed under the Endangered Species Act to the National Marine Fisheries Service;
(2) that the recovery plan will address the City’s obligations under the Endangered Species Act and assist the City in meeting other objectives and obligations including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act, State Land Use Goal 5 and other goals;
(3) that the City’s multiple objective approach will require that all City bureaus proactively collaborate with the City’s Endangered Species Act Program in the development of the recovery plan based on the framework;
(4) that the recovery plan will incorporate existing City natural resource management, protection, restoration and enhancement programs and projects;
(5) that City bureaus will coordinate their budgets for programs and projects that affect environmental health, habitat conditions, water quality and fish with the Endangered Species Act Program to avoid duplication and overlap;
(6) that the City will work in partnership with National Marine Fisheries Service in developing the recovery plan;
(7) that the City will engage area watershed councils, stakeholders and the public in the development of the recovery plan.
(8) that the City will work in partnership with other metropolitan jurisdictions, including Metro, and the States of Oregon and Washington to develop a regional recovery strategy that is consistent with regional growth management and livability policies; and,
(9) that the City will strive to minimize uncertainty for its on-going activities and for its citizens during the time it takes to develop and implement a comprehensive recovery plan.
HISTORY