A diversely skilled group working collaboratively to recover ESA listed fish species in the Upper Columbia.

The four subbasins: Entiat, Okanogan, Methow and Wenatchee

Our Region

The Upper Columbia region is a 10,000 square mile area encompassing Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan Counties from the base of Chief Joseph Dam to the confluence of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers. In Chelan and Okanogan Counties, 70% of the land base is managed by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, the largest land manager in the region. We work to recover ESA-listed salmonids in four subbasins: Entiat, Okanogan, Methow and Wenatchee.

Our Role

The Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board (UCSRB) is directed by a five-member board with representatives from Yakama Nation and Colville Confederated Tribes and a County Commissioner from each of the three counties. UCSRB is one of seven regional salmon recovery organizations in the state created by the Washington Legislature and working in partnership with the Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office. The role of UCSRB is to develop and coordinate implementation of the Upper Columbia Spring Chinook and Steelhead Recovery Plan; coordinate funding for recovery efforts; track and report progress to NOAA Fisheries; and coordinate with partners across the state to implement the statewide salmon strategy. UCSRB also facilitates the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative due to the strong connection between upland forestlands, streams and our communities. We also serve as a coordinator for salmon recovery funding opportunities in the Upper Columbia region. 

Our History

1997-1999
April 1999
1999
September 1999
2006
August 2007
2013
2019

1997-1999

Upper Columbia River spring Chinook salmon, bulltrout and steelhead are listed as endangered under the Endangered Special Act (ESA).

April 1999

NOAA shuts down water rights in Methow Valley to increase instream flows for salmon habitat.

1999

“If you think you’re a stakeholder, then you are!” said Esther Stefaniw, Chelan County Commissioner, as she proposed a grassroots, voluntary approach to salmon recovery.

September 1999

The Upper Columbia Salmon Recover Board (UCSRB) was formed to undertake a locally-led, collaborative approach to recovery coordinated by Yakama Nation, Colville Confederated Tribes and Chelan, Okanogan and Douglas County Commissions.

2006

First salmon restoration projects implemented by project sponsors lead a need for a regional funding coordinating body. UCSRB forms non-profit corporation and hires staff.

August 2007

The Upper Columbia Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan, drafted by UCSRB and partners, is adopted by the NOAA.

August 2007

2013

UCSRB begins managing the annual Salmon Recovery Funding Board grant cycle as the Lead Entity Coordinator.

2019

The UCSRB celebrates it’s 20th anniversary.

2019

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