Upper Columbia River
Key Takeaways
The upper Columbia region hosts popular rivers, working forests, and treasured salmon species. Diverse communities with varying interests are united by an understanding and appreciation for the role salmon play in the economic and cultural vitality of the region.
While continuing to improve habitat, the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board is working to integrate efforts across habitat, harvest, hatcheries, and hydropower to achieve recovery.
The region provides the latest science and data that partners need to increase their understanding of the biological, physical, and societal implications of restoration efforts in this region. See the Annual Implementation Report.
View Key Recovery Indicators
About the Region
This region encompasses 10,000 square miles in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties with watersheds draining to the Columbia River between Chief Joseph Dam and its confluence with the Yakima River. In Chelan and Okanogan Counties, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest manages 70 percent of the land. The region has several Endangered Species Act-listed fish, including—spring Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and bull trout—in the Entiat, Okanogan, Methow, and Wenatchee Rivers systems.
The Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board collaborates with groups across the Columbia River system to recover these listed species. Despite substantial restoration efforts, all regional spring Chinook and steelhead remain well below delisting goals.
Salmon Recovery Stories
Enter “Salmon Stories” using the button below to explore story maps from tribes, salmon recovery groups, and agencies.
