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Dawn on he John Day river

Dawn on he John Day river

Programs

John Day BasinSalmon Strongholds

The John Day River is the Columbia Basin's most biologically diverse river system and a globally important stronghold of wild salmon. The John Day is the second-longest undammed river in the American West, and the longest free-flowing river system in the continental United States with entirely unsupplemented runs of wild salmon and steelhead.

Initiative Overview

The John Day Basin Initiative is a collaborative effort to conserve and restore natural resources that contribute to a sustainable local economy, productive rangeland, and recovery of anadromous fish. This Initiative aims to leverage public and private resources to support community development and enhance watershed health.

John Day River meadow

Meadow along the North Fork John Day River, John McMillan USGS

Island on the John Day River

An island on the North Fork John Day River, John McMillan USGS

The Wild Salmon Center has developed strong relationships with state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, universities, and many other entities that contribute to the success of this effort. Specifically, the Wild Salmon Center has partnered with the following agencies: USDA Forest Service, NOAA Fisheries, Bonneville Power Administration, and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.

Objectives

  1. Facilitate implementation of the forthcoming Mid-Colombia Summer Steelhead Recovery Plan through enhancement and delivery of resources to local communities and landowners.
  2. Address complex multi-jurisdictional salmon conservation issues across a mosaic of private/public lands and ecosystems in the basin.
  3. Improve watershed and in-stream condition by supporting on-the-ground activities in focal tributaries.