Projects

UCUT Projects: Tribal-Led Environmental Restoration, Fish & Wildlife Conservation, and Cultural Preservation in the Upper Columbia Basin

Advancing Tribal Sovereignty and Environmental Stewardship in the Upper Columbia River Basin

At the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT), we are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and cultural resources of the Upper Columbia River Basin. Through collaborative efforts among our five Member Tribes, we implement science-based projects that promote fish and wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, cultural preservation, and climate resilience.

SWIMM- Salmonids, Watersheds, Indigenous Mentoring, and Monitoring

In 2021, UCUT was contacted by EarthGen with the goal of co-developing a natural resources and tribally focused, high school, science-based curriculum. With support from the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, EarthGen and UCUT …

UCUT Wildlife Monitoring and Evaluation Program (UWMEP)

Through agreements with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the five Tribes of the Upper Columbia United Tribes receive mitigation funding to procure land and to support ongoing ecological restoration of these mitigation properties after the BPA dam …

Upper Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction (CRTRLE) Project

CRTRLE is a coordinated UCUT effort engaging the five-member Plateau Tribes to reduce toxic pollution from entering the waterways and ecosystems of the Upper Columbia Basin Watershed. The effort endeavors to recover the ability for tribal communities to connect to traditional foods, recreation, fisheries, plants and animals of the aboriginally occupied landscapes. The CRTRLE is working for the benefit of tribal residents, and all residents and communities living in the upper Columbia River Watershed.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grant

We here at UCUT have pulled together to create a plan to reduce our carbon emissions! Here, you will learn about the process we have gone through, how we are planning to reach our goal, and why.

Northwest Regional Northern Pike Coordination Forum (NRNPCF)

In 2021, the Upper Columbia United Tribes began hosting the Northwest Regional Northern Pike Coordination Forum (NRNPCF), which is a space to share information and collaborate with other fisheries managers, researchers, and the general public on Northern Pike …

Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP): Testing Feasibility of Reintroduced Salmon in the Upper Columbia River Basin

The Phase 2 Implementation Plan “P2IP”: A stepwise and scientifically adaptive approach to test the feasibility of restoring salmon to the Upper Columbia River basin that is focused on collaboration, cost effectiveness, and benefits for the entire region.

Restoring Salmon To The Upper Columbia River Basin

Where have our salmon gone? For thousands of years, salmon have been integral to the health of humans, wildlife, fish, habitat and water quality in the Columbia River Basin. Salmon were once abundant in the upper Columbia, Sanpoil, and Spokane Rivers but have disappeared because their habitats were blocked by the construction of hydroelectric dams. This loss wounded our region, the Columbia Basin, and even the Pacific Ocean, changing the lands, water, and people, altering ecologies and economies. UCUT is working to restore salmon by supporting their reintroduction into the upper Columbia River.

Salmon Reintroduction Upstream of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams

The Upper Columbia United Tribes have been working on reintroducing salmon into the blocked areas of the Upper Columbia River Basin, upstream of Chief Joseph, Grand Coulee, and Spokane River dams. This video highlights progress made to date, and the importance of …

Site Preparation Effects on Vegetation, Tree Growth and Ungulates

The UCUT’s Timber, Fish and Wildlife Programs partnered with Syringa Ecological Consulting, LLC. on a Vegetation Composition, Tree Growth and Ungulate Use Response to Three Forestry Site Preparations Report. This report summarizes a multi-year study on the effects of post timber harvest vegetation suppression treatments, known as site preparations, on vegetation composition and ungulate (large mammals with hooves) use. Study sites were located on tribal lands of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Indians, and the Colville Confederated Tribes.

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Fish

Resident and anadromous fish were once abundant throughout the region. They provided spiritual, nutritional and cultural needs and served as a critical component to a healthy ecosystem. We work to reintroduce these native species back into the Upper Columbia River Basin.

Wildlife

We aim to restore wildlife habitat on tribal lands through the rehabilitation, protection and maintenance of crucial wildlife corridors and ways of life.

Environment

UCUT protects the environmental health of the Upper Columbia Basin through science-based action and tribal collaboration—addressing climate change, forest health, and ecosystem resilience.

Habitat

Our territories feature unique and stunning landscape including forested mountains, grass-covered hills, and rivers and watersheds. We work to restore habitat on tribal lands.

Culture

We promote culture by sharing our knowledge, preserving our sacred practices and protecting the traditional lands of our ancestors.

Education & Outreach

UCUT fosters awareness and understanding through educational programs, public outreach, and community engagement—building strong connections to the land, culture, and science that guide our work.

Have Questions or Want to Get Involved?

Whether you’re a partner organization, community member, or simply passionate about protecting the Upper Columbia River Basin, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to learn more about our projects, share ideas, or explore opportunities to collaborate.

Contact UCUT