Habitat

UCUT Habitat Restoration Projects: Reconnecting Ecosystems, Enhancing Biodiversity, and Protecting Tribal Lands in the Upper Columbia Basin

UCUT Habitat Restoration Projects: Rebuilding Ecosystems and Supporting Native Species Across the Upper Columbia Basin

UCUT works across tribal lands to restore and protect critical habitats that support fish, wildlife, and native plants. Our efforts help reconnect fragmented landscapes, improve ecosystem function, and uphold the health of culturally significant places. These projects ensure that the Upper Columbia River Basin remains a thriving, balanced environment for generations to come.

Goals and Outcomes

Restore riverbanks, wetlands, and uplands impacted by development and industry
Enhance connectivity between habitats to support wildlife migration and reproduction
Control erosion and improve water quality through natural infrastructure
Protect culturally significant ecological areas vital to tribal lifeways
Build climate-resilient landscapes that support biodiversity year-round

View our Habitat Projects

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.

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 returning salmon to the people and watersheds of the Upper Columbia region. https://youtu.be/fZH_IIGDZ_Y

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.

Fish Passage and Reintroduction Phase 1 Report

Investigations Upstream of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams In May 2019, the UCUT completed Phase 1 of our phased approach to Fish Passage and Reintroduction into the U.S. and Canadian Upper Columbia Basin. The Phase I Report confirms the reintroduction of salmon to the U.S. portion of the upper Columbia River upstream of Chief Joseph Dam is likely to achieve identified tribal goals …

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Explore More of Our Work

Want to see what else we’re doing across the Upper Columbia region? Browse all of our ongoing and completed projects.

All Projects

Meet the Tribes Behind the Work

Our projects are made possible by the leadership and collaboration of five sovereign tribal nations. Learn more about the Member Tribes that make up UCUT and their connection to this land.

Discover The Tribes

Have a Question or Want to Learn More?

We’re here to connect. Reach out to our team for more information about this project or to explore ways to get involved.

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