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

Protecting Lake Coeur d’Alene

Since time immemorial, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe lived on the water, but they were forced onto a reservation. As mining took off in Silver Valley, land was taken from their reservation and the tribe was forcefully removed from the shores of the waters. The tribe became aware of pollutants in the water and ecosystem as a result of the mining. Watch how the tribe fought for their right to Coeur …

UCUT Video Gallery

A YEAR TO REMEMBER 2022 was a monumental year for UCUT. After years of planning and effort, visions have become realities. This video highlights those projects and success stories and provides insight into the ongoing efforts of the 5 member tribes to restore the fish and wildlife along with the waters and habitats of the Upper Columbia. https://vimeo.com/818231993 Salmon …

Canoe Journey and Gathering at Kettle Falls

On June 17, 2016, the five Upper Columbia United Tribes journeyed in dugout canoes to Kettle Falls, our ancient fishing spot on the Columbia River. After traveling for days, we gathered together in the land of our ancestors for the first time in over 80 years. “Salmon is a sacred resource to our tribes. It is inherent in our beliefs that we are stewards of the river and of salmon…”

20 Year Report

Over the past 20 years, the UCUT have developed and implemented hundreds of projects on issues of common concern: to protect, preserve, and enhance Treaty and Executive Order tribal rights, sovereignty, culture, fish, water, wildlife, habitat and other interests and issues for the benefit of all people. The natural resources managed by the UCUT yield millions of dollars annually to the …

United for the Benefit of All

To ensure a healthy future for the traditional territorial lands of our ancestors through a proactive and science-based approach to promoting Indian culture, fish, wildlife, and habitat, the UCUT provide one voice for our region. Together, the UCUT have worked hard to create a better environment for future generations. In order to continue, we need the support of regional lawmakers and …

UCUT and Bonneville Power Administration Partnership

Memorandum of Understanding A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and UCUT and its five member tribes was signed in 2005. It is intended to further the mutual interests of the parties and improve relationships and communications in an effort to better manage, coordinate, and carry out fish and wildlife protection and mitigation …

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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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