Resolution No. 99-77

Note: This a copy of the resolution. The original document is on file at the City Recorder's office.

Salem City Council Resolution
No. 99-77

Declaring City of Salem response to the listing of upper Willamette chinook salmon and steelhead as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

WHEREAS, populations of upper Willamette chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have declined significantly as the result of many factors, including habitat loss, degraded water quality, fish hatcheries, and harvest -- bringing them close to the brink of extinction; and,

WHEREAS, the steelhead and chinook populations listed on March 16, 1999 by the National Marine Fisheries Service as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act use the North Santiam River, Willamette River, and may use local tributaries as habitat; and,

WHEREAS, the success of protection and restoration efforts for steelhead and salmon is dependent on a partnership between federal, regional, state, and local government agencies, the private business sector, and the local community; and,

WHEREAS, some steps have already been taken by the City to improve habitat and water quality in the rivers and their tributaries for the benefit of fish and the environment and additional restoration measures will be identified; and,

WHEREAS, the activities of citizens and City government can, and will, affect the future of these threatened species; and,

WHEREAS, the City of Salemâ??s objectives are to find approaches that support the recovery of threatened and endangered species and at the same time meet other city and regional goals to maintain the quality of life;

NOW, THEREFORE,

THE CITY OF SALEM RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1 . The City will endeavor to respond to the Endangered Species Act listing of the steelhead and chinook with an integrated, Citywide effort.

Section 2 . The Citywide effort will include the formation of a Response Team that will share information and make recommendations to Council, when appropriate, concerning the listings within the City and will develop a unified response plan. All appropriate Departments will have a representative on the Response Team and participate in the work of this committee.

Section 3 . The City will seek to determine the current and historical presence of threatened steelhead and salmon species in all water bodies affected by City activities.

Section 4 . The City will endeavor to work in a partnership with the National Marine Fisheries Service and to gain approval for certain City programs that could result in an incidental take of the fish, but which are otherwise designed to protect fish habitat and minimize impacts.

Section 5 . The City will strive to minimize uncertainty as to ESA compliance for its ongoing activities and for its citizens during the time it takes to develop and implement a comprehensive response to the listing.

Section 6 . The City will work proactively to the best of its ability, through regulatory compliance, restoration projects, community outreach and involvement, and otherwise, to support the recovery of steelhead and chinook salmon populations.

Section 7 . The City will endeavor to work in partnership with other local agencies, the Willamette Restoration Initiative, and the State of Oregon, to develop regional steelhead and chinook salmon recovery plans that are consistent with local growth management and livability policies.

ADOPTED by the council this ____5th____day of ___April___________, 1999.

ATTEST:

City Recorder

Approved by the City Attorney:_______