The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) proposes to reimburse the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT) for costs incurred in the prevention, detection, eradication, and suppression of northern pike, an invasive species in the Upper Columbia River Basin (UCRB). Northern pike pose a significant ecological threat by preying on native fish species, including those protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and jeopardizing conservation efforts for anadromous salmon and steelhead. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to supplement and expand the efforts of non-Federal entities (NFEs) by providing up to 50% cost-sharing, leveraging Federal resources with local expertise to enhance northern pike management. Financial constraints limit the ability of NFEs to fully address this issue, making a collaborative approach necessary to protect native fish populations and maintain ecological balance. The Proposed Action seeks to strengthen ongoing suppression programs, promote biodiversity, and support the cultural and economic significance of native fish species in Northeastern Washington and North Idaho.

Public Scoping Comments:

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, is soliciting public and agency comments regarding the scope of the Northern Pike Suppression project. 

Scoping comments will be accepted from Mar. 28 to Apr. 27. USACE is particularly interested in input regarding alternatives and environmental effects that should be considered. Scoping comments will be used to 1) identify issues and opportunities to address, 2) develop alternatives, and 3) identify potential environmental effects (detrimental and beneficial) of possible changes to the watershed.

How can I comment?

There are several ways that you can provide input on this study.

You can submit a comment through the NEPA Online Comment Form, https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/EnvironmentalComplianceComment/ or by emailing NEPANWW@usace.army.mil, inserting “Northern Pike Suppression” in the subject line.

You may submit written comments via U.S. Mail to:

Comments need to be submitted or postmarked no later than April 27, 2025 for consideration.  All comments submitted will be considered and become part of the public record.

For more information on the public meetings or about this study, please contact Austen Whelan at Austen.P.Whelan@usace.army.mil.