Policy Guidelines for Negotiation and Maintenance of the Colville Agreement

Goals for the Agreement:

• Create partnerships with the Colville Tribe.
• Provide maximum non-Indian hunting and fishing recreation compatible with healthy fish and wildlife populations.

Elements for the Agreement:

The following elements will be incorporated in the agreement:

• A cooperative law enforcement element.
  • Includes access to the Colville tribal radio system.
• A commitment to cooperative fish and wildlife management.
  • Includes data collection and sharing.
  • Includes management consultation.
  • Includes access to wildlife for reintroduction efforts.
  • Includes salmon restoration.
• Hunting opportunity for upland birds, migratory birds and small game.
  • Includes pheasant and doves.
• Tribal commitment to assist landowners, especially on-reservation landowners experiencing damage from big game or problems with dangerous wildlife.
• The tribe commits to maintenance or enhancement of existing non-Indian fishing opportunities on the reservation.
• The tribe and state would recognize the state license for non-Indian fishers on boundary waters.
  • Includes revenue sharing.
• The tribe and state commit to mule deer conservation. This conservation effort will include both habitat and harvest strategies.
• The agreement shall include a dispute resolution process.
• The agreement shall include provisions for five-year review by the Colville Tribal Council and the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
• Other elements the Director deems as required to meet the goals set out above.

Delegation of Authority:

Consistent with this policy, the Commission delegates to the Director the authority to finalize a new agreement with the Colville Tribe. Subsequent changes will normally be incorporated in the "five-year review" element stated above. The Director has the authority to make changes to maintain this agreement within the framework of this policy.