Portland, Ore. (31 January, 2006) – The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) announced today the publication of an article describing BEF's rationale for developing and implementing a long-term and monitoring-intensive approach to watershed restoration in the Pacific Northwest. The peer-reviewed article is a collaborative effort by BEF board members and staff, and will be published in the January issue of the American Fisheries Society's Fisheries Magazine. It also can be downloaded from BEF's Web site at www.b-e-f.org/watersheds/fisheries.pdf.

"This article reflects years of exploration dedicated to the design of an approach for effective and accountable watershed restoration in the Pacific Northwest," said Angus Duncan, BEF President & CEO. "We describe the inadequacies of BEF’s previous short-term funding strategy, and we explain our rationale for adopting a long-term and monitoring-intensive approach."

BEF's new restoration approach is designed to ensure that Model Watershed programs apply scientific methodology, measure progress, and base restoration strategies on quantified results. Each Model Watershed program is supported for a minimum of 10 years, during which BEF commits to provide funding for monitoring and evaluation, program oversight, and the services of an independent scientific review team.

BEF has established two Model Watersheds in the region, which are profiled in the paper: the Chinook River, WA and the Kootenai River, ID.  The Foundation recently added the Benewah Creek project in Idaho, and expects to establish and announce two additional 10-year Model Watershed programs in Oregon and Washington.

About BEF

The non-profit Bonneville Environmental Foundation was established in 1998. Through revenues generated from the sales of green power products, BEF supports projects that both restore watershed ecosystems and generate renewable energy.  BEF’s Model Watershed programs comprise 10-year commitments that provide funding for monitoring, evaluation, and scientific oversight. BEF’s long-term approach ensures that Model Watershed program partners apply scientific methodology and continuously track progress and improve strategies based on measured results.  BEF is an independent, 501(c)3 charitable organization.  More information is available at www.b-e-f.org.