The law provides a vehicle for the United States to satisfy its commitment to the Indian tribes that exercise treaty fishing rights in the Columbia River and whose fishing sites were inundated by construction of Bonneville Dam. The history of this public law may be interpreted as providing that the specified fishing sites are to be restricted for the use of the Treaty Tribes. Many of these sites are within or adjacent to public recreation areas that have existed for many years. Agreement has been reached with the Treaty Tribes concerning public use of the recreation areas affected by the law. During the recreation season, the Treaty Tribes will share the use of these areas.
Further negotiations are underway to deal with the period of time that follows.
Negotiations will address use and management during this period and will lead to development plans for affected lands. FY '92 funding has been appropriated and the Corps is conducting planning and engineering studies necessary to develop specific recommendations and cost estimates for implementation of the law.