PGE applies for federal cultural easement to allow tribal fishing at Willamette Falls
Grand Ronde and Umatilla confederated tribes say they already legally fish at the falls
Portland General Electric has sent an application to the federal government asking it to officially allow Native tribes access to Willamette Falls for ceremonial fishing and other cultural practices, but some tribes say the fishing they do at the falls already is lawful.
PGE sent the application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission April 16, requesting the agency grant perpetual cultural practice easements at the falls near the power company s hydroelectric project. PGE needs FERC s approval to do this because, as you know, for land access to fish or conduct other traditional practices at the falls, the Tribes must cross PGE property at our Willamette Falls Hydroelectric Project, PGE spokesman Steven Corson said in an email to Pamplin Media Group.