During the October RFC Meeting, RFC members elected to review
proposals submitted in the Blue Mountain and Mountain Snake provinces
for funding consideration through the Rolling Provincial Review. For
purposes of consistency, the reviewers performed the reviews by
implementing the same criteria used by the subbasin review teams.
Following each proposal title are the comments that were developed by
the RFC.
28007 : Causes and effects of nonnative trout
invasions in the Salmon and Clearwater River subbasins.
The project is designed to investigate the ecological and genetic
impacts of nonnative trout invasions at various spatial scales in the
Salmon and Clearwater River subbasins. The multi-spatial scale
approach by the sponsors could provide comprehensive information on
the dynamics of trout invasions.
The RFC agrees with the broad-scale modeling approach (i.e., data
collection and analysis) of Phase 1 of the study and strongly
encourage the sponsor to coordinate in a more deliberate fashion with
other agencies and ongoing efforts in the North Fork Clearwater. In
addition, the RFC suggests the sponsor should use available genetics
information throughout the major study basins to reduce costs in Phase
3 of the study.
The RFC indicated that much of the data that would be collected as
described within Table 1, Phase 1 and 2a (occurrence of non-natives
and natives in watersheds and habitat/landscape characteristics) has
been collected for the Clearwater National Forest. The RFC expressed
concern relative to whether this project addresses the important
issue. The RFC acknowledges that the science appears sound, but are
unsure whether the results will have management implications? The most
significant possibility of a project like this would be to develop
models to help prioritize management alternatives (e.g., habitat
restoration) that would benefit native species while not benefiting
exotic species. The goals and objectives as stated in the proposal do
not address this issue. The proposal should be rewritten to address
management implications, and submitted through the innovative process.
The RFC questions whether the BPA is the appropriate source of funding
for the proposed work.
27015: Develop Long-term
Management Plan for Snake River (Hells Canyon Reach) White Sturgeon.
The RFC suggests the proposed work could complement management
actions and should be performed jointly with Project 199700900
(potential cost savings).
199700900: Evaluate Potential Means of
Rebuilding Sturgeon Populations in the Snake River between Lower
Granite and Hells Canyon Dams
The RFC suggests the timeframes in out years look long. In
addition, a closer working relationship needs to be developed with
IDFG, either by including a subcontract for their participation in
analyzing and interpreting data or by a separate contract as in
proposal 27015. The RFC expressed concerns that there may be
opportunities for simultaneous work that are not mentioned. The
harvest goal in the proposal is a NPT goal and is not shared by IDFG.
A working group that monitors this project’s progress should be
formed (IDFG, ODFW, NPT, IPC). Or they may be able to cooperate with
the IPC WSTAC.
The BRAT Review identified catch and release fishing in the Hells
Canyon reach as one of the major potential limiting factors for
sturgeon here. Future proposals should clarify why this is not being
investigated. USGS has put forth proposals to investigate these
fishery affects, and this is the reach that seems most appropriate for
the investigation.
Food availability was also listed in the BRAT review as a potential
limiting factor. Bioenergetics work to describe available resources
compared to those needed for sturgeon production seems appropriate but
is not being pursued. While comments from the ISRP are probably valid
given they have no contact with the project proponents, the RFC has
confidence in the described methods and analyses. The RFC indicated
that progress by project personnel in completing reports, making
population information available, etc., is unclear.
28041: Dworshak Zooplankton Entrainment
This project uses hydroacoustic technology to monitor zooplankton
movements in the forebay above Dworshak Dam, and then proposes to
apply the information to manage dam operations to curtail zooplankton
entrainment. The proposal further links zooplankton loss to problems
with kokanee management, and ultimately suggests this as an impediment
to bull trout recovery. The problem (zooplankton loss), is referenced
as a "potential" negative impact, and was
"suggested" as a "possible" explanation for poor
kokanee growth in ’91 and ’92 in the proposal. The RFC suggests
that the proposal fails to discuss the excellent kokanee growth rates
observed in Dworshak in the past 5 years. As a result, the acceptance
of zooplankton loss as a management issue is not compelling. There are
questions as to whether the proposed methods will be able to
differentiate Cladocerans from other zooplankters, suspended detritus,
small fish, or Chaoborus spp.
The RFC believes that the proposal reads as a concept paper rather
than a project proposal and suggest that the proposal be rewritten so
that more detail is provided and a stronger argument is presented as
for why entrainment is a limiting factor to the system.
The RFC suggests that a more acceptable approach to this issue may
be to first conduct a problem assessment using conventional methods by
sampling zooplankton drift in the tailrace. Loss could be quantified
and related to gatewell selectors, and diel movement patterns could be
inferred (see Novotny and Faler, 1982). An approach such as this could
be done for less than ¼ of the existing project’s cost as proposed,
and then analyzed to see if corrective measures are needed or
feasible.
Novotny, J. and M. P. Faler. 1982. Diurnal Characteristics of
Zooplankton and
Macroinvertebrates in the Tailwater Below a Kentucky Flood Control
Reservoir.
Journal of Freshwater Ecology, Vol. 1, No. 4, April, 1982.
27024: Life History Strategies in
Oncorhynchus mykiss: Interactions Between Anadromous and Resident
Forms
This proposal evaluates the potential for using local stocks of
resident rainbow trout to supplement steelhead broodstock at NE Oregon
Hatcheries. For example, it is unclear where experimental progeny will
be released. If they are released at Irrigon Hatchery, then juveniles
will likely move past dams in search of suitable habitat whether they
are emigrating or not.
Although the proposed work would provide a contribution to the
fisheries science, the RFC suggests the study design, methods, and
data analysis for each objective in the proposed project need to be
strengthened.
For Objective 1, more detail is needed to describe the study
design, methods and data analyses. For example: What conditions will
mimic a steelhead smolt program? What times and locations will the
author sample? What morphological and physical characteristics will be
measured to assess smolt development? What kind of data analysis will
be conducted (e.g. ANOVA, MANOVA, Chi-square goodness of fit)? Perhaps
citations may be needed to demonstrate the strategies and techniques
involved. The objectives are clearly defined, but there is little
reference to how the tasks will be measured.
Objective 2 focuses on examining the relative proportions of
known-origin anadromous and resident O. mykiss and
unknown-origin juveniles that are produced by anadromous and resident
forms. The RFC applauds the use of otolith microchemistry analyses to
identify life history strategies and determine maternal origin and
encourages the sponsor to summarize the microchemistry pilot work to
strengthen the argument that otolith microchemistry would be a useful
tool to address the objective. Again, the author should better define
the study design, methods and data analysis in the tasks to strengthen
the proposed objective. The approach is conceptually an excellent
idea; however, more detail is needed to demonstrate the best use of
the techniques and principles to address the objective.
28002: Fluvial Bull Trout Migration and
Life History Investigations in the Upper Salmon River Subbasin
This proposal addresses data gaps in bull trout distribution and
life history in the upper Salmon River Subbasin. The RFC suggests this
information is needed for the development of recovery actions for the
Salmon River Bull Trout Recovery Unit; however, the geographical scope
of this project appears too large for the proposed approach, and the
50 fish radio tagging sample seems too small for the size of the
subbasin.
The RFC suggests a more systematic approach would lend itself well
to project success. The project could be strengthened by concentrating
on one major drainage at a time. Each of the 3 drainages (Yankee Fork,
Mainstem, and East Fork) should receive about 50 tagged fish and 2-3
years sampling effort. It appears the proponents need to include more
specific information on telemetry equipment to be used, and details
such as transmitter life, size, frequencies and costs. There may be
remote tracking sites currently available in the subbasin that could
be utilized for this project, and if so, the project efficiency could
be greatly improved by utilizing them. If there are no remote sites
currently in place, it would be wise to establish some. The use of
data loggers would also narrow the focus of equipment manufacturers
and save time and money in data collection. Specific plans for
radio-tracking are lacking in the proposal. Some additional plans need
to be prepared in regards to tracking methods, frequency, and
approach.
"The USFWS feels if the proposal can meet the above concerns
and those raised by the ISRP, there are elements of the project that
warrant funding."
28022: Evaluate Bull Trout Life History
In Dworshak Reservoir, North Fork Clearwater River Drainage, ID.
This proposal is directly tied to hydrosystem impacts and Terms and
Conditions set forth in the FCRPS BiOp. The addition of a fixed
telemetry site in Dworshak Tailrace substantially strengthened the
project as a whole, in addition to the success of meeting Objective 4.
In past studies, the proponents have been used 400 kHz PIT tags. It
is unclear in the proposal if the project intends on switching over to
134 kHz PIT tags if awarded funding. Switching over to the 134 kHz
tags would likely provide additional interrogations of entrained fish
below Dworshak Dam, and would also strengthen the proposal.
Through the Subbasin Team Review, Objective 4 of this proposal
received a "High Priority" ranking while the other
objectives were categorized as "Recommended Action." The RFC
suggests that Objective 4 cannot be completed without making the
following Objectives/tasks High Priority: Task 1.1, Task 1.3, Task
2.1, Objective 3, Objective 4 for a total of approximately $133,000.
The remaining proposed work should be categorized as Recommended
Action.
The USFWS indicates that the proposed work "will help
implement reasonable and prudent measure 10.A.3.2 and terms and
conditions 11.1 and 11.2 in the FCRPS biological opinion."
The RFC suggests this project addresses one of the primary
extinction threats to bull trout. The decline and local extirpation of
bull trout stocks has been closely tied to invasion, competition, and
hybridization with brook trout. Much work remains to be done on this
issue, and this project evaluates one approach to the problem that may
prove effective in areas where native fish have been displaced by
introduced species.
The concept of using an introduced species to combat another
introduced species is not uniformly accepted as a viable approach
among the RFC. It would have been beneficial to the RFC if a more
thorough summary of IDFG’s existing tiger musky programs were
included in the proposal. Without this summary, the RFC can only
recommend a slower approach, looking at longer-term effects of the
current program before a more aggressive program is implemented.
One issue worthy of discussion is the long-term management of the
treatment lakes when/if the program is successful. The proposal could
be strengthened if an additional objective were added to re-establish
native species (bull and cutthroat trout) after eradication/control is
complete. In addition, it would not be acceptable to continue the
stocking of tiger muskies if a sport fishery develops as a result of
this effort.
The RFC suggests Task 5.1 and 5.2 should be performed prior to any
other objectives and indicated that the proposed stocking efforts
would likely be subjected to the Three-Step Review process.
199405400: Characterize Migratory
Pattern, Bull Trout, Blue Mountain Province
The RFC indicates that the proposal does not provide a review of
all the diet studies conducted for bull trout in anadromous and
non-anadromous waters within the Blue Mountain Province. The RFC
proposes that revisions of the proposal should include a more thorough
review of previous diet studies. The majority of the hypotheses may
have been answered by previous studies.
The USFWS suggests that "this project would be complimentary
to proposal 27017 and provide additional needed information in the
Grande Ronde. The objectives will characterize the fine-scale
population structuring of bull trout within the Grand Ronde River
subbasin; investigate the seasonal movements of fluvial bull trout of
the Lostine and Imnaha rivers and Catherine Creek; describe the diet
of fluvial bull trout in streams with relatively few anadromous
salmonids present; and employ EMAP protocols to monitor and evaluate
the status and trends in bull trout populations. This project will
help implement reasonable and prudent measure 10.A.3.1 and terms and
conditions 1.1, 11.2, and 11.A.2.2.b in the FCRPS biological opinion.
The USFWS recommends the funding of this proposal, particularly the
EMAP protocols for monitoring and evaluating and seasonal movement
component be funded. The USFW believes that Proposal 27017 and
199405400 are complimentary and will assist in assessing bull trout
recovery and implementation of the Biological Opinion."
28058: Restore Fish Passage and
Habitat on the Upper East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River.
The RFC expressed concern relative to the lack of inclusion of
fisheries information. The RFC suggests that without specific goals
and objectives related to fisheries benefits this project should not
be funded. If specific fisheries goals and objectives can be
determined than this project could be considered as a recommended
action if the proponents address information about downstream effects
and hazards as a result of this large scale project. Until downstream
effects are better addressed the RFC questions whether possible
downstream damage might out weigh up stream gains. In addition, the
RFC questions whether the work could be completed in one year as
proposed. The RFC believes the tie to the Federal Hydropower system is
unconvincing.
28042 : Timing and Location of Spawning
by Pure and Introgressed Cutthroat Trout in the North Fork Clearwater
River
The objective of the proposed research project is to identify the
timing and location of spawning by pure and introgressed westslope
cutthroat trout (WCT) using radio-telemetry in the North Fork
Clearwater drainage, Idaho. The project objectives will aid with
recovery efforts and is consistent with the goals of the Northwest
Power Planning Council’s 2000 Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife
Program, Idaho Fish and Game, and the Nez Perce Tribe.
The construction/implementation budget seems high for the proposed
work statement, especially since only 40 fish will be monitored
annually. It is unclear why the supporting agency needs to contract
out these services to a subcontractor for $227,774 during FY 2002 and
2003; possibly hiring a well-trained seasonal technician will reduce
costs. A more detailed justification is needed to address the cost
breakdown. Clearly, the PI’s are well-established authorities in the
field of radio-telemetry. The sponsor should reconsider using a
subcontractor to perform the described duties. The RFC views the
concept of the proposal as a High Priority.
28024: Dworshak Dam Impact
Assessment and Fisheries Investigation
This project has a long history of past accomplishments and
publications (proposed activities are either a continuation of tasks
or are a result of work performed through Projects 198709900 and
20001739). Past work has focused on testing strobe lights in off-site
lakes with high densities of kokanee, and the results are encouraging.
Currently, the principal investigators are testing the use of strobe
lights on one turbine of the dam. Results of this study will
demonstrate if future mitigation efforts should include installing
strobe lights on the reservoir outlets, and ultimately full
implementation on the dam. Therefore, it is important to complete
Objective 1 in order to direct future mitigation efforts.
Objective 2 will determine if bull trout are being entrained
through the dam, assess if strobe lights repel bull trout, and
correlate dam operations with the abundance and distribution of bull
trout in the reservoir. The contention that bull trout are vulnerable
to entrainment when kokanee are concentrated near the dam seems
intuitively logical and needs further investigation. The objective
would be more justified if the authors could cite a reference for the
statement that "entrainment losses of bull trout may exceed 30%
of the population per year.
Objective 3 requires collection of limnological data to
characterize the productivity of the reservoir to assess the
feasibility of improving growth and average size of kokanee. This
objective seems logical and funding is warranted; however, a more
detailed description is needed to determine the feasibility of
nutrient enhancement to improve growth and survival of kokanee. As
stated, this should be clarified in the future as information is
obtained and analyzed.
198740700: Dworshak Integrated Rule
Curves/M&E
The RFC suggests that past investments in this project would be
lost if the model were not completed. The resulting tool will be
useful in assessing tradeoffs between biological impacts in Dworshak
Reservoir and the river downstream. Although the federal Biological
Opinions (BiOps) and electrical generation tend to drive the system,
models of this type have been useful in the development and
implementation of BiOps on the operation of the Federal Columbia River
Power System.
27017: Bull Trout Population Assessment and
Life History Characteristics in Association with Habitat Quality and
Land Use: Template for Recovery Planning
This USFWS suggests that this proposal be designed to develop
techniques to assess recovery planning and provide information for
implementing the biological opinion. The proposed work would assess
bull trout population density, abundance, and life history
characteristics for core areas of the Imnaha Subbasin and evaluate
relationships to habitat quality and land use based on field
evaluations and mark/recapture techniques. The USFWS suggests the
proposed work would "also provide the technical information to
develop a template for bull trout recovery planning." The USFWS
indicated that the proposed work is "needed to evaluate
population response to recovery measures within and outside of the
tributaries." According to the USFWS, the proposed work would
help implement reasonable and prudent measure 10.A.3.1 and terms and
conditions 11.1, 11.2. and 11.A.2.2.b in the FCRPS biological
opinion..
The RFC suggests objectives of this project could possibly be
conducted and funded through Project 199405400 since it is a
complementary project accomplishing similar tasks but in a different
watershed? The RFC requests budget clarifications regarding Section 5
(Implementation) and 7 (M&E), Objectives 1 (marking/recapture) and
2 (habitat assessment). Because potential restoration projects have
already been identified (e.g., fence portions of Big Sheep Creek and
Imnaha river) the RFC questions why these activities should be
conducted? The RFC suggests that the USFS should already be funding
and collecting baseline fisheries information prior to timber sales.
The USFWS views the proposed work "as an extremely important
project for assisting in determining bull trout population status and
habitat conditions" and believes there is a "need to
systematically collect critical tributary information on bull trout to
help in assessing the effects of FCRPS operation." The USFWS
supports the funding of this proposal.
