BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1997 Proposal

Section 1. Administrative
Section 2. Narrative
Section 3. Budget

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Title of project
Kootenai River White Sturgeon - M&E

BPA project number   9401200

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
IDFG/KTOI

Sponsor type   ID-State/Local Agency

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   Rick Westerhof, EWI 503/230-5061

Biological opinion ID   USFWS - BO

NWPPC Program number   10.4B.4, 10.4B.5, 10.6C.1

Short description
Increase the monitoring and evaluation of sturgeon migration and spawning activities in the Kootenai River in relation to flow augmentation from Libby Dam.

Project start year   1994    End year   2020

Start of operation and/or maintenance   

Project development phase   Implementation

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects
Project 8346700, 8806400, 8806500, and 9404900. All worked is being performed in the Kootenai River system. Activities are coordinated through the Kootenai River Basin Steering Committee.

Project history
This project is an enhancement of projects 8806400 and 8806500. Approximately, 37,500 dollars is allocated to each agency for additional monitoring during increased discharge for white sturgeon.

Biological results achieved
See projects 8806400 and 8806500 for results.

Annual reports and technical papers
"Natural Spawning of White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in the Kootenai River, Idaho, 1994." Preliminary Report of Research. KTOI, IDFG and MDFWP. "Natural sapwning of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) in the Kootenai River, Idaho, 1995." Preliminary Report of Research. Projects 8806400 and 8806500 both submit monthly and annual reports that include final results of the monitoring and evaluation program.

Management implications
Minimum thresholds for flow augmentation will be determined to provide spawning and recruitment of Kootenai River white sturgeon. Once recruitment has been demonstrated the population maybe taken off the Endangered Species list. Determining minimum flow will reduce the impacts on other activities in the Kootenai River Basin. These activities include: agricultural, recreational fishery in Lake Koocanusa, flood control, power generation, IJC and Columbia River treaty.

Specific measureable objectives
Determine the minimum flow that will provide spawning and recruitment of Kootenai River white sturgeon.

Testable hypothesis
Augmented flow from Libby Dam will result in white sturgeon spawning and recruitment.

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
Flow augmentation from Libby Dam does not impact other biological species or other water uses in the Kootenai River system. Recreational fisheries in Lake Koocanusa could be impacted by excess entrainment of kokanee and other fish species. Lack of nutrients in the Kootenai River could be limiting growth and development of sturgeon larvae. Loss of rearing habitat in the Kootenai River could be limiting recruitment. Levees and dikes constructed in the early 1920's may have reduced rearing habitat available for sturgeon and reduced biological productivity in the Kootenai River. Agricultural lands could be affected by increased discharge during the spring growing season. Violation of International Joint Commission or Columbia River Treaty could prevent the release of water for sturgeon spawning and recruitment.

Methods
Please see project 8806500 and 8806400 for description of methods.

Brief schedule of activities
Please see project 8806500 and 8806400 for scheduled activities.

Biological need
Please see project 8806500 and 8806400 for description of underlying need for the project.

Critical uncertainties
The Post-dam Kootenai River’s ability to allow natural life cycle completion for white sturgeon.

Summary of expected outcome
Determination of post-dam Kootenai River’s ability to allow natural life cycle completion of white sturgeon. Operate Libby Dam consistent with previous determinations.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
Permits must be obtained under Section 7 and Section 10 consultation with USFWS. Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game and British Columbia Ministry of Environment. Participation in Kootenai River Basin Steering Committee and the federal Kootenai River White Sturgeon Recovery Team will assist with monitoring and evaluation program.

Risks
None with implementation of the monitoring and evaluation component. Only risk that exists is not monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of flow augmentation for Kootenai River white sturgeon.

Monitoring activity
All work is coordinated with IDFG, KTOI, MDFWP and BC at the Kootenai River Basin Steering Committee meetings convened by BPA. This reduces the cost to BPA by each agency assisting the other sometime during the year and eliminating duplication of effort. COTR monitors the project by reviewing monthly progress and finanical reports and at the Steering Committee meetings. Weekly conferences calls take the place of the Steering Committee from May through July, so field work can occur.

Section 3. Budget

* For most projects, Authorized is the amount recommended by CBFWA and the Council. Planned is amount currently allocated. Contracted is the amount obligated to date of printout.

Funding recommendations

CBFWA funding review group   Resident Fish

Recommendation    Tier 1 - fund

Recommended funding level   $95,600

BPA 1997 authorized budget (approved start-of-year budget)   $95,600