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
Okanogan Watershed Planning

BPA project number   9502100

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
Colville Confederated Tribes

Sponsor type   WA-Tribe

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   Mark Shaw, EWP 503/230-5239

Biological opinion ID   None

NWPPC Program number   7.7B.1

Short description
Initial model watershed planning for Okanogan watershed.

Project start year   1996    End year   

Start of operation and/or maintenance   1999

Project development phase   Planning

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects

Project history
Contract has not yet been initiated.

Biological results achieved

Annual reports and technical papers

Management implications

Specific measureable objectives
1) Create an oversight committee of local stakeholders to develop and oversee the implementation of coordinated resource management that will restore and enhance the fish/wildlife resources in the Okanogan River basin, 2) Develop an overview of present watershed conditions that exist in the basin, 3) Identify the desired future conditions of the watershed, 4) Prioritize resource concerns and needs within sub-basins of the watershed.

Testable hypothesis
The successful completion of actions associated with the objectives identified above will result in improvement to the health of the watershed which will enhance the anadromous fish resource as well.

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
Local stakeholders will work together to make the watershed planning effort a success. Adequate funding will be available to complete the objectives.

Methods
A planning approach will be used that focuses on endorsement of the model watershed by all the local entities in the basin. The priority will be to bring together local efforts into an integrated program aimed at restoring depressed stocks of anadromous fish.

Brief schedule of activities
Tasks would include: Committee development including a mission statement, goals, and objectives. A set of rules or charter to facilitate committee activities. The creation of planning objectives including the role of the committee and any other technical groups that might be required. The overview of present conditions as well as the identification of desired future conditions. The need to prioritize resource concerns in the watershed. Also, a framework of what the plan will include should be developed this first year.

Biological need
The Okanogan River basin needs a comprehensive resource planning effort to restore and enhance its natural resources. Several of the anadromous fish species that inhabit the river are in a depressed state. Summer steelhead and summer chinook salmon are a low population levels and without some improvement to the health of the river they may become listed under the ESA.

Critical uncertainties
Is it possible to bring together the local stakeholders in the basin to develop a plan that will improve the health of the watershed?

Will model watershed activities improve the anadromous fish resources in the basin?

Summary of expected outcome
Develop a process that involves all the stakeholders in the watershed to work for the benefit of the natural resources in the basin.

Create a framework that can be used to draft a model watershed plan and restore/enhance anadromous fish in the Okanogan River.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
This project, if funded this year, will enhance the Mid-Columbia Habitat Conservation Planning process now being developed. These processes compliment each other.

Risks
None.

Monitoring activity
Progress reports describing rthe activities of the committee's and their progress towards meeting the expected outcomes will provide the means to measure the project's outcome.

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   Priest Rapids Dam - Chief Joseph Dam

Recommendation    Tier 1 - fund

Recommended funding level   $125,000

BPA 1997 authorized budget (approved start-of-year budget)   $105,000