BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1998 Proposal

Section 1. Summary
Section 2. Goals
Section 3. Background
Section 4. Purpose and methods
Section 5. Planned activities
Section 6. Outcomes, monitoring and evaluation
Section 7. Relationships
Section 8. Costs and FTE

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Summary

Title of project
North Fork John Day Habitat Improvement

BPA project number   8400800

Short description
Restore summer steelhead and spring chinook salmon habitat in the North Fork John Day River watershed.

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
USDA Forest Service Umatilla National Forest

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

Section 2. Goals

General
Supports a healthy Columbia basin; maintains biological diversity; increases run sizes or populations; provides needed habitat protection

Section 3. Background

Stream area affected

Stream name   North Fork John Day River tributaries
Stream miles affected   50 miles
Subbasin   John Day River
Land ownership   Public
Acres affected   1,500 acres

History
Originally, the contract focused on restoring Granite and Clear Creeks from past dredge mining operations which severely reduced salmon and steelhead populations. Dredging operations began in the 1920’s and continued intermittently until 1954. Restoration efforts began on a 4 mile stretch of Clear Creek where spawning areas were increased by the addition of 7100 cubic yards of gravel. Instream structures, log and boulder weirs, were constructed and stream banks were stabilized. Blackjack mine was plugged and its acid water seepage was diverted into a bog to reduce wastes leaking into the stream. Instream structures have been constructed throughout the watershed to improve summer survival habitat for salmon and steelhead. Riparian exclosures and water gaps have been constructed with barb wire fence to promote riparian recovery while still allowing traditional livestock grazing. Monitoring has included riparian exclosure projects, vegetation measurement, structure durability monitoring, and physical and biological stream measurements.

Biological results achieved
The North Fork John Day River is home to the one remaining totally wild run of summer steelhead and spring chinook salmon within the Columbia basin. The project focus was on instream work that provided summer survival habitat for anadromous fish. The riparian exclosure fencing portion of the contract promoted stream adjacent vegetation protection and recovery to provide stream surface shade which results in cooler summer water temperatures.

Project reports and papers
Annual reports were completed from 1988 to 1992. Bi-monthly progress reports were submitted on the active project. Opac billings are due quarterly on the active project.

Adaptive management implications
This project pioneered the use of track mounted excavators and the super hoe (spider) for instream habitat restoration developing pool forming structures using native materials. Hilti epoxy glue and cable was adapted to secure instream structures increasing the life of project during high flows to protect the investment.

Section 4. Purpose and methods

Specific measureable objectives
N/A - This project is in the O/M phase

Critical uncertainties
N/A - This project is in the O/M Phase

Biological need
The underlying need for the O/M phase of this project is to maintain project effectiveness in providing summer survival habitat and cooler water temperatures for summer steelhead trout and spring chinook salmon.

Hypothesis to be tested
N/A - Project was not a study

Alternative approaches
N/A

Justification for planning
N/A

Methods
N/A

Section 5. Planned activities

Constraints or factors that may cause schedule or budget changes
There are no known risks associated with the O/M phase of this project.

Section 6. Outcomes, monitoring and evaluation

SUMMARY OF EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Expected performance of target population or quality change in land area affected
The expected outcome of operation and maintenance of this project is the continued effectiveness of the fish habitat restoration improvements resulting in aquatic habitat recovery for summer steelhead and spring chinook salmon.

Present utilization and convservation potential of target population or area
Spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead trout wild stocks in the John Day River system are currently depressed. Summer steelhead trout are presently proposed for further study by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act.

Assumed historic status of utilization and conservation potential
Stocks were historically healthy and supported a Native American fishery.

Long term expected utilization and conservation potential for target population or habitat
Wild stocks of anadromous fish have an excellent potential for recovery because of their position in the Columbia River basin above only three main stem dams.

Contribution toward long-term goal
Reduce stream temperatures and stream width. Increase rearing and spawning habitat , macro invertebrate populations, and stream and bank cover. Increased natural production of wild salmon and steelhead.

Indirect biological or environmental changes
Recovery of riparian vegetation from the exclusion of livestock with properly functioning fences.

Environmental attributes affected by the project
Reduced water temperature and increased pool habitat for anadromous fish adult spawning and juvenile rearing habitat.

Changes assumed or expected for affected environmental attributes
Temporary, short-term increase in water turbidity with a long-term improvement in water quality.

Measure of attribute changes
N/A

Assessment of effects on project outcomes of critical uncertainty
No critical uncertainties were identified.

Information products
An annual accomplishment report will be drafted to report accomplishments

Coordination outcomes
N/A

MONITORING APPROACH
N/A

Provisions to monitor population status or habitat quality
N/A

Data analysis and evaluation
N/A

Information feed back to management decisions
N/A

Critical uncertainties affecting project's outcomes
N/A

Evaluation
Riparian vegetation recovery documented by photo point monitoring. Number of investments providing summer survival habitat.

Incorporating new information regarding uncertainties
N/A

Increasing public awareness of F&W activities
Maintenance of existing investments demonstrates a long-term commitment to protect, mitigate, and enhance native fish populations.

Section 7. Relationships

Opportunities for cooperation
This project and project 9605300 could share equipment or have equipment requested combined on one equipment rental contract.

Section 8. Costs and FTE

1997 Planned  $30,000

Other non-financial supporters
US. Forest Service grazing permittees provide in-kind investment maintenance.

Continued implementation of operation and maintenance

How does percentage apply to direct costs
Direct project costs