FY07-09 proposal 200000900

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleLogan Valley Wildlife Mitigation Site
Proposal ID200000900
OrganizationBurns Paiute Tribe
Short descriptionLogan Valley Wildlife Mitigation Site is an ongoing project allowing the Tribe to manage 1760 acres of wet meadow, wetland, forest and sagebrush steppe habitats at the headwaters of the Malheur River while addressing multiple goals for fish and wildlife.
Information transfer
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
David Speten Burns Paiute Tribe david.speten@burnspaiute-nsn.gov
All assigned contacts
David Speten Burns Paiute Tribe david.speten@burnspaiute-nsn.gov

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Middle Snake / Malheur

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
44.1764 -118.6544 Big Creek, Lake Creek, McCoy Creek Approximately 16 miles east of Seneca, Oregon

Section 3. Focal species

primary: All Wildlife
secondary: All Wildlife
Additional: Antelope, Rocky Mtn. Elk, Mule Deer, Upland Sandpiper, Greater Sandhill Crane, Sage Grouse, Bull Trout, Redband Trout, Waterfowl

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments
2005 Vegetation treatments continue. Grazing and irrigation were utillized and tree thinning occurred. Corresponding slash piles were burned. Irrigation canals were repaired and head gates installed. Irrigation study continued.
2004 Vegetation treatments continue. Additional tree thinning occurred and grazing and irrigation were again utilized. The irrigation study with ARS continued. A bridge was built coordinating with USFS. Planted 2 miles of streambank with willows.
2003 Vegetation treatments continue and include seeding uplands, timber thinning and noxious weed control. Improved the efficiency of flood irrigation system. Aerial photos were taken to monitor vegetation trends. Irrigation study with ARS continues.
2002 Management Plan was completed and accepted by CBFWA and BPA. Irrigation study continued. Vegetation treatments began including grazing and timber thinning practices. Coordinated with ODA to introduce state endangered and federal species of concern plant.
2001 Produced stream evaluations on Lake and Big Creeks. Completed the first draft of the project management plan. Completed pertinent archaeological surveys. Initiated a study to understand the impacts of water management on riparian and meadow communities.
2000 Property acquisition. Assisted ARC in ongoing studies regarding willow, species composition, and vegetation monitoring techniques. Initiated a fencing project with TNC to protect/enhance wildlife and fish habitat. Conducted initial HEP analysis.

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 200002700 Acquisition of Malheur Wildlif Co-managed by the Department, located 38 miles downstream along the Malheur River.
BPA 199701900 Stinking Water Salmonid Projec Redband and bull trout research - study has included the Logan Valley Wildlife Mitigation Site.
BPA [no entry] Eradication of Non-Native Fish from High Lake by Use of Gill Nets A proposal has been submitted for an additional project. If the project is funded, the successes achieved may positively impact Bull Trout populations at the Logan Valley Wildlife Mitigation Site by minimizing hybridization. The project will be located approximately 5 miles upstream from the Logan Valley Wildlife Mitigation Site.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects Implement wildlife projects to mitigate for losses due to the hydropower system. Malheur 2. Acquisition and Enhancement. 3. Coordinate and Implement Wildlife Mitigation Projects. 4. Protect and Maintain Habitats. 5. Management Planning. 6. Monitor
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds Identify noxious weed communities, prevent their introduction, reproduction, and spread, and reduce their density where already established. Malheur 2. Develop and Implement Noxious Weed Control.
Improve Bull Trout Habitat Protect, restore, and maintain suitable habitat conditions for bull trout. Malheur 1. Reduce Loss of Bull Trout at Irrigation Diversions. 2. Reduce Management Impacts to Bull Trout Spawning Areas. 4. Restore Connectivity in Bull Trout Current and Historic Habitats.
Improve Water Quality Reduce pollutants to the extent feasible from agricultural activities, urban areas and other sources to meet Oregon water quality standards. Malheur 1. Reduce Irrigation Induced Erosion. 5. Riparian Area Management. 6. Upland Pasture Management.
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity Eliminate, to the extent possible, human-related obstructions to the movement of the aquatic focal species within the Malheur subbasin (without exposing isolated native populations to possible hybridization with non-native species). Malheur 2. Fix Irrigation Diversion Structures and Push-up Dams that may cause direct fish passage barriers. 3. Avoid Dewatering of Channels.
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions Restore mixed conifer forest habitats to provide optimum carrying capacity for native wildlife species. Malheur 1. Maintain Overstory Conditions Favorable to Wildlife. 3. Use Fire and Logging Practices to Restore Landscapes to a More Natural Condition.
Restore Riparian Condition Objective: To achieve a distribution of riparian communities having 1) a species composition, 2) size, and 3) structure that is appropriate for the channel type and ecoregion, recognizing that the distribution will also vary in time in response to natural disturbance factors. Malheur 3. Riparian Buffer Restoration - Rangeland Areas. 4. Reduce Exotic Vegetation and Noxious Weeds in Riparian Areas. 7. Reduce Riparian Zone Reductions Due to Channelization.
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions Restore riparian habitats to provide optimum carrying capacity for native wildlife species. Malheur 1. Restoration. 2. Beaver Management. 3. Upland Erosion Management.
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions To achieve both a 1) distribution of channel types, e.g., Rosgen (1996) channel types, as well as 2) a distribution of habitat conditions within those channel types, that are as close as possible to the historic distribution of these two variables within the subbasin. Malheur 1. Channel classification and assessment at finer scales. 5. Upland Erosion Management. 8. Reduce Mechanical Streambank Damage Associated with Grazing. 9. Beaver Management.
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat. Implement wildlife projects to mitigate for losses due to the hydropower system. Malheur 4. Mitigate or Enhance Big Game Populations for Cultural and Subsistence Uses. 5. Mitigate Small Game Populations
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping Assess and map habitat extent and condition information. Develop a central database for storing habitat information. Malheur 1. Habitat Monitoring.

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Cultural Resources and ESA Environmental compliance requirements completed. 1/1/2007 9/30/2009 $15,270
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
Conduct Controlled Burn Controlled Burn Improved habitat quality and function. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $20,750
Biological objectives
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
Install Fence Remove/modify fence Modify existing fence into drop-down fence to increase pronghorn mobillity near roadside where vehicle confrontations may exist. 5/1/2007 10/1/2007 $10,750
Biological objectives
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
* # of miles of fence: 1.5
Plant Vegetation Aspen Plantings Reestablish aspen stands that were depleted due to historic grazing pressures. 1/1/2007 9/30/2009 $25,750
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
* # of acres of planted: 1
Plant Vegetation Plant Riparian Vegetation Plant vegetation to provide habitat for multiple wildlife species and help protect McCoy, Lake and Big Creeks from sedimentation and further stream incising. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $55,750
Biological objectives
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
* # of riparian miles treated: 6.0
Remove vegetation Burning of Slash Piles Reduction/removal of forest thinning project debris/waste. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $6,500
Biological objectives
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 60
Remove vegetation Noxious Weed Control Herbicide use to Control Noxious Weed Infestations. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $17,750
Biological objectives
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 1760 acres monitored annually
Remove vegetation Snag Creation Create snags that will be beneficial to cavity nesting birds. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $6,500
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 60
Remove vegetation Tree Thinning Thin wooded acres of project site to mimic historic effects of fire and remove encroaching lodgepole pine trees. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $32,000
Biological objectives
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 60
Investigate Trespass Control Human and Livestock Access Public access will be controlled and monitored throughout the season. Trespass by neighboring cattle will be controlled. 1/1/2007 9/1/2007 $15,750
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
Maintain Vegetation Livestock Management Cattle management to stimulate/enhance nesting and feeding habitats for birds and ungulates. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $15,750
Biological objectives
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
Maintain Vegetation Maintain wet meadow irrigation system Maintenance of wet meadow irrigation system 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $46,230
Biological objectives
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
Operate and Maintain Habitat/Passage Maintain perimeter fence system. Maintain fence system to keep cattle in/out. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $6,500
Biological objectives
Improve Water Quality
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
Install Fish Screen Install Fish Screen on Lake Creek An unscreened irrigation diversion exists on Lake Creek. The diversion has not been used for several years, but must be activated to retain the water right. Screening this diversion will prevent fish species from entering irrigation canal. 5/1/2007 9/30/2009 $10,750
Biological objectives
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Metrics
* Is the screen New or a Replacement?: New
* Does the screen meet NOAA/FSOC specs?: Yes
* Flow rate at the screen diversion allowed by the water right: Shared water right, cfs unknown
Install Fish Screen Install Fish Screen on McCoy Creek A fish screen is required on the McCoy Creek/LakeCreek irrigation diversion to prevent fish from entering irrigation canal. 5/1/2007 9/30/2009 $27,750
Biological objectives
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Metrics
* Does the screen meet NOAA/FSOC specs?: Yes
* Flow rate at the screen diversion allowed by the water right: 2.73
* Is the screen New or a Replacement?: New
Other Maintain Terrestrial Structures Maintain ranch house, outbuildings, and corral system used to benefit the project. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $10,750
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
Other Produce Annual Report Annual report required for each annual performance period. 12/1/2007 9/30/2009 $2,000
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
Other Produce Pisces Status Reports Three quarterly reports for each annual reporting period. 4/1/2007 9/30/2009 $2,500
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
Coordination Enter project into CREP program. Coordinate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enter the Lake Creek, Big Creek, and McCoy Creek riparian corridors into the CREP program to help cost share with riparian plantings, etc. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $5,500
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
Coordination Memorandum of Understanding with Oregon State University Coordinate with Oregon State University in developing an MOU that would allow for future studies to be completed by graduate students on the mitigation properties. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $3,500
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects Project Administration All tasks associated with administering the Burns Paiute Wildlife Department. 1/1/2007 9/30/2009 $71,020
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
Outreach and Education Education and Information Public outreach, presentations, and education of the program. 1/1/2007 9/30/2009 $18,750
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
* # of general public reached: 150
Outreach and Education Tribal Community Education Tribal members educated on the status and progress of the program 1/1/2007 9/30/2009 $6,500
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
* # of students reached: Approximately 350 enrolled Tribal members
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Amphibian Surveys Conduct amphibian surveys across project site. 3/1/2007 9/30/2009 $5,500
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Conduct HEP HEP coordinated with CBFWA staff. 6/1/2007 10/31/2008 $6,462
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Evaluate and Address Noxious Weeds
Improve Bull Trout Habitat
Improve Water Quality
Restore Fish Passage Connectivity
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Condition
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Stream Channel Processes and Conditions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Neo-tropical bird surveys Conduct point counts to determine species present and number of occurrences. 5/1/2007 9/1/2009 $15,750
Biological objectives
Restore Forest Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore Riparian Habitat Processes and Functions
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Small mammal surveys Survey small mammals utilizing Sherman live traps. 6/1/2007 9/30/2009 $5,500
Biological objectives
Address Habitat Losses from Hydrosystem Projects
Restore, Enhance and Protect Wildlife Habitat.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel [blank] $59,920 $63,654 $67,749
Fringe Benefits [blank] $17,510 $19,308 $21,308
Supplies [blank] $15,269 $13,791 $10,927
Travel [blank] $4,120 $4,455 $4,807
Overhead [blank] $45,321 $46,681 $48,081
Capital Equipment [blank] $9,105 $7,893 $7,584
Totals $151,245 $155,782 $160,454
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $467,481
Total work element budget: $467,482
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
Alan Jacobs Grazing $3,000 $3,000 $3,000 Cash Under Development
Burns Paiute Tribe Labor $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 In-Kind Under Development
EOARC Research, monitoring, coordination $10,000 $10,000 $10,000 In-Kind Under Development
ODFW Management and coordination $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 In-Kind Under Development
ODFW McCoy Creek Fish Screen $18,000 $0 $0 Cash Under Review
USDA CREP Program $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 Cash Under Review
USFS Lake Creek Fish Screen $0 $10,000 $0 Cash Under Development
USFS Management and coordination $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 In-Kind Under Development
USFWS McCoy Creek Fish Screen $12,000 $0 $0 Cash Under Review
Totals $60,000 $40,000 $30,000

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $146,840
FY 2011 estimated budget: $146,840
Comments: Continued current year funding.

Future O&M costs: The Tribe anticipates receiving current funding levels into the forseeable future. To maintain ecosystem integrity, this particular ecosystem depends on disturbance activities. Vegetation treatments will continue and adminisrative costs and repair and maintenance of facilities and equipment necessitate this level of funding.

Termination date: None
Comments: This is a wildlife acquisition project that includes land acquisition. Funding should continue indefinitely if designated as a project for funding priority with NPCC.

Final deliverables: Improved fish and wildlife habitat and the ability to provide tribal hunting opportunities as mitigation for the loss of fish and wildlife resources.

Section 10. Narrative and other documents

Response Logan 200000900 Jul 2006

Reviews and recommendations

FY07 budget FY08 budget FY09 budget Total budget Type Category Recommendation
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs]
$151,245 $155,782 $160,455 $467,482 Expense ProvinceExpense Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$151,245 $155,782 $160,455 $0 ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Response requested

NPCC comments: The logical need for the project is explained. Multiple fish and wildlife species could possibly benefit from these restoration activities. The proposal demonstrates the significance of the project to the Malheur subbasin. The history of the project is clearly reported. The context includes cultural justification that complements the biological justification. This project is in a good topographic position to influence water and riparian conditions downstream as well the proximate area. So in concept this is a supportable project, but more details are necessary. Measurable benefits to fish and wildlife should be more extensively identified. Monitoring is mentioned, but it is unclear if this is a rigorous scientific enterprise. The sponsors need to provide a response that better explains provisions for monitoring and evaluation, including details of past monitoring. This continues to be an issue identified in past ISRP reviews. Specifically, details concerning monitoring and evaluation are needed on 1) benefits to fish and wildlife, especially focal species, including an evaluation of how persistent the benefits will be; 2) possible adverse effects on non-focal species as it appears possible that some would exist; 3) the short and long-term success of habitat manipulations. Relationship and collaboration with other projects are noted but plans for information transfer should consist of more than preparation of annual reports. At the very least, some method to share successes and lessons learned with others involved in similar monitoring and restoration activities should be identified. Most objectives seem appropriate given the detail presented. The ISRP hopes to see more adaptive management as the project proceeds. Results of an irrigation study are anticipated, and this may provide information that can be useful in the future. Maintenance and repair of ranch buildings and preparation of annual reports are not appropriate biological objectives but are work elements. The presentation of work elements is not very detailed as to actual methods. Authors should provide some justification for the methods they will use. The description of facilities, equipment and personnel is well written. The facilities, equipment, and personnel are generally reasonable but it is unclear how effective the contribution of the Fisheries and Wildlife Director will be with only 0.08% (=0.0008) of time committed to the project. The personnel appear quite adequate for routine management, but the ISRP encourages the sponsors to identify additional resource personnel to assist with setting up and evaluating the monitoring program.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: The logical need for the project is explained in the proposal. Multiple fish and wildlife species could possibly benefit from these restoration activities. The proposal demonstrates the significance of the project to the Malheur subbasin. The history of the project is clearly reported. The context includes cultural justification that complements the biological justification. This project is in a good topographic position to influence water and riparian conditions downstream as well the proximate area. The monitoring and evaluation includes vegetative monitoring through four different methods: aerial photos, willow monitoring, vegetation transects and HEP. The sponsors note that the ISRP does not recommend HEP as a vegetation monitoring tool but assert that it is a source of additional information that can be used to assess vegetative changes specifically for the focal species used in the baseline HEP. Statements of desired conditions are very useful starting points. A few comments on vegetation monitoring: aerial photos will provide useful information on overstory species change, but will tell little about the reasons, e.g., recruitment or development of existing plants. Some field observation to complement photography will aid in understanding mechanisms involved and in developing any needed modifications or replicating success. It is noted that elk browsing appears to be limiting willow recovery. Is any management change indicated to assure meeting project objectives? It appears that vegetation frequency data may be incorrectly understood as more than just occurrence of a species in a proportion of plots examined. The sponsors should verify that this will give them what they are seeking. As far as transects: 1 per vegetation type will not allow very robust interpretation, regardless of the number of subsamples associated with the location. The ISRP appreciates that wildlife monitoring is also described in the response. Relationship and collaboration with other projects are noted. Publications and other methods of sharing results were identified in the response. Methods to share successes and lessons learned with others involved in similar monitoring and restoration activities should be utilized. Most objectives seem appropriate given the detail presented. The ISRP hopes to see more adaptive management as the project proceeds. Adaptive management means a systematic evaluation of monitoring results by the team to be used to verify successes, identify unanticipated opportunities, and change management when needed. The description of facilities, equipment, and personnel is well written. The facilities, equipment, and personnel are generally appropriate. The sponsors have identified a consulting biometrician to provide statistical support as necessary.