FY07-09 proposal 200708300
Jump to Reviews and Recommendations
Section 1. Administrative
Proposal title | Grande Ronde Cooperative Salmonid Monitoring and Evaluation Project |
Proposal ID | 200708300 |
Organization | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation |
Short description | This is a continuation of an ongoing O&M/RM&E program. It has been seperated from its O&M component for this solicitation.Monitor status and detect changes in salmonid abundance, productivity, diversity, and spatial structure in the Grande Ronde Subbasin |
Information transfer | Data will be managed locally on print and electronic media. Public access for data and documents will be at BPA or Tribal website. Information will also be presented at formal and infomal professional meetings and consultations. |
Proposal contact person or principal investigator |
Contacts
Contact | Organization | |
---|---|---|
Form submitter | ||
Steve Boe | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation | sboe@eou.edu |
All assigned contacts | ||
Steve Boe | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation | sboe@eou.edu |
Julie Burke | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reserva | julieburke@ctuir.com |
Gary James | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation | garyjames@ctuir.com |
Jesse Schwartz | Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation | JesseSchwartz@ctuir.com |
Section 2. Locations
Province / subbasin: Blue Mountain / Grande Ronde
Latitude | Longitude | Waterbody | Description |
---|---|---|---|
45.32N | 118.09W | Grande Ronde River | The ceded lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in the Grande Ronde Subbasin (upper and lower Grande Ronde River watersheds). |
Section 3. Focal species
primary: Chinook Snake River Spring/Summer ESUsecondary: Chinook Snake River Fall ESU
secondary: Steelhead Snake River ESU
secondary: Bull Trout
Section 4. Past accomplishments
Year | Accomplishments |
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Section 5. Relationships to other projects
Funding source | Related ID | Related title | Relationship |
---|---|---|---|
BPA | 198402500 | Ne Oregon Habitat Projects | Habitat improvement increases likelihood of project success. |
BPA | 198909600 | Genetic M&E Prog For Sal/Steel | Monitor genetics of spring Chinook salmon in three supplemented tributaries in the subbasin. |
BPA | 199202604 | Life Studies of Spring Chinook | Life history and trapping data will be used. |
BPA | 199403300 | Fish Passage Center | Tagged juvenile fish from the project will provide release and emigration data. |
BPA | 199405400 | Bull Trout Life History Projec | Data collected in collaboration with this project. |
BPA | 199608300 | Grand Ronde Watershed Restor | Habitat improvement increases likelihood of project success. |
BPA | 199703800 | Listed Stock Chinook Salmon Ga | Cryopreserve semen from spring Chinook salmon for use in the Grande Ronde supplementation program. |
BPA | 199800702 | Gd Ronde Supp Lostine O&M/M&E | Operation, maintenance, monitoring and evaluation for conventional spring Chinook broodstock component for the Nez Perce Tribe. |
BPA | 199801006 | Captive Broodstock Artificial | Nez Perce Tribe participation in 1998010001. |
BPA | 199803100 | Implement Wy-Kan-Ush-Mi Wa-Kis | Habitat improvement increases likelihood of project success. |
BPA | 200001700 | Recondition Wild Steelhead Kel | Data for wild summer steelhead kelts will benefit this project. |
BPA | 199801003 | M&E Yearling Snake R. Fall Ch | Data collected will be provided to this Project. |
BPA | 199801600 | Escapement/Productivity Spring | Collaborate regarding methods. |
BPA | 200205600 | Steelhead Status Monitoring | Collaborate regarding sampling methods and data for for summer steelhead. |
Section 6. Biological objectives
Biological objectives | Full description | Associated subbasin plan | Strategy |
---|---|---|---|
1. Assess and detect changes in status and trends. | Assess and detect changes in status and trends in abundance and spatial structure of summer steelhead, spring and fall Chinook salmon, bull trout and their habitats in the Grande Ronde Subbasin throughout their life history. | Grande Ronde | M&E Objectives 1a, 1b, 1c, and 4a. |
2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S | Assess productivity of summer steelhead and spring Chinook salmon. | Grande Ronde | M&E Objectives 2a and 2c. |
3. Assess salmonid diversity in the Grande R Subb | Describe life history and genetic diversity for summer steelhead, spring Chinook salmon and bull trout. | Grande Ronde | M&E Objectives 3b and 3b. |
4.Evaluate program effectiveness in space and time | Assess wheteher habitat conditions are improving, degrading, or remaining static. Identify limiting factors and most effective actions. | Grande Ronde | M&E Objective 4a. |
5. Coordinate and administer project. | Coordinate activities and planning with comanagers and other agencies and complete administrative tasks.. | Grande Ronde | Assumed mandatory project activity. |
6. Report and disseminate findings | Produce various publications, presentations, and reports to document project findings. | Grande Ronde | Assumed mandatory project activity. |
Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)
Work element name | Work element title | Description | Start date | End date | Est budget |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 1.1. Conduct summer steelhead EMAP spawning ground surveys in collaboration with ODFW. | Design and implement spawning ground surveys for summer steelhead using EMAP protocol in the upper Grande Ronde River watershed. | 3/25/2007 | 6/7/2009 | $236,437 |
Biological objectives 1. Assess and detect changes in status and trends. |
Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Survey 50 2 km reaches 3 times. |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 1.2. Conduct spring and fall Chinook census spawner/carcass surveys. | Assist ODFW and NPT in conducting standardized spawning ground surveys for spring and fall Chinook salmon. Conduct additional surveys before/after standard surveys for spring Chinook. | 8/1/2007 | 9/21/2009 | $31,525 |
Biological objectives 1. Assess and detect changes in status and trends. |
Metrics Focal Area: Conduct 6 spring and 3 fall Chinook surveys. |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 1.3. Conduct bull trout spawner census surveys in collaboration with ODFW. | Conduct bull trout spawner census surveys in upper Grande Ronde RIver, Catherine Creek, Lookingglass Creek, Indian Creek and the Wenaha RIver in collaboration with ODFW, USFS, and WDFW. | 9/15/2007 | 11/1/2009 | $116,643 |
Biological objectives 1. Assess and detect changes in status and trends. |
Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Survey redds 3 times in known spawning areas. |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 1.4. Conduct EMAP surveys of juvenile and resident fish and their habitat. | Assist ODFW in conducting EMAP surveys of juvenile and resident salmonids and their habitat in the upper Grande Ronde RIver watershed. | 6/1/2007 | 10/1/2009 | $126,100 |
Biological objectives 1. Assess and detect changes in status and trends. |
Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Complete 30 surveys. |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 1.5. Assess the abundance of Lookingglass Creek O. mykiss smolt outmigrants. | Estimate the abundance of outmigrating juvenile O. mykiss smolts from Lookingglass Creek using a rotary screw trap. | 1/1/2007 | 1/1/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 1. Assess and detect changes in status and trends. |
Metrics Focal Area: PIT tag 40 junvenile O.mykiss per week. |
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Mark/Tag Animals | 1.6. PIT-tag juvenile O. mykiss captured in the Lookingglass Creek screw trap. | PIT-tag juvenile O. mykiss outmigrants captured in the Lookingglass Creek screw trap to estimate abundance. | 1/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $15,763 |
Biological objectives 1. Assess and detect changes in status and trends. |
Metrics Focal Area: PIT tag 1,000 juveniles per season (2,000 total). |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 1.7. Assess the status and trends in spatial structure and abundance of adult and juvenile salmonids | Use a variety of analytical and statistical procedures to describe status and trends of adult and juvenile salmonids. | 6/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $6,305 |
Biological objectives 1. Assess and detect changes in status and trends. |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 2.1. Assemble and analyze out-of-basin harvest of Grande Ronde Subbasin spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead for tribal and non-tribal fisheries in collaboration with ODFW, PSMFC, and NOAA. | Analyze data collected from out-of-basin creel and other harvest surveys. | 9/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $6,305 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 2.2. Work with ODFW, PSMFC, and NOAA to quantify in-basin fishing effort, incidental catch, and harvest rates for tribal and non-tribal fisheries. | Estimate in-basin harvest of spring Chinook and summer steelhead. | 5/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Mark/Tag Animals | 2.3. PIT-tag hatchery-origin spring Chinook salmon at Lookingglass Hattchery. | Assist ODFW in PIT-tagging hatchery-origin spring Chinook salmon in October to be acclimated and released the following spring in Catherine Creek and the upper Grande Ronde RIver to supplement natural production. | 10/1/2007 | 10/10/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 2.4. Estimate outmigrant survival for Lookingglass Creek summer steelhead smolts. | Using SURPH and CRISP or similar models, estimate survival of outmigrating Lookingglass Creek summer steelhead smolts. | 8/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $6,305 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 2.5. Conduct age and growth analysis collaboratively with ODFW, PSMFC, and NOAA. | Estimate age and growth of anadromous and resident salmonids using scales and other hard parts. | 1/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $31,525 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 2.6. Assess female spring Chinook salmon prespawning mortality for Catherine Creek and the upper Grande Ronde River. | Conduct surveys of Catherine Creek and the upper Grande Ronde River for three weeks prior to the start of regular surveys to enumerate prespawning mortality spring Chinook salmon. | 8/1/2007 | 8/27/2009 | $31,525 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics Focal Area: Survey Cath Crk and U Gr R 3 times. |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 2.7. Estimate potential egg loss due to prespawning mortality of spring Chinook salmon. | Using previously obtained fecundity data and the number of prespawn female spring Chinook salmon recovered, estimate lost egg production. | 10/1/2007 | 10/15/2009 | $1,576 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 2.8. Assess redds per female for Catherine Creek summer steelhead. | Use telemetry to assess how many redds each Catherine Creek female summer steelhead makes. | 4/1/2007 | 6/1/2009 | $520,163 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 2.9. Estimate redds/per female summer steelhead in Catherine Creek. | Divide the number of redds constructed by the number of telemetered females for summer steelhead in Catherine Creek. | 6/1/2007 | 6/7/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 3. Assess salmonid diversity in the Grande R Subb |
Metrics |
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Mark/Tag Animals | 2.10. Radiotag summer steelhead adults. | Radiotag summer steelhead adults from Catherine Creek to observe number of redds constructed. | 2/1/2007 | 7/1/2009 | $50,440 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Radiotag 25 adults/year for 3 years. |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 2.11. Conduct run and cohort reconstruction. | Estimate the total numbers of each cohort for each species for each year returning to the natal tributary. | 10/1/2007 | 11/1/2009 | $31,525 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 2.12. Run estimation and time series analysis: Develop predictive models of population performance in time. | Develop predictive models of population performance. | 10/1/2007 | 10/1/2009 | $31,525 |
Biological objectives 2. Assess salmonid productivity in the Grande R S |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 3.1. Analyze age and cohort diversity. | Compare estimates of life history diversity across space and time using associative, spatial, and time series analysis. | 11/1/2007 | 12/1/2009 | $6,305 |
Biological objectives 3. Assess salmonid diversity in the Grande R Subb |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 3.2. Analyze run timing diversity of adult spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead. | Describe run timing diversity of spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead to weirs at Catherine Creek, Lookingglass Creek, and the upper Grande Ronde RIver. | 9/1/2007 | 10/1/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 3. Assess salmonid diversity in the Grande R Subb |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 3.3. Analyze run timing diversity of juvenile O. mykiss. | Analyze outmigration timing of juvenile O. mykiss from Lookingglass Creek using a rotary screw trap, PIT-tagged fish, and the PTAGIS database. | 9/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 3. Assess salmonid diversity in the Grande R Subb |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 3.4. Analyze run timing diversity of juvenile and adult bull trout. | Using catches of PIT-taged and untagged bull trout at weirs and in rotary scrw traps on Lookingglass Creek, Catherine Creek and the upper Grande ROnde River, describe outmigration and immigration timing. | 11/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 3. Assess salmonid diversity in the Grande R Subb |
Metrics |
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Mark/Tag Animals | 3.5. PIT tag juvenile bull trout. | PIT tag downstream-migrating bull trout captured in the Lookingglass Creek screw trap. | 1/1/2007 | 1/1/2009 | $1,576 |
Biological objectives 3. Assess salmonid diversity in the Grande R Subb |
Metrics Focal Area: PIT tag 40-60 bull trout. |
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Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 3.6. Collect and archive genetic material to assist in the quantification of population status, allelic diversity, and reproductive success. | Collect and archive genetics tissue samples from spring Chinook and summer steelhead collected at weirs and on spawning ground surveys in Lookingglass Creek, Catherine Creek, and the upper Grande Ronde RIver. | 8/1/2007 | 11/1/2009 | $7,881 |
Biological objectives 3. Assess salmonid diversity in the Grande R Subb |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 4.1. Inventory on the ground project action effectiveness | Compile database of management actions and describe temporal and spatial treatment intensity | 11/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $6,305 |
Biological objectives 4.Evaluate program effectiveness in space and time |
Metrics Primary R, M, and E Type: Develop database. |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 4.2. Analyze habitat action effectiveness | Describe population performance relative to management actions across space and time. | 11/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $31,525 |
Biological objectives 4.Evaluate program effectiveness in space and time |
Metrics |
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Analyze/Interpret Data | 4.3. Assess the effectiveness of mainstem operations and fisheries in escapement of spawners to the tributary. | Compile harvest and escapement data. Use associative and time series to assess survival and escapement. | 12/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 4.Evaluate program effectiveness in space and time |
Metrics |
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Coordination | Coordinate and plan. | Coordinate field activities with comanagers and plan. | 1/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $6,305 |
Biological objectives 5. Coordinate and administer project. |
Metrics |
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Coordination | 5.2. Meet the required administration processes of BPA, GSA, ESA, USFWS, USFS, NMFS, CRITFC, CBFWA, ISRP, NPPC, ODFW, WDFW, ODEQ, TMDL, watershed assessments, master plans, subbasin plan reviews, UMMEOC and the AOP. | Contract and permit coordination and contract administration. | 1/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $3,153 |
Biological objectives 5. Coordinate and administer project. |
Metrics |
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Create/Manage/Maintain Database | 6.1. Complete centralization of data management, and develop node and portal to Streamnet/NED data management and server systems. | Manage data. | 1/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $63,050 |
Biological objectives 6. Report and disseminate findings |
Metrics |
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Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report | 6.2. Produce quarterly reports using PISCES system. | Complete PISCES status reports. | 1/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $1,576 |
Biological objectives 6. Report and disseminate findings |
Metrics |
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Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report | 6.3. Produce annual report | Complete annual report in specified format by deadline. | 1/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $31,525 |
Biological objectives 6. Report and disseminate findings |
Metrics |
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Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report | 6.4. Produce and present peer-reviewed reports via direct submissions and participation in local and regional technical conferences and workshops. | Produce peer-reviewed publications and professional presentations. | 1/1/2007 | 12/31/2009 | $6,305 |
Biological objectives 6. Report and disseminate findings |
Metrics |
Section 8. Budgets
Itemized estimated budget
Item | Note | FY07 | FY08 | FY09 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Personnel | 0.5 FTE Seas Tech, 1.0 Tech, 0.9 Bio I, 0.5 Bio II, 0.25 RM&E Supvr and support staff | $205,000 | $218,250 | $230,013 |
Fringe Benefits | [blank] | $62,000 | $68,100 | $70,355 |
Supplies | [blank] | $11,000 | $11,550 | $12,128 |
Travel | [blank] | $45,000 | $47,250 | $49,618 |
Capital Equipment | GPS/datalogger | $6,000 | $0 | $0 |
Overhead | [blank] | $126,000 | $132,600 | $139,528 |
Totals | $455,000 | $477,750 | $501,642 |
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: | $1,434,392 |
Total work element budget: | $1,434,392 |
Cost sharing
Funding source/org | Item or service provided | FY 07 est value ($) | FY 08 est value ($) | FY 09 est value ($) | Cash or in-kind? | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CTUIR | materials, data manageent | $20,000 | $21,000 | $22,050 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
CTUIR-LSRCP | monitoring and evaluation of summer steelhead and reintroduction of spring Chinook in Lookingglass C | $228,000 | $239,400 | $251,370 | Cash | Confirmed |
ODFW | early life history studies | $861,203 | $904,263 | $949,476 | In-Kind | Under Development |
ODFW-LSRCP | monitoing and evaluation for hatchery spring Chinook and summer steelhead | $600,000 | $630,000 | $661,500 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality | water quality and biological indicators monitoring | $10,000 | $10,500 | $11,025 | In-Kind | Under Review |
Oregon Department of Fish and WIldlife Dist Bio | bull trout, steelhead redd surveys | $4,000 | $4,200 | $4,410 | In-Kind | Under Review |
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife NE Research | steelhead redd surveys | $22,500 | $23,625 | $24,806 | In-Kind | Under Review |
Umatilla National Forest | bull trout, steelhead redd surveys | $13,000 | $13,650 | $14,333 | In-Kind | Under Review |
Union Soil and Water Conservation District | water quality monitoring | $40,000 | $42,000 | $44,100 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
US Geological Survey | streamflow monitoring | $10,000 | $10,500 | $11,025 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest | water quality monitor, bull trout, steelhead redd surveys | $4,000 | $4,200 | $4,410 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife | bull trout redd surveys | $4,000 | $4,200 | $4,410 | In-Kind | Under Development |
Totals | $1,816,703 | $1,907,538 | $2,002,915 |
Section 9. Project future
FY 2010 estimated budget: $505,651 FY 2011 estimated budget: $505,651 |
Comments: This is the long-term monitoring and evaluation project for the CTUIR Fish and Wildlife Program |
Future O&M costs: This is the long-term monitoring and evaluation project for the CTUIR Monitoring and Evaluation Project.
Termination date: Unknown
Comments: This is an ongoing monitoring and evaluation project that will continue to address status and trends and critical uncertainties.
Final deliverables: Annual reports, scientific papers and presentations that address status and trends and critical uncertainties.
Section 10. Narrative and other documents
Reviews and recommendations
FY07 budget | FY08 budget | FY09 budget | Total budget | Type | Category | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs] | ||||||
$0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Expense | ProvinceExpense | Fund |
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs] | ||||||
$0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | ProvinceExpense | ||
Comments: M&E component of this project tied to project 199800703. The budget is considered a combined budget with 199800703 and CTUIR will define the split and work elements for each project. |
ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)
Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)
NPCC comments: The proposed project is for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to participate with co-managers on a subbasin-wide monitoring and evaluation (M&E) program in the Grande Ronde subbasin. Previously part of the operation and maintenance (O&M) project, the project is an expanded M&E effort. The need for monitoring and evaluation is clear. The proposal provides details for many M&E activities for Spring/Summer Chinook, Bull trout, and Steelhead. The project addresses critical needs for information identified in the Grande Ronde subbasin plan and connects to various other plans and projects. However, the primary thrust of this project is aimed at assessing natural productivity in the subbasin. The relationships to other projects in the subbasin and in the region are clearly described. Collaboration is an important element of the work proposed in the project. The project has the potential to provide information that will benefit spring/summer Chinook, steelhead, bull trout and fall chinook. Ultimately, it is fairly extensive in its coverage. The project defines several biological objectives, plus several programmatic objectives. Objectives include assessing status and trends of salmonids in subbasin, assessing salmonid productivity, assessing both life history and genetic salmonid diversity, assessing related program effectiveness, coordination, and reporting/disseminating findings. There is a need to separate the monitoring from the evaluations, and from research. Some monitoring of population dynamics at a few key sites may be useful for management. Evaluation of management actions experimentally is warranted to assess effectiveness where possible, but not everywhere. The work proposed here should prioritize the data collection, analysis, and interpretation activities. Priorities by species, life stage, and geography would help ensure efficiency of this extensive project. Most methods are adequately described. The proposal contains much variation in the level of sophistication and validity of statistical methods proposed. Some statistical methods are not appropriate such as using Scheffe's method for multiple comparisons only after the ANOVA shows significant differences or using Spearman's correlation for relating scale loss to season. The claim that cause-effect relationships can be inferred from an observational study is not scientifically sound without additional justification. These issues indicate that the sponsors should engage additional personnel to assist with data analysis and interpretation. A statistician should be involved with the project to provide advice on appropriate analysis methods and to provide support during analysis and report writing. Facilities appear to be adequate. Personnel know the subbasin well based on previous work in the area. Information transfer is described and has an entire objective associated with reporting, analyzing, and disseminating information and data. It is unclear if the current personnel will be able to adequately process the data generated to provide peer reviewed publications.
ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)
Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)
NPCC comments: The proposed project is for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to participate with co-managers on a subbasin-wide monitoring and evaluation (M&E) program in the Grande Ronde subbasin. Previously part of the operation and maintenance (O&M) project, the project is an expanded M&E effort. The need for monitoring and evaluation is clear. The proposal provides details for many M&E activities for Spring/Summer Chinook, Bull trout, and Steelhead. The project addresses critical needs for information identified in the Grande Ronde subbasin plan and connects to various other plans and projects. However, the primary thrust of this project is aimed at assessing natural productivity in the subbasin. The relationships to other projects in the subbasin and in the region are clearly described. Collaboration is an important element of the work proposed in the project. The project has the potential to provide information that will benefit spring/summer Chinook, steelhead, bull trout and fall chinook. Ultimately, it is fairly extensive in its coverage. The project defines several biological objectives, plus several programmatic objectives. Objectives include assessing status and trends of salmonids in subbasin, assessing salmonid productivity, assessing both life history and genetic salmonid diversity, assessing related program effectiveness, coordination, and reporting/disseminating findings. There is a need to separate the monitoring from the evaluations, and from research. Some monitoring of population dynamics at a few key sites may be useful for management. Evaluation of management actions experimentally is warranted to assess effectiveness where possible, but not everywhere. The work proposed here should prioritize the data collection, analysis, and interpretation activities. Priorities by species, life stage, and geography would help ensure efficiency of this extensive project. Most methods are adequately described. The proposal contains much variation in the level of sophistication and validity of statistical methods proposed. Some statistical methods are not appropriate such as using Scheffe's method for multiple comparisons only after the ANOVA shows significant differences or using Spearman's correlation for relating scale loss to season. The claim that cause-effect relationships can be inferred from an observational study is not scientifically sound without additional justification. These issues indicate that the sponsors should engage additional personnel to assist with data analysis and interpretation. A statistician should be involved with the project to provide advice on appropriate analysis methods and to provide support during analysis and report writing. Facilities appear to be adequate. Personnel know the subbasin well based on previous work in the area. Information transfer is described and has an entire objective associated with reporting, analyzing, and disseminating information and data. It is unclear if the current personnel will be able to adequately process the data generated to provide peer reviewed publications.