FY07-09 proposal 200201400
Jump to Reviews and Recommendations
Section 1. Administrative
| Proposal title | Sunnyside Wildlife Mitigation |
| Proposal ID | 200201400 |
| Organization | Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) |
| Short description | Maintain funding for ongoing O&M and enhancement of floodplain and shrub-steppe focal habitats on the Sunnyside Wildlife Area. These subbasin plan priorities will partially meet BPA's Columbia River mitigation obligations. |
| Information transfer | Information will be shared either electronically or in hard copy reports to all interested parties, and will show how work accomplished on the Sunnyside Wildlife Area is integral to the priorities of the Yakima Subbasin Plan and how it complements work performed by other entities. |
| Proposal contact person or principal investigator | |
Contacts
| Contact | Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| Form submitter | ||
| Rocky Ross | Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife | rossrr@dfw.wa.gov |
| All assigned contacts | ||
| Rocky Ross | Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife | rossrr@dfw.wa.gov |
Section 2. Locations
Province / subbasin: Columbia Plateau / Yakima
| Latitude | Longitude | Waterbody | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| [none] | The Sunnyside Wildlife Area is made up of 5 primary management units in Yakima & Benton counties. The Physical address of the headquarters is 2030 Holaday Road, Mabton, WA, 98935 |
Section 3. Focal species
primary: All Wildlifesecondary: Anadromous Fish
Additional: Mallard, Western Meadowlark, Canada Goose, Yellow Warbler, Downy Woodpecker, California Quail, Black-capped Chickadee, Great Blue Heron, Mule Deer, Sage Grouse
Section 4. Past accomplishments
| Year | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| 2005 | NOTE: Year-end work summary not yet completed. Seeded native grass on 35 ac. Removed 15 ac R. olive. Weed control on approx. 1000 ac.+8,000 loosestrife bugs. Incr. moist soil mgmt by 50 ac. Prep 10 ac for native grass seeding. Est. ADA hunt area @ HQ |
| 2004 | Post-fire, 1200 ac shrub-steppe seeding. Weed control on 1757 ac. + 8,000 loosestrife bugs. Fire breaks on R. Slope/Thornton. Eagle Scouts planted 1200 cuttings in river oxbow; Removed fish passage barrier; Water rights summary; repl. Horseshoe Lk outlet |
| 2003 | Seeded 52 ac native grass. Remove 15 ac. R. olive. Release 4,000 loosestrife bugs, Weed control on 725 ac. Investigated poisoned ducks/bald eagle. Neotrop baseline survey, HQ/Byron. Eagle Scouts built beaver deceivers. 2nd phase CREP (grass+14,000 shrubs) |
| 2002 | Hired Tech I. Seeded 233 ac of native grass. Weed control on 357 ac. Maintained moist soil units. Removed 35 ac R. olive. Repairs to HQ well (sandpoint collapse). Road improvement. Equipment maint/repair. 1st phase of CREP (grass & 25,000 shrubs). |
| 2001 | New manager started in Sept. Fallow operations for future grass seeding. Seed 114 ac. to native grass. Post-fire cleanup & 1st seedling success transects on R. Slope. Weed control on 324 ac. Manage new beaver activity on water control structures |
| 2000 | Weed control on 793 ac. (incl. 4 ac. of loosestrife). Post-fire restoration on 900ac. Native grass seeding on 100 ac. Grass seedbed prep on 64 ac. Removed 1 mi. of fence. Repaired 1/4 mi. of fence |
| 1999 | Seeded 649 ac of native grass. Weed control on 614 ac (incl. 4 ac. of loosestrife). Removed 28 ac. R. olive. Removed 1 mi. of old fence. Enhanced 25 ac. of wetland habitat. Installed pump/water control structures. Staff assisted w/ seeding on Scotch Cr. |
| 1998 | Cultural Resource survey. Weed control on 607 ac.(incl. 4 ac. loosestrife) Seeded 59 ac. of native grass. Removed 60 ac. Russian olive. Removed 1 mi. of old fence. Created 120 ac. of moist soil mgmt cells/installed pump. Small food plots |
| 1997 | Purchased equipment for habitat enhancement. Baseline HEP surveys, 5 units. Completed 683 ac. grass seeding on Thornton. Weed control on 671 ac. Removed 80 ac. Russian olives. Planted 7.4 ac. of shrubs. Repaired 3 mi. of fence. Fire contracts. Food plots |
Section 5. Relationships to other projects
| Funding source | Related ID | Related title | Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPA | 199206200 | Lower Yakima Valley Riparian/W | Complements habitat efforts that are being implemented on opposite side of the river. |
| BPA | 199705100 | Yakima Basin Side Channels | Complements habitat efforts upstream on the Yakima River |
| BPA | 200600400 | Wenas Wildlife Area O&M | Complements shrub steppe management goals and objectives |
| Other: USCOE | none | Lower Snake River Mitigation | Land acquisition & habitat enhancement to replace fish & wildlife losses from Snake River dams, specifically, land acquisition/enhancement along the lower Yakima River. |
| Other: USFWS | none | Toppenish NWR | Complements riparian wetland enhancement projects on opposite shore of the Yakima River |
| Other: WDFW | none | Oak Creek & L.T. Murray Wildlife Areas | Complements protection and enhancement of shrub steppe habitat in the Yakima River drainage |
| Other: USFWS | none | Hanford Monument/Arid Lands Ecology Reserve | Complements shrub steppe management goals and objectives within the subbasin |
| Other: U.S. Army | none | Yakima Firing Center | Complements shrub steppe management goals and objectives within the subbasin |
Section 6. Biological objectives
| Biological objectives | Full description | Associated subbasin plan | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhance the normal hydrology of the floodplain | Maintain and/or restore water flows through select management units to improve the hydrology to historic conditions | Yakima | Direct irrigation tailwater through river oxbows to mimic seasonal flood events. Work with local water managers to provide additional water to increase wetland habitats & improve water quality. Perform moist soil management to mimic natural processes |
| Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat | Protect and/or restore habitat connectivity in this focal habitat type within the Rattlesnake Hills priority area. Protect areas with existing intact microbiotic crust. | Yakima | Encourage adjacent landowners to enroll croplands in CRP & include native shrub & forb species in seed mixes. Partner with NRCS to develop appropriate seed mixtures & planting techniques (Table 5, Management Plan Supplement) |
| Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat | Protect, enhance and/or restore native vegetation in wetland, upland and woody riparian habitat within the Yakima River floodplain . | Yakima | Maintain approximate 50:50 ratio of emergent vegetation to open water in wetlands. Remove Russian olive and restore to native willows, forbs and grasses. Control noxious weeds. Manage water for natural reprod. or planting of cottonwood |
| Protect Microbiotic Crust | Protect areas with existing intact microbiotic crust. Protect restored areas from degradation so crust can develop over time | Yakima | Protect management units from off-road vehicle use, trespass cattle, etc. (Table 5, Mgmt. Plan Suppl) |
| Reduce invasive species in shrub-steppe habitat | Reduce invasive species by at least 25% by 2020. Protect areas with existing intact microbiotic crust. | Yakima | Use herbicides, mechanical methods, prescribed fire, and seeding of native herbaceous & woody species. Proactively map and restore lower quality areas. Be prepared to immediately address restoration following wildfire events. (Table 5, Mgmt. Plan Suppl) |
| Restore Natural Fire Regime | Restore natural fire regime return interval by reducing the annual rate of unplanned shrub steppe burning by at least 50% by 2020 | Yakima | Maintain firebreaks while minimizing habitat disturbance. Maintain current fire protection contracts with local districts. Coordinate with fire districts, et al. on access points for quick response.(Table 5, Mgmt. Plan Suppl.) |
Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)
| Work element name | Work element title | Description | Start date | End date | Est budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation | Environmental Compliance Documentation Completed | Describe how planned activities do not effect ESA species, or if they do, obtain consultation for activities that will have impacts. Arrange for cultural resource surveys prior to all ground disturbance activity | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $15,000 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat |
Metrics |
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| Conduct Controlled Burn | Burn vegetation to improve habitat | Monitor habitat conditions. Plan and conduct controlled burn, by permit, to remove vegetation to maximize habitat benefits | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $12,281 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat |
Metrics |
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| Create, Restore, and/or Enhance Wetland | Enhanced or restored wetland habitat | Together, with anticipated NAWCA grant funding, enhance & restore over 500 acres of wetland-associated habitat on Byron and HQ units | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $31,742 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance the normal hydrology of the floodplain Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat |
Metrics * # of acres treated: 50 acres per year |
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| Develop Alternative Water Source | Improve perennial water sources where limiting | Improve springs, build water catchment structures, and/or install guzzlers on upland areas where water is limiting | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $24,780 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat |
Metrics |
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| Install Fence | Boundary Fence Maintenance | Check and repair 20 miles of boundary fence and associated gates. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $15,422 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat Protect Microbiotic Crust |
Metrics * # of miles of fence: 20 miles of fence per year * # of miles of fence: 20 miles of fence per year |
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| Plant Vegetation | Restore floodplain habitat | Seed native grasses & shrubs into habitat previously displaced by noxious weeds. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $26,500 |
|
Biological objectives Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat |
Metrics * # of acres of planted: 20-30 ac per year |
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| Plant Vegetation | Restore shrub steppe habitat | Improve quality of at least 50 acres of shrub steppe habitat to near native conditions each year, using various techniques to match site conditions | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $41,500 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat |
Metrics * # of acres of planted: 50 ac per year, each year of contract |
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| Remove vegetation | Remove Russian olives | Remove 10-15 ac of Russian olives per year from large-scale monocultures with project and rental equipment. Prepare areas for restoration seeding. | 7/1/2007 | 9/30/2009 | $42,263 |
|
Biological objectives Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat |
Metrics * # of acres treated: 10-15 ac per year |
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| Investigate Trespass | Resolve Trespass Issues | Gather evidence, make contact if infraction is human, collect information on stock brand I.D. if present, contact owners when possible, prepare correspondence if necessary, coordinate with Enforcement | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $3,655 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat Protect Microbiotic Crust |
Metrics |
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| Maintain Vegetation | Maintain extant shrub/tree plantings, shrub steppe habitat and herbaceous seedings | Maintain previously developed habitat enhancements and intact habitat in a preferred condition | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $147,256 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat Protect Microbiotic Crust |
Metrics |
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| Maintain Vegetation | Maintain moist soil management cells & adjacent waterfowl nesting and brood rearing habitats | Manipulate water levels in moist soil cells to mimic natural seasonal runoff conditions to maintain wetland plants in an early successional stage to produce a natural food source for wintering waterfowl, migrating shorebirds and wetland obligate species. Control undesirable vegetation. Operate and maintain water delivery systems. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $89,947 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance the normal hydrology of the floodplain Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat |
Metrics |
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| Maintain Vegetation | Weed Control | Continued control of noxious weeds on all management units (500-700 ac per year) to reduce their spread and competition with desirable and/or native vegetation. Comply with county rules. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $202,205 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat Protect Microbiotic Crust |
Metrics |
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| Operate and Maintain Habitat/Passage | Maintain HQ buildings, equipment yards, etc. | Maintain locked and organized storage buildings, shop, office, residence. Maintain grounds and equipment yard in well-groomed, weed-free condition for efficient operations. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $37,263 |
|
Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Provide Public Access/Information | Install and/or maintain signs, kiosks, access roads & parking lots | Install and/or maintain boundary and informational signs, kiosks, access roads and parking areas | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $24,351 |
|
Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Remove Debris | Monitor access areas and remove debris as needed | Periodically check selected access areas for new littering/dumping infractions(access area personnel perform this task on part of the wildlife area under separate funding). Collect evidence, coordinate with Enforcement and/or pick up and haul to landfill. Recycle when possible. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $14,887 |
|
Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Other | Build shop addition | Build "L-shaped" addition to existing shop to accommodate winter maintenance work on large equipment. Current structure is totally inadequate in space, security, heating and lighting. Previous funding for this project was used for post-fire shrub steppe restoration in 2000. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2008 | $108,000 |
|
Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Other | Payment of Taxes, Assessments | Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) on Yakima Co. lands, and Fire Control Contracts in Yakima and Benton counties | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $58,250 |
|
Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Other | Produce Annual Report | Provide summary of annual work accomplishments **This was a specific work element when the current SOW was developed | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $3,437 |
|
Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Other | Produce Pisces Quarterly Report | Summary of annual work accomplishments, by fiscal quarter **This was a specific work element during preparation of the current SOW | 12/15/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $3,069 |
|
Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Other | Vehicle Replacement | Replace one project pickup | 10/1/2007 | 3/3/2008 | $30,000 |
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Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Coordination | Coordinate with partners to implement NAWCA grant | Coordinate with partners and contractors to implement wetland enhancement work on the Byron and HQ units, as a share of anticipated NAWCA grant funding | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2008 | $21,716 |
|
Biological objectives Enhance the normal hydrology of the floodplain Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat |
Metrics |
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| Manage and Administer Projects | Manage and administer annual contract | Manage and administer O&M and enhancement work to be performed under annual contracts | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $66,211 |
|
Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Outreach and Education | Increase public awareness of wildlife and habitat issues | Give presentations at local schools, involve public in volunteer projects; increase public awareness of project goals and objectives; work with Citizens Advisory Group (CAG) | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $8,165 |
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Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Produce Plan | Draft and annually update Wildlife Area Plan | Draft comprehensive plan for the wildlife area that meets agency goals and objectives. Includes involvement and input by a citizens advisory group and district team. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $16,562 |
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Biological objectives Enhance the normal hydrology of the floodplain Enhance/Restore Shrub-Steppe Habitat Increase and/or enhance riparian wetland habitat Protect Microbiotic Crust |
Metrics |
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| Analyze/Interpret Data | Assess monitoring data | Assess data collected in monitoring habitat conditions, sage grouse, and recreational use on the Wildlife Area. Adapt management accordingly. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $5,285 |
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Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Monitor Rattlesnake & Thornton units for presence of sage grouse | Monitor for sage grouse presence over a pre-established route, and during normal O&M activities | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $2,655 |
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Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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| Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Report of recreational use on the wildlife area | Monitor consumptive and non-consumptive recreational use | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $3,612 |
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Biological objectives |
Metrics |
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Section 8. Budgets
Itemized estimated budget
| Item | Note | FY07 | FY08 | FY09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personnel | 2.5 FTE's: Manager @ 75% + Asst. Mgr. @ 100% + 9 month seasonal Tech + 4 weeks of AMERICORPS; based on expected change in job class & salary increases; 3.5% annual COLA included | $111,480 | $115,382 | $119,420 |
| Fringe Benefits | % of salary varies between job class. None included for AMERICORPS; 3.5% annual COLA included | $29,493 | $30,525 | $31,594 |
| Travel | 3.5% annual inflation factor included | $310 | $321 | $332 |
| Capital Equipment | Replace project pickup ($30K) in FY07; Build shop addition ($108K, split between 2007 and 2008) no overhead charged on any capital expenditures | $80,000 | $58,000 | $0 |
| Supplies | Goods & Services (vehicle & equipment repair, fuel, seed, herbicide, signs, equipment rental, etc.); Utilities (Electric, phone, internet, garbage, etc.), Taxes & Assessments; 3.5% inflation added annually | $88,192 | $91,278 | $94,473 |
| Overhead | Current rate is 28.79% on all non-capital expenditures | $66,065 | $68,378 | $70,771 |
| Totals | $375,540 | $363,884 | $316,590 | |
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
| Total itemized budget: | $1,056,014 |
| Total work element budget: | $1,056,014 |
Cost sharing
| Funding source/org | Item or service provided | FY 07 est value ($) | FY 08 est value ($) | FY 09 est value ($) | Cash or in-kind? | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duck Stamp Art Program | Funding for carp control project on Byron Ponds mgmt unit | $49,000 | $0 | $0 | Cash | Confirmed |
| Duck Stamp Art Program | Pass-through funding, for research project to evaluate mallard breeding habitat in the Yakima Basin | $90,000 | $0 | $0 | Cash | Confirmed |
| NAWCA | Funds for wetland enhancment | $150,000 | $150,000 | $0 | Cash | Under Development |
| Pittman-Robertson | Funds to support ag program for wintering waterfowl in the Yakima Subbasin | $12,000 | $12,000 | $12,000 | Cash | Confirmed |
| WDFW Wildlife Fund | Funding support for weed control on 3 mgmt units in Yakima County | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | Cash | Confirmed |
| Totals | $306,000 | $167,000 | $17,000 | |||
Section 9. Project future
|
FY 2010 estimated budget: $320,000 FY 2011 estimated budget: $320,000 |
Comments: Most inflationary costs should be offset by reduced enhancement costs as the wildlife area becomes an O&M project |
Future O&M costs: Replacement of equipment or higher maintenance costs will be incurred as existing items age. Fuel, power and other utility costs will likely increase. Flood events will impact restored floodplain habitat and increase noxious weed seeds in these areas. Reseeding and weed control costs will increase. Wildfire events will require restoration work. Salary rates are not expected to rise at the same rate as overall inflation, based on historic trends.
Termination date: unknown
Comments: ashes to ashes, dust to dust
Final deliverables: Hopefully, the Pearly Gates.
Section 10. Narrative and other documents
| [Attached Document] | Jul 2006 |
| Giffen Lake Dredging | Jul 2007 |
Reviews and recommendations
| FY07 budget | FY08 budget | FY09 budget | Total budget | Type | Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs] | ||||||
| $90,000 | $90,000 | $90,000 | $270,000 | Expense | ProvinceExpense | Fund |
| NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs] | ||||||
| $90,000 | $90,000 | $90,000 | $0 | ProvinceExpense | ||
|
Comments: ISRP fund in part: in response, fund only O&M. |
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ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)
Recommendation: Response requested
NPCC comments: This proposal meets the ISRP review criteria and benefits wildlife. The ISRP, however, requests a response to the following comments before the ISRP makes its final recommendation. 1) The ISRP would like to see the details of how sites being restored will be monitored (techniques, measurements) so that restoration efforts can be evaluated and assessed. 2) A project to drain and dredge part of the lake in 2001 did not reach fruition due to “logistical issues and inadequate funds.” The ISRP would like to know more about the logistical issues that limited action in 2001 and how these will be addressed now to ensure that funding is well spent. The ISRP applauds the work in multiple habitats--wetlands, riparian, and uplands.
ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)
Recommendation: Fundable in part
NPCC comments: The response on the monitoring, although generic, did indicate that they had a plan. Sponsors provided information about monitoring and evaluation such as noting that they currently incorporate standard Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) and Habitat Suitability Indices (HSIs). See general ISRP programmatic comments on HEP; this shouldn't be emphasized as a management tool. In addition, for operation and maintenance projects before and after photographs document the progress and completion of the project. They also provide some general information about monitoring of various mammal and bird species of interest. They should be more specific on the site designs. In the future, ISRP wants to see the number, length, and location of the transects they used for monitoring and the results obtained from these surveys. Also in the future, the ISRP would like more specific information included in proposals or linkages to readily available documents that specify monitoring and evaluation information. For Giffen Lake, they identify the problems with their first effort but don't describe how they will get around the problems. Thus, Giffen Lake is not scientifically justified at this time. Not enough information is provided to determine if the restoration work planned for Giffen Lake is likely to be effective. Even with the fuller historical review of Giffen Lake, the ISRP was not able to determine if the sponsors will be able to dredge the lake with the current, proposed project. For instance, the ISRP understands that the springs on the north side of the lake may preclude using heavy equipment there and impact the ability to dredge the lake. The authors did not address how they will plan to proceed with dredging given springs on the north side. Re-reading the initial proposal and the "fix-it" edits, the ISRP understands that there is a pump in the lake (used to move water for moist soil management), but the sponsors do not identify the importance of this pump for dredging. Will the lake be pumped dry to allow dredge equipment access to the lakebed? The ISRP believes sponsors need to prepare a clear, detailed, thoughtful action plan for dredging this lake that includes a time table, equipment necessary, and where the equipment will be stationed at Giffen Lake to dredge. Sponsors should consider the sediment source and evaluate the possibility of managing sediment input first, before dredging -- e.g., a sediment pond at the intake.