FY07-09 proposal 200712200

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleWhite Salmon River watershed assessment above and below Condit Dam before anadromous fish reintroduction.
Proposal ID200712200
OrganizationColumbia River Research Laboratory
Short descriptionAssessment fish population structure and habitat conditons above and below Condit Dam prior to the re-introduction of anadromous salmonids.
Information transferThis information will be transferred via annual reports and summarized datasets that will be available to the cooperating agencies (Yakama Nation, Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Underwood Conservation District, and U.S. Geological Survey). This information will be used to create and implement a re-introduction plan by collecting and summarizing the critical information gaps about existing fish population structure, dynamics, and habitat conditions. This information will be used as a baseline for assessing effects and success of re-introduction of salmonids (steelhead, Chinook, coho, chum, sea-run cutthroat trout, and bull trout) and Pacifc lamprey to a watershed that has been inaccessible for more than 90 years.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
Patrick Connolly U.S. Geological Survey patrick_connolly@usgs.gov
All assigned contacts
William Ardren US Fish and Wildlife - Abernathy Fish Technology Center william_ardren@fws.gov
William Ardren US Fish and Wildlife - Abernathy Fish Technology Center william_ardren@fws.gov
Patrick Connolly U.S. Geological Survey patrick_connolly@usgs.gov
Patrick Connolly U.S. Geological Survey patrick_connolly@usgs.gov
Patrick Connolly U.S. Geological Survey patrick_connolly@usgs.gov
Rod Engle U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rod_engle@fws.gov
Rod Engle U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rod_engle@fws.gov
Dan Rawding Washigton Department of Fish and Wildlife rawdidr@dfw.wa.gov
Dan Rawding Washigton Department of Fish and Wildlife rawdidr@dfw.wa.gov
Jeff Spencer Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation spencer@yakama.com
Jeff Spencer Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation spencer@yakama.com
Jim White Underwood Conservation District jimwhite@gorge.net
Jim White Underwood Conservation District jimwhite@gorge.net
Jim White Underwood Conservation District jimwhite@gorge.net

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Columbia Gorge / Big White Salmon

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
White Salmon Creek White Salmon River from it's confluence with the Columbia River to BZ falls.

Section 3. Focal species

primary: Chinook Lower Columbia River ESU
primary: Coho Lower Columbia River ESU
primary: Steelhead Middle Columbia River ESU
secondary: Chum Columbia River ESU
secondary: Coastal Cutthroat Southwest Washington/Columbia River ESU
secondary: Pacific Lamprey
secondary: Coastal Cutthroat
secondary: Bull Trout
secondary: Rainbow Trout

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 200102500 Rattlesnake Cr Salmonid Prod We consider this to be an expansion of a previous study (Assess current and potential salmonid production in Rattlesnake Creek associated with restoration efforts. BPA Project # 2001-25-00). Aspects of continuation and expansion of work done in the White Salmon River and Rattlesnake Creek (2001-2006). We seek to build upon the knowledge gained and successes of this project in the newly proposed project
PCSRF - WSRFB 02-1636 Assessment of the White Salmon River using the Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment (EDT) Model. The EDT model estimated salmonid productivity and abundance for current conditions and dam removal scenario using limited or non-existent information on fish populations. Information used for the habitat attributes were often of limited quality, quantity, or were modeled based on other data or watersheds. The proposed project would provide the opportunity to refine the model using fish population information collected in the watershed and to test EDT rearing assumptions.
Other: USFS 03-AI-11062200- Habitat use and life history characteristics of rainbow trout This project was designed to examine important life history attributes and population characteristics of salmonids in the Wild and Scenic segment of the White Salmon River, with an emphasis on rainbow trout. Characterizing seasonal movement and habitat-use patterns helped to determine critical upstream, downstream, and tributary habitat linkages. This project provided some information on the life history characteristics or rainbow trout and is an asset in determining where additional information is needed.
Other: Other: USGS/USFWS 06-R1-03 Assessment of current use and productivity of fish in the lower White Salmon River Prior to the removal of Condit Dam. The pilot year 2006 will determine the appropriate location for a rotary screw trap in the White Salmon River. In 2007, there will be a slightly larger matching effort where the rotary screw trap will be fished for 4 months in the spring. Tissue from salmonid stocks below Condit Dam will be collected for genetic analysis.
Other: Army COE 13310-1932-0014 Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery - Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) 2004 DRAFT UNDER NOAA-FISHERIES REVIEW Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) 2004 DRAFT UNDER NOAA-FISHERIES REVIEW The Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery - Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan is a procedural document to ensure that production activities at the facility are in compliance with the Endangered Species Act, and reforms are identified to reduce the risk to naturally spawning populations and improve survival of naturally and artificially produced fish. Spring Creek NFH raises and releases tule fall Chinook salmon, a listed stock within the Lower Columbia River ESU.
Other: USFWS 13310-1999-0070 Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery - Comprehensive Hatchery Management Plan Comprehensive Hatchery Management Plan The Comprehensive Hatchery Management Plan (CHMP) is Service document that provides a past, present, and future management blueprint for Spring Creek NFH. The CHMP addresses regional and national hatchery issues involving operation of Service facilities.
[Funding Source left blank] [no entry] [Relationship field left blank]
Other: Army COE/NOAA-Fisheries 13310-1932-0014 Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery - Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan 2004 DRAFT UNDER NOAA-FISHERIES REVIEW Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) 2004 DRAFT UNDER NOAA-FISHERIES REVIEW The Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery - Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan is a procedural document to ensure that production activities at the facility are in compliance with the Endangered Species Act, and reforms are identified to reduce the risk to naturally spawning populations and improve survival of naturally and artificially produced fish. Little White Salmon NFH raises and releases upriver bright fall Chinook salmon, a stock not endemic to the Lower Columbia River ESU.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Assess habitat conditions prior to reintroduction. Conduct habitat surveys to help prioritize restortation needs, and measure select habitat attributes above and below Condit Dam to document changes due to removal as well as time to recovery. Big White Salmon Subbasin plan strategies listed include: update reintroductin plan with physical habitat M & E, restore riparian zone, place LWD, and reduce sediment inputs. An assessment of existing conditions is needed to prioritize these efforts.
Characterize Habitat Conditions - Fecal coliform An existing strategy (table 34, page 169) is to decrease fecal coliform levels. In the 1990s, sampling by UCD detected high levels at times. Resutling nurtient enrichment may decrease juvenile or adult fish survival, although there is low certainty of the relationship between fecal coliform and salmon survival. A rehabilitation strategy is recommended. Sampling may help determine if actions in the past 10 years have improved the situation. Big White Salmon Reduce runoff from dairies and failing septic systems (Table 34, Strategies for improving habitat above Condit Dam).
Competition between bright and tule Chinook salmon Introduced upriver bright fall Chinook salmon are thought to have become established and compete with the native tule fall Chinook salmon. Redd superimposition has been ideintified between the two fall Chinook salmon stocks. Big White Salmon Perform population monitoring by adult escapement estimates and outmigrant trapping. Performing genetic analyses to determine the parentage of captured outmigrants as being tule or upriver bright fall Chinook salmon would identify degree of competition.
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks. The objective is to determine the status, life histories, and genetic composition of fish populations in the White Salmon River and its tributaries above and below Condit Dam that will be accessible to anadromous samonids. Big White Salmon Develop adult and juvenile monitoring program for existing stocks in the Whtie Salmon River. Assess interaction of bright and tule chinook populations and rainbow and steelhead populations.
Hatchery Status Monitoring monitor the proportion and origin of hatchery salmon and steelhead on the spawning grounds Big White Salmon count adipose marked and unmarked carcasses and CWT
Maintain genetic diversity of listed salmonids Assess current Chinook, coho, chum, steelhead, and resident rainbow trout stock composition and viability to determine appropriate stocks and methods to be used for re-introduction that will maintain existing genetic diversity. Big White Salmon To maintain the genetic diversity of salmonid species in the Whtie Salmon River, we must first collect information that describes the stocks and genetic diversity that currently exists.
Place wood in streams to restore habitat Using existing surveys of LWD in Rattlesnake Creek (data collected by USGS), determine locations for LWD enhancement in high priority areas with willing landowners. Conduct surveys and develop plans and costs for work that will occur once anadromous passage has been established. Big White Salmon Table 34, Strategies for improving adadromous conditions above Condit Dam, page 166, "Place wood in streams to restore habitat". Restoring wood is a secondary action, recommended once passage has been provided at Condit Dam.
Plant riparian areas to increase canopy cover Plant riparian areas to increase canopy cover which reduces stream temperatures. The objective is to reforest understocked riparian areas, and also to survey existing plantings using monitoring criteria in the White Salmon Subbasin plan. Big White Salmon Restore riparian zone through planting seedlings (Strategies for improving habitat above Condit Dam, page 165, and monitoring strategy, page 190)
Population Status Monitoring Monitor salmon ans steelhead spawning escapement to estimate viable salmonid population parameters Big White Salmon Mark-recapture; Area-Under-the-Curve
Test anad. fish's effect on resident fish. We plan to assess the resident fish population prior to the reintroduction of anadromous salmonids. Big White Salmon Assess resident trout contribution to smolts below Condit Dam. Comprehensive monitoring program (trout population). Assess change in resident populaiton after steelhead reintroduction.
Update re-introduction plan. A White Salmon River re-introdution plan, which will incorporate new information regarding species composition and life histories gained through other elements of this proposal, is needed to guide re-introduction strategies. Big White Salmon Information gaps about exisitng slamonid and lamprey populations above and below Condit Dam need to be filled to be able to create a plan guiding salmonid re-introduction strategies that is based on good science.

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Produce Plan Work Cooperatively with WDFW, USGS and other agencies and stakeholders to draft a Anadromous Reintroduction Plan for the White Salmon (YN) Review outdated plan for reintroduction. Incorporate new data, policy, and technologies. Attend, organize, present at meetings regarding reintroduction. Draft plan language. 1/1/2009 12/10/2009 $11,300
Biological objectives
Update re-introduction plan.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Assess the viability of spawning gravels above and below Condit Dam (YN) Review habitat survey surveys already conducted (such as those performed for the Report A: Characterization of flow, temperature, habitat conditions and fish populations in the Rattlesnake Creek watershed. Pages 1-159 in P. J. Connolly, editor. 2003). Collaborate with USGS and UCD habitat activities under current proposal to identify potential areas. Perform stream surveys and GPS areas with appropriate sized gravels. 1/1/2007 11/1/2009 $33,845
Biological objectives
Assess habitat conditions prior to reintroduction.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Conduct stream habitat monitoring below Condit Dam (YN) Habitat surveys will be conducted on approximately 2-3 stream reaches per year using TFW methodology (modules include Stream Segment Identification [Pleus and Schuett-Hames 1998a], Reference Point Survey [Pleus and Schuett-Hames 1998b], Habitat Unit Survey [Pleus et al. 1999], and Large Woody Debris Survey [Schuett-Hames et al. 1999b]). These habitat surveys will quantify key stream habitat components and indicators of aquatic health including: 1) large woody debris, 2) frequency and depth of pools, 3) substrate composition, 4) stream gradient, 5) floodplain connectivity, and 6) riparian vegetation characteristics (e.g., species composition, age structure, shading). They will utilized as reference reaches for comparison to post Condit Dam removal conditions. 1/1/2007 1/1/2009 $41,300
Biological objectives
Assess habitat conditions prior to reintroduction.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Sample spawning gravel/sediment (YN) Collect McNeil core from approximately 4 sites (in the White Salmon mainstem and major tributaries) per year. Samples will be collected and analyzed using TFW Salmonid Spawning Gravel Composition Survey methodology (Schuett-Hames et al. 1999a). 1/1/2007 10/1/2009 $12,360
Biological objectives
Assess habitat conditions prior to reintroduction.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Monitor Water Temperatures [UCD] Conduct continuous water temperature monitoring at 14 sites in the Basin, including the mainstem White Salmon, Rattlesnake Creek, Indian Creek, and Buck Creek. Monitoring will build on data collected from 2001-2005 and help build a sound set of background information regarding stream temperatures in the White Salmon River and tributaries. 7/1/2007 6/30/2010 $17,556
Biological objectives
Assess habitat conditions prior to reintroduction.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Maintain 14 temperature loggers
Focal Area: Tributaries
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Plant Vegetation Riparian reforestation [UCD] Identify, plan and plant riparian areas to increase canopy cover, which reduces water temperatures and reduces sediment input from unstable banks. Survey existing plantings for performance after 1, 3, 5 and 10 years. 9/1/2007 6/30/2010 $10,452
Biological objectives
Plant riparian areas to increase canopy cover
Metrics
* # of riparian miles treated: .2 miles
Identify and Select Projects LWD Installation Planning [UCD] UCD will work with partners and willing landowners to establish potential sites, and accomplish engineering surveys and other planning work, to establish at least 2 sites ready for installation of instream wood in Rattlesnake Creek. Actual installation will occur once fish passage around Condit Dam has been finalized, per Subbasin plan (page 166) 7/1/2007 6/30/2010 $10,323
Biological objectives
Place wood in streams to restore habitat
Metrics
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation UCD: Environmental Compliance [UCD] Assist BPA in preparing Environmental Compliance for on-the-ground projects (tree planting) 7/1/2007 1/1/2010 $2,706
Biological objectives
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Monitor Water Quality [UCD] Conduct one year (6 rounds) of Water Quality monitoring at 14 existing stations in the Watershed, replicating work done in the 1990s. This work will help us to know if conditions detected in the 1990s still exist following water quality improvements in the past decade. 1/1/2008 1/1/2009 $11,067
Biological objectives
Characterize Habitat Conditions - Fecal coliform
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Conduct 6 rounds of water quality sampling
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Monitor Rattlesnake Creek Stream level [USGS] [UCD] Monitor Rattlesnake Creek stream levels by maintaining and operating the existing Rattlesnake Creek Stream Gage. The Gage is already in place. 7/1/2007 6/30/2010 $35,574
Biological objectives
Assess habitat conditions prior to reintroduction.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Maintain gage 6 times a year
Manage and Administer Projects Project Management and Administration [UCD] Project management and administration, including budget preparation, managing Pisces, and a portion of the Conservation District's fixed costs. 7/1/2007 6/30/2010 $23,670
Biological objectives
Metrics
Produce Annual Report Produce Annual Report [UCD] Produce annual project report for BPA 7/1/2007 6/30/2010 $7,512
Biological objectives
Metrics
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Obtain fish sampling permits and submit collection reports to permitting agencies as required. [USGS] Completed applications for fish sampling permits from the National Marine Fisheries Service and the WDFW will be submitted. 3/1/2007 11/1/2009 $5,473
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Install Fish Monitoring Equipment Install a large multiplexing PIT-tag detector in Buck Creek near Northwestern Reservoir in 2007. [USGS] The detector unit that will be placed in Buck Creek, which is just above the backwaters of Condit Dam, will be a large multiplexing unit with the capacity for six antennas. This unit will allow us, as it has done in Rattlesnake Creek, to estimate the importance of Buck Creek as part of the life history of O. mykiss in the White Salmon River. With the addition of this unit and the small unit in Spring Creek, all tributaries that are known to have been accessible to anadromous fish before Condit Dam will be monitored. We also plan to use this unit as the lowermost boundary for our mark-recapture population estimatesl. We have gained expertise in building and maintaining these systems through extensive collaboration over the last 5 years with Earl Prentice of NOAA Fisheries, who has helped us build similar systems in Rattlesnake Creek, in two tributaries of the Methow River watershed (north central WA), and in two tributaries of the Cedar River system (northwestern WA). We will seek to obtain the best technology available to meet the needs of detecting fish with 12-mm full duplex PIT tags in a remote, natural stream environment. We will construct and place antennas to maximize durability and detection efficiency following guidelines of Connolly et al. (2005). 6/1/2007 10/1/2007 $34,032
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Derive estimates of salmonid population abundance in select portions of Buck and Spring creeks as well as a reference reach in Rattlesnake Creek. [USGS] We will obtain an estimate of population density and biomass of resident salmonids in selected portions of Buck Creek, Spring Creek, and Rattlesnake Creek, which will include portions on state and federal lands and on as much of the privately-owned lands as possible. Because population estimates have been conducted in Rattlesnake Creek since 2001, we will be able to compare the other watersheds to a system with known productivity. To obtain these estimates, we will first conduct intensive habitat surveys of sampling sites during summer low-flow conditions. These surveys will identify and measure dimensions (e.g., length, weight, and depth) of stream habitat units (e.g., pools, glides, riffles, etc.) generally following Bisson et al. (1982) and Bain and Stevenson (1999). Soon after these habitat surveys, fish sampling will be conducted by snorkeling, electrofishing, or a combination of both. When we conduct snorkel surveys, we will largely follow the methodology of Hankin and Reeves (1988), which uses a stratified systematic surveying technique to sample and derive an estimate of a fish population. We will calibrate our snorkel estimates by the ratio method following guidelines of Dolloff et al. (1993). If stream reaches cannot be snorkeled because of stream size or flow limitations, we will electrofish a systematic sample of habitat units within strata of specific habitat types (e.g., pools, glides, riffles) or use finer gradations if necessary to achieve desired precision in estimates. When electrofishing is used to assess fish abundance and density, habitat units chosen for sampling will be blocked off with nets to insure no movement into or out of the unit during sampling. A backpack electrofisher will be used to conduct two or more passes using the removal-depletion methodology (Zippin 1956, Bohlin et al. 1982, White et al. 1982). The field guides of Connolly (1996) will be used to insure that a pre-determined level of precision for the population estimate is achieved (generally, coefficient of variation no greater than 25%) within each sampling unit for each salmonid species. Single pass electrofishing will be used to gain life history and relative abundance estimates in additional reaches if snorkeling does not prove effective. Because of recent concern over the potential bias of removal estimates (Rogers et al. xxxx, Rosenberger and Dunham, 2005), we plan to estimate the accuracy and bias of the removal-depletion methodology by using additional mark–recapture estimates in select reaches. These methods have been chosen to minimize sampling error while decreasing the number of units sampled by electrofishing and the number of electrofishing passes conducted, thereby lessening the numbers of fish that will be exposed to the potentially harmful effects of electroshocking. 6/1/2007 11/1/2009 $26,059
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Determine fish species composition, distribution within Buck Creek, Spring Creek and the White Salmon River(from NW lake to BZ Falls). [USGS] To document the distribution and abundance of individual fish species within the portion of the watershed thought to be accessible to anadromous fish prior to restoration activities and the potential removal, or laddering of Condit Dam, we will largely use the data collected during the work associated with PIT-tagging and population estimates. Where we are permitted access, we will conduct additional sampling to determine the species composition and distribution of resident fishes 6/1/2007 11/1/2009 $24,161
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Install Fish Monitoring Equipment Install two small, stationary, instream PIT-tag detector in the lowermost portion of Spring Creek in FY07. [USGS] Stationary PIT-tag readers offer the potential for full-year, everyday monitoring of fish movement in and out of a stream system (Armstrong et al. 1996, Nunnallee et al. 1998, Zydlewski et al. 2001, Jezorek and Connolly 2003; Connolly et al. 2005). Efficiency of detection will vary with size of the PIT tag unit, site characteristics, and flow. Estimates of efficiency will be determined when the two detectors are adjacent in Spring Creek. During mark-recapture population estimate efforts in Buck and Rattlesnake Creek described below, one of the units in Spring Creek, and another (in-kind contributed) unit will be placed in the upstream end of the sampling area to test emigration/immigration assumptions. 4/1/2007 9/1/2007 $8,330
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Mark/Tag Animals PIT tag 2,000 juvenile salmonids (primarily O. mykiss) each year above and below Condit Dam to track individual movement and seasonal growth rates. [USGS] We intend to PIT-tag salmonids in the mainstem White Salmon River from BZ falls to Condit Dam, in the tributaries (Buck, Rattlesnake and Spring creeks), and accessible areas below Condit Dam (Figure 1). Most fish greater than 70mm that are collected during population estimates and other fish collection efforts will be tagged. Chinook could be as small as 60 mm (the difference being body shape and the ability to accept a PIT tag). In order to track movements and growth of targeted fish species, we will conduct tagging and recapture attempts during multiple time periods within a year. The use of PIT tags offers a definitive way of tracking movement and growth in individual fish (Ombredane et al. 1998). All PIT tagging will follow the procedures outlined by Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority (1999). We anticipate that 2,000 PIT tags will be available for these efforts each year of the project. Below Condit Dam in 2007, all juvenile species of salmonids that are large enough will be PIT-tagged, with the possibility for recapture in the rotary screw trap, during subsequent electrofishing efforts, or detection at Bonneville Dam. Based upon the success of recapture/re-detection, and the success of USFWS in obtaining funds to continue the rotary screw trapping in 2008, fish may or may not be tagged below the dam in 2008 and 2009. 6/1/2007 11/1/2009 $21,338
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Obtain and archive tissue samples in a non-lethal manner for genetic analysis. [USGS] A tissue sample (fin clip) from a subsample of salmonids captured during electrofishing, carcass surveys and smolt trapping will be removed and preserved (95% ethanol) for future genetic analyses (an in-kind contribution has been found, but not finalized, to pay for this supplementary genetics work). With the exception of introductions of hatchery fish (primarily rainbow trout, but also cutthroat trout) in the mainstem White Salmon River, resident salmonids have been reproductively isolated above Condit Dam for over 90 years. These data will serve as a genetic reference point for rainbow trout and coastal cutthroat trout populations in the watershed prior to the reestablishment of congeneric anadromous salmonids. These data will also allow the adaptive divergence among O. mykiss populations above and below barriers to be analyzed. Obtaining a baseline signature of genetic divergence among sub-populations will allow managers to determine the level of change after the reintroduction of anadromous populations. By combining the analysis of O. mykiss isolated above Condit Dam with those captured below Condit Dam, we hope to provide insight in to the contribution of the isolated fish to the downstream population. As noted above, and in the subbasin plan (p. 134), during smolt trapping conducted in the 1980’s there were more O. mykiss smolts captured than were predicted by the available habitat. One theory is that fish above Condit Dam were contributing to the outmigrating smolts. In support of this, we have handled fish with a smolt-like appearance and detected outmigrating fish in Rattlesnake Creek in the spring. Sieler and Neuhuaser (1985) showed that survival over/through Condit Dam was very poor. However, some of the O. mykiss that have been isolated for more than 90 years may still retain an anadromous life history. (Normandeau Associates 2004) 3/1/2007 11/1/2009 $9,120
Biological objectives
Maintain genetic diversity of listed salmonids
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: uncertainties, status and trend, project implement
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Determine existing kinds, distribution, and severity of fish diseases in the watershed above and below Condit Dam. [USFWS, USGS] Because the removal or laddering of Condit Dam will allow adult anadromous salmonids and other species access to the White Salmon River above Condit Dam from the mainstem Columbia River, these fishes may introduce new pathogens or parasites into the watershed. Knowledge of current conditions above and below Condit Dam will help managers anticipate and weigh possible risks or threats to existing resident fish populations. We will obtain fish specimens for disease sampling using a longitudinal and tributary sampling strategy. This will facilitate the development of a fish-health baseline for areas that would be accessible and inaccessible (above barriers) to anadromous salmonids in the future. A subsample of fish captured during population studies and all fish incidentally killed during sampling under other work elements will be put on ice and delivered to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Lower Columbia Fish Health Center, which will provide a thorough disease profile as part of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wild Fish Health Survey (contact: Susan Gutenberger, Director, all in-kind contribution of approximately $15,000). These data will provide an important baseline on the health of existing fish populations in the White Salmon River drainage. 3/1/2007 11/2/2009 $8,751
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: baseline data
Focal Area: Tributaries
Develop RM&E Methods and Designs Use instream PIT-tag readers to assess a novel method for population estimates by comparing multiple pass removal estimates with mark-recapture estimates with the reach bounded by instream readers to account for immigration and emigration. [USGS] In association with multi-pass removal population efforts, we have an opportunity to test a refined method for population estimates. By PIT-tagging during the multi-pass removal estimate and using the emerging technology of instream PIT-tag detectors we can account for emigration and immigration and conduct an additional mark recapture population estimate in the same location. This gives us the opportunity to test the assumptions of the mark-recapture method as well as the bias, accuracy, and cost of each method separately. 10/1/2007 11/1/2009 $10,055
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Develop RM&E Methods and Designs Use recapture/re-detection data to test and strive to improve upon detection efficiencies and reliability of instream PIT-tag readers. [USGS] Because this is a relatively new application for PIT-tag detectors, and because we have similar systems in other watersheds and have the capability of building our own antennas, we have the opportunity to continue to use, adjust, and improve the efficiency and reliability of remotely powered, high detection efficiency, instream PIT-tag detectors. We will investigate options for reliable remote power units and options for remote data storage and downloading capabilities. We will continue to improve upon the cost effectiveness, efficiency and reliability of the antennas associated with the units. As with earlier systems, we will continue to consult and collaborate with Earl Prentice (NOAA Fisheries). 3/1/2007 11/1/2009 $7,916
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Download and maintain existing PIT-tag detectors. [USGS] As currently designed, all PIT tag detectors will be required to be downloaded once each week. If running on batteries, then batteries will have to be replaced at least once a week. If running on propane, the tanks will have to be refilled about every two months. Where feasible, we will explore plugging the units into grid power and automating downloading with an uplink (e.g., handheld data recorders, cell phones). 8/1/2007 11/1/2009 $26,915
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries
Submit/Acquire Data Submit applicable PIT-tag related information to PTAGIS database. [USGS] All PIT-tag data will be entered in the PTAGIS database, which is maintained by Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission. In addition, for fish tagged below Condit Dam or fish that pass over Condit Dam, PIT tags will be detectable at mainstem Columbia River dams (primarily Bonneville Dam) at the smolt (Muir et al. 2001) and adult stage. Using the PTAGIS database and field equipment, we will search for tagged fish detected in the downstream rotary screw trap in 2007 (and possibly 2008), mainstem dams, estuary surveys by NOAA Fisheries, and in subsequent within-year and annual field surveys. 8/1/2007 11/1/2009 $13,587
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Assess fish life history attributes within Buck Creek, Spring Creek, Rattlesnake Creek and the White Salmon River (from NW Lake to BZ Falls). [USGS] In order to track movements, growth, and other life history attributes of resident salmonids, we will PIT tag most fish larger than 70 mm that we capture during our stream surveys. We will attempt to recapture fish tagged from 2001 to the present during our other fish collection efforts. We will track movement into and out of the tributaries with the detectors in Buck, Rattlesnake, and Spring creeks. The ISO FDX-B, 134.2 kHz (12 mm) PIT tags that we use will be detectable at Bonneville Dam, so in the event that these tagged fish migrate downstream, we will be able to determine their potential contribution to anadromy. Redd surveys will be conducted in the spring to assess relative spawning densities in Spring, Buck and Rattlesnake creeks. Using a similar method to that used in the Elwha River by our group, we plan to electrofish the wadeable margins in select reaches of the mainstem White Salmon River above and below Condit Dam in a repeatable manner to gain an index of fish abundance and species diversity. Much of the river is incised in a basalt canyon with unwadeable margins; however with the use of a raft for access there are portions that are safely wadeable. Locations will be selected in the White Salmon River below the powerhouse (river mile 1.2 to 2.1) and in the bypass reach between the powerhouse and Condit Dam (river mile 2.1 to 3.4) to be backpack electrofished. Additional locations will be selected in the reach from Condit Dam upstream to Husum Falls (river mile 5.1 to 7.9), and Husum Falls to BZ Falls (river mile 7.9 to 13.2). In each section, a 4.5 meter swath along the river margin will be sampled and all fish encountered will be collected, weighed, measured and PIT-tagged (if > 70 mm). The area sampled will be measured and mapped. Attributes such as section length, current speed, depth, and cover will be estimated. These data will allow the fish response to dam removal, in the Elwha and White Salmon rivers, to be compared and contrasted. In addition to our mainstem White Salmon electrofishing efforts to collect juvenile salmonids, we plan to use hook-and–line and minnow trapping methods in the mainstem to collect and PIT tag additional fish and to recapture PIT-tagged fish. This method has proved highly successful in documenting and quantifying the connectivity between a specific reach of the White Salmon River and Rattlesnake Creek (USGS unpublished data). 10/1/2007 11/1/2009 $12,326
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Monitor flows in tributary systems (Buck and Spring creeks) [USGS] Stream discharge measurements will be taken every two to three weeks during the low flow period. Stream discharge measurements will be taken in Buck and Spring creeks. We will select sites that have relatively uniform velocities across the channel width. Flow measurements will be taken at each site within the same day. These data will be used to characterize temporal and spatial patterns of flow during late spring through early fall (May--October) along the stream continuum. 6/1/2007 10/1/2009 $23,958
Biological objectives
Assess habitat conditions prior to reintroduction.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Conduct habitat surveys with emphasis on restoration needs in Buck and Spring creeks and the mainstem White Salmon River above Condit Dam. [USGS] As we have done in Rattlesnake Creek (Allen et al. 2003), we will conduct physical stream habitat surveys of the White Salmon River and its tributaries Spring and Buck creeks. These habitat surveys will quantify key stream habitat components and indicators of aquatic health including: 1) large woody debris, 2) frequency and depth of pools, 3) substrate composition, 4) stream gradient, 5) floodplain connectivity, and 6) riparian vegetation characteristics (e.g., species composition, age structure, shading), and 7) bed scour. Much of the stream lengths to be surveyed will be on state and federally-managed lands. Private lands will be surveyed when permission is secured from the land owners. Bed scour will also be quantified in Rattlesnake Creek, in association with an existing automated flow gage. This information will help to corroborate modeled estimates of bed scour that were used for the White Salmon River Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment model that was used in the subbasin plan. The habitat data that has already been collected in Rattlesnake Creek ( via a previously funded BPA project) will be used by the UCD to develop restoration sites. 5/1/2007 9/30/2009 $20,654
Biological objectives
Assess habitat conditions prior to reintroduction.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Analyze/Interpret Data Analyze/Interpret Data. [USGS] A large amount of data will be generated from stream habitat and fish measures in the field, and from the PIT-tag detectors. These data will be electronically entered to a secure and compatible database, which will form the basis of analyses designed to link habitat characteristics with the information collected on fish. 10/1/2007 11/1/2009 $26,608
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Other Produce Pisces Status Report. Provide quarterly status reports via PICSES. [USGS] We will follow the latest guidelines to generate these reports. 3/1/2007 11/1/2009 $11,205
Biological objectives
Metrics
Other Produce Annual Report Annual reports will summarize data and important findings. The reports will be uploaded to the BPA website. [USGS] 3/1/2007 11/1/2009 $41,222
Biological objectives
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects Track budget, maintain inventory, create an annual Statement of Work, maintain PICSES database, and provide information to BPA on an as-needed basis. [USGS] [Work Element Description Not Entered] 3/1/2007 11/1/2009 $6,884
Biological objectives
Metrics
Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report Produce/submit scientific findings report If the data is of sufficient quality, we plan to produce a scientific findings report to be submitted to a peer reviewed journal. Data collected over the duration of the study will be summarized and condensed into a peer reviewed journal article. [USGS] 10/1/2007 11/1/2009 $29,174
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Disseminate Raw/Summary Data and Results Disseminate Raw/Summary Data and Results. We plan to present the findings at professional meetings. [USGS] 10/1/2007 11/1/2009 $6,557
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation NOAA-Fisheries Scientific Collection Permit [WDFW] Apply for and obtain NOAA-Fisheries permit for sampling salmon and steelhead 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $2,350
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Coordination Coordination with landowners fo access for surveys [WDFW] Obtain access to conduct spawning ground surveys 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $2,350
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects Contract coordination [WDFW] Prepare, track, and report on SOW and budget 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $11,748
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Outreach and Education Attend watershed council, technical advisory, and public meetings [WDFW] present and participate in watershed council, technical advisory, and public meetings to share projects information 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $2,350
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Analyze/Interpret Data Analyze/Interpert data & reporting [WDFW] Analysis of raw and summarized data for report 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $68,134
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Conduct adult spawning ground surveys [WDFW] Collect biological samples from spawning grounds and counts of live fish, carcasses, and redds 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $117,475
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Create/Manage/Maintain Database Create/Maintain/Manage Counts and Biological Database [WDFW] Maintain database for surveys including count and biological data 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $2,350
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Disseminate Raw/Summary Data and Results Provide inseason and post-season migration timing and escapment memos [WDFW] Provide information to fisheries and hydro managers as needed 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $2,350
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Mark/Tag Animals Mark adults for mark-recapture population estimates [WDFW] Mark adult salmon for mark-recapture population estimate 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $23,495
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Submit/Acquire Data Submit and Acquire PTAGIS and RMIS data [WDFW] Report Recoveries of CWT to RMIS and PTAGIS 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $2,350
Biological objectives
Population Status Monitoring
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Establish genetic baseline for each hatchery stock that is potentially spawning in the White Salmon River [USFWS] Based on DNA markers, how distinguishable genetically from each other are tule fall Chinook, URB fall Chinook, and spring Chinook salmon that are currently released respectively from the Spring Creek NFH, Little White Salmon NFH (and Bonneville SH), and Carson NFH? Hatchery populations to be compared: ·Tule fall Chinook, Spring Creek NFH ·Upriver bright (URB) fall Chinook, Little White Salmon NFH ·URB fall Chinook Bonneville SH (ODFW) ·Spring Chinook, Carson NFH ·URB fall Chinook Klickitat River Hatchery Program (WDFW) Sample protocol for each NFH hatchery stock: ·Collect fin clips from 25 males and 25 females (n=50) from each of three spawn takes (early, middle, late; N=150 per stock per year) for each of three years to establish genetic baseline for each stock (450 fish per stock). Not all collected tissue samples will be used for analysis but will be part of a sample repository for future genetic studies. ·If sampling adults is not possible for Bonneville SH or Klickiat River SH, then 150 subyearlings can be sampled from both hatcheries each spring prior to release. Sample protocol for genetic analysis: ·All samples will be genotyped at the set of 13 microsatellite loci standardized and the major labs conducting Chinook salmon research in the Pacific Northwest (GAPS 2005). The funding for development of this set of loci was provided by the Chinook technical committee of the Pacific Salmon Commission so they are referred to as the “Chinook CTC microsaellite loci.” The CTC group selected these loci for the ability to discriminate Chinook salmon populations for genetic stock identification (GSI) to estimate mixture proportions in ocean fisheries. The data collected for this study will also allow all of these hatcheries to be entered into the larger range wide Chinook salmon baseline being developed by the CTC. 10/1/2006 10/1/2007 $39,540
Biological objectives
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Determine genetic similarities of unmarked carcassess and natural-origin smolts in the White Salmon River to hatchery baseline populations [USFWS] ·Identify carcasses in the field as either “spring ”, “URB fall ”, “tule” fall Chinook Salmon. ·Genetic clips from fall Chinook salmon carcasses will be collected during September and October 2006-07 spawning ground escapement surveys conducted by WDFW. USFWS staff will accompany WDFW survey crews for the purpose of genetic tissue collection. Tissue collection will only occur on natural origin tule fall Chinook salmon. The identification of natural origin tule fall Chinook salmon is possible due to Spring Creek NFH instituting 100% adipose clipping protocol on all releases starting in brood year 2004. During escapement surveys in the White Salmon River during 2006, age 2 natural origin fall Chinook salmon should be identifiable based on the presence of an adipose fin. In 2007, natural origin fall Chinook age 2 and 3 should be identifiable based on the presence of an adipose fin. Up to 100 genetic samples will be processed from natural origin tule fall Chinook salmon collected from the White Salmon River. Should Condit Dam not be removed in 2008 or 2009, an additional effort will be made to collect fin clips from age 2, 3 and 4 natural origin Chinook salmon for analysis during the following funding cycle or from other sources. ·Carcasses selected for fin clip collection will be as “fresh” as possible with minimal degradation. USFWS staff will be trained by Abernathy Fish Technology Center staff on levels of caracass degredation and selection of fin for collection. ·Collect fin clips from a maximum of 100 carcasses for each identified spawner group (tule’s, URB’s, or “spring Chinook”) in a stratified manner - both spatially and temporally - in the Big White Salmon River each year for three years. ·Fin clips should be 0.5-1.0 square cm (5-10 mm) (max. 1 square cm) and need to be completely immersed in the alcohol in each 2.0 ml tube. Sample protocol for smolts: ·Genetic clips from outmigrating fall Chinook salmon will be collected from February 15 – April 15 during 2006 and February 15 – June 15th during 2007 by USGS with guidance from USFWS staff. ·Tissue collection or outmigrating fall Chinook salmon will be representative as possible with systematic collection both spatially and temporally. A goal of a minimum number of 500 genetic samples will set during 2006 and 2007. Sample protocol for genetic analysis: ·All carcass and smolt samples will be genotyped at the 13 Chinook salmon CTC microsatellite loci using the same methods described in Greig et al (2003). ·The null hypothesis that there is no difference in allelic distribution among tule Chinook from Spring Creek NFH and natural origin tule carcasses recovered in the White Salmon River will be tested with a Monte Carlo chi-square (C2) test of homogeneity using the program CHIRXC (Zaykin and Pudovkin 1993). ·Using the genetic baseline developed in Objective 1 we will use assignment test and GSI mixture model approaches to assign the naturally produced smolts in White Salmon to one of the five hatcheries. A solid theoretical framework exists in the genetics literature for assigning individuals to populations (Manel et al 2005). We will use the methods of Banks et al (2003) and Rosenberg. (2005) to assess the power of each locus and all loci combined to assign fish to tributary of origin. These analyses will include the 13 microsatellite loci described previously plus additional loci if needed 10/1/2006 10/1/2007 $23,599
Biological objectives
Competition between bright and tule Chinook salmon
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Focal Area: Tributaries
Disseminate Raw/Summary Data and Results Compare adult and smolt genetic analyses to ongoing adult salmon escapement estimates of WDFW and smolt outmigration estimates of USGS studies conducted during 2006-07 in the White Salmon River [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff will use a multiple-stock run reconstruction technique(similar to Templin et al. 1996) or a mixed stock fisheries analysis, in addition to the genetic stock information and population estimates gathered on outmigrant Chinook salmon smolts, to estimate the number of Chinook salmon smolts from each stock produced during 2006-2007 in the White Salmon River. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff will also be responsible for an overall report that summarizes the application of genetic results to USGS smolt outmigrant estimates during 2006-07 and the comparison of this information with WDFW adult escapement estimates on tule fall, upriver bright fall, and spring Chinook salmon during 2005-06. This report will also contain recommendations on the management, conservation, and restoration of Chinook salmon within the White Salmon River and the future role of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hatchery facilities in these efforts. 10/1/2007 10/1/2008 $35,627
Biological objectives
Competition between bright and tule Chinook salmon
Gain information on existing salmonid stocks.
Update re-introduction plan.
Metrics
Produce Plan Update a re-introduction plan [YN, WDFW, USGS] Information gathered from this study will be used to generate an updated anadromous salmonid reintroduction plan for the White Salmon River. YN is collaboating with WDFW and USGS, but has a separate work element for budget. 6/1/2008 12/30/2009 $44,900
Biological objectives
Update re-introduction plan.
Metrics

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel USFWS $18,157 $18,668 $0
Fringe Benefits USFWS $5,442 $6,533 $0
Supplies USFWS (Abernathy Genetics Lab) $24,636 $0 $0
Overhead USFWS $14,904 $10,426 $0
Personnel UCD $13,213 $12,215 $13,213
Fringe Benefits UCD $5,500 $5,226 $5,500
Supplies UCD $1,750 $6,950 $1,750
Travel UCD $1,009 $759 $1,009
Overhead UCD $5,122 $6,122 $5,122
Other UCD (Gage maint. and Engineering contracts) $12,800 $8,800 $12,800
Personnel WDFW $33,609 $35,290 $37,055
Fringe Benefits WDFW $13,381 $14,049 $14,752
Supplies WDFW $12,061 $10,775 $11,313
Overhead WDFW $17,060 $17,368 $18,239
Personnel YN $16,458 $17,699 $26,295
Fringe Benefits YN $3,262 $3,512 $5,280
Supplies YN $1,380 $480 $540
Travel YN $2,600 $2,730 $2,870
Overhead YN $4,477 $4,613 $6,609
Supplies USGS $24,500 $2,500 $2,500
Travel USGS $5,862 $5,862 $5,862
Overhead USGS $38,103 $32,486 $43,637
Personnel USGS $46,697 $53,574 $73,662
Fringe Benefits USGS $11,961 $13,962 $19,925
Other USGS- 2000 PIT tag (@2.25 each) purchased by BPA, facilities direct $7,171 $6,777 $7,558
Personnel WDFW- Create reintroduction plan. $0 $4,700 $4,700
Fringe Benefits WDFW- Create reintroduction plan. $0 $1,551 $1,551
Overhead WDFW- Create reintroduction plan. $0 $2,062 $2,062
Totals $341,115 $305,689 $323,804
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $970,608
Total work element budget: $970,608
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
NOAA Genetic Analysis- O. mykiss $0 $20,000 $20,000 In-Kind Under Review
UCD Gaging Station $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 In-Kind Confirmed
UCD Water Monitoring equipment $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 In-Kind Confirmed
UCD temperature loggers $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 In-Kind Confirmed
USFWS Fish Health Survey $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 In-Kind Confirmed
USFWS Lower White Salmon Surveys $3,500 $0 $0 In-Kind Confirmed
USFWS rotary screw trapping $7,000 $60,000 $0 In-Kind Under Development
USGS rotary screw trapping--matching grant funds $53,000 $0 $0 In-Kind Confirmed
USGS rotary screw trapping--equipment $60,000 $0 $0 In-Kind Confirmed
Totals $132,500 $89,000 $29,000

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $0
FY 2011 estimated budget: $0
Comments: Post removal reintrodution assessment and efforts.

Future O&M costs:

Termination date:
Comments: -5 years intensive post dam removal Revists during 5-15 years --less intensive

Final deliverables:

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 Do Not Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$0 $0 $0 $0 ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: This is a large and complex proposal, and the work elements go far beyond the stated title. With Condit Dam scheduled for decommissioning in 2008, there is indeed a unique opportunity to gather as much data as possible prior to the dam's removal and to track the re-establishment of anadromous salmonids in the upper White Salmon watershed after the dam is gone. In general, the technical background section is well documented, and the history of salmon management in the White Salmon River system is adequately presented. The opportunity to assess the effects of Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery tule Chinook and the upriver brights from Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery on an apparently naturally-spawning tule Chinook population in the lower river is interesting, as is the possibility that headwater rainbow trout may still harbor an anadromous life history strategy that can be expressed after dam removal. In order to ensure that specific methods of data collection and analysis used as a part of this project are consistent with regional efforts to standardize methodology, biologists will be actively involved with the Collaborative Systemwide Monitoring and Evaluation Project (CSMEP) and the Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership (PNAMP). Products and developments from these efforts will be used to ensure that information generated from the project is compatible with information generated in other subbasins and is useful for regionwide assessments. The ultimate product of this effort will be a planning document, created by the Yakama Indian Nation (YIN), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which will serve as a framework for anadromous salmonid reintroduction and habitat restoration. The information on salmonid populations and habitat conditions obtained through this project will be used to create a planning document based on current scientific information. The framework of reintroduction will be as specific as possible including the number of generations that need to be conserved, the broodstocks to be used, and strategies for reintroduction will be recommended by species. The benefits of this work will be long-term. Non-focal species are not mentioned, but it is possible that exotic species can invade the White salmon subbasin. Adding a monitoring component to follow non-native species spread would be helpful.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: This is a large and complex proposal, and the work elements go far beyond the stated title. With Condit Dam scheduled for decommissioning in 2008, there is indeed a unique opportunity to gather as much data as possible prior to the dam's removal and to track the re-establishment of anadromous salmonids in the upper White Salmon watershed after the dam is gone. In general, the technical background section is well documented, and the history of salmon management in the White Salmon River system is adequately presented. The opportunity to assess the effects of Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery tule Chinook and the upriver brights from Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery on an apparently naturally-spawning tule Chinook population in the lower river is interesting, as is the possibility that headwater rainbow trout may still harbor an anadromous life history strategy that can be expressed after dam removal. In order to ensure that specific methods of data collection and analysis used as a part of this project are consistent with regional efforts to standardize methodology, biologists will be actively involved with the Collaborative Systemwide Monitoring and Evaluation Project (CSMEP) and the Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership (PNAMP). Products and developments from these efforts will be used to ensure that information generated from the project is compatible with information generated in other subbasins and is useful for regionwide assessments. The ultimate product of this effort will be a planning document, created by the Yakama Indian Nation (YIN), Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which will serve as a framework for anadromous salmonid reintroduction and habitat restoration. The information on salmonid populations and habitat conditions obtained through this project will be used to create a planning document based on current scientific information. The framework of reintroduction will be as specific as possible including the number of generations that need to be conserved, the broodstocks to be used, and strategies for reintroduction will be recommended by species. The benefits of this work will be long-term. Non-focal species are not mentioned, but it is possible that exotic species can invade the White salmon subbasin. Adding a monitoring component to follow non-native species spread would be helpful.