FY07-09 proposal 200722900

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleDevelopment of protocols and priorities for re-establishing naturally reproducing populations of Upper Willamette River Chinook Salmon above US Army Corps of Engineers dams in the Willamette Subbasin
Proposal ID200722900
OrganizationOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW)
Short descriptionProject will develop strategies for re-establishing self sustaining populations of Willamette Spring Chinook above 10 dams in the Willamette Subbasin. Major objectives include quantifiying habitat potential and increasing survival and genetic diversity.
Information transferRecovery of Willamette Spring Chinook populations is likely dependant on utilizing habitats lost above high head dams. Information from this study will be presented to NOAA Fisheries and the US Army Corps of Engineers and used to determine 1) locations where it is feasible to re-establish self sustaining populations (short term and long term), 2) potential population size for each sub-basin, 3) operational methods for higher juvenile and adult survival, 4) infrastructure needs to ensure long term viablity of populations, and 5) genetic considerations for broodstock in each sub-basin.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
Jeff Ziller Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Jeffrey.S.Ziller@state.or.us
All assigned contacts
Sue Knapp Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Suzanne.M.Knapp@state.or.us
Jeff Ziller Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Jeffrey.S.Ziller@state.or.us

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Lower Columbia / Willamette

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
Blue River Blue River Dam
Fall Creek Fall Creek Dam
Middle Fork Willamette River Dexter Dam
Middle Fork Willamette River Lookout Point Dam
Middle Santiam River Green Peter Dam
North Santiam River Big Cliff Dam
North Santiam River Detroit Dam
South Fork McKenzie River Cougar Dam
South Santiam River Foster Dam
Middle Fork Willamette River Hills Creek Dam

Section 3. Focal species

primary: Chinook Upper Willamette River ESU
secondary: Steelhead Upper Willamette River ESU

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 199206800 Willamette Basin Mitigation Combine to improve downstream habitat available to spring Chinook salmon produced above high head dams.
BPA 199405300 Bull Trout Assessment - Willam Contribute to habitat and species information available in critical areas of McKenzie and MFk Willamette basins.
BPA 200300500 Hatchery & Genetics Mgmt Plan Both contribute information critical to naturally and artificially produced spring Chinook. Information collected by this project will be included in updates of Willamette basin spring Chinook HGMPs.
BPA 200007300 Subbasin Assessments Information collected in this proposal will be able to directly contribute to Willamette subbasin assessments.
OWEB - State 08-04-002 Deerhorn Lower McKenzie Ripara Contribute to downstream restoration efforts in McKenzie River basin.
OWEB - State 08-04-005 Bontrager Property Riparian Re Contribute to riparian restoration efforts of MF Willamette tributaries downstream of dams.
OWEB - State 204-024 Coast Fork Willamette WSC Supp Helps coordinate basin-wide watershed restoration activities through watershed council.
OWEB - State 204-029 Middle Fork Willamette WSC Sup Helps coordinate basin-wide watershed restoration activities through watershed council.
OWEB - State 205-030 Simmonds Cr Improvement Improve access to habitat and refugia by native aquatic species, including spring Chinook, below dams in McKenzie basin.
OWEB - State 205-031 U McKenzie River Aquatic Resto Improve instream habitat for native fish, especially spring Chinook and bull trout.
OWEB - State 205-185 Crabtree Cr Stream Restoration Contribute to habitat restoration efforts in tributary below dams.
OWEB - State 205-187 Luckiamute Fish Passage & Stre Increases downstream rearing options for salmon produced upstream of dams.
OWEB - State 206-029 Middle Fork Willamette Council Helps coordinate basin-wide watershed restoration activities through watershed council.
PCSRF - OWEB 204-030A North Santiam WSC Support Helps coordinate basin-wide watershed restoration activities through watershed council.
PCSRF - OWEB 204-036A South Santiam WSC Support Helps coordinate basin-wide watershed restoration activities through watershed council.
PCSRF - OWEB 204-499 Lost Cr Confluence Restoration Contribute to riparian restoration efforts below dams in MFk Willamette basin.
PCSRF - OWEB 206-038 McKenzie Council Support Helps coordinate basin-wide watershed restoration activities through watershed council.
PCSRF - OWEB 206-036 South Santiam Council Support Helps coordinate basin-wide watershed restoration activities through watershed council.
OWEB - State 03-04-019 Mill Creek Restoration Contributes to downstream available habitat.
OWEB - State 08-04-013 Bailey Mohawk Riparian Enhance Riparian restoration efforts on major tributary to McKenzie River.
OWEB - State 08-04-006 Haws Property Riparian Restora Contribute to riparian restoration efforts in off-channel area of MF Willamette tributary.
OWEB - State 204-205 Lower McKenzie Watershed Enhan Combine to improve downstream habitat available to spring Chinook produced above dams.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Determine genetic composition of UWR Chinook Determine the genetic relationships of naturally and hatchery produced Upper Willamette River (UWR) Chinook by collecting tissue samples from wild and hatchery Chinook in the Molalla, North Santiam, South Santiam, Calapooia, McKenzie, Middle Fork Willamette and Coast Fork Willamette basins. A contracted laboratory will be used to analyze samples of DNA. We will propose a matrix for disposition of naturally and hatchery produced Chinook collected at facilities in the upper Willamette Basin. Implementation of the matrix will be subject to UWR Chinook working group and NOAA Fisheries review. Willamette 5.4.2.1 Conserve and restore biological communities; 5.4.2.2 Connect favorable habitats
Determine habitat productivity above & below dams. Utilize existing habitat survey information to quantify potential natural production for Willamette River Chinook in historic habitats above and below USACE dams. Conduct additional surveys, if needed to fill critical information gaps. A summary report quantifying the relative productivity of each subbasin above and below USACE dams will be produced. Willamette 5.4.2.1 Conserve and restore biological communities; 5.4.2.2 Connect favorable habitats
Determine sustainablity of UWR Chinook by subbasin We will determine the potential long-term sustainability of naturally reproducing populations of Upper Willamette River Chinook in each subbasin of the ESU. We will summarize data on habitat capacity and productivity, juvenile salmon survival through the dams, and adult survival for inclusion into a salmonid life history model (similar to Salmon PopCycle) to estimate the equilibrium abundance of adult spring Chinook. We will use this model and other pertinent data to determine the potential for recovery of UWR Chinook utilizing habitat above dams in the upper Willamette Basin. Willamette 5.4.2.1 Conserve and restore biological communities; 5.4.2.2 Connect favorable habitats; 5.5 Improve mgt of environmental data & information/Promote more strategic targeting of restoration investments/Promote improved regulatory coordination
Increase natural production of juvenile Chinook. We will quantify and determine strategies for increasing natural production of juvenile Upper Willamette River Chinook above USACE dams in the Willamette Basin. Methods include conducting surveys to determine reproductive success rate (fry production) by operating downstream migrant traps to monitor outmigration of Chinook fry, conducting snorkel surveys to determine utilization of available habitat by Chinook and to estimate the number of Chinook that did not migrate past the downstream migrant trap, conducting surveys to determine juvenile Chinook production in the reservoirs (mark and recapture population estimates utilizing PIT tags). We will also conduct surveys (with downstream migrant traps) to determine the number of Chinook emigrating from each reservoir and the mortality rate due to passage through the dam. We will summarize information collected in these tasks to determine factors limiting juvenile Chinook production and develop strategies to increase production. Results and recommendations will be reported in a summary paper. Willamette 5.4.2.1 Conserve and restore biological communities; 5.4.2.2 Connect favorable habitats
Optimize spawning distribution of UWR Chinook. We will identify and evaluate strategies to optimize spawning distribution of UWR Chinook both above and below USACE dams. Methods include identifying and quantifying spawning habitat, determining spawning distribution, identifying underulized spawning habitat and proposing strategies that could increase spawning habitat utilization. A report of results and recommendations will be produced. Willamette 5.4.2.1 Conserve and restore biological communities; 5.4.2.2 Connect favorable habitats
Provide effective recovery actions for UWR Chinook We will utilize and disseminate information obtained from this project to provide interim results to all partners and interested parties. We will also coordinate with and continue participation in working groups involved with recovery of Upper Willamette River Chinook and Steelhead. We will provide informational and technical presentations to partner agencies, interested organizations and peer groups and publish our results and recommendations. Willamette 5.5 Improve coordination among those working to manage Willamette subbasin habitats/Promote more strategic targeting of restoration investments/Recognize benefits of regional coordinating body/Increase effective communication & outreach
Reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook. We will identify and evaluate strategies to reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook handled at collection facilities in the upper Willamette Basin. Methods include consulting with ODFW Pathology and reviewing pertinent literature, implementing applicable strategies and monitoring and evaluating the results. Test groups will be marked with radio, PIT and Floy tags and monitored from release through the spawning period. We will monitor the pre-spawning mortality in the McKenzie River as a control group. A report of results and recommended strategies will be produced. Willamette 5.4.2.1 Conserve and restore biological communities; 5.4.2.2 Connect favorable habitats

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Coordination Coordinate with and continue participation with working groups involved with recovery of Upper Willamette River Chinook and Steelhead. Coordinate with and continue participation with working groups involved with recovery of Upper Willamette River Chinook and Steelhead. Attend monthly meetings and present applicable information. 1/1/2007 9/30/2010 $17,434
Biological objectives
Provide effective recovery actions for UWR Chinook
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects Manage and administer project. Manage and administer project including tracking finances, preparing financial reports, assigning work, coordination with partners, and managing project resources. 1/1/2007 9/30/2010 $46,490
Biological objectives
Provide effective recovery actions for UWR Chinook
Metrics
Outreach and Education Provide informational and technical presentations to partner agencies, interested organizations and peer groups. Provide informational and technical presentations to partner agencies, interested organizations and peer groups. 3/31/2007 9/30/2010 $11,623
Biological objectives
Provide effective recovery actions for UWR Chinook
Metrics
Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report Provide quarterly and annual reports of operations and interim results. Utilize and disseminate information obtained from this project by providing quarterly and annual reports of operations and interim results to all partners and interested parties. 3/31/2007 9/30/2010 $29,056
Biological objectives
Provide effective recovery actions for UWR Chinook
Metrics
Produce/Submit Scientific Findings Report Publish the results and recommendations in a refereed journal or equivalent. Publish the results and recommendations in a refereed journal or equivalent. 5/1/2009 9/30/2010 $11,623
Biological objectives
Provide effective recovery actions for UWR Chinook
Metrics
Analyze/Interpret Data Determine the potential long-term sustainability of naturally reproducing populations of Upper Willamette River Chinook in each subbasin of the ESU. Summarize data on habitat capacity and productivity, juvenile salmon survival through the dams, and adult survival and insert into a salmonid life history model (similar to Salmon PopCycle) to estimate the equilibrium abundance of adult spring Chinook. Determine the sensitivity of predicted abundance to changes in variables utilized. Use the results of the model to determine potential for recovery of Willamette spring Chinook utilizing habitat above dams in the upper Willamette Basin. 4/15/2008 6/30/2010 $50,807
Biological objectives
Determine sustainablity of UWR Chinook by subbasin
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Analyze/Interpret Data Develop matrix for disposition of Chinook in the UWR Chinook ESU. Develop a matrix, based on DNA analysis, for disposition of naturally produced and hatchery produced Chinook collected at facilities in the Willamette Basin above Willamette Falls. Utilize UWR Chinook working group and NOAA Fisheries to review matrix structure and rationale prior to implementing disposition scenarios 2/15/2008 5/15/2009 $27,097
Biological objectives
Determine genetic composition of UWR Chinook
Metrics
Focal Area: Development of genetic management scenarios
Analyze/Interpret Data Identify and evaluate strategies to optimize spawning distribution of adult Chinook released into habitat above USACE dams. Analyze data and develop a report that identifies strategies that may increase spawning habitat utilization above dams in the upper Willamette Basin. 11/1/2007 2/15/2008 $13,548
Biological objectives
Optimize spawning distribution of UWR Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Analyze/Interpret Data Implement strategies to reduce pre-spawning mortality and evaluate the survival rate for each treatment group of adult Chinook. Produce a report that summarizes the results and recommends best management strategies for decreasing the pre-spawning mortality rate of UWR Chinook. 11/1/2007 5/30/2009 $20,323
Biological objectives
Reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Analyze/Interpret Data Preparation of a report including an analysis of relative habitat productivity above and below USACE dams. Pre-existing and current field data will be combined and analyzed to quantify potential natural production of Chinook in each subbasin of the UWR Chinook ESU including areas above USACE dams. 10/1/2007 2/15/2008 $19,000
Biological objectives
Determine habitat productivity above & below dams.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties research Report
Analyze/Interpret Data Report on factors limiting juvenile Chinook production and recommended strategies to increase production. Summarize and analyze information collected on habitat productivity and juvenile production and determine factors limiting juvenile Chinook production and develop strategies to increase production. 1/15/2007 5/15/2010 $20,500
Biological objectives
Increase natural production of juvenile Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Determine genetic relationships of naturally and hatchery produced UWR Chinook - Analysis of DNA samples Contract for laboratory analysis of approximately 500 DNA samples 10/1/2007 2/15/2009 $30,000
Biological objectives
Determine genetic composition of UWR Chinook
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties research - DNA analysis
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Determine genetic relationships of naturally and hatchery produced UWR Chinook - collection of DNA samples Collection of tissue samples and otoliths from unmarked spring Chinook in the Molalla, North Santiam, South Santiam, Calapooia, McKenzie, Middle Fork Willamette and Coast Fork Willamette basins. Collection of tissue samples from fish returning to Marion Forks, South Santiam, McKenzie and Willamette hatcheries. 5/15/2007 2/15/2009 $96,290
Biological objectives
Determine genetic composition of UWR Chinook
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties research -collection of DNA samples
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Field surveys of UWR Chinook habitat to fill information gaps Conduct surveys using Oregon Aquatic Inventory protocols to quantify habitat potential for natural production of UWR Chinook. 6/15/2007 10/15/2007 $29,000
Biological objectives
Determine habitat productivity above & below dams.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties research to quantify habitat
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Identify and evaluate strategies to optimize spawning distribution of adult Chinook released into habitat above USACE dams Identify and quantify spawning habitat above and below the dams. Track movement and spawning distribution of adult Chinook radio-tagged fish and identify tagged dead fish during pre-spawning and spawning surveys. Count Chinook redds in all accessible spawning habitat. Identify underutilized spawning habitat. 5/15/2007 10/31/2009 $40,645
Biological objectives
Optimize spawning distribution of UWR Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Implement strategies to reduce pre-spawning mortality and evaluate the survival rate for each treatment group of adult Chinook. Identify tagged dead fish during pre-spawning and spawning surveys. Monitor radio-tagged fish from time of release through spawning. (recover radio transmitters from dead Chinook for refurbishing and reuse in additional treatments). 5/15/2007 10/31/2009 $110,000
Biological objectives
Reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action effectiveness research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Implement strategies to reduce pre-spawning mortality and evaluate the survival rate for each treatment group of adult Chinook. Monitor and determine survival rate of adult Chinook in a control population below the dams (i.e. McKenzie River) in the upper Willamette Basin. 5/15/2007 10/31/2009 $118,213
Biological objectives
Reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Quantify natural production of juvenile Upper Willamette River Chinook in reservoirs above USACE dams in the Willamette Basin. Conduct surveys to determine juvenile Chinook production in the reservoirs by monitoring emigration of juvenile Chinook from the river to the reservoirs from October through March utilizing downstream migrant traps (rotary screw). Conduct trap efficiency tests to allow statistically rigid population estimates. In each reservoir, surgically implant up to 3,000 PIT tags in Chinook greater than 80 mm. Periodically conduct surveys of the reservoirs utilizing Oneida trap nets to capture representative samples of Chinook to obtain growth rates and population estimates. Measure and weigh sub-samples of Chinook for coefficient of condition and growth. Use PIT tag detectors to determine the number of recaptures for population estimation and individual growth rates. All recaptures will be weighed and measured for length. 1/15/2007 4/30/2010 $210,500
Biological objectives
Increase natural production of juvenile Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Quantify natural production of juvenile Upper Willamette River Chinook in streams above USACE dams in the Willamette Basin. Conduct surveys to determine reproductive success rate (fry production) including installation and operation of downstream migrant traps (rotary screw) in the late winter prior to fry emergence and continuing through June. Conduct trap efficiency tests to allow statistically rigid population estimates. Conduct snorkel surveys during summer months to determine utilization of available habitat by Chinook and to estimate the number of Chinook that did not migrate past the downstream migrant trap. 1/15/2007 6/15/2009 $155,000
Biological objectives
Increase natural production of juvenile Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Quantify the number of juvenile Upper Willamette River Chinook produced above USACE dams in the Willamette Basin and estimate mortality rates of fish passing through each dam. Conduct surveys to determine the number of Chinook emigrating from each reservoir and the mortality rate due to passage through the dam by installing downstream migrant traps through the outmigration period from through March. Conduct trap efficiency tests to allow statistically rigid population estimates. Measure and weigh sub-samples of Chinook for coefficient of condition and growth. Use PIT tag detectors to determine the number of recaptures for population estimation and individual growth rates. All recaptures will be weighed and measured for length. Record injuries found on all live and dead fish captured. 9/15/2007 3/31/2010 $172,000
Biological objectives
Increase natural production of juvenile Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties Research
Focal Area: Tributaries
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Use existing data to quantify production potential of UWR Chinook Collect and analyze all pertinent habitat and population data on UWR Chinook to quantify potential natural production of Chinook in all historically utilized habitats currently accessible and habitat above USACE dams. Identify any critical information gaps. 1/1/2007 5/30/2007 $61,870
Biological objectives
Determine habitat productivity above & below dams.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Uncertainties research to quantify habitat
Develop RM&E Methods and Designs Identify and evaluate strategies to reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook. Consult with ODFW Pathology and review pertinent literature to identify strategies that could reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook. 1/1/2007 6/15/2007 $19,000
Biological objectives
Reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook.
Metrics
Mark/Tag Animals Implement strategies to reduce pre-spawning mortality and evaluate the survival rate for each treatment group of adult Chinook Implement strategies to reduce pre-spawning mortality and evaluate each treatment by Floy tagging or PIT tag all Chinook released above USACE dams and by placing radio transmitters in approximately 30 Chinook from each treatment (up to six treatments, 180 tags). 5/15/2007 7/15/2009 $85,807
Biological objectives
Reduce pre-spawning mortality of UWR Chinook.
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Focal Area: Tributaries

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel Supervising Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (2), NRS 1 (2) $125,091 $195,204 $195,204
Fringe Benefits Supervising Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (2), NRS 1 (2) $65,488 $103,947 $103,947
Supplies Vehicles, mileage, field supplies, office supplies $28,587 $44,873 $44,873
Travel Per diem $1,500 $1,600 $1,675
Overhead At 35.87% of non- capitol or contracted expenses $78,615 $123,401 $123,401
Capital Equipment [blank] $64,720 $53,100 $40,600
Totals $364,001 $522,125 $509,700
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $1,395,826
Total work element budget: $1,395,826
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
ODFW Personnel $50,000 $55,000 $60,000 Cash Confirmed
US Army Corps of Engineers 4 Rotary Screw Traps $80,000 $0 $0 In-Kind Confirmed
US Army Corps of Engineers Personnel $100,000 $105,000 $110,000 In-Kind Under Development
Willamette National Forest Personnel $50,000 $55,000 $60,000 Cash Under Development
Totals $280,000 $215,000 $230,000

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $436,137
FY 2011 estimated budget: $436,137
Comments: [Outyear comment field left blank]

Future O&M costs: None after project termination

Termination date: 12/31/2011
Comments: This porject should be key information source for methods to recover Upper Willamette River Chinook populations.

Final deliverables: Reports detailing strategies for re-establishing self-sustaining populations of Upper Willamette River Chinook upstream of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in the Willamette Subbasin including determation of genetic composition of UWR Chinook, optimization of spawning distribution, reduction of pre-spawning mortality, and identification of methods for increasing natural production of juvenile Chinook upstream of USACE projects.

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 $364,001 $364,001 Expense ProvinceExpense Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$0 $0 $364,001 $0 ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: This project will address one of the most significant problems limiting the viability of listed upper Willamette River spring Chinook and steelhead populations by developing strategies for re-establishing self sustaining populations of Willamette Spring Chinook above ten dams in the Willamette Subbasin. Major objectives include quantifying habitat potential and increasing survival and genetic diversity. The benefits should be quite significant and persist for the long-term. The proposal provides an excellent background clearly identifying one of the major problems limiting the productivity of Upper Willamette spring Chinook and winter steelhead: the development of ten COE hydroelectric dams that have blocked these listed species from access to quality spawning and rearing habitat. In addition, the temperature regimes and flow patterns below these dams have reduced habitat quality and further reduced the productivity of these stocks. Given their low persistence scores it is unlikely that the Upper Willamette Spring Chinook ESU could be viable without significant improvements to population spatial structure. The results of this blocked access are well described in the proposal, with references to reports of the Technical Recovery Team and the Willamette Subbasin Plan. The scientific literature is also well referenced. The background concludes with a logical approach for addressing these problems. The proposal provides a clear rationale in the utility and potential for their reconnecting historical habitats. The project will also address the question of dam and reservoir survival, which is related to determining habitat access and the productive potential of habitat. Dam blockage of habitat access is a priority issue of the Willamette Subbasin Plan, and this proposal is very closely tied to the Plan’s objectives. The proposal is extremely thorough in documenting relationships to ongoing projects and programs. Data sharing and coordination among projects is well described. Objectives are clearly defined and linked to the goal of having self-sustaining natural production of ESA-listed Chinook above US Army Corps of Engineers’ dams in the Willamette River Basin. The seven objectives are specific, measurable, and logically related to the problem statement and to the subbasin plan. Work elements are listed as tasks under each objective. Tasks are specifically worded but are not described in detail beyond a task statement. The proposal would be improved by including methods in more detail specifying how tasks will be accomplished. M&E is very well described within the task descriptions for most work elements. Information transfer is included in several tasks through the sequential preparation of reports (Tasks 1.4, 3.4, 5.4) and the intent to have coordinated review of the rationale of research tasks (Task 2.2.1). Objective 7 provides a detailed step-by-step plan to utilize and disseminate information generated by this project including: quarterly reports, annual reports, work group presentations, technical presentations to peer groups, and peer reviewed journal papers.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: This project will address one of the most significant problems limiting the viability of listed upper Willamette River spring Chinook and steelhead populations by developing strategies for re-establishing self sustaining populations of Willamette Spring Chinook above ten dams in the Willamette Subbasin. Major objectives include quantifying habitat potential and increasing survival and genetic diversity. The benefits should be quite significant and persist for the long-term. The proposal provides an excellent background clearly identifying one of the major problems limiting the productivity of Upper Willamette spring Chinook and winter steelhead: the development of ten COE hydroelectric dams that have blocked these listed species from access to quality spawning and rearing habitat. In addition, the temperature regimes and flow patterns below these dams have reduced habitat quality and further reduced the productivity of these stocks. Given their low persistence scores it is unlikely that the Upper Willamette Spring Chinook ESU could be viable without significant improvements to population spatial structure. The results of this blocked access are well described in the proposal, with references to reports of the Technical Recovery Team and the Willamette Subbasin Plan. The scientific literature is also well referenced. The background concludes with a logical approach for addressing these problems. The proposal provides a clear rationale in the utility and potential for their reconnecting historical habitats. The project will also address the question of dam and reservoir survival, which is related to determining habitat access and the productive potential of habitat. Dam blockage of habitat access is a priority issue of the Willamette Subbasin Plan, and this proposal is very closely tied to the Plan’s objectives. The proposal is extremely thorough in documenting relationships to ongoing projects and programs. Data sharing and coordination among projects is well described. Objectives are clearly defined and linked to the goal of having self-sustaining natural production of ESA-listed Chinook above US Army Corps of Engineers’ dams in the Willamette River Basin. The seven objectives are specific, measurable, and logically related to the problem statement and to the subbasin plan. Work elements are listed as tasks under each objective. Tasks are specifically worded but are not described in detail beyond a task statement. The proposal would be improved by including methods in more detail specifying how tasks will be accomplished. M&E is very well described within the task descriptions for most work elements. Information transfer is included in several tasks through the sequential preparation of reports (Tasks 1.4, 3.4, 5.4) and the intent to have coordinated review of the rationale of research tasks (Task 2.2.1). Objective 7 provides a detailed step-by-step plan to utilize and disseminate information generated by this project including: quarterly reports, annual reports, work group presentations, technical presentations to peer groups, and peer reviewed journal papers.