FY07-09 proposal 200718800
Jump to Reviews and Recommendations
Section 1. Administrative
Proposal title | Lower Willamette River Fish Passage and Floodplain Reconnection at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge |
Proposal ID | 200718800 |
Organization | City of Portland |
Short description | This proposal is to design and implement a fish passage and floodplain reconnection/restoration project at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. The primary features include replacement of a culvert, excavation of tidal sloughs, and riparian restoration. |
Information transfer | Products include draft and final bid packages, an implemented restoration project, and on-going volunteer stewardship and public education at a City of Portland Natural Area Park. |
Proposal contact person or principal investigator |
Contacts
Contact | Organization | |
---|---|---|
Form submitter | ||
Deb Lev | City of Portland | DLev@ci.portland.or.us |
All assigned contacts | ||
Deb Lev | City of Portland | DLev@ci.portland.or.us |
Margaret Nover | City of Portland | margaret@bes.ci.portland.or.us |
Section 2. Locations
Province / subbasin: Lower Columbia / Willamette
Latitude | Longitude | Waterbody | Description |
---|---|---|---|
122^39'10"W | 45^29'0"N | Willamette River | Lower Willamette River |
Section 3. Focal species
primary: Anadromous Fishsecondary: Chinook Lower Columbia River ESU
secondary: Chinook Upper Willamette River ESU
secondary: Coho Lower Columbia River ESU
secondary: Steelhead Lower Columbia River ESU
secondary: Steelhead Upper Willamette River ESU
Section 4. Past accomplishments
Year | Accomplishments |
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Section 5. Relationships to other projects
Funding source | Related ID | Related title | Relationship |
---|---|---|---|
Other: ACOE | [no entry] | [Related Project Title left blank] | ACOE 206 agreement to perform a feasibility study for the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge (2002-2004) |
OWEB - State | [no entry] | Lower Willamette River Fish Passage and Floodplain Restoration at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge | Application to be submitted in April 2006 |
OWEB - State | [no entry] | Lower Willamette River Riparian and Wetland Enhancement Project [Willamette Park, Willamette Moorage NA, Powers Marine NA] | Grant Application submitted October 2005 |
Other: City of Portland | [no entry] | Sellwood Riverfront Park Wetland Restoration Project | restoration work in progress 2005-2006 |
OWEB - State | [no entry] | Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Wetland Enhancement Project | Grant Application submitted October 2005 |
Other: USF&W | [no entry] | Oaks Bottom Oak Woodland Restoration Projects | restoration work in progress (2002-to the present) |
Other: FEMA | [no entry] | Willamette Escarpment Wildfire Fuel Reduction Project [Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge] | grant award pending |
Other: USF&W | [no entry] | Springwater Trail Savannah Restoration Project | 2002-2005 |
OWEB - State | [no entry] | Riparian restoration project {Portland Yacht Club] | 2001-2003 |
Other: USF&W | [no entry] | Migratory Bird Treaty Grant | A portion of the grant is funding public education and stewardship at Oaks Bottom |
Section 6. Biological objectives
Biological objectives | Full description | Associated subbasin plan | Strategy |
---|---|---|---|
Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity | Objective will be accomplished by replacing a 60 inch, metal corrugated culvert with a box culvert that allows year-round hydrologic connectivity and fish passage to 20 acres of Willamette River floodplain habitat (e.g., tidal channel/sloughs). Project element also includes modifying a water control structure to allow sufficient egress from Oaks Bottom Reservoir, thus prevent fish stranding during high flood flows. | Willamette | 1. Deal with the dams—change flow regimes and establish fish passage; and 2. Fix culverts and diversions to allow fish passage. |
Increase habitat diversity for native F&W | Objective will be accomplished by creating backwater tidal sloughs, enhancing floodplain wetland habitat, placing key pieces of wood for resting, rearing and feeding, terracing banks, and removing non-native plants while establishing native plant communities. | Willamette | 3. Focus on valley and foothills wildlife 4. Restore lowland riparian areas 5. Restore low-cost, high-return areas of the Willamette River floodplain. 6. Let the river cool itself by seeping through streamside gravels, alcoves, and islands. |
Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W | Objective will be accomplished by restoring 20-acres of off-channel rearing and refuge habitat for federally listed Chinook, steelhead and coho, and by enhancing lowland, Willamette valley riparian and floodplain habitat to benefit native fish and wildlife. | Willamette | 3. Focus on valley and foothills wildlife. 4. Restore lowland riparian areas 5. Restore low-cost, high-return areas of the W.R floodplain. 6. Let the river cool itself by seeping through streamside gravels, alcoves, and islands. |
Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats | Objective will be accomplished by replacing a culvert to allow hydrologic connectivity year-round, restoring off-channel, tidal slough habitats and by enhancing 20-acres of Willamette River floodplain habitat. | Willamette | 3. Focus on valley and foothills wildlife. 4. Restore lowland riparian areas. 5. Restore low-cost, high-return areas of the Willamette River floodplain. |
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 | Permitting | Prepare permit applications, coordinate with City of Portland Streamline Team - A working group of federal (CORP, USFWS, and NOAA), state (ODFW, DSL and DEQ) and City permitting officials. | 1/1/2007 | 9/30/2007 | $30,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics |
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Develop Terrestrial Habitat Features | Enhance aquatic land interactions and terrestrial habitats | Place large wood in tidal channels, wetlands, riparian zones, and uplands to provide cover and diversified habitat for fish, amphibians, birds and other wildlife. Slope banks to allow mudflats for shorebirds and create micro-topographic features. Protect existing nests and trees | 6/1/2008 | 9/30/2008 | $40,000 |
Biological objectives Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W |
Metrics * # of features: Up to 25 pieces of large wood |
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Enhance Floodplain | Control invasive species | Develop plan for controlling invasive species (primarily reed canary grass, blackberries, and nutria). Do pre-construction site preparation, during construction place fabric, et. and conduct revegetation, conduct yearly removal of invasive plants for up to 3 years following construction | 1/1/2008 | 9/30/2009 | $85,000 |
Biological objectives Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W |
Metrics * # of acres treated: up to 20 acres |
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Plant Vegetation | Revegetate Wetland, Riparian and Upland Habitats - 20 acres | Revegetate diverse native plant communities in floodplain around tidal channels/sloughs and new culvert - up to 20 acres | 2/1/2008 | 9/30/2009 | $50,000 |
Biological objectives Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W |
Metrics |
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Realign, Connect, and/or Create Channel | Reconnect 20-acres of historic Willamette River floodplain habitat | Create tidal channels/sloughs to connect to new culvert and existing ponds to create off-channel rearing and refuge habitat for juvenile Chinook, steelhead and coho; and provide feeding, nesting and foraging habitat for native wildlife | 6/1/2008 | 9/30/2008 | $250,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics * # of stream miles treated, including off-channels, after realignment: up to 1.0 mile |
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Install Fish Passage Structure | Replace culvert | Replace existing culvert under railroad berm with a larger culvert with lower invert to allow daily tidal inflows/outflows and access year-round. Modify water control structure to prevent stranding and/or injury to fish exiting the reservoir. | 6/1/2008 | 9/30/2008 | $160,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics * Does the structure remove or replace a fish passage barrier?: Yes |
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Remove/Modify Dam | Modify Existing Water Control Structure | Perform slight modification to existing water control structure to allow easy and safe fish egress following high flow events. | 7/1/2007 | 8/15/2007 | $100,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics |
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Other | Construction management and inspection | Manage engineering and design and provide construction management and inspection, including erosion control and compliance monitoring during construction | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2008 | $70,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics |
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Other | Project Management | Manage contractor for engineering/design, and City activities including permitting, public outreach, monitoring, and coordination. | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $70,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics |
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Outreach and Education | Public outreach and coordination | During design phase, conduct public outreach to ensure public is in agreement with proposed project elements. Prepare plan for interpretive/educational exhibits and other features. Conduct volunteer stewardship program during and following construction | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2009 | $75,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics * # of general public reached: Workshops and number of attendees, comment letters * # of general public reached: 200 community members |
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Produce Design and/or Specifications | Engineering and Designs | Conduct engineering and prepare designs and specifications for restoration/reconnection of floodplain habitats to Lower Willamette River at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge | 10/1/2006 | 9/30/2007 | $100,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics |
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Produce Inventory or Assessment | Complete feasibility study for Oaks Bottom Ecosystem Restoration | Conduct additional sediment and water quality sampling to conduct risk assessment on contaminants known to be present on site (primarily DDT) to determine appropriate disposal method for excavated material; complete NEPA document, prepare draft and final feasibility report. | 10/1/2006 | 6/30/2007 | $100,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics |
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Produce Inventory or Assessment | Monitoring & Evaluation | Design monitoring plan for fish passage, fish use, bird use, wildlife use, vegetation growth and survival, water quality, habitat structure/value. Collect pre- and post-construction monitoring to document success of project. Data to be collected includes fish passage success, culvert as-builts, biological communitites (fish and wildlife) spatial and temporal distribution (based on presence throughout the year), vegetation cover and survival, water quality (temp, DO, turbidity), habitat structure and value | 3/1/2007 | 9/30/2009 | $70,000 |
Biological objectives Improve fish passage/hydrologic connectivity Increase habitat diversity for native F&W Increase key habitat quantity for native F&W Reconnect off-channel and floodplain habitats |
Metrics |
Section 8. Budgets
Itemized estimated budget
Item | Note | FY07 | FY08 | FY09 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Personnel | Project manager, public outreach, volunteer coordinators, monitoring, revegetation, weed control, erosion control | $80,000 | $70,000 | $20,000 |
Fringe Benefits | [blank] | $25,000 | $20,000 | $5,000 |
Overhead | [blank] | $65,000 | $50,000 | $10,000 |
Supplies | Plants, fabric, silt fencing, public outreach posters/publications, large wood, culvert | $20,000 | $325,000 | $10,000 |
Other | Design Contract | $100,000 | $0 | $0 |
Other | Construction contract, not including materials | $0 | $300,000 | $0 |
Other | Complete Corps Feasibility Study | $100,000 | $0 | $0 |
Totals | $390,000 | $765,000 | $45,000 |
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: | $1,200,000 |
Total work element budget: | $1,200,000 |
Cost sharing
Funding source/org | Item or service provided | FY 07 est value ($) | FY 08 est value ($) | FY 09 est value ($) | Cash or in-kind? | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ACoE | Complete Feasibility | $100,000 | $0 | $0 | In-Kind | Under Review |
EPA | Floodplain Enhancement | $0 | $100,000 | $0 | Cash | Under Development |
NOAA | Habitat restoration | $50,000 | $75,000 | $25,000 | Cash | Under Development |
OWEB | Project construction funds | $0 | $750,000 | $0 | Cash | Under Development |
Totals | $150,000 | $925,000 | $25,000 |
Section 9. Project future
FY 2010 estimated budget: $20,000 FY 2011 estimated budget: $20,000 |
Comments: Anticipated yearly operation and maintenance cost |
Future O&M costs: BPA funding will leverage prior work performed by the City of Portland and the US Army Corps of Engineers under the Corps 206 Program. Additional grant funding will be sought from EPA, NOAA and OWEB.
Termination date:
Comments:
Final deliverables: The project will replace a culvert and restore 20-acres of tidally influenced floodplain and slough systems within the larger Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge area. Project elements also include modification to a water control structure, placement of large wood, removal of invasive species and revegetation.
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: Response requested
NPCC comments: The case is convincingly made that actions to restore flood plain and off-channel habitats are needed in this area that has been degraded by fill, invasive species, and other disturbances. A good history for the Oaks Bottom Ecosystem Restoration Project is provided. Limiting factors and restoration priorities are linked to the subbasin plan. Issues of habitat diversity, chemical contamination, and habitat quantity are discussed. The problem is adequately identified regarding the lack of access to potential rearing habitat, but documentation/references are generally lacking. Abundance, vegetation cover, water quality, habitat structure and value, invertebrate diversity sounds like a good list, but monitoring procedures and frequency need to be explained. The priority measures recommended in the subbasin plan are consistent with the objectives for environmental characteristics included in the 2000 Fish and Wildlife Program, specifically to restore appropriate habitats to facilitate the recovery of potentially highly viable populations of the salmonids. The Oaks Bottom Project principally addresses habitats for high priority protection, as directed in the 2005 Willamette Subbasin Plan. It addresses limiting factors identified in the subbasin plan for the lower Willamette River: habitat quantity and diversity, and water quality. The project is geographically related to a number of adjacent projects, identified on a map, and is sequentially related to previous work funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers and City of Portland. Linkage to other related projects in this area are fairly well described (an extensive list is provided). Four objectives are specific and measurable. Each has an M&E component. They are clearly stated and are generally tied to the Willamette Subbasin Plan objectives. Methods are presented in summary form as tasks under each objective; this part of the proposal is the weak link. They sound reasonable, but are not described in detail. For example, Objective 4 is to “Increase habitat diversity for native fish and wildlife.” Task 4.8 is to “Create Tidal Channels/Slough System.” The method for this is 4.8.1. “Create tidal channel/sloughs to connect new culvert inlet and existing ponds. Tidal channels will be inundated daily and allow fish ingress/egress for rearing and refuge opportunities.” Details are needed of how the tasks will be done, at what locations, following certain specifications. What species of native plants will be used in the re-vegetation, where will large woody debris be placed? This kind of detail needs to be included to ensure that this project will be following sound scientifically based techniques. Monitoring and evaluation will take place pre and post construction. Components of monitoring are: fish passage, fish presence and abundance, bird and wildlife presence and abundance, vegetation cover, water quality, habitat structure and value, invertebrate diversity. This sounds like a good list, but monitoring procedures and frequency are not explained. All facilities and equipment to be used on the project will be provided by the City of Portland or their subcontractors. This equipment shall include field supplies/equipment, vehicles, laboratory and office space and equipment, life support systems for organisms, and computers. The City of Portland is the logical entity to do this project on city land. Information transfer includes draft and final bid packages, an implemented restoration project, and ongoing volunteer stewardship and public education at a City of Portland Natural Area Park. Species benefits include reclaiming critical off-channel juvenile rearing and refuge habitat to federally listed Lower Columbia River and Upper Willamette River Chinook, Lower Columbia River coho, and Lower Columbia River and Upper Willamette River Steelhead. All anadromous fish are likely to realize benefits from the increased off-channel habitat. Non-focal species will benefit from the creation and enhancement of rearing, resting, and nesting habitat for native wildlife including bald eagle, blue heron, osprey, western pond turtle; and other amphibian, waterfowl, shorebirds, and Neotropical migratory songbird species. These species are likely to realize long-term benefit form the increase in aquatic habitat.
ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)
Recommendation: Response requested
NPCC comments: The case is convincingly made that actions to restore flood plain and off-channel habitats are needed in this area that has been degraded by fill, invasive species, and other disturbances. A good history for the Oaks Bottom Ecosystem Restoration Project is provided. Limiting factors and restoration priorities are linked to the subbasin plan. Issues of habitat diversity, chemical contamination, and habitat quantity are discussed. The problem is adequately identified regarding the lack of access to potential rearing habitat, but documentation/references are generally lacking. Abundance, vegetation cover, water quality, habitat structure and value, invertebrate diversity sounds like a good list, but monitoring procedures and frequency need to be explained. The priority measures recommended in the subbasin plan are consistent with the objectives for environmental characteristics included in the 2000 Fish and Wildlife Program, specifically to restore appropriate habitats to facilitate the recovery of potentially highly viable populations of the salmonids. The Oaks Bottom Project principally addresses habitats for high priority protection, as directed in the 2005 Willamette Subbasin Plan. It addresses limiting factors identified in the subbasin plan for the lower Willamette River: habitat quantity and diversity, and water quality. The project is geographically related to a number of adjacent projects, identified on a map, and is sequentially related to previous work funded by the US Army Corps of Engineers and City of Portland. Linkage to other related projects in this area are fairly well described (an extensive list is provided). Four objectives are specific and measurable. Each has an M&E component. They are clearly stated and are generally tied to the Willamette Subbasin Plan objectives. Methods are presented in summary form as tasks under each objective; this part of the proposal is the weak link. They sound reasonable, but are not described in detail. For example, Objective 4 is to “Increase habitat diversity for native fish and wildlife.” Task 4.8 is to “Create Tidal Channels/Slough System.” The method for this is 4.8.1. “Create tidal channel/sloughs to connect new culvert inlet and existing ponds. Tidal channels will be inundated daily and allow fish ingress/egress for rearing and refuge opportunities.” Details are needed of how the tasks will be done, at what locations, following certain specifications. What species of native plants will be used in the re-vegetation, where will large woody debris be placed? This kind of detail needs to be included to ensure that this project will be following sound scientifically based techniques. Monitoring and evaluation will take place pre and post construction. Components of monitoring are: fish passage, fish presence and abundance, bird and wildlife presence and abundance, vegetation cover, water quality, habitat structure and value, invertebrate diversity. This sounds like a good list, but monitoring procedures and frequency are not explained. All facilities and equipment to be used on the project will be provided by the City of Portland or their subcontractors. This equipment shall include field supplies/equipment, vehicles, laboratory and office space and equipment, life support systems for organisms, and computers. The City of Portland is the logical entity to do this project on city land. Information transfer includes draft and final bid packages, an implemented restoration project, and ongoing volunteer stewardship and public education at a City of Portland Natural Area Park. Species benefits include reclaiming critical off-channel juvenile rearing and refuge habitat to federally listed Lower Columbia River and Upper Willamette River Chinook, Lower Columbia River coho, and Lower Columbia River and Upper Willamette River Steelhead. All anadromous fish are likely to realize benefits from the increased off-channel habitat. Non-focal species will benefit from the creation and enhancement of rearing, resting, and nesting habitat for native wildlife including bald eagle, blue heron, osprey, western pond turtle; and other amphibian, waterfowl, shorebirds, and Neotropical migratory songbird species. These species are likely to realize long-term benefit form the increase in aquatic habitat.