FY07-09 proposal 200201900
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Section 1. Administrative
Proposal title | Wasco Riparian Buffers |
Proposal ID | 200201900 |
Organization | Wasco County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) |
Short description | This proposal develops riparian buffer systems in southern Wasco County in the lower Deschutes and lower John Day subbasins of the Columbia Plateau Province. Implementation of buffer plans developed under this proposal is fully funded by USDA. |
Information transfer | Riparian Buffer plans are used to guide implementation of riparian protection practices including predominantly fencing, off stream water developments, tree, shrub, and ground cover planting prescriptions. They are the basis for long term (up to 15 year) buffer contracts between participating landowners and USDA. A copy of an approved plan is retained in landowner files in the USDA Service Center with one copy provided to the landowner. |
Proposal contact person or principal investigator |
Contacts
Contact | Organization | |
---|---|---|
Form submitter | ||
Ron Graves | Wasco County SWCD | ron.graves@or.nacdnet.net |
All assigned contacts | ||
Ron Graves | Wasco County SWCD | ron.graves@or.nacdnet.net |
Section 2. Locations
Province / subbasin: Columbia Plateau / Deschutes
Latitude | Longitude | Waterbody | Description |
---|---|---|---|
44.9913 | -120.5837 | lower John Day and Tributaries | lower John Day and tributaries in Wasco County, including Pine Hollow, Muddy Creek and Clarno drainages |
45.0615 | -120.9605 | lower Dechutes, Bakeoven, Buck Hollow, White River | lower Deschutes River and tributaries |
Section 3. Focal species
primary: Steelhead Middle Columbia River ESUsecondary: Resident Fish
Section 4. Past accomplishments
Year | Accomplishments |
---|---|
2005 | 4 buffer contracts approved and 4 pending approval in Jan 2006. These buffers cover 322.9 acres protecting 9.6 miles of stream with an average buffer width of 139 ft. on each side. Values/costs will be determined at end of project year 4/30/06. |
2004 | 17 buffer contracts were established on 978.6 acres protecting 27.4 stream miles. Average buffer width was 147.5 ft on each side. Value of riparian buffer contracts was $1,600,344 compared with $63,348 in BPA contract costs. |
2003 | 17 riparian buffer contracts were established on 891.6 acres protecting 25.9 miles of stream. Average buffer width was 112 ft. on each side of stream. Value of buffer contracts established was $1,421,268 compared with $55,504 in BPA contract costs. |
2002 | 9 buffer contracts established on 392 acres protecting 10.7 miles of stream. Average buffer width was 151 ft. on each side of the stream. Total value of buffer contracts established was $498,183 compared with $47,825 in BPA contract costs. |
Section 5. Relationships to other projects
Funding source | Related ID | Related title | Relationship |
---|---|---|---|
OWEB - State | 205-050 | Hood-Deschutes Basin Direct Se | This proposal is a complementary project, assisting landowners convert their operation from conventional tillage systems to no-till. No-till methods reduce runoff and erosion from upland wheat farms. The Hood-Deschutes Direct Seed project (currently in progress) includes conversion of tillage systems in both Fifteenmile and the lower Deschutes subbasins. This project has virtually eliminated sheet and rill erosion, a primary sedimentation source, from wheat cropland converted to direct seed/no-till. As of June 30, 2005 fully 68% of Wasco County's wheat cropland had been converted from conventional tillage systems to no-till. |
BPA | 200203400 | Wheeler Co Riparian Buffers | This is a similar project for a separate geographic area in the Columbia Plateau Province. While each SWCD is an independent local government with different geographic areas of responsibility, they do share technical, procedural, and programmatic information and training. |
BPA | 200202600 | Morrow County Riparian Buffers | This is a similar project for a separate geographic area in the Columbia Plateau Province. While each SWCD is an independent local government with different geographic areas of responsibility, they do share technical, procedural, and programmatic information and training. |
BPA | 200203500 | Gilliam Co Riparian Buffers | This is a similar project for a separate geographic area in the Columbia Plateau Province. While each SWCD is an independent local government with different geographic areas of responsibility, they do share technical, procedural, and programmatic information and training. |
Section 6. Biological objectives
Biological objectives | Full description | Associated subbasin plan | Strategy |
---|---|---|---|
Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity | Increase summer steelhead to 10,800-16,300 returning adults. This objective can best be met by increasing egg to smolt survival which requires habitat improvements in tributary systems where spawning and rearing take place. To effect those habitat improvements, this project will establish 36 riparian buffer systems on 800 riparian acres, improving habitat on 40 miles of stream. (This objective is combined buffer numbers for both Deschutes and John Day tributaries) | Deschutes | Restore riparian ecosystem habitat complexity and species diversity. |
John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity | Increase summer steelhead to 29,400 returning adults at the mouth in 25 years. This objective can best be met by increasing egg to smolt survival which requires habitat improvements in tributary systems where spawning and rearing take place. To effect those habitat improvements, this project will establish 36 riparian buffer systems on 800 riparian acres, improving habitat on 40 miles of stream. (This objective is combined buffer numbers for both Deschutes and John Day tributaries) | John Day | E. Riparian Habitat Improvements G. Protect Existing Habitat |
Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)
Work element name | Work element title | Description | Start date | End date | Est budget |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Outreach and Education | Outreach & Education To The Private Landowners | Conduct at least one outreach activity Quarterly: news articles, presentations, neighborhood meetings informing landowners about the buffer program and how to sign up. | 5/1/2007 | 4/30/2010 | $10,600 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics * # of general public reached: 100 landowners reached |
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Coordination | Coordinate With Private Landowners & Partner Agencies | Meet at least quarterly with partner agencies to assess progress, coordinate on-going activities and to avoid duplication of effort. Planners, technicans will coordinate on a continuing basis with other agency counterparts during the field season. Coordination with participating landowners will be done as necessary before and during the planning process and during implementation. Approximately 100 landowner contacts will be made annually. | 5/1/2007 | 4/30/2010 | $7,975 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics |
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Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation | Prepare & Submit NRCS Environmental Checklist | Prepare and submit environmental checklist for each to ensure all NEPA requirments are met.. Obtain site specific list of T/E and sensitive species. Request cultural resource specialist review of proposed buffer sites. | 5/1/2007 | 4/30/2010 | $7,932 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics |
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Coordination | Produce Conservation Plan For Landowners | Develop site specific inventories, assessments, alternatives for implementation. Review with landowner to ensure resource needs and landowner objectives met. Document selected alternative. Develop designs, specifications necessary for practices to be implemented as part of the plan. Move plan through review and approval steps. | 5/1/2007 | 4/30/2010 | $178,200 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics |
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Coordination | Sign CCRP/CREP Agreements With Landowners, NRCS, SWCD & FSA | SWCD technical staff will track conservation plans through the approval process culminating with USDA buffer contracts to ensure a smooth process between landowners and partner agencies. | 5/1/2007 | 4/30/2010 | $2,750 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics |
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Provide Technical Review | Provide Technical Review On Implementation Of Conservation Plan | Provide technical review and coordination as necessary, assisting landowners prepare to implement approved CCRP/CREP buffer plans. Coordinate with landowners on plantings, fencing, off-stream water developments and other conservation practices associated with the riparian buffer. Inspect buffers and associated conservation practices, verifying planned practices were installed in accordance with USDA NRCS Field Office Technical Guide standards. Repeat Stream Visual Assessment Protocol after buffer has been in place for a minimum of 3-5 years. | 5/1/2007 | 4/30/2010 | $26,440 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics |
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Manage and Administer Projects | Manage & Administer Project | Develop Contract Statements of Work, Budgets, spending plan and inventory list. Maintain workplans, workforce and cost records. Attend BPA, NWPCC, CBFWA conferences and workshops as required. Manage project resources, maintaining accountability and efficiency. Provide leadership and supervision to project personnel. Integrate contract work elements and budget into SWCD Annual Work Plan and public budgeting process to ensure contract requirements are met in a timely manner and within budget. This work element also includes bookkeeping and accounting functions. | 5/1/2007 | 4/30/2010 | $26,525 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics |
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Produce Status Report | Prepare Quarterly Status Reports | Prepare 4 quarterly status reports each project year and submit them to to BPA COTR. Status reports will include a summary of outreach efforts, summary of potential buffer contracts, and summary of plans completed. | 7/1/2007 | 5/1/2010 | $1,274 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics |
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Produce Annual Report | Prepare Annual Report | Prepare an annual report for each project year's (performance period) beginning with the FY07 project year 5/1/07-4/30/08. | 5/1/2008 | 6/15/2010 | $2,700 |
Biological objectives Deschutes Summer Steelhead Productivity John Day Summer Steelhead Productivity |
Metrics |
Section 8. Budgets
Itemized estimated budget
Item | Note | FY07 | FY08 | FY09 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Personnel | Conservation Planner/Technician 0.9 FTE | $33,210 | $34,206 | $35,232 |
Personnel | Technician Asst. 0.2 FTE | $4,100 | $4,200 | $4,500 |
Personnel | District Manager 0.2 FTE | $11,810 | $12,164 | $12,921 |
Personnel | Clerical Asst. 0.08 FTE | $2,949 | $3,038 | $3,227 |
Fringe Benefits | Other Personnel Expenses | $15,621 | $16,082 | $16,764 |
Supplies | Field & Office Equipment / Supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Travel | 3 days / year at $120 | $360 | $360 | $360 |
Other | Vehicle annual op. costs 15,000 mi. @$0.44 | $6,600 | $6,600 | $6,600 |
Other | Space Rental $538/Qtr | $2,152 | $2,152 | $2,152 |
Overhead | 10% | $7,780 | $7,980 | $8,276 |
Totals | $85,582 | $87,782 | $91,032 |
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: | $264,396 |
Total work element budget: | $264,396 |
Cost sharing
Funding source/org | Item or service provided | FY 07 est value ($) | FY 08 est value ($) | FY 09 est value ($) | Cash or in-kind? | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OWEB/ODA | Technician 0.4 FTE | $16,229 | $17,273 | $18,365 | Cash | Under Development |
USDA Farm Services Agency | CRP/CREP Buffer Implementation and contract payments based on past 3 year annual average | $1,173,265 | $1,173,265 | $1,173,265 | Cash | Under Development |
USDA NRCS | Technical Review of Completed Plans | $4,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
Totals | $1,193,494 | $1,194,538 | $1,195,630 |
Section 9. Project future
FY 2010 estimated budget: $93,300 FY 2011 estimated budget: $93,300 |
Comments: Assumes continuation of same level of effort with 2-3% annual increases |
Future O&M costs: No cost to BPA. O&M costs are funded by USDA through annual maintenance payments to landowners with Buffer Contracts.
Termination date: 2014
Comments: Termination date to be determined. There is potential for approximately 1,000 stream miles of Riparian Buffers in Wasco County, although realistically 500 miles is the maximum we should expect to enroll for a variety of reasons. As of December 2005, 223.88 miles of buffer had been contracted for about 22% of the total. Assuming progress continues at the current rate, half the potential buffers (about 500 miles) will be under contract by the time the first contracts begin to expire in 2014. Therefore a 2014 tentative termination date seems reasonable.
Final deliverables: Final Reports
Section 10. Narrative and other documents
Collaborative ISRP Response[2]. | Jul 2006 |
LETTER TO ISRP | Jul 2006 |
Reviews and recommendations
FY07 budget | FY08 budget | FY09 budget | Total budget | Type | Category | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs] | ||||||
$70,160 | $70,160 | $70,160 | $210,480 | Expense | ProvinceExpense | Fund |
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs] | ||||||
$70,160 | $70,160 | $70,160 | $0 | ProvinceExpense | ||
Comments: M&E comment pending. See M&E decision memo discussion. |
ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)
Recommendation: Response requested
NPCC comments: The SWCD projects as a group continue to be cost-effective approaches to leveraging a large amount of USDA money in CCRP/CREP contracts that would probably not be implemented without the funding of these development positions. The riparian buffer contracts have a strong potential to benefit aquatic habitat and species (summer steelhead and resident fish), as well as non-aquatic riparian species. The proposal shows a clear connection to the limiting factors identified in the John Day and Deschutes Subbasin Plans, many of which can be addressed by riparian buffers, and to subbasin restoration priorities. It has excellent collaboration and complementarity with other projects. A brief history of the project to date is described in terms of the number, area and amount of USDA contracts leveraged, but without analysis of the determinants (plus or minus) of enrollment rates or locations. The SWCD projects would benefit from an analytical assessment of what works and what doesn't. Specific objectives are stated in terms of the # buffer acres, # riparian acres, and # miles to be implemented in riparian buffers. It is good to have these objectives quantified, but as with other riparian buffer projects there is no discussion of the basis for these numbers. How do the SWCDs develop their enrollment targets? How do these targeted enrollments relate to the total need? Tasks are appropriate to the objectives. Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted through the application of NRCS protocols, in which a baseline visual stream assessment is followed by subsequent periodic assessments to assess terrestrial change within the riparian buffer. The ISRP recommends that to more completely assess post-project results and effectiveness a cooperative effort be implemented with ODFW to also monitor fisheries and stream habitat response to the implementation of riparian buffers. The sponsors should clarify whether the conservation plans developed as part of CREP enrollment are kept confidential or are reported as part of the project results. If conservation plans are not reported, can they be synthesized in a way that will allow monitoring of progress toward meeting their objectives? The issue of project data provision vs. USDA confidentiality requirements should be addressed. Given the growing body of experience in the implementation of these USDA contracts, it would be timely and useful to assess what works, what doesn't work, and nature of the constraints facing voluntary habitat improvement programs. The ISRP recommends that SWCDs collaborate in developing a report assessing the determinants of successful implementation processes for these USDA programs. The ISRP requests a response clarifying the following issues identified in the review: 1. The potential to develop a cooperative effort with ODFW to monitor fisheries and stream habitat response to the implementation of riparian buffers. 2. How enrollment objectives are determined. 3. Whether the conservation plans developed as part of CREP enrollment are kept confidential or are reported as part of the project results. If conservation plans are not reported, can they be synthesized in a way that will allow monitoring of progress toward meeting their objectives? 4. The potential for SWCD collaborative development of a report assessing the determinants of successful implementation processes for riparian buffer contracts and other USDA voluntary conservation programs.
ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)
Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)
NPCC comments: This is a combined response from the group of SWCD projects. The response letter raises concerns that ISRP reviewers are unaware of the nature of leveraged funding (with OWEB and USDA) that these projects allow. However, reviewers found that proposals make that relationship clear. ISRP review comments are directed at extending the benefits generated through these cost-effective proposals by developing monitoring collaborations and expanding evaluative assessment of the SWCD work. Review comments are also directed at encouraging the SWCDs to prioritize projects not only on the basis of opportunity but also on the basis of priority areas for conservation; i.e., to actively target areas prioritized in subbasin plans. The response addresses five areas identified by the ISRP. In the response, the SWCDs indicate that they will initiate a cooperative buffer effectiveness monitoring effort with ODFW, describe how enrollment is targeted, provide a plan to resolve the buffer contract data confidentiality issue, agree to collaboratively document SWCD experience with riparian buffer contracts, and identify the relation of SWCD projects to other riparian projects. However, the issue of the effectiveness of these riparian buffer contracts in improving physical status of habitats and the biological status of fish populations remains. Fish and physical habitat response need to be evaluated. The number of acres under contract is impressive, but sites at different areas should be monitored for factors such as parr utilization. At present, the tie to the ODFW biological monitoring is inadequate and should be more actively coordinated. In developing the collaborative document assessing SWCD experience with riparian buffer contracts, the ISRP urges the SWCDs to include information on "what hasn't worked" as well as "what has worked" and reasons why. The document should be as analytical as possible about effective and ineffective approaches, opportunities and constraints. If written as an analytical assessment the document could be an important educational tool providing information transfer to other districts and entities as they implement similar types of incentive programs. The recommended qualification to funding is that the project should develop: 1. a collaboration plan (with ODFW) for buffer effectiveness monitoring; and 2. a work element to assess SWCD experience with buffer contract development and implementation.