Year | Accomplishment |
|
<1. Coordination> |
1997 |
Created Wind River Action Committee (now named the Wind River Watershed Council [WRWC]) and it's Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) |
1997 |
Coordinated monthly meetings of WRWC that included stakeholder presentations and participation. |
1997 |
Developed a mission statement and goals within the WRWC |
1997 |
Coordinated monthly meetings of TAC. |
1998 |
Coordinated monthly meetings of WRWC that included stakeholder presentations and participation. |
1998 |
Developed process for prioritizing restoration projects and implemented it within the WRWC. |
1998 |
Coordinated monthly meetings of TAC. |
1998 |
Expanded WRWC to incorporate a larger stakeholder representation. |
1999 |
Reviewed 5 restoration and education projects submitted by WRWC and TAC. |
2000 |
[Continuation of many of the activities listed above] |
|
<2. Monitoring and Evaluation > |
1998 |
Measured sediment composition in nine subbasins, processed 145core samples and evaluated for fines (USFS) |
1999 |
Measured sediment composition in eight subbasins, processed 165 core samples and evaluated for fines (USFS) |
1999 |
Conducted stream survey; 9 streams, 20,600 m (USGS) |
1997 |
Assessed density of juvenile steelhead and other fish species in 7 streams by electrofishing covering 3.1 km (USGS) |
1998 |
Assessed density of juvenile steelhead and other fish species in 7 streams by electrofishing covering 2.7 km (USGS) |
1999 |
Assessed density of juvenile steelhead and other fish species in 4 streams by electrofishing covering 2.1 km and 6 mainstem reaches (0.1 m each) by snorkeling (USGS) |
1997 |
Monitored adult steelhead at Trout Creek trap site for 12 months (USFS, WDFW) |
1998 |
Monitored adult steelhead at Trout Creek trap site for 12 months (USFS, WDFW) |
1999 |
Monitored adult steelhead at Trout Creek trap site for 12 months (USFS, WDFW) |
2000 |
Ongoing monitoring of adult steelhead at Trout Creek trap site (USFS, WDFW) |
1999 |
Restored and modified adult fish trap at Shipherd Falls (WDFW) |
1999 |
Monitored adult steelhead at Shipherd Falls trap site for 12 months (WDFW) |
2000 |
Ongoing monitoring of adult steelhead at Shipherd Falls trap site (WDFW) |
1997 |
Monitored stream temperature at 14 sites for 12 months with continuous temperature loggers (USGS) |
1998 |
Monitored stream temperature at 14 sites for 12 months with continuous temperature loggers (USGS) |
1999 |
Monitored stream temperature at 31 sites for 12 months with continuous temperature loggers (USGS, UCD) |
2000 |
Ongoing monitoring of stream temperatures at 31 sites with continuous temperature loggers (USGS, UCD) |
1997 |
Operated three smolt traps and determined steelhead smolt production (WDFW-primarily, USFS, USGS) |
1998 |
Operated four smolt traps and determined steelhead smolt production (WDFW-primarily, USFS, USGS) |
1999 |
Operated four smolt traps and determined steelhead smolt production (WDFW-primarily, USFS, USGS) |
2000 |
Ongoing operation of four smolt traps to determine steelhead smolt production (WDFW-primarily, USFS, USGS) |
1997 |
Monitored adult steelhead escapement with redd surveys and snorkel counts (WDFW, USFS) |
1998 |
Monitored adult steelhead escapement with redd surveys and snorkel counts 36 miles (WDFW, USFS) |
1999 |
Monitored adult steelhead escapement with redd surveys and snorkel counts, 36 miles (WDFW, USFS) |
2000 |
Ongoing monitoring of adult steelhead escapement with redd surveys and snorkel counts 36 miles (WDFW, USFS) |
1997 |
Monitored stream discharge during June-October in 6 tributary streams (USGS) |
1998 |
Monitored stream discharge during June-October in 8 tributary streams (USGS) |
1999 |
Monitored stream discharge during June-October in 9 tributary streams (USGS) |
1998 |
Contracted with USGS-WRD to operate stream gage at Trout Creek site (USFS) |
1999 |
Contracted with USGS-WRD to operate stream gage at Trout Creek site (USFS) |
1997 |
Supplied data on adult and juvenile steelhead to WDFW fish managers, which resulted in early closure of steelhead fishery and new restrictive fishing regulations in the watershed to protect juvenile and adult steelhead (WDFW, USFS, USGS) |
1998 |
Supplied data on adult and juvenile steelhead to WDFW fish managers to help with fishery management decisions (WDFW, USFS, USGS) |
1999 |
Supplied data on adult and juvenile steelhead to WDFW fish managers to help with fishery management decisions (WDFW, USFS, USGS) |
2000 |
[Many of the activities listed above are ongoing, but activity will occur later in the fiscal year] |
|
<3. Assessment> |
1999 |
Determined goals, objectives, and tasks for assessing watershed conditions, documenting life history strategies of steelhead, and formulating criteria to help rank restoration needs and proposed projects. |
2000 |
Ongoing compilation of data summaries for input in the Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment Model to be run by end of fiscal year. |
2000 |
Ongoing contribution and participation in USFS's update of the Wind River Watershed Analysis |
|
<4. Restoration> |
1998 |
Restored 0.8 river miles Trout Creek mainstem by rerouting stream to abandoned old growth reach to increase channel stability, increase stream shade, and increase habitat complexity |
1998 |
Obliterated 4.4 miles of Dry Creek Road including removal of 15 culverts and installation of erosion control devices. |
1998 |
Conducted comprehensive "Hemlock Dam Fish Passage Evaluation and Restoration Plan" conducting passage assessment, assemble restoration options, developed a project work plan and economic assessment. |
1998 |
Stabilized four streamside slides placed erosion control matting, exposed culvert removal sites |
1998 |
Planted 20,000 willow cuttings along 25 riparian acres (5 river miles) |
1998 |
Conducted "Stream Team" technical field review of Trout Creek Restoration project proposals. |
1998 |
Transported 64 logs to streamside for instream restoration projects Trout Creek, Panther Creek and Stabler. |
1998 |
Installed 12 large wood complexes in 1,500 ft of stream bank for bank stabilization in Stabler Reach |
1998 |
Planted conifer seedlings, willow /cottonwood cuttings, and legume seeds at Stabler Reach |
1999 |
Planted conifer seedlings, willow /cottonwood cuttings, and legume seeds at Stabler Reach |
1999 |
Installed 4 large wood complexes in 500 ft of stream bank for bank stabilization in Stabler Reach |
1999 |
Restored riparian areas: planted 18,000 willow cuttings along 23 riparian acres (4 river miles) |
1999 |
Implemented 2 miles of bioengineering /stream restoration projects on Upper Wind River installing 200 logs and treating 18 sites. |
1999 |
Conducted 4 public scoping meetings on Hemlock Dam Fish Passage Restoration Proposal |
1999 |
Stimulated riparian structural development along 3 river miles with silvicultural treatments including thinning and underplanting |
1998 |
Conducted project planning/design/ completing one NEPA document for restoration of for 4 miles of instream work |
1999 |
Maintained 4 instream structures on Upper Trout Creek |
1999 |
Provided technical assistance: 15 days and 30 pieces large woody materials for instream restoration and riparian rehabilitation along 0.25 miles of Wind River. |
2000 |
Ongoing planning for restoration activities that will be implemented later in the fiscal year |
|
<5. Environmental Education> |
1998 |
Hosted a high school monitoring program and coached two high school students on Senior Projects |
1998 |
Produced three informational brochures highlighting fish and trees, steelhead and rainbow trout life cycles, and safe catch and release techniques. |
1998 |
Developed an environmental education curriculum (middle school level) with 9 field and classroom activities for Hemlock Reservoir producing a teacher guide and student workbooks comparing lentic and lotic environments. |
1998 |
Assisted in classroom project on juvenile salmon rearing at Carson Elementary |
1998 |
Assisted WSU Cooperative extension service to present a Timber Stand Management Workshop to 15 people. |
1999 |
Produced 3 informational brochures on catch-and-release, healthy riparian areas, and steelhead life history |
1999 |
Produced and distributed 2,200 brochures in PUD mailings describing our watershed restoration efforts and soliciting participation from stakeholders. |
1999 |
Conducted three field activities with local high school classroom involving 90 students conducting water quality monitoring activities |
1999 |
Lectured to high school classroom "Columbia River Studies" discussing fish passage issues to 30 students |
1999 |
Displayed poster at Skamania County fair detailing ongoing restoration activities on the Wind River and the Watershed Council |
2000 |
Developed cooperative traveling display on Wind River Watershed history, restoration efforts and community involvement. First showing at Columbia River Conference IV, in March at Skamania Lodge. |
1999 |
Provided technical assistance to three landowners in the Wind River watershed to formulate Watershed restoration projects. |
1998 |
Hosted a community volunteer trash-cleanup and tree planting at McNee property on Martha Creek. |
1999 |
Held watershed logo contest for Wind River Watershed Council in local schools drew 130 entries, prizes and newspaper publicity. |
1999 |
Created 27 Watershed awareness signs and placed at 18 locations in the Wind River watershed. Design based on the Watershed Logo, posts and labor donated by the County and USFS. |
1999 |
Adopt a Stream -type program begun with Carson Elementary 5th graders. Trees planted along private property on Carson Cr. Lessons on Water Quality and stream restoration presented to the class. |
2000 |
Adopt -a Stream -type program continues on Kanaka Cr. with combined 5th grade and Middle School classes. Four field trips result in extensive cleanup of trash, weeds, and replanting of native species. Interagency cooperation featured. |
2000 |
Stevenson High School presentation of website including water quality, history, flora & fauna of lower Wind River areas. |
1999 |
Monitoring of Stabler Cut Bank Restoration success by Wind River Middle School Students and presentation of results to the Watershed Council. |
|
<Presentations to public or professional societies> |
1999 |
Presented to WRWC by P. Powers and G. Johnston: "Stabler cut-bank restoration" |
1999 |
Presented to WRWC by P.J. Connolly: "Status of steelhead in the Wind River watershed" |
1999 |
Presented to Western Division of American Fisheries Society by P.J. Connolly: "Increasing efficiency and quality of calibration at the sampling unit scale" |
1999 |
Presented to WRWC by K. Wieman: "Hemlock Dam assessment and restoration options" |
1999 |
Presented to British Columbia Ministry of the Environment by K. Wieman: "Wind River assessment and restoration" |
2000 |
Presented to North Pacific International Chapter of American Fisheries Society by P.J. Connolly: "Age-zero growth and survival of steelhead through their first winter: A target for restoration?" |
2000 |
Presented to Trout Unlimited, Vancouver Chapter by K. Wieman: "Hemlock Dam assessment and restoration options" |
|
<Reports> |
1998 |
"1998 Watershed Restoration Completion Report" (USFS 1998) |
1999 |
Produced first annual report: "Wind River Watershed Project " (Connolly 1999) covering FY 1998 activities. |
1999 |
"1999 Watershed Restoration Completion Report" (USFS 1999) |
1999 |
Contractor provided report: "Hemlock Dam Fish Passage Evaluation and Restoration " (WSU 1999)
|
Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2001 cost | Subcontractor |
2. (Monitoring) Monitor physical habitat conditions and natural production of juvenile, smolt, and adult steelhead in the Wind River subbasin. [USGS, WDFW, USFS, UCD] |
b. Relate density and biomass of juvenile summer steelhead to stream habitat conditions and geomorphological contexts. (USGS) |
FY 01-05 |
$101,979 |
|
|
d. Conduct sampling and use data from redd surveys, snorkel surveys, and adult trappings to derive an estimate for the annual steelhead adult production in the subbasin. (WDFW) |
FY 01-05 |
$36,110 |
|
|
e. Conduct physical stream habitat surveys in 6 new reaches to assess stream conditions and changes over time at selected sites throughout the subbasin. (USFS) |
FY 01 (to M&E FY02-05) |
$13,851 |
|
|
h. Monitor suspended sediments and amount of fines in redds of 6 new reaches to determine if these characteristics are limiting factors. (USFS) |
FY 01 (to M&E FY02-05) |
$17,664 |
|
4. (Restoration) Restore stream habitats and watershed processes that will support self-sustaining populations of steelhead. [USFS, UCD, USGS] |
a. Decommission 5 miles of road annually within sub-watersheds as prioritized in the Wind River Watershed Analysis. (USFS) |
FY 01-05 |
$48,965 |
Yes |
|
b. Place key pieces of LWD to achieve the range of natural variability for the Wind River watershed (75-120 pieces/mile). (USFS, UCD) |
FY 01-05 |
$62,442 |
Yes |
|
c. Plant and thin riparian forest to increase stream shade, provide future LWD and channel stability. (USFS, UCD) |
FY 01-05 |
$23,657 |
Yes |
|
d. Modify Hemlock Dam in FY03 ($750K in FY03; to M&E and O&M in FY04-05;see out-year tally) |
FY 03 |
$0 |
|
5. (Education) Promote watershed stewardship among students, the community, private landowners, and local governments. [UCD, USFS, WDFW] |
a. Support Stevenson High School stream monitoring program, Wind River Middle School's environmental education program, and develop and support a Carson Elementary School Adopt-A-Stream program. (UCD, USFS, WDFW) |
FY 01-05 |
$9,087 |
|
|
b. Distribute informational brochures, submit articles to local paper, and conduct community volunteer events to inform public about watershed issues, activities, and opportunities for involvement. (UCD, USFS) |
FY 01-05 |
$1,540 |
|
|
c. Provide technical assistance to agency personnel and landowners developing water resource mitigation measures for projects on private lands. (UCD) |
FY 01-05 |
$907 |
|
Our forecasted budget has decreased 31% in response to our project never having been funded at the requested level (e.g., our FY2000 request was $1,385,712, but we were awarded half that at $553,700). The funds received were distributed among the cooperating agencies: UCD=$68K, USFS=$166.5K, WDFW=$117.2K, and USGS=$202K. The members of our multi-agency restoration team met and came to an agreement of how to use these funds, which was then negotiated through the contracting process with BPA and our contract officer. The difference between our FY2001 request of $658,532 and the amount received in FY2000 is $104,832, and the proposed distribution for FY2001 is: UCD=$74.9K, USFS=$255.1K, WDFW=$129.0K, and USGS=$199.6K. Type and cost of proposed work is similar to that conducted last year, with each cooperator requesting similar amounts (+/- 10%), but with the exception of a larger increase for USFS, largely associated with NEPA work for evaluating Hemlock Dam modifications.
The scope of the project largely remains the same. Task 4-d concerning Hemlock Dam evaluations and NEPA work was not a part of our FY2000 proposal or SOW, but evaluation of this dam was a part of our FY1999 work funded by BPA. Task 4-b represents a continuation of our team's effort to take corrective actions associated with this dam. Implementation of these actions (modification or removal of the dam) are planned for FY2003, which explains the large increase in our FY03 out-year budget.
This information was not provided on the original proposals, but was generated during the review process.
Staff recommendation: Don't establish a budget for Bonneville funding for Hemlock Dam removal (although assistance for planning and design is supported). The Forest Service needs to complete the NEPA process and review with the Council a rationale for Bonneville funding for removal when other funding sources are committed.