FY 2002 Columbia Plateau proposal 199802000

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleAssess Fish Habitat and Salmonids in the Walla Walla Watershed in Washington
Proposal ID199802000
OrganizationWashington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW)
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
NameGlen Mendel
Mailing address529 W Main St Dayton, WA 99328
Phone / email5093821005 / mendegwm@dfw.wa.gov
Manager authorizing this projectRoss Fuller
Review cycleColumbia Plateau
Province / SubbasinColumbia Plateau / Walla Walla
Short descriptionThis project includes design and construction of adult traps in Mill Creek and the Touchet River, and steelhead and bull trout monitoring activities in those drainages and in the lower Walla Walla River. It also includes participation in NEOH planning.
Target speciesSteelhead (mid Columbia R. ESU) and bull trout (Columbia River DPS)
Project location
LatitudeLongitudeDescription
46.2 -118.28 the portion of the Walla Walla Subbasin within WA State
Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs)

Sponsor-reported:

RPA
Action 151
Action 169
Action 170
Action 171
Action 172
Action 173
Action 174
Action 175
Action 176
Action 177
Action 178
Action 179
Action 180
Action 181
Action 182
Action 183
Action 184
Action 185
Action 186
Action 187
Action 188
Action 189
Action 190
Action 191
Action 192
Action 193
Action 194
Action 195
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Action 198
Action 199

Relevant RPAs based on NMFS/BPA review:

Reviewing agencyAction #BiOp AgencyDescription
NMFS Action 154 NMFS BPA shall work with the NWPPC to ensure development and updating of subbasin assessments and plans; match state and local funding for coordinated development of watershed assessments and plans; and help fund technical support for subbasin and watershed plan implementation from 2001 to 2006. Planning for priority subbasins should be completed by the 2003 check-in. The action agencies will work with other Federal agencies to ensure that subbasin and watershed assessments and plans are coordinated across non-Federal and Federal land ownerships and programs.

Section 2. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishment
2000 We completed preliminary summaries of our 2000 data to be used for the WA State Limiting Factors Report for WRIA 32 and for use in the subbasin summary, as necessary.
2000 Discovered a 10-15 ft barrier dam on Russell Creek that was previously undocumented. This barrier will be highlighted to others in the basin for possible removal or passage work.
2000 We discovered several other small barriers and culverts that are obstacles that will be identified for habitat improvement efforts by others.
2000 We found a previously unknown population of bull trout by searching the Burnt Fork of the S. F. Touchet R. with electrofisher for the second year. We found multiple age classes and then walked spawning surveys in the fall and confirmed spawning.
2000 Assisted USFS with bull trout spawning surveys in the N. Fork of the Touchet R.
2000 Conducted bull trout spawning surveys in the Wolf Fk.of the Touchet R.
2000 We conducted spawning surveys in Dry, East Little Walla Walla, West Little Walla Walla, Cottonwood, Russell and Yellowhawk creeks. Most of these streams had never been surveyed before. We found steelhead use in most of these streams.
2000 Conducted the modeling portion of the IFIM study and coordinated an expanded IFIM study with DOE for the Walla Walla River.
2000 We shifted our electrofishing and snorkeling efforts to concentrate on many of the streams around the town of Walla Walla that had not been sampled earlier, and to finish sampling most of the Touchet R. and tributaries.
2000 We expanded our flow monitoring and had three constant recording flow monitors in the Walla Walla R, two in the lower Touchet R. and one in Yellowhawk Creek. These sites were coordinated with the needs of others.
2000 We completed the 1999 annual report and it was printed and distributed to others within the basin in December so they can use the data for planning, habitat project guidance, and other management.
2000 We expanded our temperature monitoring in the basin and coordinated additional temperature monitoring with the Conservation District and the COE.
2000 Collected DNA and allozyme samples from steelhead juveniles in Touchet River forks and from adult steelhead and bull trout in several areas in the basin.
1999 We discovered several previously undocumented barriers in tributaries (e.g. Whiskey Creek, Lewis Creek, Mud Creek, Bluewood Creek, etc.) We identified these barriers to others; two of the barriers have now been repaired to provide passage for salmonids.
1999 The 1998 Annual Report was completed, printed and distributed to many others working in the basin to provide fish and habitat data to help guide their habitat improvement and planning efforts.
1999 Collected Allozyme and DNA samples from steelhead juveniles in Touchet R forks and from adult steelhead and bull trout in several areas in the basin.
1999 Expanded our fish distribution and abundance sampling to cover new areas of the basin and to repeat sampling in some areas that were sampled in 1998.
1999 Collected the IFIM data for flow modeling for the lower Mill Creek and Walla Walla River near the mouth of Mill Creek.
1999 Coordinated and implemented a subcontract with WA DOE for additional water quality monitoring in portions of the Lower Touchet, Walla Walla and Mill Creek for a six month season.
1999 Assisted the ODFW, CTUIR and irrigators with a fish salvage effort in the Oregon portion of the Walla Walla River to rescue salmonids from stranding as the river was dewatered for irrigation. Over 6,000 salmonids were moved to areas with better water.
1999 Conducted steelhead spawning surveys in Coppei Creek (47 redds) and Patit and Dry creeks.
1999 Expanded our temperature and flow monitoring and coordinated additional temperature monitoring by the Conservation District/COE.
1999 Conducted extensive bull trout spawning surveys in the Wolf Fork of the Touchet River
1998 Monitored and documented low streamflows and water temperatures for numerous streams and stream reaches in the basin and began the evaluation of their effects of salmonid distribution and abundance.
1998 Surveyed with electrofishing and snorkeling to begin determination of salmonid distribution and relative abundance in many streams in the basin.
1998 Conducted expanded bull trout spawning surveys in the Wolf Fork to document the temporal and spatial extent of spawning.
1998 Coordinated genetic tissue sampling of adult steelhead and bull trout at various sites and began DNA analysis.
1998 Assessment Project began later than planned and field work began in June instead of April.

Section 3. Relationships to other projects

Project IDTitleDescription
199604601 Walla Walla River Basin fish Habitat Enhancement - CTUIR The WDFW proposed project provides drainage-wide estimates of adult steelhead returns for Mill Creek and Touchet R. and other fish information that may help guide the CTUIR habitat project and assist in evaluating its success.
199601100 Walla Walla Passage Projects - juvenile screens and trapping The WDFW proposed project supplements juvenile trapping on the Walla Walla River with trapping in the Touchet River and potentially Mill Creek in the future. It also provides flow and fish data that can be used to guide the CTUIR project.
199601200 Walla Walla Passage Projects - anadromous fish passage The WDFW proposed project supplements the adult passage project by CTUIR by coordinating with the COE to improve the ladder at Bennington Diversion dam and install a trap.
200003800 Walla Walla Hatchery Master Planning The WDFW proposed project would ensure that WDFW would be fully engaged in this process as a co-manager in the basin.
200002600 Rainwater Wildlife Area Operations and Maintenance The WDFW proposed project would provide useful information for management and evaluation of the Rainwater Project and the returns to the Touchet Basin.
200003800 Walla Walla River passage operations The WDFW proposed project supplements the CTUIR project by monitoring the fish ladder at Mill Creek and supplying adult passage and flow data in Mill Creek and the Touchet River while CTUIR monitors passage and adult counts in the Walla Walla River.
200003900 Walla Walla Basin Natural Production Monitoring and Evaluation The WDFW proposed project would supplement the CTUIR project and provide adult trap data from Mill Cr. and the Touchet R. and other information that CTUIR has not identified as activities or locations in their proposal.
FCRPS - RPA 9.6.2.1 Action 151 Efforts to improve tributary habitat quality and quantity have been identified as critical for recovery of salmon. This proposed project would continue to assess the effect of increased water flows being made available in the basin.
FCRPS - RPA 9.6.4.2 Development of local brood steelhead and supplementation of populations through NEOH and LSRCP have been proposed. Data provided by this proposal will help guide managers to best decisions for wild populations.
FCRPS - RPA 9.6.4.3 Data already collected indicate some steelhead populations in the basin may be severely depressed. Further study is needed to determine whether safety net actions provided by Artificial propagation are necessary to prevent extirpation.
FCRPS - RPA 9.6.5 This project is consistent with monitoring and evaluation of population status and the environmental status of sub-basin. This is especially important where populations may approach self sustaining levels.
LSRCP Mitigation Program Data collected from this project would complement LSRCP collected data, and aid in decisions affecting hatchery production and releases, and stocks used for production/recovery.

Section 4. Budget for Planning and Design phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1. Estimate escapement of hatchery and wild steelhead into the Touchet River and Mill Creek drainages of the Walla Walla River, WA. a. Coordinate with the COE to assist with designing and obtaining permits for construction activities to improve fish passage and build a trap in the fish ladder at the COE Bennington Lake Diversion Dam on Mill Creek. 1-2 $30,000 Yes
b. Design and obtain permits for improvement of an existing trap at the Dayton Acclimation Pond intake. 1 $10,000
$0
$0
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Estimate escapement of hatchery and wild steelhead into the Touchet River and Mill Creek drainages of the Walla Walla River, WA. 2002 2004 $5,000
Outyear budgets for Planning and Design phase
FY 2003
$5,000

Section 5. Budget for Construction and Implementation phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1. Estimate escapement of hatchery and wild steelhead into the Touchet River and Mill Creek drainages of the Walla Walla River basin. a. Construct the Dayton Trap (operation of the trap is covered by the WDFW/LSRCP). 1 $30,000
b. Coordinate with the COE and provide monies for construction of the trap on the Bennington Lake Diversion Dam. 1-2 $30,000 Yes
c. Operate an adult trap on Mill Creek (see a1 and Sect. 6) throughout the adult salmonid migration period. Enumerate, determine sex, origin, and lengths. Externally mark to allow documentation of fall back and escapement. Collect biological samples. indefinite $0
d. Use mark recapture or total counts past each dam to estimate adult escapement past each adult trap. indefinite $832
e. Continue, or expand, spawning surveys in each basin during late Feb. through the end of spawning in May. Locate and mark each redd and record the data. indefinite $6,500
f. Estimate total steelhead redds in each drainage. Use index area counts, redd visibility duration, and other means as necessary to estimate the total redds. indefinite $500
g. Calculate the number of redds per female and per spawner. Estimate total egg deposition within each basin based on average fecundity from fish collected at the Dayton Trap for LSRCP hatchery production and local broodstock development. indefininte $500
h. Conduct spawning ground surveys in Coppei Creek and the mainstem Touchet River below Dayton to estimate escapement downstream of Dayton. indefinite $12,000
2. Evaluate bull trout and spring chinook use of the Touchet and Mill Creek watersheds. a. implement tasks 1.a, b, and c above to count and biologically sample bull trout and spring chinook salmon passing the traps. (see Section 6: Obj. 1) indefinite $0
b. provide spring chinook data to CTUIR and other comanagers for evaluation of experimental reintroduction of spring chinook within the basin. indefinite $500
c. PIT tag captured adult bull trout to document multiple spawning migrations and/or spawning in subsequent years, and annual growth. 3-5 yrs $900
d. provide captured bull trout for radio tagging as part of two cooperative radio telemetry projects for bull trout in the Walla Walla Basin. 2-4 yrs $0
e. Continue bull trout spawning surveys. indefinite $5,000
f. Continue juvenile bull trout distribution surveys with electrofishing or snorkeling. indefinite $4,000
3. Document juvenile steelhead life history patterns and survival rates from Mill Creek and the Touchet River as well as smolt production from the Touchet River. a. Electrofish to collect parr and presmolts to mark fish and determine abundance and distribution indefinite $10,500
b. Operate a rotary screw trap in the Touchet River near the adult trap. A screw trap will be established and operated in Mill Creek by a separate ODFW project, or at a later date under this project. indefinite $70,000
c. Capture, enumerate, PIT tag, and CWT steelhead migrants. indefinite $18,000
d. Collect length, weight, and scale samples from juvenile steelhead to determine age structure of the population. indefinite $0
e. Remove a fin clip and tissue sample trap mortalities to genetically characterize the population. indefinite $0
f. Mark and release known numbers of naturally produced steelhead migrants upstream of the trap to recapture and calibrate trap efficiency. indefinite $0
g. Estimate the number of steelhead smolts annually leaving the Touchet River. Use data from the ODFW proposed trap to estimate smolt production from Mill Creek, or establish and operate a screw trap in Mill Creek in 2003. indefinite $2,500
4. Evaluate smolt-to-adult return rates and parent to progeny rates of naturally produced steelhead in Mill Creek and the Touchet River. a. Collect information on detected PIT tagged juveniles during downstream migration at McNary Dam etc.,and from returning steelhead detected at Columbia and Snake River dams and sampled in commercial or sport fisheries. indefinite $520
b. Estimate smolt-to-adult survival rates based on PIT and CWT recoveries of adults captured in basin traps. indefinite $500
c. Evaluate the rates of adult returns produced by natural spawners in Mill Creek and the Touchet River (parent to progeny rates) to evaluate the status of the steelhead populations and the potential need for NEOH or LSRCP supplementation in the future. indefinite $1,700
5. Continue to evaluate wild and hatchery steelhead use of the mainstem Walla Walla River and its minor tributaries within Washington. a. Conduct steelhead spawning surveys in the mainstem Walla Walla River and its tributaries downstream of the Oregon State Line. 2-3 yrs $5,000
b. Collect DNA samples from spawning or spawned out adults, or from juvenile steelhead below the OR state line to evaluate the natural or hatchery steelhead production in the mainstem Walla Walla and nearby tributaries within WA. 2-3 yrs $500
c. electrofish or snorkel to evaluate juvenile steelhead use in spring and summer and to collect DNA samples from juveniles. 2-3 yrs $9,000
6. Continue steelhead genetic sampling and analysis within the WA portion of the basin to determine the number of wild steelhead stocks in the basin and reproductive contributions by hatchery fish. a. Gather steelhead genetic samples from adults and juveniles from other tasks. 3-4 yrs $0
b. send the samples to the WDFW genetics lab. and conduct DNA analyses. 3-4 yrs $10,000
7. Continue monitoring of stream flows, water temperatures and salmonid distribution and abundance in areas that are now being rewatered during the summer because of ESA concerns. Compare with data from the past 4 years. a. Identify and contact landowners to obtain access along streams that have been dewatered and are being, or may be, rewatered to protect ESA listed fish. 2-5 yrs $700
b. Establish stream discharge monitors in the lower Walla Walla and nearby tributaries. Subcontractor will assist with this task. 2-5 yrs $1,500 Yes
c. Conduct periodic stream discharge measurements to calibrate or supplement the discharge monitors and assist with development of an understanding of issues and relationships in the lower Walla Walla and its nearby tributaries. 2-5 yrs $5,000
d. Deploy and monitor constant recording water temperature gauges in streams in the area. 2-5 yrs $5,000
e. Conduct snorkeling during spring and summer, and electrofishing during summer to determine juvenile salmonid use of the dewatered or rewatered areas within WA state. 2-3 yrs $7,500
8. Coordinate, compile, analyze and report results. a. compile and report results monthly or quarterly from each task to interested parties and co-managers within the basin, as well as to BPA. indefinite $48,500
b. provide annual reports in hardcopy and electronic format to BPA and interested parties within the basin. indefinite $500
c. coordinate all actions with fishery co-managers, watershed coordinators and other interested parties in the basin. Provide written and oral summaries to interested parties as necessary to ensure timely inclusion of results in planning efforts. indefinite $3,500
9. Participate in Northeast Oregon hatchery (NEOH) coordination and planning for the Walla Walla Basin. a. Participate in coordination meetings and review of NEOH planning for the Walla Walla Basin. indefinite $2,500
b. Assist with development and review of the Master Plan for NEOH hatchery production for steelhead or spring chinook in the Walla Walla Basin. indefinite $3,000
c. Conduct engineering and biological review of hatchery or acclimation facility designs proposed under NEOH. indefinite $5,000
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Estimate escapement of hatchery and wild steelhead into the Touchet and Mill Creek drainages. 2003 2006 $108,765
2. Evaluate bull trout and spring chinook use of the Touchet and Mill Creek watersheds. 2003 2006 $40,710
3. Document junenile steelhead life history patterns and survivial rates from Mill Creek and the Touchet River as well as smolt production from the Touchet River. 2003 2006 $393,825
4. Evaluate smolt-to-adult return rates and parent to progeny rates of naturally produced steelhead in Mill Creek and the Touchet River. 2003 2006 $10,620
5. Continue to evaluate wild and hatchery steelhead use of the mainstem Walla Walla River and its minor tributaries within Washington. 2003 2004 $29,000
6. Continue steelhead genetic sampling and analysis within the WA portion of the basin to determine the number of wild steelhead stocks in the basin and reproductive contributions by hatchery fish. 2003 2006 $38,940
7. Continue monitoring of stream flows, water temperatures and salmonid distribution and abundance in areas that are now being rewatered during the summer because of ESA concerns. Compare with data from the past 4 years. 2003 2006 $76,995
8. Coordinate, compile, analyze and report results. 2003 2006 $204,435
9. Participate in NEOH coordination and planning in the Walla Walla Basin. 2003 2006 $40,710
Outyear budgets for Construction and Implementation phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$219,000$230,000$241,500$253,500

Section 6. Budget for Operations and Maintenance phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1. Operate and maintain the adult trap at the Bennington Lake Diversion Dam a. Work out a cooperative agreement with the COE for operation and maintenance of the trap facility. 1-2 yrs $1,000
b. Supply personnel to check the trap daily and collect biological information from fish in the trap. indefinite $20,000
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Operate and maintain the adult trap at the Bennington Lake Diversion Dam 2003 2006 $94,400
Outyear budgets for Operations and Maintenance phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$25,000$22,000$23,100$24,300

Section 7. Budget for Monitoring and Evaluation phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
Outyear budgets for Monitoring and Evaluation phase

Section 8. Estimated budget summary

Itemized budget
ItemNoteFY 2002 cost
Personnel FTE: 1.25 Biologist 1.0 Tech 2 1.9 Tech 2 $110,700
Fringe approx. 28.5% of salaries $31,550
Supplies portable generator walkways and lighting and safety materials boots/waders nets, CWT machine rent $12,500
Travel lease of two vehicles and fuel, maint. $15,000
Indirect 25.2% $42,777
Capital trap design @ $10,000 construct traps @ $60,000, 5 ' rotary smolt trap @ 15,000 $85,000
NEPA $20,000
PIT tags # of tags: 4,500 $10,125
Subcontractor DOE flows = $500 A&E design for Mill Cr. Dam trap = $30,000 $35,000
$362,652
Total estimated budget
Total FY 2002 cost$362,652
Amount anticipated from previously committed BPA funds$0
Total FY 2002 budget request$362,652
FY 2002 forecast from 2001$170,000
% change from forecast113.3%
Reason for change in estimated budget

The etimated budget for 2002 changed because of the addition of a smolt trap and its operation, and the addition of construction and design costs for adult traps (that were proposed for funding in 2001, but no new tasks were funded in 2001). We have also added NEOH participation and modified our general assessment project to take advantage of an opportunity to monitor the benefits of adding water to dewatered or low water stream reaches and to continue some level of baseline monitoring of steelhead and bull trout.

Reason for change in scope

Although we proposed addition of two adult traps to our assessment project in the 2001 proposal, no new tasks were funded in 2001. We had submitted a proposal for funding in 1999 for steelhead escapement and production monitoring in the Touchet River and Mill Creek. That proposal was not funded because of lack of funds for any new projects within the funding cap allotted for NE OR and SE WA. The ISRP had suggested that it be added to our existing assessment project. We need to know more about steelhead in these tributary systems because the information could affect management of, and efforts to protect, listed steelhead, mangement of the existing LSRCP mitigation program, and any potential NEOH supplementation program. WDFW also needs to increase its involvement in NEOH planning for the basin and completion of the Master Plan for additional hatchery programs. Also, the assessment project needs to change to maintain some baseline monitoring levels for steelhead and bull trout.

Cost sharing
OrganizationItem or service providedAmountCash or in-kind
WA DOE flow monitoring assistance $2,000 in-kind
WDFW/LSRCP operation of the Touchet adult trap, electrofishing of many sites in the Touchet River tributaries and spawning surveys in parts of the Touchet basin. $12,000 in-kind
WDFW/LSRCP office space, pit tagging station, misc supplies and equipment $12,000 in-kind
Corps of Engineers (COE) -anticipated design and construction of Mill Creek trap $50,000 cash
Other budget explanation


Reviews and recommendations

This information was not provided on the original proposals, but was generated during the review process.

Recommendation:
Fundable - no response required
Date:
Jun 15, 2001

Comment:

Fundable. It is essential for WDFW to continue its assessments in the Walla Walla Basin, as efforts continue to restore salmon and steelhead populations. These efforts continue to uncover new and vital information on presence of fish and their relationships to environmental conditions. The two groups working on the monitoring and evaluation task should meet and agree on a coordinated approach that is a function of the questions to be asked. A review of smolt and adult trapping options is recommended, if a decision is reached to proceed with that component. The watershed conditions assessment must continue to completion, with immediate attention to high priority restorations, and planning.


Recommendation:
High Priority
Date:
Aug 3, 2001

Comment:


Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Aug 10, 2001

Comment:

Fundable. It is essential for WDFW to continue its assessments in the Walla Walla Basin, as efforts continue to restore salmon and steelhead populations. These efforts continue to uncover new and vital information on presence of fish and their relationships to environmental conditions. The two groups working on the monitoring and evaluation task should meet and agree on a coordinated approach that is a function of the questions to be asked. A review of smolt and adult trapping options is recommended, if a decision is reached to proceed with that component. The watershed conditions assessment must continue to completion, with immediate attention to high priority restorations, and planning.
Recommendation:
Date:
Oct 1, 2001

Comment:

Statement of Potential Biological Benefit to ESU
Indirect effect -- project is a habitat assessment project.

Comments
Continued WDFW assessments in the Walla Walla Basin is essential to efforts to continue to restore salmon and steelhead populations. Suggest that the two groups working on the M&E task meet & agree upon a coordinated approach that is a function of the questions to be asked. Also recommend a review of smolt & adult trapping options. Recommend that the watershed conditions assessment continue to completion, with immediate attention to high priority restorations & planning.

Already ESA Req? no

Biop? yes


Recommendation:
Rank A
Date:
Oct 16, 2001

Comment:

This needs to be carefully reviewed with #200003900 for possible overlap of effort and costs.
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Jan 3, 2002

Comment:


Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Mar 6, 2002

Comment:

Fund at Council recommendation and suggest that the sponsor request balance of FY02 request through Within-Year Reallocation process.
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Sep 20, 2003

Comment:

Indirect increase and fleet costs for 05. Accruals in good shape.
Recommendation:
Date:
Sep 20, 2003

Comment:


REVIEW:
NW Power and Conservation Council's FY 2006 Project Funding Review
Funding category:
expense
Date:
May 2005
FY05 NPCC start of year:FY06 NPCC staff preliminary:FY06 NPCC July draft start of year:
$174,250 $174,250 $174,250

Sponsor comments: See comment at Council's website