FY 2003 Lower Columbia proposal 200301200
Contents
Section 1. General administrative information
Section 2. Past accomplishments
Section 3. Relationships to other projects
Section 4. Budgets for planning/design phase
Section 5. Budgets for construction/implementation phase
Section 6. Budgets for operations/maintenance phase
Section 7. Budgets for monitoring/evaluation phase
Section 8. Budget summary
Reviews and Recommendations
Additional documents
| Title | Type |
|---|---|
| 31024 Narrative | Narrative |
| 31024 Sponsor Response to the ISRP | Response |
| 31024 Powerpoint Presentation | Powerpoint Presentation |
Section 1. Administrative
| Proposal title | Protect, Enhance and Maintain Wetland, Riparian and Upland Habitat on the Shillapoo Wildlife Area |
| Proposal ID | 200301200 |
| Organization | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) |
| Proposal contact person or principal investigator | |
| Name | Brian M. Calkins |
| Mailing address | 2108 Grand Blvd. Vancouver, WA 98661 |
| Phone / email | 3609066725 / calkibc@dfw.wa.gov |
| Manager authorizing this project | Jenene Fenton |
| Review cycle | Lower Columbia |
| Province / Subbasin | Lower Columbia / Columbia Lower |
| Short description | Maintain and implement measures to restore and enhance wetland, riparian, and upland habitat in the Vancouver Lake Lowlands area. |
| Target species | Canada geese, dabbling ducks, sandhill cranes, mink, yellow warbler, black-capped chickadee,western meadowlark, great blue heron |
Project location
| Latitude | Longitude | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 45.7008 | -122.7517 | Located adjacent to the Columbia River just northwest of Vancouver Washington. See map in narrative section. |
Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs)
Sponsor-reported:
| RPA |
|---|
| Action 153 |
| Action 160 |
Relevant RPAs based on NMFS/BPA review:
| Reviewing agency | Action # | BiOp Agency | Description |
|---|
Section 2. Past accomplishments
| Year | Accomplishment |
|---|---|
| 1991 | Interim management plan completed |
| Purchased three properties encompassing 1042 acres including the south end of the Shillapoo lakebed (state funds) | |
| 1994 | Purchased 60 acres near the historic center of Shillapoo Lake (state funds) |
| 1995 | Completed HEP study/report |
| Duck Unlimited receives NAWCA grant which includes work to restore/enhance wetlands on South and Vancouver Lake Units | |
| 1997 | BPA begins funding basic O&M activities for Shillapoo Wildlife Area. |
| Completed cultural resources survey | |
| 1998 | Purchased 612 acres including the northern end of the shillapoo lakebed (state and BPA funds) |
| USACOE completed analysis pertinient to hydrology of Shillapoo Lake | |
| Ducks Unlimited receives NAWCA grant and WRP funds which includes work to reestablish 150 acres of wetland habitat at the southern end of Shillapoo Lake. | |
| 1999 | Completed installation of features funded through a federal wetlands grant (NAWCA) to restore/ manage over 200 acres of wetland habitat on South and Vancouver Lake units in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited and NRCS. |
| Columbia Land Trust receives NAWCA grant which includes project to restore/enhance 80 acres of wetland habitat on North Unit. | |
| 2001 | Purchased 210 acres including the east-central part of Shillapoo Lake. |
Section 3. Relationships to other projects
| Project ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9062 | Sandy River Delta Riparian Reforestation | Compliments riparian restoration goals. |
| 5513100 | Kalama Wetland Preserve-Deep Water | Compliments wetland management goals |
| 9107800 | Burlington Bottoms Wildlife Mitigation Project | Compliments riparian, wetland and upland management. |
| Steigerwald Lake NWR | Compliments wetland restoration efforts upstream. | |
| Lower Columbia Ecoregion Restoration Project--Phase I | Project lands a component of ecoregional based wetland restoration effort. | |
| Lower Columbia Ecoregion Restoration Project--Phase II | Project lands a component of ecoregional based wetland restoration effort. | |
| Lower Columbia Ecoregion Restoration Project--Phase II | Project lands a component of ecoregional based wetland restoration effort. |
Section 4. Budget for Planning and Design phase
Task-based budget
| Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2003 cost | Subcontractor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (not applicable) | $0 |
Outyear objectives-based budget
| Objective | Starting FY | Ending FY | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| (not applicable) | $0 |
Outyear budgets for Planning and Design phase
Section 5. Budget for Construction and Implementation phase
Task-based budget
| Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2003 cost | Subcontractor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Enhance and protect wintering waterfowl habitat, with an emphasis on wetland restoration and management, throughout the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. (FY 2003 costs covered under Washington MOA.) | a. Reestablish wetland hydrology to approximately 900 acres within the Shillapoo lakebed by the end of FY 2006 and begin management for beneficial moist soil plants. | 3 | $0 | Yes |
| b. Reestablish wetland hydrology on approximately 240 acres and begin management for moist soil plants on numerous smaller wetlands which are not included in the Shillapoo Lakebed enhancement area by the end of FY 2005. | 3 | $0 | Yes | |
| c. Implement moist soil management practices on an estimated 155 acres within the South Unit by the end of FY 2004 where the ability to manage hydrology is already in place. | 3 | $0 | Yes | |
| d. By the end of FY 2006, rehabilitate or improve management of an estimated 950 acres of pasture and agricultural areas for Canada geese located throughout the Shillapoo Wildlife Area that will remain following native type habitat developments. | 3 | $0 | Yes | |
| 2. Reduce the levels of noxious weeds and other undesireable plants that limit wetland and upland habitat quality and pose a significant threat to the long-term viability of planned enhancements.. (FY 2003 costs covered under Washington MOA.) | a. Initiate control of Himalayan blackberry throughout the Shillapoo Wildlife Area on a minimum of 500 feet of linear occurrences (fence lines etc.) and a minimum of 50 acres where dense stands limit habitat quality annually through FY 2006. | 3 | $0 | |
| b. Annually initiate enhanced level control activities for Canada thistle and other undesirable herbaceous weeds in 200 acres pasture and grassland areas through FY 2004. Conduct follow up control work as necessary. | 3 | $0 | ||
| c. Reduce the number of major occurrences (Dense stands >200 square feet) of poison hemlock by 75% throughout the Shillapoo Wildlife Area by the end of FY 2005. | 3 | $0 | ||
| d. Establish an aggressive control and monitoring program on an estimated 200 acres of known purple loosestrife infestations on the North, South and Herzog Units by the end of FY 2003. | 3 | $0 | ||
| 3. Maintain, improve, and restore desired habitats in specific areas including herbaceous, scrub shrub and forested wetlands, riparian forest, oak, and grass/shrub habitat for multiple species benefits.. (FY 2003 costs covered under Washington MOA.) | a. Restore or enhance an estimated 194 acres of riparian, upland and wetland forested habitats in identified areas throughout the Shillapoo Wildlife Area by the end of FY 2006. | 3 | $0 | |
| 4. Manage appropriate public use and recreation in a manner which minimizes impacts to habitat and its use by wildlife.. (FY 2003 costs covered under Washington MOA.) | a. Establish or improve four access points and an estimated eight miles of travel routes located throughout the Shillapoo Wildlife Area and develop materials for public distribution and posting by the end of FY 2005. | 3 | $0 | |
| 3 | $0 |
Outyear objectives-based budget
| Objective | Starting FY | Ending FY | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Improve and protect wintering waterfowl habitat, with an emphasis on wetland restoration and management, throughout the Shillapoo Wildlife Area. | 2004 | 2005 | $52,000 |
| 2. Reduce the levels of noxious weeds and other undesireable plants that limit wetland and upland habitat quality and pose a significant threat to the long-term viability of planned enhancements. | 2004 | 2005 | $28,000 |
| 3. Maintain, improve, and restore desired habitats in specific areas including herbaceous, scrub shrub and forested wetlands, riparian forest, oak, and grass/shrub habitat for multiple species benefits. | 2004 | 2005 | $61,000 |
| 4. Manage appropriate public use and recreation in a manner which minimizes impacts to habitat and its use by wildlife. | 2004 | 2005 | $3,000 |
Outyear budgets for Construction and Implementation phase
| FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
|---|---|
| $84,000 | $60,000 |
Section 6. Budget for Operations and Maintenance phase
Task-based budget
| Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2003 cost | Subcontractor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Complete and maintain tasks described in the draft Shillapoo Wildlife Area Work Plan and annual statement of work. (FY 2003 costs covered under Washington MOA.) | a. Maintain and operate water delivery and control systems, control weeds, maintain fences and develop infrastructure necessary to operate the Shillapoo Wildlife Area and complete work plan activities. | ongoing | $0 | |
| b. Maintain enhancements from previous years (FY 2002/2003) as outlined in work plan. | ongoing | $0 | ||
| c. Diking district assessments | ongoing | $0 | ||
| d. Develop or lease operation facility | ongoing | $0 |
Outyear objectives-based budget
| Objective | Starting FY | Ending FY | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Complete and maintain tasks described in the draft Shillapoo Wildlife Area Work Plan and annual statement of work. | 2004 | 2005 | $335,310 |
Outyear budgets for Operations and Maintenance phase
| FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
|---|---|
| $156,430 | $178,880 |
Section 7. Budget for Monitoring and Evaluation phase
Task-based budget
| Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2003 cost | Subcontractor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Monitor species/habitat response to project activities annually. (FY 2003 costs covered under Washington MOA.) | a. Conduct waterfowl/sandhill crane use surveys annually to evaluate the value and effectiveness of various upland and wetland treatments. | ongoing | $0 | |
| b. Establish and conduct vegetation transects, maintain/establish photo points, and monitor effectiveness of weed control activities. Conduct monitoring HEP at 5 year intervals. | ongoing | $0 | ||
| c. Survey breeding populations of great blue heron, mourning dove, and wood duck in conjunction with WDFW and USFWS. | ongoing | $0 |
Outyear objectives-based budget
| Objective | Starting FY | Ending FY | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Monitor species/habitat response to project activities annually. | 2004 | 2005 | $36,000 |
Outyear budgets for Monitoring and Evaluation phase
| FY 2004 | FY 2005 |
|---|---|
| $13,000 | $23,000 |
Section 8. Estimated budget summary
Itemized budget
| Item | Note | FY 2003 cost |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel | FTE: (Bio 3: 6 months; Bio 1: 12 months; WCC Crew: 1 month) | $0 |
| Fringe | For staff listed in personnel section | $0 |
| Supplies | For services, equipment, plant materials seed fertilizer, fuel, vehicle costs, and supplies. | $0 |
| Travel | Meetings, training etc. | $0 |
| Indirect | $0 | |
| Capital | $0 | |
| NEPA | N/A | $0 |
| PIT tags | # of tags: N/A | $0 |
| Subcontractor | $0 | |
| Other | Diking District assessments | $0 |
| $0 | ||
Total estimated budget
| Total FY 2003 cost | $0 |
| Amount anticipated from previously committed BPA funds | $500,000 |
| Total FY 2003 budget request | ($500,000) |
| FY 2003 forecast from 2002 | $500,000 |
| % change from forecast | -200.0% |
Reason for change in estimated budget
(not applicable)
Reason for change in scope
(not applicable)
Cost sharing
| Organization | Item or service provided | Amount | Cash or in-kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WDFW | 50% of FY 2005 vehicle replacement | $15,000 | cash |
| Ducks Unlimited, USFWS, NRCS | 150 acres wetland restoration/enhancement | $400,000 | cash |
| Clark Public Utilities | Water supply | $80,000 | cash |
| Columbia Land Trust, Ducks Unlimited, USFWS | 80 acre wetland restoration/enhancement | $48,000 | cash |
Reviews and recommendations
This information was not provided on the original proposals, but was generated during the review process.
Fundable only if response is adequate
Mar 1, 2002
Comment:
A response is needed. This proposal requests no additional money in 2003 but does request funding for 2004 and 2005 to maintain and implement measures to restore and enhance wetland, riparian and upland habitat in the Shilapoo Wildlife Area (SWA) for various species of birds. The bird species were identified as 'indicator species" in the construction and loss assessments for Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day dams. The SWA now receives O&M funding from BPA.The SWA is located in the Vancouver Lowlands, and is intended to provide riparian, wetland, and oak woodland habitat. A former lakebed was drained and developed as agricultural land. A goal of the WDFW acquisition program is to acquire the entire former lakebed and restore it to its former species diversity and wetland functions for wintering waterfowl.
This appears to be a worthwhile project that will benefit wetland-dependent species in the Vancouver Lowlands. Areas targeted for restoration and specific restoration actions are clearly identified. An extensive M&E component includes five types of surveys. Monitoring of habitat and of wildlife response to changes in habitat will be done. The project has measurable indicators of success. The rationale for this project and significance to regional programs is clear. A complete history of land use in the area is provided. A HEP analysis was conducted in 1994-95.
The objectives and tasks are measurable and appear to have appropriate strategies, but a hydrologist should assess the re-watering techniques described. There appears to be a master plan for the vegetation desired. The proposal should address the degree of sensitivity of the master plan to its components: if one parcel of land is not acquired, or if cooperative agreements with Vancouver Parks are not achieved, how is the master plan affected?
The proposers should also discuss the predation threat to salmonids and potential for temperature traps represented by opening the connection to Shillapoo Lake, which is currently behind dikes.
Comment:
This is an ongoing project (BPA contract number is 96BI97789). This project has been funded through the Washington Wildlife Agreement. NMFS has identified that this project is a BiOp project.Comment:
Fundable, low to medium priority due to the potential for negative impacts on fish. The SWA is located in the Vancouver Lowlands, and is intended to provide riparian, wetland, and oak woodland habitat. A former lakebed was drained and developed as agricultural land. A goal of the WDFW acquisition program is to acquire the entire former lakebed and restore it to its former species diversity and wetland functions for wintering waterfowl.This appears to be a worthwhile project that will benefit wetland-dependent species in the Vancouver Lowlands. Areas targeted for restoration and specific restoration actions are clearly identified. The response indicates that the project would be only marginally affected by failure to acquire any parcel.
An extensive M&E component includes five types of surveys. Monitoring of habitat and of wildlife response to changes in habitat will be done. The project has measurable indicators of success. The rationale for this project and significance to regional programs is clear. A complete history of land use in the area is provided. A HEP analysis was conducted in 1994-95. A hydrological assessment of alternatives for lakebed management was commissioned by the COE.
The response is thorough and complete with regard to vegetation and wildlife recovery. With regard to fish, the response acknowledges that opening the connection to Shillapoo Lake would have marginal value to fish or even be detrimental because of predation or elevated temperatures. The response indicates that in recognition of these potential problems the reconnection part of the project is being reconsidered.
Comment:
Statement of Potential Biological Benefit to ESUComments
Waterfowl Project
Already ESA Req?
Biop? No
Comment:
Recommend not funding. It appears the MOA between WDFW and BPA regarding Disbursal of Wildlife Mitigation Funds and Mitigation Crediting (October 1996) already provides for the funding sought here.Comment:
Columbia Lower Issue 2: Protect, Enhance and Maintain the Shillapoo Wildlife Area (Project 31024)
Council Recommendation: WDFW proposes this ongoing project to maintain and implement measures to restore and enhance wetland, riparian, and upland habitat in the Vancouver Lake Lowlands area. CBFWA designated the project as High Priority. ISRP supported funding, but expressed concerns that the project could have some detrimental effects to anadromous fish through predation or elevated water temperatures. WDFW has indicated they are willing to reconsider the reconnection part of the project to address ISRP concerns.
The issue surrounding the project stems from Bonneville's comments that recommend not funding the project, stating the MOA between WDFW and BPA (October 1996) already provides the funding sought. WDFW contends that that MOA does not cover the project.
The Council supports the project and its objectives, but recognizes that the legal issue of project funding and coverage under the Washington MOA must be resolved prior to implementation of the project.
Comment:
Council recommended funding to begin in FY04. In FY04, fund ongoing O&M and M&E through the Washington Interim Wildlife AgreementComment:
Check on the Washington Wildlife Agreement funding for O&M. Sponsor says only 210k available in agreement, 0 in 2005.Comment:
NW Power and Conservation Council's FY 2006 Project Funding Review
expense
May 2005
| FY05 NPCC start of year: | FY06 NPCC staff preliminary: | FY06 NPCC July draft start of year: |
| $253,430 | $253,430 | $253,430 |
Sponsor comments: See comment at Council's website