BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1997 Proposal

Section 1. Administrative
Section 2. Narrative
Section 3. Budget

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Title of project
Hunter Creek

BPA project number   5508400

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
Burns Paiute Tribe

Sponsor type   OR-Tribe

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   , EWP

Biological opinion ID   

NWPPC Program number   10.5B.1, 10.5B.2

Short description
Phase I of a multi-phase, multi-year project designed to: 1. Protect existing redband and bull trout populations above minimum viable population levels that maintain adaptability and genetic diversity, and above minimum levls that minimize the probability of extinction; 2. Restore populations of native redband and bull trout to near historic, sustainable harvest levels; 3. Pursue opportunities for resident fisheries (consumptive and nonconsumptive) isolated from native species recovery and protection programs; 4. Investigate the life history of native redband and bull trout; 5. Initiate a comprehensive genetic assessment via sampling of native redband and bull trout and other salmonids where applicable; 6. Initiate a comprehensive assessment of existing habitat including historical status, current carrying capacity, specific habitat needs and what habitat conditions constitute threats to persistence of native redband and bull trout.

Project start year   1997    End year   2007

Start of operation and/or maintenance   1998

Project development phase   Planning

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects
N/A

Project history
N/A

Biological results achieved
N/A

Annual reports and technical papers
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 1995 Fish Review (Southwest Region).

Hanson, Mary L. et.al., July 1990, Malheur River Basin Fish Management Plan, prepared by ODF&W and a citizen task force.

Aquatic Inventory Project: Methods for Stream Habitat Surveys, Research and Development Section Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, June 1995.

Management implications
This project will provide valuable knowledge on redband trout habitat and the development of adaptive management techniques which could be used by both tribal and state groups. Through cooperation with federal and state agencies the tribe will develop a management strategy consistent and not detrimental to other land owners and managers.

Specific measureable objectives
1. Develop native species life history, habitat needs, threats to persistence, and genetic sampling baseline information critical to: a) the protection of existing redband and bull trout populations above minimum viable population levels that maintain adaptability and genetic diveristy, and above minimum levels that minimize the probability of extinction; b) the restorationof populations of native redband and bull trout to near historic, sustainable harvest levels; and c) creation of opportunities for resident fisheries (consumptive and nonconsumptive) isolated from native species recovery and protection programs.
2. Develop a mitigation plan.

Testable hypothesis
Not applicable.

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
1. Stinkingwater and Hunter creeks contain unique and vulnerable trout populations which warrant special measures for protection, i.e. existence of genetically pure populations of native redband and bull trout;
2. Productivity of native populations is limited by current conditions of riparian and upland habitat;
3. Data collection efforts contribute directly to improved fish production or to document effectiveness of habitat improvement efforts;
4. Land acquisition is the least-cost alternative for achieving habitat improvements.

Methods
1. Use the Aquatic inventory project methodology developed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Use electroshock and netting to determine fish numbers.

2. Conduct water quality monitoring using DEQ methods.

3. Conduct macro-invertebrate sampling.

4. Conduct genetic sampling.

Brief schedule of activities
1st year (97) acquire property, survey property for fish, wildlife, and vegetation. Conduct aquatic surveys, monitor water quality, conduct macro-invertebrate sampling, and conduct genetic sampling.

2nd-4th years - Conduct aquatic surveys to determine averages. Continue genetic sampling and monitoring of water quality.

5th year - Write research report on findings from the surveys, monitoring, and sampling.

Biological need
Redband trout are declining within Southeastern Oregon as seen in their designation as "Federal Category 2 and State Sensitive, Vulnerable" listing. Waterfowl nesting habitat has also declined within this region. Nest and cover has been removed/cleared for agricultural use.

"Land-use factors that affect instream and riparian habitat are major concerns to fishery management. Natural habitat in the Malheur Basin has been altered dramatically, and much of the historical fishery no longer exists. The challenge for the fishery manager has been to create productive fisheries in the artificial habitat while preserving remaining indigenous species in the less altered habitat.

The habitat concerns with basinwide applications are nonpoint source pollution, riparian zone conditions, altered streamflow patterns, unscreened diversions, and reservoir conditions". (Hanson et.al. 1990:20).

Critical uncertainties
County, seller and general public might not support project on private land.

Summary of expected outcome
Develop an implementation program/strategy to enhance redband trout in Hunter's Creek, a tributary of the Malheur River. Determine the appropriate mix of riparian plants and creek improvements to enhance redband trout habitat. Also, determine the appropriate mix of plants that would benefit both redband trout and large migratory game, such as elk.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
1. NEPA
2. Hiring of project personnel
3. Cost of property
4. There is an opportunity for cooperation between the Burns Paiute Tribe and ODF&W, US Forest Service, and BLM. Malheur Forest, Burns District have agreed to provide technical support on the project.

Risks
1. Target species might not take advantage of the area set aside.

Monitoring activity
Use the habitat surveys developed by ODF&W and also used by the Forest Service.

Section 3. Budget

* For most projects, Authorized is the amount recommended by CBFWA and the Council. Planned is amount currently allocated. Contracted is the amount obligated to date of printout.

Funding recommendations

CBFWA funding review group   Resident Fish

Recommendation    Tier 2 - fund when funds available

Recommended funding level   $191,200