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
Duck Valley Fish Stocking Program

BPA project number   8815600

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes

Sponsor type   NV-Tribe

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   Phil Havens, EWP 503/230-3543

Biological opinion ID   

NWPPC Program number   10.8C.1

Short description
To fund fish purchase for Sheep Creek and Mtn.View Reservoirs and Management of the Reservoirs.

Project start year   1988    End year   2001

Start of operation and/or maintenance   1995

Project development phase   implementation

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects

Project history
Due to the complete destruction of the anadromous fish migration up the Owyhee river basin and other traditional fishing areas. U.S.F.W.S. funded a fish stocking program from 1956-1980. Due to the acceptance of the mitigation process, BPA began funding in 1988 of $100,000. Between 1988 and 1990, stocking was at $60,000 with $20,000 for TA from USFWS. In 1995 the budget was increased back to $100,000 for management purposes and increased stocking.

Biological results achieved
1. Increased fish stocking for economic and substance purposes-

2. Draining and cleaning of the Reservoirs of trash fish.

3. Development of a Fish Management Plan.

4. With matching funds from the Tribes develop grow-out ponds for fingerlings.

5. Keep reservoir pool levels to protect the trout.

Annual reports and technical papers
A Fisheries Management Plan.

2.Develop draft regulations for implement and enforcement of Management Plan-

3.Fisheries Annual Report for 1991, 1992, and 1993.

Management implications
1. To improve shore line and stream bank stabilization.

2. To improve the aquatic vegetation control.

3. To take measures to keep trash fish from contaminating the reservoirs.

4. To develop a Management infrastructure.

5. To hire qualified personnel.

6. Limit grazing and cattle control structures.

Specific measureable objectives
To purchase 82,000 lbs of catchable trout and 530,000 fingerlings each year for continued year-round fishery for the public. Provide for 10,600 lbs of rainbow trout for consumption by the members of the Shoshone-Paiute tribes.

Testable hypothesis
To have a year-round fishery. Growth of the fingerlings from 4" to .75" per month. Recovery of 60% to the fishery.

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
To provide for the traditional and cultural dietary consumption of fish for the Shoshone-Paiute members.

Methods
1. Creel Surveys.

2. Fish sampling through gill wets and shocking for age and growth analysis, length frequency distribution and population survival estimates.

3. Various trout species - 97 pounds of catchables

4. 575,000 fingerlings

Brief schedule of activities
Stock reservoirs every spring (March) with catchables for immediate use. Stock fishery growout ponds with 4-5" fingerlings each spring to be released in August when the yreach 7.75-8.75". This will be the schedule every year.

Biological need
The habitat will increase the number of trout, enhance the wildlife population, enlarge migratory water fowl areas.

Critical uncertainties
1. Delay or lack of funding.

2. Dependent upon the joint hatchery project for the Shoshone-Paiute and Shoshone-Bannock fish needs.

Summary of expected outcome
Increase numbers of trout - improvement of riparian habitat - increase habitat/nesting of game/non-game species of birds - enhance local economics - increase wetland area provide extended water catchment for big game animals, fur bearers, otters, mink, mountain lions, bobcats, antelope, mule deer, etc.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
Partnership between the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley and the Shoshone-Bannock of Ft. Hall, Idaho. Cooperation with IDFG, ODFW, BPA, and private organizations.

Risks
1. The Introduction of Rough Fish into the Reservoirs and the Streams from Wildhorse Reservoir.

2. Undesirable aquatic vegetation.

3. Water quality.

Monitoring activity
Creel surveys, gill netting, tagging for individual monitoring, future brood stock methods.

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 1 - fund

Recommended funding level   $105,160

BPA 1997 authorized budget (approved start-of-year budget)   $105,160