BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1998 Proposal

Section 1. Summary
Section 2. Goals
Section 3. Background
Section 4. Purpose and methods
Section 5. Planned activities
Section 6. Outcomes, monitoring and evaluation
Section 7. Relationships
Section 8. Costs and FTE

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Summary

Title of project
Grande Ronde Model Watershed - Admin/Impl./Research

BPA project number   9202601

Short description
Coordinate, plan, and implement habitat restoration in T&E chinook and steelhead streams: build community-wide participation in watershed restoration among the diverse interests of the Grande Ronde basin; develop innovative ideas in watershed planning; conduct seminars for stakeholders; facilitate interagency coordination/cooperation in habitat restoration.

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
Union County; Wallowa County; USFS-PNW Research Station, La Grande

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

Section 2. Goals

General
Supports a healthy Columbia basin; maintains biological diversity; maintains genetic integrity; increases run sizes or populations; provides needed habitat protection; adaptive management (research or M&E); program coordination or planning; education

Section 3. Background

Stream area affected

Stream name   Grande Ronde River & Tributaries
Stream miles affected   2900
Hydro project   Four Lower Columbia & four Lower Snake hydroelectric projects; not specific to any particular project.
Subbasin   Grande Ronde
Land ownership   60% public; 40% private
Acres affected   3,320,000
Habitat types   N/A only applies to wildlife.

History
Beginning the Program:
In April 1992, the Commissions from Union and Wallowa Counties determined that a grass-roots, locally based effort working to coordinate existing local, state and federal programs could effectively maintain, enhance, and restore the watershed. Joining this effort, the Northwest Power Planning Council selected the Grande Ronde basin as a 'model' for the state of Oregon, and the Governor's office through the Strategic Water Management Group certified the program. BPA and others have cost-shared to provide funding. This endeavor covers the Blue Mountain region of northeastern Oregon, 5,265 square miles, 280 streams and rivers containing 2,900 miles of fisheries, with landownership being 60% public and 40% private.
Board, Subbasin Groups, Technical Committee:
The Board of Directors represents a diverse group of interests with the common vision of a healthy watershed. Participants include stock-growers, farmers, Native American tribes, environmental groups, elected officials, and public lands, community, forestry, and fish & wildlife representatives. Initial tasks and accomplishments included creating partnerships and developing missions, goals, and objectives.
Each respective county appointed subbasin groups to coordinate with the GRMWP and focus specifically on issues pertinent to that county. A member of each group serves as ad hoc on the Board of Directors to provide a liaison role and aid in communication, transfer requests for project decision and action, and support activities.
A technical committee was formed consisting of biologists, a hydrologist, a soil scientist, and other resource specialists to advise and provide recommendations to the Board on planning direction, technical issues, and to review and evaluate project proposals for technical merit and adequacy. Local agency staffs, the tribes, and private individuals with technical expertise are playing a crucial, key role in the model watershed process in serving on this committee. This committee is an effective means for ensuring cooperation and coordination among agencies and the various projects and activities in the basin.
Scientific Input/Writing a Plan:
Available stream survey data were compiled into a Habitat Assessment to provide a sound "starting-point" to develop a plan and focus restoration activities. The Operations-Action Plan and Wallowa County-Nez Perce Tribe Salmon Recovery Plan serve as a basin-wide framework to identify priority watersheds for detailed planning and restoration projects. These include restoration criteria to aid in the process of prioritizing project actions. Staff is continuing to develop sub-watershed plans and projects, working with landowner groups and others as appropriate.
The GRMWP initiated the Grande Ronde Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment (GREDT) study. This was undertaken to provide technical information to the Board and technical committee. The study was motivated by a need for a science-based methodology that promotes effectiveness and accountability. The analysis focuses on spring chinook salmon, which serves as a diagnostic species, in the assessment of the condition of the watershed for sustainability of its resources and related societal values.
An effectiveness monitoring strategy has been developed and is being incorporated into sub-watershed action plans. On-going monitoring efforts will be identified and coordinated, and used to establish gaps that need to be addressed. Each project also contains a monitoring component. Several projects include monitoring by local high school students.
Working with Landowners/Project Implementation:
The GRMWP serves as an educational forum for landowner groups through coordination with the Soil & Water Conservation Districts, the Oregon Cattlemen's Association, and sub-watershed landowner groups. Additionally, the model watershed has established the role as facilitator to improve dialogue among local, state, tribes, and federal natural resource agencies by hosting monthly round table discussion and coordination sessions. This has been especially successful in encouraging coordination on issues beyond normal jurisdictional boundaries, and creating cooperative incentive-based ways to encourage private landowners to take part in restoration efforts.
The model watershed has assisted in development, funding, and implementation of approximately 140 restoration projects. Cost-sharing for these projects has been available through private landowners, Bonneville Power Administration, Governor’s Watershed Enhancement Board/Oregon Watershed Health Program, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other local, state, and federal agency programs, as well as private groups and organizations. Funds received from BPA have leveraged to enhance the return for investment; up to 6 to 1 in some cases. The scope of these projects address factors such as fish passage structures/irrigation diversion improvements, riparian and rangeland management/off-stream water development, water quality (sediment & erosion reduction, temperature), water quantity, fish habitat (large woody debris placement), stream morphology, road obliteration & improvements, and bank stability.
Multiple agencies and citizens share partnerships with the GRMWP, which are critical to its success. Although there is no baseline funding from any source other than BPA, the funding is leveraged for a considerable amount of in-kind services, research grants, and project funding to enable the implementation of Program goals. The Bureau of Reclamation has contributed funding in staff support, technical assistance/writing, research grants, and consultation. Governor’s Watershed Enhancement Board/Oregon Watershed Health Program has provided technical support and project implementation funds. The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has provided technical assistance, and to the extent feasible, aligned their planning operations, watershed analysis, and watershed restoration efforts with those of the GRMWP. The Natural Resources Conservation Service, Union and Wallowa Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and state agencies (ODFW, ODF, DEQ, OWRD) contribute staff planning support, technical assistance, project management, and facilitation for landowner meetings. Computer systems have been provided by Oregon Water Resources Department and Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Innovative Directions:
GRMWP is integrating watershed planning into the community and the community into watershed planning. Coordination meetings and discussions are held monthly to coordinate and aid in innovative ways to plan, fund, and implement project actions.

Biological results achieved
ODFW spawning grounds surveys indicate an increase across the Grande Ronde basin and Imnaha from 129 redds in 1995 to 432 redds in 1996. Part of this can be attributed to improved habitat, passage, and flow conditions; as well as recognizing that the return is influenced by strong parent escapement in the basin in 1992.
Chinook salmon access to premium spawning grounds in highest productivity stream (Catherine Creek) improved through replacement and reconstruction of three major diversion structures.
Improved water quality (and salmonid habitat, from invertebrate populations to alvein survival rate) in Upper Grande Ronde River through protection of banks and road closures/improvements.
Placement of woody debris, increasing channel complexity. Through educational efforts, insured that logs and woody debris already in place were not removed from streams.
Chinook spawning ground improvements through livestock management.
Smolt survival & migration improvements through irrigation diversion modifications and improvements.
Improved fry & smolt survival through increased water flows and reduced temperatures due to irrigation diversion reductions.
An effectiveness monitoring strategy has been developed by the Technical Committee and is being implemented. As information is collected, these results will be quantified and made available as funding allows. Recognizing that most habitat restoration projects are relatively new (1994/95/96 field seasons), some results may not yet be measureable.

Project reports and papers
Quarterly reports to Bonneville Power Administration for entire contract, plus year-end summaries. Grande Ronde Model Watershed Program Charter Habitat Assessment of Stream and Riparian Conditions in the Grande Ronde basin through 1993Grande Ronde Operations-Action Plan (basin-wide); Bear Creek Watershed Action Plan; Big Sheep Coordinated Resource Management Plan; draft Indian Creek Watershed Action Plan; draft coordinated resource management plans for Lostine River and Little Sheep CreekGrande Ronde Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment Study.

Adaptive management implications
The program was developed as a "model" of citizen-based natural resource planning for local government and the Northwest Power Planning Council. Lessons learned in this effort can be applied to other watersheds and include:
It takes time to create partnerships and develop a strong basin watershed council; the availability of administrative and technical assistance/support is a crucial component to its success.
Being based in local county government has been very positive and offered additional opportunities--a watershed council must allow for a diverse group of interests, local agendas, and perspectives.
Planning is vital before moving to project implementation. The key is a local assessment of environmental conditions in order to establish priorities driven by local governments, agencies, tribes, and community. The time expended for this is also well utilized in developing local consensus and unity.
Realize project development is very time consuming, and many local entities must be involved and incorporated into the process. Implementation is a multi-year process, recognizing our actions today may take years to make a difference in the quality of our environment.
Incentive based programs that encourage change in management techniques result in voluntary on-the-ground habitat restoration actions.
A model watershed serves as a forum for discussion of divisive watershed issues that allows resolution of problems, a place for various constituencies to listen to and understand each others concerns and viewpoints.
Forum to coordinate state, federal conservation and resource monitoring and management efforts.
Bring citizens and agency representation together on equal footing for planning that applies to public and private lands.
Leadership role in formulating new concepts in basin planning and management (citizen-based).
Forum to bring together agricultural and small city concerns for resource management/enhancement.
Apply science to watershed management.
Forum to aid community in better understanding its water resources and natural resources.

Section 4. Purpose and methods

Specific measureable objectives
Administration, development and implementation of watershed plans and projects to restore watershed function and improve salmonid production while maintaining a vigorous natural resource based economy.

Critical uncertainties
The risk is in not implementing the Grande Ronde Model Watershed Program as a project. Funding to maintain program staffing and allow planning, coordination, and implementation of restoration actions to continue is critical. Without local involvement, support, and cooperation, there may be no fish runs to discuss. The people on the ground can and will make a difference.

Biological need
Unless this project succeeds, chinook salmon could likely become extinct in this watershed. There is a critical biological need, in fact a necessity for this project. Grande Ronde wild spring chinook salmon are a unique gene pool. These fish must be saved to protect those genetics. Improve basin water resources by improving the basin watersheds.

Hypothesis to be tested
A diverse, local citizen-based group can motivate fellow citizens and move forward with watershed restoration programs that measurably improve water quality, fish habitat, and local economy.

Alternative approaches
For years a "top-down" approach has been utilized, with limited success.

Justification for planning
Maintaining and improving the productivity of salmon and steelhead habitat is an extremely complex task and requires coordination of virtually all activities that occur in a subbasin. The best approach to watershed restoration activities is for activities to be cooperatively undertaken by local, federal, and state agencies, and private and tribal parties. A comprehensive watershed approach can help fisheries resources recover from their depressed state and minimize impacts to local economies. Effective habitat restoration activities can be implemented only after stream-specific conditions are identified and habitat objectives determined. The GRMWP is staffed by an Executive Director, Planner, and clerical support. The Board of Directors and Technical Committee (volunteers) meet monthly; working sub-committees, meet more frequently.

Methods
By design, the GRMWP is based in local county governments (Union & Wallowa Counties). This allows coordination on issues beyond normal jurisdictional boundaries, and allows us to fulfill the role of facilitator to improve dialogue between local, state, tribes and federal natural resource management agencies. Additionally, through coordination with local landowner groups, cooperative and incentive-based opportunities are made available to private landowners, providing the catalyst for them to take part in restoration efforts.

Section 5. Planned activities

Constraints or factors that may cause schedule or budget changes
Landowner willingness to participate in the Grande Ronde Model Watershed Program; in ability to fund the program or project activities.

Section 6. Outcomes, monitoring and evaluation

SUMMARY OF EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Expected performance of target population or quality change in land area affected
Successful coordination of habitat restoration efforts in the Grande Ronde basin; strong local support of restoration projects; citizens working together; working subbasin groups supported by the community and landowners; watershed action plans developed for every critical (focus) watershed; in the long-term, changes in management activities to sustain our natural resources and local community.

Present utilization and convservation potential of target population or area
N/A See project #9402700.

Assumed historic status of utilization and conservation potential
N/A See project #9402700.

Long term expected utilization and conservation potential for target population or habitat
N/A See project #9402700.

Contribution toward long-term goal
Restoration of habitat for Snake River spring chinook, summer steelhead, & bull trout.

Indirect biological or environmental changes
N/A See related project #9402700.

Physical products
N/A See related project #9402700.

Environmental attributes affected by the project
N/A See related project #9402700.

Changes assumed or expected for affected environmental attributes
N/A See related project #9402700.

Measure of attribute changes
N/A See related project #9402700.

Assessment of effects on project outcomes of critical uncertainty
N/A See related project #9402700.

Information products
Habitat Assessment, GRMWS Action Plan, Sub-watershed action plans (defining site specific restoration projects); effectiveness monitoring plans; newsletters.

Coordination outcomes
Coordination beyond normal jurisdictional boundaries, to fulfill the role of facilitator to improve dialogue between local, state, tribes, and federal natural resource management agencies. Also coordnation with local landowner groups. Implementation of restoration plans.
Accomplishments:
Compiled a compendium of all sources of human & fiscal resources that are potentially available for protection & improvement of habitat for the model watershed. Coordinate this activity on a regional and state level, as appropriate.
Identified all parties with an interest in each model watershed. Set up procedures to include all these parties in the development & implementation of the model watershed. Convene a watershed conference that includes all parties with an interest in the model watershed.
Compiled all existing plans, programs, policies, laws and other appropriate items that relate to comprehensive watershed management in each model watershed.
Identified gaps and conflicts in the existing plans, programs, policies, laws and other appropriate items that hinder comprehensive watershed management in each model watershed.
Set out a path and procedures for filling gaps and addressing conflicts.
Identified key factors limiting salmon and steelhead productivity.
Identified priority on-the-ground actions to address key limiting factors/environmental attributes.
Provided for the involvement of volunteers and educational institutions in the implementation of projects.
Implementation of priority on-the-ground actions that address key limiting factors for salmon and steelhead production through the implementation planning process (Sec. 7.1B of Plan). In addition, initiate the path & procedures for filling gaps and addressing conflicts.
Early Life History Study: Conducted trapping, and habitat relation studies from September 1994 through present in main stem Grande Ronde and in Catherine Creek. Attempted habitat relationship studies in winter. Observed life history patterns not previously know in the mainstem Grande Ronde. Helped identify critical area for habitat restoration in valley floor of Grande Ronde. Identified critical areas and times for passage and rearing.
Subwatershed plans for Big Sheep Creek and Bear Creek, drafts for Lostine River, Little Sheep Creek, Catherine Creek, and Indian Creek.
Developed and funded over 140 projects in cooperation with cost-share partners.
Established two subbasin watershed councils (Wallowa and Union Counties) and watershed work groups in Catherine Creek, Lostine River, Bear Creek, and Big and Little Sheep Creeks.
These objectives, and more, have been fulfilled under the 1992-1997 contract.

MONITORING APPROACH
N/A See related project # 9402700.

Provisions to monitor population status or habitat quality
N/A See related project #9402700.

Data analysis and evaluation
N/A

Information feed back to management decisions
N/A

Critical uncertainties affecting project's outcomes
N/A

Evaluation
The level of coordination in the basin with regard to natural resource management and salmon habitat restoration activities. The ability to develop and implement on-the-ground actions. Landowner willingness to participate in the process.

Incorporating new information regarding uncertainties
N/A

Increasing public awareness of F&W activities
Demonstration habitat restoration projects, landowner workshops and seminars, landowner monitoring of anticipated changes resulting from restoration projects.

Section 7. Relationships

Opportunities for cooperation
Wallowa and Union Counties are partners with the Northwest Power Planning Council in developing a "model" for watershed restoration at the grass-roots/local level. County governments, Board members, and technical resource specialists have contributed countless hours to this effort; the Bureau of Reclamation, Governor's Watershed Enhancement Board/Oregon Watershed Health Program, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nez Perce Tribe, and others have cost-shared with support. The underlying factor remains in BPA providing funding to continue program efforts in order to leverage these other funding sources.

Section 8. Costs and FTE

1997 Planned  $305,000

Other non-financial supporters
Union and Wallowa Soil and Water Conservation Districts; Oregon Water Resources Dept.; Oregon Dept. of Agriculture

How does percentage apply to direct costs
N/A

Supplemental anadromous fish evaluation factors
See related project #9402700.