FY07-09 proposal 199107800

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Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleBurlington Bottoms Wildlife Mitigation Project
Proposal ID199107800
OrganizationOregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW)
Short descriptionThis project will restore and maintain wildlife habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species on 417 acres of wetlands & riparian forests. On-going work includes wetland restoration, O&M, as well as monitoring and evaluation of enhancement activitie
Information transferThis information will be used to evaluate the success of all activities including habitat restoration and on-going O&M. In addtion, information will be shared with other agencies, entities, etc. in order to increase the knowledge and understanding of what strategies, etc. work for habitat restoration and how they benefit fish and wildlife species.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
Sue Beilke Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife sbeilke@europa.com
All assigned contacts
Sue Beilke Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife sbeilke@europa.com

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Lower Columbia / Willamette

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
45.646 deg. N 122.841 deg. W Multnomah Channel Ten miles north of Portland off of Hwy. 30 and across from Sauvie Island.

Section 3. Focal species

primary: All Wildlife
Additional: Yellow Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Pileated Woodpecker, Western Pond Turtle, Beaver, Green Heron, River Otter, Red-legged Frog, Common Yellowthroat, Purple Martin, Willow Flycatcher, Wood Duck, Western Wood-Pewee

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments
2005 Habitat restoration included native planting on 10 acres and invasive species removal on 15 acres. Surveyed & monitored past activities to determine success of plantings, etc. Conducted wildlife surveys. Surveyed for listed fish species.
2004 Completed Section 7 Consultation. Completed installation of foundation for water control structure. Completed native planting on 12 ac. & removed invasive species on 15 acres. Conducted wildlife surveys on 300 acres. Surveyed for listed fish species.
2003 Worked with partners including DU & NRCS to plan for installation of water control structure as part of Moist Soil Mngt. for habitat restoration. Obtained state & federal permits. Restoration included planting and removal of invasives species on 18 ac.
2002 Began implementation of 5-Year Habitat Plan, including planning for moist soil mngt. activities. Conducted wildlife surveys on 300 acres. Restoration included invasive species removal & native planting on 20 acres. Conducted O&M.
2001 Completed 5-Year Habitat Mngt. Plan. Conducted habitat restoration including native planting on 10 acres & invasive species removal on 20 acres of wetlands. Continued wildlife surveys on 300 acres. Conducted O&M including road & trail maintenance.
2000 Continued work on Draft Habitat Management Plan, including GIS mapping. Increased values for HEP and other species through invasive plant species removal and native planting on approx. 20 acres. Conducted wildlife surveys. Conducted O&M.
1999 Completed Draft 5-Year Habitat Management Plan. Planted native species on 10 acres of wetlands. Removed invasive species on 15 acres. Conducted wildlife surveys on 300 acres. Conducted O&M including maintaining, roads, trails, etc.
1998 Habitat restoration activities included native planting on 12 acres of wetlands, and removal of invasive species on 15 acres of riparian forest habitat. Conducted wildlife surveys. Conducted O&M of roads, trails, etc.
1997 Habitat restoration included planting of native species on 15 acres of riparian scrub/shrub and forested habitats; removal of invasive species on 20 acres of wetlands. Conducted wildlife surveys on 300 acres.
1996 Habitat restoration included removal of ivy, blackberry, etc. on 25 acres. Conducted wildlife surveys, including for State & Federal (bald eagle) listed species on 300 acres. Conducted O&M for site, including maintaining 2.5 miles of roads for access.
1995 Continued implementation of Mngt. Plan. Removed invasive plant species, including Scot's broom, from approx. 30 acres. Began surveys & monitoring of target & other wildlife species; conducted Neotropical Migratroy Songbird & amphibian breeding surveys.
1994 Began implementation of Management Plan. This included surveying & identifying areas for restoration, including native planting and removal of invasives species.
1993 Identified target species and conducted a Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) for the site. Completed a hydrology and hyraulics assessment. Completed a Management Plan/EA for the site.

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 199206800 Willamette Basin Mitigation This project develops and implements measures to mitigate for wildlife habitat losses in the Willamette Subbasin, working in a cooperative manner with various agencies and groups to improve habitat, improve water quality, develop management plans and in general to improve the overall ecosystem health. Results of enhancement and maintenance activities at Burlington Bottoms are shared with this project, in an effort to further the understanding of Willamette riparian, floodplain, and wetland systems. In addition, some staff time and equipment are shared and collaborated between this project and the Willamette Subbasin program.
BPA 199205900 Amazon Basin/Eugene Wetlands - Located in the Willamette Valley, this on-going project also contributes to mitigation requirements for the Willamette Subbasin, and involves the protection and enhancement of wetland habitats similar to those found at Burlington Bottoms. It involves cooperation and collaberation of several groups and agencies, including the Nature Conservancy, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and the City of Eugene.
OWEB - State [no entry] McCarthy Creek/Enyart Floodplain/Wetland Restoration This project lies adjacent to the north property boundary of Burlington Bottoms, and contains wetland/riparian habitats. This project is a cooperative and cost sharing project between the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, OWEB, DU, BPA, a private landowner, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The main goal is to restore floodplain connectivity between the Multnomah Channel, McCarthy Creek, and the adjacent wetlands on the private property as well as at Burlington Bottoms. Benefits will include restoration of native plant communities, improved quality of wildlife habitat for such focal species as red-legged frog, and improved backwater refugia for juvenile salmonids.
BPA 200001600 Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Located in the lower Willamette River Subbasin, this project involves the protection and enhancement of wetland/riparian habitats similar to those found at Burlington Bottoms, and also contributes to mitigation requirements for the Willamette River Subbasin. Cooperaters in this project include the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Ducks Unlimited.
BPA [no entry] Scappoose Bay Watershed/Malarkey Ranch Proposed Acquisition This project is a proposed land acquisition that is located approximately eight miles north of Burlington Bottoms. It shares similar focal habitat types including tidal creeks and ponds, emergent marsh and riparian forests. Fish and wildlife species, including focal species found on the site, are also similar to those found at Burington Bottoms and include coho and fall Chinook salmon, cavity nesting birds such as the hairy woodpecker, yellow warbler, willow flycatcher, bald eagle, painted turtle, and red-legged frog. Habitat objectives for the proposal are also similar to those at BB and inlcude removal of exotic invasive plant species and restoraton of the various habitat types on the property.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Connect floodplain habitats using moist soil mngt. Continue moist soil management of wetlands through operation of the water control structure (WCS), allowing for seasonal control of water levels to wetland habitats. Benefits will include providing for reconnection of a creek, sloughs and wetlands to the Multnomah Channel, thus connecting fish to off-channel habitat and increasing habitat quality. Approximately 125 acres of wetlands will be enhanced. Willamette 1. (Terrestrial) Achieve more natural flow and water regimes. This includes maintaining more natural water levels and soil moisture regimes. 2. Restore physical habitats. 3. (Aquatic) Achieve more natural flow regimes. 4. Connect favorable habitats.
Monitor and evaluate restoration activities. M&E will allow the determination of the degree of success of restoraton activities, as well as fish and wildlife species use and response. Effective adaptive management includes M&E in order to measure the response of focal and other species to the actions carried out under a management plan Willamette Evaluate the local effectiveness of site-specific restoration efforts by monitoring representiave samples of specific restoration types. Assess general status and trend for habitats, fish and wildlife populations.
Protect & maintain high quality habitats. Maintain existing high quality habitats through removal of newly found invasive plant species, replacement of trees (e.g., willows) destroyed by beavers, etc. Approximately 200 acres will be targeted from 2007-2009. Willamette 1. Conserve and restore biological communities; this includes removal and control of invasive species through rapid response.
Restore emergent wetland habitat. Continue moist soil management of wetlands through operation of the water control structure (WCS), allowing for seasonally increasing water levels to emergent wetland habitats. Benefits will include restoring native plant communities for a variety of wildlife species, thus increasing both the quality of habitats and the biological diversity. Approximately 125 acres of wetlands will be enhances. Willamette 1. (Terrestrial) Restore physical habitats. 2. Conserve and restore bological communities. 3. Achieve more natural flow and water regimes.
Restore habitats for focal terrestrial species. Enhancement activities will include planting native species and removal of invasive plant species in varioius habitats including riparian forest, scrub/shrub, and wet meadows. Specific habitat objectives addressed in the Willamette Subbasin Plan for our focal species will be addressed. For example, for Willow Flycatcher, the Plan recommends maintaining a patchy deciduous shrub layer (i.e., 30-80% shrub cover) with scattered herbaceous openings. Approximately 200 acres will be targeted for treatment from 2007-2009. Willamette 1. Restore physical habitats 2. Conserve and restore biological communities. 3.Connect favorable habitats.

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation BPA's Environmental Compliance Group will be contacted to determine what documentation and assistance will be needed for activities under this work element. It is anticipated that compliance will include approval from BPA's Habitat Improvement Program for herbicide use in regard to the ESA and listed salmonids. Environmental compliance may be needed with USFWS & NOAA for operation of the water control structure and listed fish species. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $6,700
Biological objectives
Metrics
Create, Restore, and/or Enhance Wetland Continue Moist Soil Management for Wetland Enhancement Moist soil management will include operating and maintaining the water control structure for wetland restoration and enhancement. In addition, where needed, native planting and invasive species removal will occur using various methods such as mowing and herbicide treatment. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $97,143
Biological objectives
Metrics
* # of acres treated: Approximately 125 ac. will be enhanced.
Plant Vegetation Plant native vegetation Native vegetation will be installed in order to restore and enhance wildlife habitats. Approximately 75 acres will be targeted including riparian forest, scrub/shrub and emergent wetlands. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $70,345
Biological objectives
Metrics
* # of acres of planted: Install native plants on 75 ac. of wetlands.
Remove vegetation Remove invasive, non-native vegetation In order to restore and/or maintain habitats, non-native, invasive plant species will be removed using a variety of methods including herbicide treatment, mowing, etc. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $66,995
Biological objectives
Metrics
* # of acres treated: Approximately 150 acres will be treated.
Investigate Trespass Monitor authorized and unauthorized uses of the site The site will be monitored in order to protect fish and wildlife and habitats from illegal removal of vegetation, poaching, etc. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $6,700
Biological objectives
Metrics
Maintain Vegetation Protect and Maintain Habitat Through O&M of Past Plantings Previous native plantings for restoration and enhancement will be maintained where necessary through pruning, mulching, weeding, etc., and where necessary, replacement. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $16,749
Biological objectives
Metrics
Remove Debris Remove debris, garbage etc. from site. Periodic debris removal is needed in order to maintain high quality habitats. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $3,350
Biological objectives
Metrics
Other Maintain Terrestrial Structures; signs, roads, trails, etc. Maintain signage on site. Maintain all roads and trails needed for management access in order to access habitat enhancement projects, fish and wildlife surveys, and monitoring and evaluation. Maintenance will include brush/tree removal and filling of potholes, etc. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $3,350
Biological objectives
Metrics
Other Produce Status Report Prepare quarterly reports to track project progress. Reporting will be done against each milestone, indicating whether the milestone is green, yellow, or red. Reports will be submitted on-line via Pisces. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $3,346
Biological objectives
Metrics
Coordination Coordinate with surrounding landowners Coordinate and cooperate with surrounding landowners regarding shared access road, maintenance, etc. and to ensure protection of the site. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $3,350
Biological objectives
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects Manage and Administer Projects Supervise contracted field teams and volunteer crews. Maintain field equipment needed for habitat enhancement activities, including field mower and varous hand-powered tools and equipment. Administration of BPA contract; administrative work to support BPA's programmatic requirements; administration of subcontracts. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $16,749
Biological objectives
Metrics
Produce Annual Report Produce Annual Report Produce annual reports documenting all project activities, results, etc. for the performance period. 10/1/2007 12/31/2009 $6,700
Biological objectives
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Data Collection for Fish and Wildlife and Habitats Surveys will be conducted to collect data on habitat enhancement projects (e.g., success of planting, growth, etc) and on fish and wildlife presence and use of habitats on the site. Pond-breeding amphibians, including the State listed and focal species Northern Red-legged Frog, will be surveyed during the breeding season. Point count surveys will be conducted during the breeding season for neotropical migratory landbirds, including such focal species as Western Wood-peewee, Yellow Warbler and Willow Flycatcher. 2/1/2007 7/15/2009 $33,498
Biological objectives
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Approximately 200 ac. will be surveyed

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel Includes 1 FTE & 1 seasonal $42,036 $43,836 $44,728
Fringe Benefits OPE (54%) for Natural Resource Specialist 2 $19,099 $20,053 $21,056
Travel Mileage (.40/mile) for meetings, etc. $500 $550 $600
Other Costs include field crews, transportation, tools, etc. $13,000 $10,000 $10,000
Supplies Includes cell phone, plants, seed, materials, photo development, tools, equipment repair, etc. $9,270 $7,625 $6,900
Other Equipment rental of backhoe at $500/hr. $2,500 $2,000 $1,500
Overhead Estimated at a rate of 0.3587%. $26,330 $26,567 $26,825
Totals $112,735 $110,631 $111,609
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $334,975
Total work element budget: $334,975
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
Totals $0 $0 $0

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $108,000
FY 2011 estimated budget: $108,000
Comments: Estimates include reduction in costs due to less time spent on restoration activities and more time on O&M.

Future O&M costs: Future O&M will include operation and maintenance of the water control structure, maintaining the infrastructure including access roads and trails, replacing plants where needed due to beaver or deer activity, dealing with new invasive species, etc.

Termination date: None
Comments: This is an on-going mitigation project that includes on-going O&M activities

Final deliverables: Original habitat units of 1,319 plus additional AAHUs after restoration activities are complete.

Section 10. Narrative and other documents

Sponsor Response to the ISRP for Proposal 199107800 Jul 2006

Reviews and recommendations

FY07 budget FY08 budget FY09 budget Total budget Type Category Recommendation
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs]
$112,735 $110,631 $111,609 $334,975 Expense ProvinceExpense Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$112,735 $110,631 $111,609 $0 ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Response requested

NPCC comments: This proposal focuses on wetland habitat for fish and wildlife at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers near Portland. This habitat is an important area for local fish and wildlife populations. Habitat management in terms of native plantings, removal of exotics, and improvement of connectivity of creeks, sloughs and wetlands have been ongoing for more than a decade. In addition, wildlife surveys have taken place. The types of wildlife surveys used were listed, but no data were presented to evaluate effects on wildlife use of the many management actions or the success of the plantings themselves or the success of the exotic plant removal. Admittedly, it is difficult to evaluate wildlife responses on small parcels of land (400+ acres), but as a minimum some baseline values and where this data would be stored (listing species and relative abundance/density) would be useful for evaluating future wildlife changes as the habitats develop. A response should present the results of wildlife surveys on the parcels, identify results of planting on parcels, and provide an evaluation of exotic plant removal on parcels. Once this data is summarized, the ISRP requests an exploration between plantings and exotic plant removal and wildlife surveys to ensure that an alternative management strategy is not needed. Perhaps more passive techniques, rather than planting, would be valuable and less expensive. In the past, the ISRP have requested a summary of wildlife survey findings, but none were provided. Secondly, the ISRP is curious about the oviposition data presented in Figure 2. The ISRP interprets these data to suggest that exotic plant communities were used at a higher rate than native species, yet the exotic plant communities were aggressively controlled. The authors have a different interpretation; the ISRP requests a fuller discussion of these data.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: The ISRP was happy to see the documented wildlife findings reported in Table 1 and Table 2. The sponsors did a better job presenting the vertebrate side of the request for more information than they did for the vegetation sampling. The interpretation of the year-to-year egg mass data seems logical and provides an indication that personnel associated with the project are utilizing the data being collected to understand what is happening in Burlington Bottoms. The next step may be to determine if there is a realistic (cost-effective) way to maintain adequate water in all of the ponds in years with low water. An attempt was made to describe the egg mass distribution in relation of exotic species (i.e., exotic species dominate the situation now). The bird data seemed very useful and informative with the implication that numbers and species are increasing as habitat improves, but quantification of the habitat changes could use some improvement. Measurements of vegetation from plots before and after their work, rather than ocular estimates may be more useful. In future years, the project should continue to use monitoring data to evaluate costs and benefits of the various active and passive management techniques that are used, providing quantitative results to address this important issue.