| Proposal title | Restore Ecological Structure and Function to Grays Lake using a Decision Support System |
| Proposal ID | 34013 |
| Organization | U.S. Geological Survey - Biological Resources Division, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center (USGS) |
| Proposal contact person or principal investigator |
| Name | Dr. Rick Sojda |
| Mailing address | USGS-BRD, 212 AjM Johnson Hall, Montana State University Bozeman, MT 59717-3492 |
| Phone / email | 4069941820 / rick_sojda@usgs.gov |
| Manager authorizing this project | Dr. Rick Sojda |
| Review cycle | FY 2002 Innovative |
| Province / Subbasin | Upper Snake / Headwaters |
| Short description | Collect and synthesize hydrological, geomorphological and ecological data into a decision support system to optimize water management at Grays Lake. |
| Target species | Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Onchorhynchus clarki bouveri), trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) and muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) |
| Objective | Task | Duration in FYs | Estimated 2002 cost | Subcontractor |
|---|
| 1. Quantify geomorphology characteristics of Grays Lake basin |
a. Complete documentation of geologic history of the basin. |
18 |
$0 |
|
|
b. Document location of springs and subsurface waters, water upflow into Basin, and sediment deposition patterns. |
18 |
$40,000 |
|
| 2. Quantify the hydrologic characteristics of the Grays Lake Basin. |
a. Continue to measure stream inflow and outflow from Grays Lake. |
18 |
$0 |
|
|
b. Develop water budget for Grays Lake based on measuremented input and output, plus subsurface input from Objective 1, Task 2. |
6 |
$15,000 |
|
| 3. Quantify bathymetric parameters of Grays Lake Basin. |
a. Conduct detailed measurements of basin bathymetry. |
6 |
$20,000 |
Yes |
|
b.Compile detailed bathymetry map of Grays Lake basin. |
6 |
$5,000 |
Yes |
| 4. Quantify breeding parameters of Trumpeter Swans and other waterfowl at Grays Lake. |
a. Map nest location and habitat types used by nesting swans and other waterfowl. |
12 |
$0 |
|
|
b. Document clutch sizes, hatching success and recruitment of swans and other waterfowl. |
12 |
$0 |
|
| 5. Quantify muskrat population characteristics and seasonal habitat use. |
a. Livetrap and document demographic characteristics of muskrats in Grays Lake. |
18 |
$35,000 |
Yes |
|
b. Document seasonal distribution and habitat use of muskrats in Grays Lake. |
18 |
$35,000 |
Yes |
| 6. Document population characteristics of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in Grays Lake and upstream tributaries. |
a. Capture and document demographic characteristics of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout at Grays Lake. |
4 |
$0 |
Yes |
| 7. Develop, test and implement Decision Support System. |
a. Decision identification and framing. |
3 |
$5,000 |
|
|
b. Develop methodology |
3 |
$15,000 |
|
|
c. Assemble data. knowledge, and other information |
3 |
$5,000 |
|
|
d. Develop model |
3 |
$15,000 |
|
|
e. Field test model |
3 |
$5,000 |
|
|
f. Empirical validation recommendations |
3 |
$5,000 |
|
| Organization | Item or service provided | Amount | Cash or in-kind |
|---|
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
swan and waterfowl surveys |
$5,000 |
cash |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
hydrologic measurements |
$10,000 |
cash |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
fisheries surveys |
$5,000 |
cash |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
housing |
$6,000 |
in-kind |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
personnel |
$10,000 |
in-kind |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
equipment (boats, ATV's, flow meters) |
$12,000 |
in-kind |
| U.S. Geological Survey |
personnel |
$25,000 |
in-kind |
| U.S. Geological Survey |
equipment (hydrology) |
$15,000 |
cash |
| U.S. Geological Survey |
equipment (computers) |
$5,000 |
in-kind |
| University of Iowa |
equipment (traps, tags, miscellaneous field equipment) |
$2,500 |
in-kind |
This information was not provided on the original proposals, but was generated during the review process.
There is no innovative aspect to this project. Its objectives are to, (1) compile and collect the data necessary to describe current hydrologic and ecologic conditions at Grays Lake, and (2) import these data into a decision support system that will allow wildlife and irrigation managers to make quantitative decisions regarding the ecological and economic costs and benefits of various water management options at Grays Lake.
The proposal presents a very nice background and overview of the Gray's Lake water and wildlife issues (little appears to be known on the Yellowstone cutthroat trout population thought to be a relic one in Gray's Lake). These sections of the proposal are very thorough. Objectives and tasks are well described in general terms, but lack specific detail on specific methods and analyses to be used. For example, it would have been nice to see more detail on development of the Decision Support Model (Task 7), particularly as this is the project's central task. Nevertheless, the PI team looks well qualified to conduct the work, which has some level of support from the local landowners.