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
Stinkingwater Salmonid Project

BPA project number   5508600

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   1997

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). Scientific Resources Inc. (Paul Henson) March 16, 1993 11830 SW Kerr Parkway Suite 375 Lake Oswego, Oregon, 97035 SRI Project Number 92140

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 native salmonids in the Stinkingwater Creek area along with the development of adaptive management techniques which could be used by both tribal, state, and federal 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.

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

2nd-4th year - Continue aquatic inventory and water quality monitoring.

5th year - Write report on data received from aquatic inventory and water quality.

Biological need
Redband trout are depressed in some areas of the basin. Some populations have been isolated due to dams and obstructions. Redband trout are designated as "Federal Category 2 and State Sensitive, Vulnerable".

As indicated in Hanson et.la. (1990) the Middle Fork Malheur, which includes Stinkingwater Creek, needs improvements on fish habitats, and an inventory of fish populations.

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 native salmonids in Stinkingwater Creek, a tributary of the Middle Fork Malheur River. Determine the appropriate mix of riparian plants and creek improvements to enhance native salmonids 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. BLM borders this proposed project site. BLM could assist with management activities. The Stinkingwater area is the next management area to be re-evaluated by the Burns BLM and any data that the Burns Paiute Tribe had would be valuable to the BLM.
2. NEPA.
3. Hiring of project personnel.
4. Cost of property.
5. Opportunity for cooperation between the Burns Paiute Tribe and US Forest Service, BLM, and ODF&W.
6. Malheur Forest, Burns District have agreed to provide technical support on projects.

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

Monitoring activity
1. Use the aquatic inventory project methdology.

2. Electro-shocking and netting to count fish.

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   $183,366

BPA 1997 authorized budget (approved start-of-year budget)   $183,400