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
Billy Shaw Res Development

BPA project number   9501500

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   None

NWPPC Program number   10.8C.4, 2.A.4

Short description
Construct a reservoir with a surface area of 430 acres for a trophy fishery on the Duck Valley Reservation.

Project start year   1995    End year   2001

Start of operation and/or maintenance   1998

Project development phase   Implementation

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects

Project history
1) Pursuant to Amendment Section 9.4A Resident Fish Substitution Project.

2) A preliminary feasibility study was conducted by B.O.R. in 1987 (Two sites were studied and were both positive, further studies were suggested).

3) In 1995 a in-depth Feasibility Study was conducted by KLEINFELDERS, INC. which will be complete in April of 1996 - A Biological assessment will be completed in May by B.P.A.

4) Final design and contract specification has been recommended by CBFWA and will be contingent upon Councils approval tor EY-96

5) The actual construction phase will begin in Spring of 1997.

Biological results achieved
Increased fish stocking for economic and subsistence purposes.

Development of a Fish Management Plan.

With matching revenues from the Tribes place streamside incubators for hatchery enhancement.

Maintain reservoir pool depths for trout protection.

Annual reports and technical papers
1. Preliminary Feasibility Study - Bureau of Reclamation - 1987

2. Lake Billy Shaw Feasibility Study - Kleinfelders - April 1996

3. Environmentai Assessment - BPA - May 199F -

4. Fisheries Management Plan(s) USFW 1990, 1991, 1992.

5. Natural Resource Management Plar December, 1991

6. Draft final Ethnographic Report: Duck Valley - D. Walker.

7. NAGPRA in Southern Idaho - D. Walker.

8. Economic Development Plan.

Management implications
1) Water Control

2) Inflow and outflow screens and structures

3) Non-game fish control

4) Sport Fishery Management

Specific measureable objectives
Build a reservoir of 430 surface area with trophy size fish of 20"+ and 5-9 lbs. Stocked trout will have a density of 275 trout per surface acre. This reservoir will increase the wetlands and riparian habitat for wildlife in addition to the fishery for a total of 3,300 acre feet with a depth of 27.5 feet.

Testable hypothesis
During the six months of relatively warm weather the fish grow a minimum of .75" per month. Within three years we will have trophy trout of 20"+ and an average weight of 5-9 lbs. (According to our past records on growth and weight of the fish from the Tribes' other reservoirs, this will happen.)

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
Each year the tribes will stock 355,000 lbs of catchables (7" trout) for three years with no fishing allowed so that the stock will grow into 20"+ in three years and have a density of 275 trout per surface acre. The new reservoir will have new aquatic plants for habitat and food so that the fish will be able to grow 4.3 inches per year to reach a minimum growth of 13 inches within three years.

Methods
The Feasibility Study - April, 1996 (Kleinfelders) is based on the best available science and demonstrates all reasonable precautions have been taken.

Brief schedule of activities
10/1/96 - 4/30/97 - Engineering design
5/97 - Begin construction process
7/97 - Construction starts
1/98 - Construction finished
1/98 - 1/99 - Fill reservoir
3/98 - Stock reservoir with first 355,000 of 7" trout
3/2001 - Open reservoir for trophy fishing

Biological need
The habitat will ultimately increase the decreasing number of red band trout in the Upper Columbia River drainage, enhance the Native Wildlife populations by an increase of a riparian area, enlarge migratory water fowl areas for resting, nesting and living increase of feeding areas for raptors - Provision of additional habitat for resident upland game birds - As well as provide a unique trophy fishery that will enhance the quality of every living being for years to come.

Critical uncertainties
Delayal of funding.

Dependent upon hatchery for Shoshone-Paiute and Shoshone-Bannock fishery need.

Summary of expected outcome
Increase numbers of native red band trout. Improvement of riparian habitat
Increase of nesting/habitat for game/non-game species of birds.

Enhance local economics, increase wetland area, provide extended water catchment for big game animals and/or all living species.

Provision of a trophy fishery unique to anywhere in the world for red band trout.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
Approval of Kleinfelders' Feasibility Study/FONSI - (The new criteria established by CBFWA Resident Fish Committee).

Joint hatchery production facility between Shoshone-Paiutes & Shoshone-Bannock.

Eventual MOA between ducks unlimited, fly fishing, trophy fisheries, pheasants, unlimited, birdwatchers, cooperation with Idaho State Fish & Game - Oregon Department and Wildlife and Burns Paiute Tribes.

Risks

Monitoring activity
Creel surveys - Fishing/hunting surveys - Wildlife counts
Gill netting (for health, growth and number analysis)
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   $3,360,340

BPA 1997 authorized budget (approved start-of-year budget)   $3,796,015