FY07-09 proposal 200727200

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleConservation and Recovery of Endangered Species Act Listed Floodplain Fishes in the Willamette Basin, with Emphasis on Oregon Chub
Proposal ID200727200
OrganizationUS Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Short descriptionThe primary focus of the proposed project is for the conservation and recovery of Endangered Species Act (ESA) listed floodplain fishes and their habitats in the Willamette Basin. The project is a collaborative effort between various agencies.
Information transferInformation from this project will be: 1) Utilized by an existing interagency working group of land management agencies comprised of representatives from various federal, state, and local agencies; 2) housed in an existing ODFW database and spatial dataset managed for the conservation and recovery of ESA listed species (http://oregonstate.edu/Dept/ODFW/NativeFish/OregonChub.htm); 3) integrated into the ongoing ESA listed species recovery planning process as identified by the Willamette Basin subbasin plan, and; 4) utilized for the benefit of ESA listed species by the Oregon National Heritage Information Center.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
Doug Baus US Fish and Wildlife Service [email protected]
All assigned contacts

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Lower Columbia / Willamette

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
Outreach and Education On Floodplain Function and Importance for Threatened and Endangered Fish Species Throughout Subbasins with Oregon Chub
Oregon Chub Floodplain Habitat Enhancement on Private Lands in the Willamette Basin
[none] Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge Oregon Chub Introduction
Middle Fork Willamette River Public Outreach and Education of Oregon Chub at Elijah Bristow
Willamette River Oregon Chub Investigations in the Willamette River

Section 3. Focal species

primary: Oregon Chub
secondary: Chinook Upper Willamette River ESU
secondary: Pacific Lamprey
secondary: River Lamprey
secondary: Steelhead Upper Willamette River ESU
secondary: Cutthroat Trout
secondary: Bull Trout
secondary: Rainbow Trout
secondary: Mountain Whitefish

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 199206800 Willamette Basin Mitigation BPA's Willamette Basin Mitigation Project has worked closely with ODFW on two projects that are related to floodplain function and Oregon chub: 1) Restoration of floodplain habitats at Big Island, McKenzie River, and; 2) Hydrologic study at Big Island.
OWEB - State 204-204 Elijah Bristow Riparian Restor ODFW and USFWS will be working closely with OWEB's Elijah Bristow Project because both projects deal with floodplain habitat which is essential habitat for Oregon chub. OWEB's project was a collaborative effort with the Middle Fork Willamette Watershed Council. The project also included assisting with restoring the hydrologic function of floodplain habitats below Dexter Dam on the Middle Fork Willamette River, habitats containing Oregon chub.
Other: US Army Corps of Engineers 8330.03903(03) Willamette Floodplain Restoration The proposed project and BPA's Willamette Floodplain Restoration project are related because both projects address floodplain habitat that is important to Oregon chub.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Determine Status and Populations and Distribution Characterize the population and distribution of Oregon chub in floodplain habitats throughout the Willamette Basin. The draft Willamette subbasin plan and the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan discuss the importance of monitoring populations and the distribution of this endemic species. Oregon chub face the following challenges in the Willamette Valley: habitat loss as a result of changes in seasonal flows associated with the construction of dams throughout the basin; channelization of the river and its tributaries; removal of snags for river navigation; the proliferation of nonnative fish and amphibians; accidental chemical spills; runoff from herbicide or pesticide application on farms, timberlands, or along roadways, railways, and power line rights-of-way; desiccation of habitats; unauthorized water withdrawals, diversions, or fill and removal activities; and sedimentation resulting from timber harvesting in the watershed. Willamette Monitor populations to determine if Oregon chub have reached the recovery goals outlined in the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1998).
Increase Distribution throughout Historic Range A major recovery action identified in the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan is the establishment of new Oregon chub populations within their historical range. Criteria have been developed for identifying introduction sites, for enhancing habitat quality when needed, and for conducting and monitoring introductions. In 1996, a programmatic environmental assessment for the establishment of Oregon chub populations was developed to streamline the regulatory process for introductions within the Willamette Basin. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, have identified six locations (in this proposal) within the Willamette Basin that meet the criteria for suitable introduction sites. All six require habitat enhancement to provide quality permanent habitat for Oregon chub. Willamette Reintroduction is a common management action for endangered species recovery (IUCN 1995) and was identified as a major recovery action for Oregon chub in the Willamette Basin (USFWS 1998).
Recovery through Outreach and Education The importance of floodplains is well documented in the scientific literature, but is not well understood by those who manage and recreate in riparian areas. Floodplains are important for several species of threatened and endangered fish (spring chinook salmon, steelhead trout, bull trout, and Oregon Chub.) The success of our recovery for these species relies on the education of anglers, landowners and children. The public should be educated to understand why floodplains and riparian areas are important to these species and what they can do to help with recovery efforts. In addition, the public often confuses the Oregon Chub with other chub species like tui chub in Diamond Lake and think they should be eradicated. One of the biggest threats to Oregon Chub is from the introduction of non-native fish species such as bass and crappie. The public needs to understand the threat that these species pose to the Oregon Chub so that they can make informed choices. Willamette The following project descriptions outline the ways in which we seek to help people understand why floodplains are important: 1) Classroom Presentations/ Web Site; 2) Media Campaign; 3) Interpretive Signs; 4) Brochures; and 5) Bookmarks

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Create, Restore, and/or Enhance Wetland ODFW Oregon Chub Habitat Enhancement Projects on Private Lands A major recovery action identified in the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan to recover the federally endangered Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri is the establishment of new populations within their historical range. Criteria have been developed for identifying introduction sites, for enhancing habitat quality when needed, and for conducting and monitoring introductions. In 1996, a programmatic environmental assessment for the establishment of Oregon chub populations was developed to streamline the regulatory process for introductions within the Willamette Basin. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have identified five locations on private lands within the Willamette Basin that meet the criteria for suitable introduction sites. All five require habitat enhancement to provide quality permanent habitat for Oregon chub. The sites are listed below: 1) Scofield / Koenig, 2) Bergey, 3) Budeau, 4) Murphy, and 5) Haws. The design of the chub ponds is similar for these sites. One or two 1-2 acre off-channel wetland ponds would be created or enhanced at each location. Ponds would have gradually sloping banks (average ~10%), a maximum depth of approximately 1.5 meters, and an average depth of approximately 0.8 meters. Top soil would be stock piled during excavation and placed over the pond bottom to encourage the rapid establishment of aquatic vegetation in the ponds. Additional vegetation would be planted, if necessary. When the aquatic vegetation is well established and we are assured that the ponds will maintain adequate water levels throughout the summer months, Oregon chub will be introduced from local established populations. The addition of large wood for basking and adjacent upland restoration to enhance areas surrounding the ponds for western pond turtles (breeding) would be included. These restoration sites would also benefit red-legged frogs and may benefit neotropical migratory birds. Cost for each location is ~$25,000. In addition to the five locations identified above, we would like to request funds for one additional, yet to be determined, location. Each year we identify new locations for restoration and the additional funds would allow us to pursue these projects during the project period. The total request for private lands restoration is $150,000. Establishing abundant, stable populations of chub at these locations is essential to achieving our goal of Oregon chub recovery in the Willamette Basin. 10/1/2007 9/30/2009 $150,000
Biological objectives
Increase Distribution throughout Historic Range
Metrics
Develop Pond USFWS Establishment of Oregon Chub Within Teal Marsh on the Ankney National Wildlife Refuge Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge contains 2,796 acres of flat to gently rolling terrain located near the confluence of the Willamette and Santiam Rivers in Marion County, Oregon. The Refuge was established in 1965 to provide wintering habitat for Canada geese, especially the dusky Canada goose as well as numerous species of ducks. Habitat types on the Refuge are varied and include seasonal and permanent wetlands, riparian forest, wet prairie and agricultural crops. The diverse habitats provide food, water and cover for a variety of birds including bald eagle, peregrine falcons, western meadowlark, yellow warbler, and willow flycatcher; mammals such as black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, beaver, and river otter; and many other unique species including red-legged frogs. Oregon chub, an endangered fish species, was established on the Refuge in 2004. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Recovery Plan for Oregon chub includes a task item to explore the possibility of establishing a population on Ankeny Refuge. Beginning in the mid 1990’s, the Refuge initiated a wetland restoration program that has resulted in over 600 acres of seasonal and permanent wetland habitat being restored. One of those wetlands (Willow Marsh) was developed and managed such that it could potentially support Oregon chub. The Refuge working in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, decided to introduce Oregon chub into the 50 acre Willow Marsh in 2004. In just one short year, the initial population of 500 has increased to over 10,000. The Willow Marsh population is now the second largest population of all known chub populations in the Willamette Valley. Based on the phenomenal success within Willow Marsh, the Refuge and the Oregon Chub Working Group are interested in establishing another population of Oregon chub within one of the other wetlands located on Ankeny. The site being proposed is Teal Marsh, a 40 acre wetland located adjacent to Willow Marsh. Similar to Willow Marsh, Teal Marsh has the potential to receive delivered water and thus, being managed as a permanent wetland. However, before Oregon chub could be established within Teal Marsh several habitat improvements need to be completed. This work includes creating a deep channel within the marsh itself, replacing stop log type water control structures with screw gates, installing a delivery pipeline from an existing pump structure which is already screened, placing logs within the marsh, seeding wetland plant species, etc. In addition, Teal Marsh would need to be dewatered in order to eliminate any exotic fish species that may already be present. Once the above described work is completed, the Refuge could refill the unit with delivered water and a new population of Oregon chub could be established. This new population would be managed by the Refuge and would aid in the recovery of this endangered fish. 10/1/2007 9/30/2009 $80,000
Biological objectives
Increase Distribution throughout Historic Range
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects USFWS Overhead Rate of 14% 10/1/2007 9/30/2009 $71,394
Biological objectives
Recovery through Outreach and Education
Metrics
Outreach and Education FS Oregon Chub Education The importance of floodplains is well documented in the scientific literature, but is not well understood by those who manage and recreate in riparian areas. In large alluvial rivers, declines of populations of native floodplain fishes have been attributed to altered river-floodplain connectivity and function. Floodplains are important for several species of threatened and endangered fish (spring chinook salmon, steelhead trout, bull trout, and Oregon Chub.) The success of our recovery for these species relies on the education of anglers, landowners and children. The public needs to understand why floodplains and riparian areas are important to these species and what they can do to help with recovery efforts. In addition, the public often confuse the Oregon Chub with other chub species, like tui chub in Diamond Lake and think that these fish should be eradicated. One of the biggest threats to Oregon Chub is from the introduction of non-native fish species such as bass and crappie. The public needs to understand the threat that these species pose to the Oregon Chub so that they can make informed choices. Conservation education on Oregon Chub will help people to understand why this unique minnow is important and interesting. We do not currently have adequate educational endeavors in place to educate the users and landowners in the basins inhabited by Oregon chub. We expect that not only will people make more informed choices as a result of this endeavor, but that people may become interested in becoming partners in Oregon Chub recovery efforts by allowing surveys to occur on private land as well as being involved in restoration projects. There are many people who like to invest tangibly in the recovery of an endangered species. This education program would give them the opportunity to participate in a meaningful way. The following project descriptions outline the ways in which we seek to help people understand why off-channel habitats and Oregon chub are important and what they can do to help protect this endangered species and thus aid in the recovery of the species a) Oregon Chub Brochures- A combined agency brochure will be developed to help people understand the importance of off-channel habitats and the Oregon chub and what they can do to aid in the recovery. Funding is needed for the brochure design ($5k) as well as the printing of 30,000 brochures ($10k). Brochures will be distributed at community events and partner offices. b) Oregon Chub Bookmarks- Oregon Chub Bookmarks were developed by the USFWS. These bookmarks are a great way to keep Oregon Chub in the forefront of people’s minds. Often a brochure will be looked at a few times, but a bookmark is typically utilized on a more frequent basis. Funds are being requested to print additional bookmarks (10k). c) Oregon Chub Interpretive Signs- Interpretive signs would be developed at a few of the more visible, more heavily visited Oregon Chub areas areas on public lands. Signs would focus on the importance of Oregon Chub and what people can do to help recover this unique and rare species. Funds are requested to make and install 3 signs ($20k). d. Media Campaign- We will work with local radio, newspaper, and television stations to tell people about this amazing recovery story and to explain the things they can do to help this endangered minnow. ODFW, ACOE, USFWS, USFS and the Watershed Councils will work together to provide joint press releases with a consistent message. The USFS will commit $5k of public affairs staff time to aide with this portion of the project. We are requesting money for Forest Service salary to coordinate these press releases ($5k). The project expects to reach 1,500 students and 10,000 individuals in the general public. 10/1/2007 9/30/2009 $57,000
Biological objectives
Recovery through Outreach and Education
Metrics
* # of students reached: The FS will estimate numbers of students involved.
Outreach and Education OSP Public Outreach at Elijah Bristow Public outreach at Elijah Bristow State Park with the construction of an interpretive sign ($5k). 10/1/2007 9/30/2009 $5,000
Biological objectives
Recovery through Outreach and Education
Metrics
* # of general public reached: Estimation of the number of public reached.
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data ODFW Monitor Oregon chub population and distribution in the Willamette Basin This proposal has the following objectives, all of which work towards meeting the goals of Oregon Chub Recovery Plan, specific Willamette Subbasin recovery criteria, and address Fish and Wildlife Plan provisions to ameliorate resident fish losses: 1) determine the current distribution of Oregon chub in the Willamette Basin, 2) obtain abundance estimates of Oregon chub to determine status and monitor trends, 3) characterize the non-native and native fish communities in Oregon chub habitats, 4) describe the characteristics of Oregon chub habitats, 5) identify potential introduction sites on public and private lands, 6) enhance/construct habitats for Oregon chub (as needed), 7) conduct reintroductions of Oregon chub, and 8) monitor Oregon chub introductions. These objectives will continue efforts initiated in 1991 and continued through the present. These objectives will allow us to make progress towards the near-term goal of downlisting Oregon chub from endangered to threatened status, and the longer-term goal of delisting the species. The habitat enhancement projects will be coordinated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Private Lands Program and ODFW’s Habitat Program. Objectives 1-5 and 7-8 will be conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) Native Fish Investigations Project. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $217,973
Biological objectives
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Primary R, M, and E Type: Project Implementation/Compliance Monitoring

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel ODFW Oregon Chub Monitoring $65,990 $75,990 $75,990
Supplies FS Oregon Chub Education. Costs include Oregon Chub: 1) Classroom presentations / website, 2) media campaign, 3) interpretive signs, 4) bookmarks, and 5) brochures. $57,000 $0 $0
Supplies USFWS Establishment of Oregon Chub Population on Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge $80,000 $0 $0
Supplies ODFW Oregon Chub Habitat Enhancement Projects on Private Lands $50,000 $50,000 $50,000
Supplies OSP Public Outreach at Elijah Bristow $5,000 $0 $0
Overhead USFWS Combination Standard Rate/Pass-Through Rate Agreement (14%) $36,119 $17,639 $17,639
Totals $294,109 $143,629 $143,629
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $581,367
Total work element budget: $581,367
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
FS Personnel $35,000 $10,000 $10,000 In-Kind Confirmed
FS Equipment $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 In-Kind Under Review
ODFW Equipment $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 In-Kind Confirmed
OSP Personnel $55,000 $0 $0 In-Kind Confirmed
OSP Fund Surveys $10,000 $0 $0 In-Kind Confirmed
US Army Corps of Engineers Fund Surveys $15,000 $15,000 $15,000 In-Kind Under Review
USFWS Equiment $20,000 $0 $0 In-Kind Confirmed
USFWS Personnel $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 In-Kind Confirmed
Totals $185,000 $75,000 $75,000

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $75,990
FY 2011 estimated budget: $75,990
Comments: Continue Funding Survey Efforts

Future O&M costs:

Termination date: 1/1/2016
Comments: Conduct a review to determine if Oregon chub should be listed.

Final deliverables: Annual Monitoring Report.

Section 10. Narrative and other documents


Reviews and recommendations

FY07 budget FY08 budget FY09 budget Total budget Type Category Recommendation
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs]
$0 $0 $0 $0 Expense ProvinceExpense Do Not Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$0 $0 $0 $0 ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)

NPCC comments: The proposal satisfies a clear need to protect and restore a listed non-salmonid species and is consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Program goal of protecting biodiversity. The project could be of great benefit for Oregon Chub recovery. Although the ISRP is not requesting a response, the proposal would be improved if the sponsors addressed several methodological questions described below related to monitoring and evaluation. Technical and scientific background: The problem is well defined. There is a clear need to recover Oregon Chub, a listed species, so that the species can be downlisted. Declines have resulted from habitat loss and non-native species introductions. The sponsors provide an extensive description of the effects of changes in the Willamette River Basin on floodplain-dependent native fish such as chub, and the conditions under which this species is productive. The proposal includes excellent referencing of the related scientific literature. Data are provided to support the time trend of abundance. The rationale for increasing off-channel habitat is persuasive. The sponsors should discuss what has been learned about chub reintroduction as a result of both the successes and failures that will influence future reintroductions. Rationale and significance to subbasin plans and regional programs: The project would contribute toward meeting objectives for the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan, Willamette Subbasin Plan, and the Fish and Wildlife Program. Relationships to other projects: The project relates to several other chub projects in the Willamette Basin, one of which funded by BPA. A number of other BPA projects related to Oregon chub are briefly described but little detail is provided on how each project relates to this proposal. Monitoring of chub populations is funded by a number of agencies and will be coordinated with this project. Objectives: Objective 1 is very well defined and proposes to enhance five off-channel flood plain habitats/ponds for Oregon chub re-introductions in the Willamette subbasin. Specific sites with favorable or recoverable habitat have been identified according to criteria established in the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan. Tasks (work elements) and methods: Methods involve construction of ponds at the suitable sites and stocking fish, but details of the work are lacking. Five restoration sites have been identified. All are on private land and are described specifically. Techniques appear reasonable. The sponsors have experience with pond construction and fish reintroduction and should be able to successfully achieve the objectives. Monitoring and evaluation: The sponsors propose a monitoring program that appears to be adequate to assess changes in chub abundance. How often will the sites be sampled? What kind of habitat data will be collected and how will it be analyzed? Mark-recapture methods are notorious for having large confidence intervals around the population estimate. What has been the variability of the estimates so far and how will this variability (uncertainty in the estimate) be taken into account when analyzing population trends? How well have the assumptions of the mark-recapture method been satisfied? Have abundance and habitat targets been established? Facilities, equipment, and personnel: The facilities are adequate and the personnel are exceptionally qualified. Information transfer: Information transfer will occur via electronic annual reports, hard copy reports, on the website of the ODFW Fish Investigations Project, and in the ODFW database for ESA listed fishes of Oregon. Data will be shared with the Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center. We encourage the sponsors to publish their work on re-introductions in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Benefits to focal species: Oregon chub will realize long-term benefits from an increase in suitable habitat. The sponsors have had some success with re-introductions so far. This project could serve as a model for similar future projects. Benefits to non-focal species: Other aquatic species such as red-legged frogs also will likely receive long-term benefits from an increase in floodplain habitat.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)

NPCC comments: The proposal satisfies a clear need to protect and restore a listed non-salmonid species and is consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Program goal of protecting biodiversity. The project could be of great benefit for Oregon Chub recovery. Although the ISRP is not requesting a response, the proposal would be improved if the sponsors addressed several methodological questions described below related to monitoring and evaluation. Technical and scientific background: The problem is well defined. There is a clear need to recover Oregon Chub, a listed species, so that the species can be downlisted. Declines have resulted from habitat loss and non-native species introductions. The sponsors provide an extensive description of the effects of changes in the Willamette River Basin on floodplain-dependent native fish such as chub, and the conditions under which this species is productive. The proposal includes excellent referencing of the related scientific literature. Data are provided to support the time trend of abundance. The rationale for increasing off-channel habitat is persuasive. The sponsors should discuss what has been learned about chub reintroduction as a result of both the successes and failures that will influence future reintroductions. Rationale and significance to subbasin plans and regional programs: The project would contribute toward meeting objectives for the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan, Willamette Subbasin Plan, and the Fish and Wildlife Program. Relationships to other projects: The project relates to several other chub projects in the Willamette Basin, one of which funded by BPA. A number of other BPA projects related to Oregon chub are briefly described but little detail is provided on how each project relates to this proposal. Monitoring of chub populations is funded by a number of agencies and will be coordinated with this project. Objectives: Objective 1 is very well defined and proposes to enhance five off-channel flood plain habitats/ponds for Oregon chub re-introductions in the Willamette subbasin. Specific sites with favorable or recoverable habitat have been identified according to criteria established in the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan. Tasks (work elements) and methods: Methods involve construction of ponds at the suitable sites and stocking fish, but details of the work are lacking. Five restoration sites have been identified. All are on private land and are described specifically. Techniques appear reasonable. The sponsors have experience with pond construction and fish reintroduction and should be able to successfully achieve the objectives. Monitoring and evaluation: The sponsors propose a monitoring program that appears to be adequate to assess changes in chub abundance. How often will the sites be sampled? What kind of habitat data will be collected and how will it be analyzed? Mark-recapture methods are notorious for having large confidence intervals around the population estimate. What has been the variability of the estimates so far and how will this variability (uncertainty in the estimate) be taken into account when analyzing population trends? How well have the assumptions of the mark-recapture method been satisfied? Have abundance and habitat targets been established? Facilities, equipment, and personnel: The facilities are adequate and the personnel are exceptionally qualified. Information transfer: Information transfer will occur via electronic annual reports, hard copy reports, on the website of the ODFW Fish Investigations Project, and in the ODFW database for ESA listed fishes of Oregon. Data will be shared with the Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center. We encourage the sponsors to publish their work on re-introductions in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Benefits to focal species: Oregon chub will realize long-term benefits from an increase in suitable habitat. The sponsors have had some success with re-introductions so far. This project could serve as a model for similar future projects. Benefits to non-focal species: Other aquatic species such as red-legged frogs also will likely receive long-term benefits from an increase in floodplain habitat.