FY 2003 Lower Columbia proposal 199607000

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleMcKenzie River Focus Watershed Program Coordination and Habitat Restoration
Proposal ID199607000
OrganizationMcKenzie River Focus Watershed (MWC)
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
NameJim Thrailkill
Mailing addressP.O. Box 53 Springfield, Oregon 97477
Phone / email5416879076 / [email protected]
Manager authorizing this projectJim Thrailkill
Review cycleLower Columbia
Province / SubbasinLower Columbia / Willamette
Short descriptionContinue McKenzie River Focus Watershed Program Coordination. Develop, coordinate, plan, design, implement and monitor habitat protection, restoration and water quality projects; improve resource stewardship through public outreach and educaiton
Target speciesUpper Willamette Spring Chinook Salmon, Upper Willamette ESU, bull trout, Bull Trout Recovery Unit, Oregon Chub, resident trout, western pond turtle, red-legged frog, great blue herion, harlequin duck, northern spotted owl
Project location
LatitudeLongitudeDescription
44.11 -122.65 Entire McKenzie Subbasin, including Lane and Linn Counties; 1,300 sq miles
USGS Number 17090004
Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs)

Sponsor-reported:

RPA
Habitat RPA 149
Habitat RPA 150
Habitat RPA 152
Habitat RPA 154

Relevant RPAs based on NMFS/BPA review:

Reviewing agencyAction #BiOp AgencyDescription

Section 2. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishment
FY01 Completion of McKenzie Watershed Conservation Strategy, providing a prioritized framework for restoration and protection activities in the McKenzie Watershed
FY01 Completion of McKenzie-Willamette Habitat Restoration and Flood Control Guidelines. This will guide the multi-stakeholder group through project planning activities
FY01 Assisted McKenzie River Trust in raising funds and protecting key habitats in the McKenzie Watershed to the benefit of species of interest and water quality
FY01 Secured almost $200,000 in grants to support restoration projects, education and outreach activities, benefiting species of interest and enlisting community involvement
FY01 Improved habitat for species of interest and water quality by planting over 5000 trees in riparian and upland areas, intalling fencing to exclude cattle in riparian areas, installed off-watering devices, and replaced fish blocking culverts; >80 volunteers
FY01 Co-hosted natural resources and restoration workshop, approximately 250 people attended, showcasing restoration activities and practices
FY01 Completed installation of common signage at boat ramps along the McKenzie. Signs provide education and cultural history to the thousand of folks utilizing the landings
FY01 Over 300 students and 60 teachers participated in Council sponsored watershed education programs
FY01 Ambient water quality monitoring continued providing trend information on the quality of McKenzie's water
FY01 Coordinated with multiple collaborators, a survey of equipment and preparedness of local agencies to address hazardous spills
FY00 Completion of BPA funded McKenzie Watershed Assessment (November 00). 8 Steering Committee meetings, 1 document produced on Watershed Issues, Final Report characterizing the watershed with a framework for prioritizing and recommending restoration project
FY00 Completion of OWEB funded McKenzie-Willamette Confluence Assessment (July 00). 8 Steering Committee meetings involving gravel extraction companies, 1 document produced on Watershed Issues, Final Report characterizing the confluence's hydrologic, aquatic,
FY00 Completion of Council's evaluation of its water quality and macroinvertebrate monitoring programs. 5 Monitoring Task Group Meetings, report summary of data findings, final report providing an evaluation and recommendations for watershed monitoring.
FY00 Completion of Council's technical review of Lane County's riparian ordinance. 8 Committee meetings, draft report of Issues and recommendations, final report and recommendations by the Council for Ordinance improvements
FY00 Provided funding for Coordinator of Mohawk Watershed Partnership. Production of 8 Mohawk Watershed Partnership meetings and associated coordination duties.
FY00 Produced and distributed Pond Turtle brochure to private land owners. Distribution to approx.1000 property owners.
FY00 Completion of riparian restoration projects on private lands. Planted > 1000 trees, erected 2000' of fence, installed off watering area for cattle.
FY00 Continued citizen-based water quality monitoring in Cedar Creek. Monthly monitoring (12), interim report produced with recommendations for addressing e-coli concerns.
FY00 Continued citizen-based macroinvertebrate monitoring throughout the watershed. Sampled 10 sites with >20 volunteers.
FY00 Convened meeting of Spring Chinook Working Group and Habitat Acquisition Group. Developed preliminary strategy to present to DSL for using acquiring and using mitigation dollars for Leaburg Lake fill.
FY00 Council Staff serves on Willamette Restoration Initiative Board and associated Committees. Attended 10 meetings and produced draft work products.
FY99 Council's Spring Chinook Working Group addressed management of spring chinook salmon. Monthly meetings with production of a list of limiting factors and recommendations.
FY99 Developed Steering Committees of technical specialists to frame the Confluence and McKenzie Watershed Assessments. Develop documents describing potential scope of work and issues
FY99 Council continued ambient and storm-event water quality monitoring. Collected storm-event samples during 2 storms, collected monthly ambient water quality samples
FY99 Council initiated private-land habitat improvement projects on Gate Creek. Developed agreements with 5 land owners for riparian improvement projects
FY99 Council maintained its cooperative relationship with UofO Infographics lab to house Council GIS. Finalized 7 spatial databases and developed WEB atlas for McKenzie Watershed.
FY99 Council developed fiscal management plan. 2 cost-sharing contracts initiated with Federal agencies
FY99 Facilitated the formation of the Teacher Watershed Education Network. Facilitated 5 workshops and worked with >100 students.
FY99 Staff worked with Oregon Dept. of Forestry re: riparian management. Arrange a multi-agency field tour developing a cooperative approach to riparian management across Oregon
FY98 Provided letter to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Commission commenting on McKenzie Spring Chinook Management Plan.
FY98 Endorsed and lobbied for federal funding for temperature control devices at 2 ACE reservoirs to improve fish habitat in the watershed.
FY98 Hired Education Coordinator to manage Council's education and stewardship programs.
FY98 Developed and refined storm-event monitoring program across the watershed. Mobilized 30 volunteers to collect at 15 sites.
FY98 Developed and implemented citizen monitoring program for macroinvertebrates
FY98 Collaborated with Habitat Conservation and Acquisition Working Group and local land trust to scope, plan, and implement large-scale land acquisition projects in the McKenzie Watershed. Produced targeted list of properties and landowners to contact.
FY98 Secured matching funds from Oregon Parks Foundation for interpretive signage. Produced 5 kiosk signs.
FY98 Secured funding from foundations for citizen and student macroinvertebrate monitoring. Conducted 2 training sessions and 1 sampling event.
FY98 Produced riparian brochure, Caring for Streamside Areas in the McKenzie Watershed: A Landowners Guide. Distributed to 15 Realtors and Lane County Land Management Division (500 copies).
FY98 Completed a watershed education database and resource library for local educators. Distributed to school Districts, including approx 20 teachers.
FY98 Produced a Water Quality Forum to address local concerns following 1996 flood event. >100 attendees, media coverage, video produced of forum.
FY98 Provided resident/landowner education/outreach through workshops (3) and field visits (2). 40-50 attendees
FY97 Expanded water quality monitoring program to include Cedar Creek. Monthly sampling at 10 sites
FY97 Sponsored two riverside clean-up events (> 30 residents).
FY97 Worked in cooperation with East Lane Soil and Water Conservation District to implement riparian improvement projects in the Mohawk sub-watershed.
FY97 Formed 5 Council subcommittees to guide implementation activities. Each committee produced a Charter and potential work tasks and products.
FY97 Secured 2 grants in cooperation with Lane County Parks and Eugene Water and Electric Board for educational materials.

Section 3. Relationships to other projects

Project IDTitleDescription
2000030 Assess McKenzie Watershed condition subbasin asessment for McKenzie Watershed Council
199607000 McKenzie Focus Coordination - action planning Conservation Strategy providing prioritized framework for restoration and protection projects
199206800 Willamette Basin Habitat Mitigation Habitat mitigation process and funds for restoring habitat in the McKenzie Watershed
ODFW Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program Providing education regarding chinook and bull trout programs
ODFW McKenzie Bull Trout Habitat surveys Population and habitat assessment for bull trout in McKenzie and Willamette Watersheds
Cougar Dam Temperature Control Tower New water release tower lowering McKenzie water temperature
SB1010 for Southern Willamette Valley Completion of Ag Water Quality management plan, McKenzie WC assists implementing
McKenzie-Willamette Confluence Planning MWC lead in planning restoration efforts at confluence, in collaboration with landowners and aggregate folks.
Willamette Restoration Initiative Implementation of restoration strategies

Section 4. Budget for Planning and Design phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2003 costSubcontractor
1. Watershed program maintained and continually successful a. Facilitate/coordinate inter-agency program of activites and projects ongoing $60,000
b. Plan and implement protection and restoration projects watershed-wide and maintain projects database ongoing $35,000
c. Subwatershed projects coordinated and implemented ongoing $15,000
d. Prepare base-line assessments and documentation for NEPA and ESA considerations ongoing $10,000 Yes
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Watershed program maintained and continually successful 2004 2007 $530,000
Outyear budgets for Planning and Design phase
FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006FY 2007
$125,000$130,000$135,000$140,000

Section 5. Budget for Construction and Implementation phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2003 costSubcontractor
1. Protect intact fish and wildlife habitats throughout the watershed for targeted species; habitat connectivity enhanced a. Continue to Partner with McKenzie River Trust, NRCS, BPA, and others to identify and implement protection opportunities for good quality habitats ongoing $5,000
2. Restore degraded fish and wildlife WATER HABITAT in high priority geographic/biological need areas identified in the Council's Conservation Stategy (founded upon McKenzie Watershed Assessment) a. Water Habitat improved by adding large wood ongoing $0 Yes
Priority areas: River Reaches: 1,2,3, 7, 10,11,12; Subwatersheds: Springfield, Mohawk, Camp Creek and Cedar Creek; Tribuatries: Goose, Lane, Haagen, Cedar, Hatchery, Potter, and Holden Creeks b. Water Habitat improved by adding rock and log structures ongoing $0 Yes
c. Water Habitat improved by installing grade control structures ongoing $0 Yes
d. Water Habitat improved by constructing off-channel habitat ongoing $0 Yes
TOTAL for rows 2a-d $45,000 Yes
3. Restore degraded fish and wildlife RIPARIAN HABITAT in high priority geographic/biological need areas identified in the Council's Conservation Stategy (founded upon McKenzie Watershed Assessment) a. Restore wetland-meadow complexes ongoing $0 Yes
Priority areas: Reaches: 1,2,3, 7, 10,11,12; Subwatersheds: Springfield, Mohawk, Camp Creek and Cedar Creek; Tribuatries: Goose, Lane, Haagen, Cedar, Hatchery, Potter, and Holden Creeks b. Decommission roads where appropriate ongoing $0 Yes
c. Develop off stream livestock water sources and construct riparian livestock fencing ongoing $0 Yes
d. Reestablish native riparian plants along riparian zones ongoing $0 Yes
TOTAL for rows 3a-d $25,000 Yes
4. Restore degraded fish and wildlife UPLAND HABITAT in high priority geographic/biological need areas identified in the Council's Conservation Stategy (founded upon McKenzie Watershed Assessment) a. Remove noxious weeds ongoing $0 Yes
Priority areas: Reaches: 1,2,3, 7, 10,11,12,; Subwatersheds: Springfield, Mohawk, Camp Creek and Cedar Creek; Tribuatries: Goose, Lane, Haagen, Cedar, Hatchery, Potter, and Holden Creeks b. Implement planned grazing systems ongoing $0 Yes
c. Manipulate tree density ongoing $0 Yes
TOTAL for rows 4a-c $5,000 Yes
5. Aquatic Passage is connected for salmonids and terristrial species throughout the watershed a. Replace/modify inadequate culverts $0 Yes
Focus salmonid concerns on priority areas :Goodpasture Rd, Simmonds Creek and Mohawk tribs b. Replace inadequate crossings, and modify impassable diversion structures ongoing $0 Yes
TOTAL for rows 5a-b $45,000 Yes
6. McKenzie River water quality remains excellent a. Implement activities listed under the Objectives and Tasks above ongoing $0 Yes
7. Degraded fish and wildlife habitat improved throughout the watershed based on "random"opporunities and Community Conservation Area action plans (McKFISH- McKenzie Friends Improving Stewardship of Habitat) that are currently being developed a. Tasks listed above will occur at 1) "Opportunistic locales" and 2) Community Conservation Area not listed as biological priority areas in Objectives 2,3,4 ongoing $12,000 Yes
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Protect Intact fish and wildlife habitats throughout the watershed for targeted species; habitat connectivity enhanced 2004 2007 $30,000
2. Restore degraded fish and wildlife WATER HABITAT in high priority geographic/biological need areas identified in the Council's Conservation Stategy 2004 2007 $200,000
3. Restore degraded fish and wildlife RIPARIAN HABITAT in high priority geographic/biological need areas identified in the Council's Conservation Stategy 2004 2007 $110,000
4 Restore degraded fish and wildlife UPLAND HABITAT in high priority geographic/biological need areas identified in the Council's Conservation Stategy 2004 2007 $30,000
5. Aquatic Passage is connected for salmonids and terristrial species throughout the watershed 2004 2007 $200,000
6. McKenzie River water quality continues to be relatively execellent 2004 2007 $0
7. Degraded fish and wildlife habitat improved throughout the watershed based on "random"opporunities and Community Conservation Area action plans currently being developed 2004 2007 $68,000
Outyear budgets for Construction and Implementation phase
FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006FY 2007
$146,000$155,000$164,000$173,000

Section 6. Budget for Operations and Maintenance phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2003 costSubcontractor
1. Watershed program adminstrative activities accomplished a. Support provided for copying, mailing, travel, and office supplies ongoing $20,000
2. Watershed program fiscal matters professionally managed and auditted a. Funding to Council's fiscal agent ongoing $20,000
3. Watershed residents' behavior influenced to benefit watershed function a. Public Outreach and Education materials, workshops, etc distributed on a regular basis ongoing $8,000
4. Restoration projects meeting watershed program goals a. Restoration projects maintained in cooperation with landowners ongoing $5,000
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Watershed program adminstrative activities accomplished 2004 2007 $100,000
2. Watershed program fiscal matters professionally managed and auditted 2004 2007 $100,000
3. Watershed residents' behavior influenced to benefit watershed function 2004 2007 $42,000
4. Restoration projects meeting watershed program goals 2004 2007 $40,000
Outyear budgets for Operations and Maintenance phase
FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006FY 2007
$60,000$67,000$74,000$81,000

Section 7. Budget for Monitoring and Evaluation phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2003 costSubcontractor
1. Watershed-wide water quality trends continually evaluated a. Coordinate watershed wide ambient water quality monitoring program data collection and analysis ongoing $3,000
2. Subwatershed water quality data collected based on ambient results a. Where appropriate, implement subwatershed water quality monitoring program ongoing $2,000
3. Assess restoration project effectiveness a. Conduct project implementation monitoring ongoing $4,000
b. Conduct project effectiveness monitoring ongoing $3,000
4. Educate cooperators/public regarding water quality and project effectiveness a. Implement Outreach and Education activities onoing $2,000
5. Coordinate and report watershed program projects a. Maintain watershed-wide project activity database ongoing $1,000
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Watershed-wide water quality trends continually evaluated 2003 2007 $22,000
2. Subwatershed water quality data collected based on ambient results 2003 2007 $28,000
3. Assess restoration project effectiveness 2003 2007 $46,000
4. Educate cooperators/public regarding water quality and project effectiveness 2003 2007 $42,000
5. Coordinate and report watershed program projects 2003 2007 $18,000
6. Watershed condition moved toward Council's watershed vision 2005 2005 $14,000
Outyear budgets for Monitoring and Evaluation phase
FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006FY 2007
$26,000$37,000$48,000$59,000

Section 8. Estimated budget summary

Itemized budget
ItemNoteFY 2003 cost
Personnel FTE: 2.25 (includes OPE) $118,000
Fringe see above $0
Supplies Project materials (e.g., culverts, irrigation piping, trees, seed, fencing) $135,000
Travel McKenzie Focus Staff and Board travel, training, admin support $20,000
Indirect Cascade Pacific RC&D Fiscal Agent $20,000
Capital $0
NEPA Included in personnel $0
PIT tags $0
Subcontractor Construction/restoration contractors $32,000
$325,000
Total estimated budget
Total FY 2003 cost$325,000
Amount anticipated from previously committed BPA funds$0
Total FY 2003 budget request$325,000
FY 2003 forecast from 2002$115,000
% change from forecast182.6%
Reason for change in estimated budget

The change in the budget reflects the McKenzie River Focus Watershed Council implementing numerous watershed restoration projects in 2003 and beyond. In earlier submittals, the Council was largely a Coordinating and Planning Council, with a reliance on submitting project proposals to other funding entities for restoration projects. The Council still anticipates submitting restoration proposals in the coming years to other entities to leverage BPA funds.

Reason for change in scope

The McKenzie River Focus Watershed Council is expanding its program, reflecting a greater emphasis on restoration projects. This is due to a number of factors: 1) completion of a biological assessment of the McKenize subbasin; 2) completion of the Willamette Basin Summary document; 3) completion of the Council's Conservation Strategy which provides a context for prioritized protection and restoration; and 4) drafted Benchmarks established by the Council to review progress toward achieving the Council's watershed vision. The Benchmarks address Restoration, Protection, Water Quality, Partnerships, Community Understanding and Accountability for Investments. All of these factors, adopted through Consensus, provide a solid biological foundation to implement projects with community and oganizational support.

Cost sharing
OrganizationItem or service providedAmountCash or in-kind
US Forest Service Support of education and outreach products $3,000 cash
US Forest Service Technical support to McKenzie WC IDT $2,000 in-kind
USDI Bureau of Land Management Support of education and outreach products $3,000 cash
USDI Bureau of Land Management Technical support to McKenzie WC IDT $2,000 in-kind
Army Corps of Engineers Technical support to McKenzie WC IDT $2,000 in-kind
Army Corps of Engineers Tech. support to McKenzie Confluence $2,000 in-kind
Oregon Dept. of Geology and Minerals Tech. support to McKenzie Confluence $2,000 in-kind
Oregon Division of State Lands Tech. support to McKenzie Confluence $2,000 in-kind
Oregon Division of State Lands Admin. support to MWC $1,000 in-kind
City of Eugene MWC Coordination $10,000 cash
City of Springfield MWC Coordination $5,000 cash
Springfield Utility Board MWC Coordination $5,000 cash
Eugene Water and Electric Board MWC Coordination $26,000 cash
Eugene Water and Electric Board Tech support to McKenzie WC IDT $4,000 in-kind
Oregon Depart of Fish and Wildlife Tech support to McKenzie WC IDT $5,000 in-kind
Lane County Public Works Tech support and project implementation $3,000 in-kind
Lane County Land Management Tech and admin support to MWC $1,000 in-kind
Oregon Department of Transportation Tech support to project implementation $1,500 in-kind
East Lane Soil and Water Con. District Tech support to project implementation $1,000 in-kind
Private Landowners Project implementation $25,000 in-kind
Oregon Department of Forestry Tech support to project implementation $500 in-kind
Hynix Semiconductor MWC admin support $500 in-kind
McKenzie Flyfishers MWC admin support $500 in-kind
McKenzie River Guides MWC Coordination $500 in-kind
Weyerhaeuser Corp. Tech support to MWC IDT and Education $1,500 in-kind
Weyerhaeuser & other timber comps. Project supplies and implementation $2,000 in-kind
Willamalane Parks and Rec Project implementation $1,000 in-kind
McKenzie River Trust/EWEB Protection/acquisition $100,000 cash
McKenzie Cooperative - BBN Project implementation $100,000 in-kind
Lane County Parks Office Space $9,600 in-kind
McKenzie Maint. Partnership Recreation maintenance & Implementation $1,500 in-kind
Univeristy of Oregon GIS Support $3,000 in-kind
Other budget explanation

none


Reviews and recommendations

This information was not provided on the original proposals, but was generated during the review process.

Recommendation:
Fundable only if response is adequate
Date:
Mar 1, 2002

Comment:

A response is needed. This proposal is to continue to coordinate the McKenzie River Watershed Program. BPA funds are used primarily for coordination, with other funds used for a variety of implementation projects. Activities include the design, implementation and monitoring of habitat and water quality projects, as well as outreach education. Having completed a number of baseline assessments, the Watershed Council plans to increase its protection and restoration activities in 2003.

The proposal presents a clear and thorough description of the background to the watershed council and its significance to regional programs. The council's activities are well connected to those of related groups and projects. A good history of projects and achievements is presented.

Objectives are listed under planning and design, construction and implementation, operation and maintenance, and monitoring and evaluation. Part of the budget increase is to hire new staff to increase the number of implemented projects.

The description of monitoring and evaluation lacks specifics; for example, how will project implementation and effectiveness be monitored? Effectiveness monitoring - riparian planting (implementation, and how well are plants surviving) - does not seem to have fish monitoring, but should. For the response, the proponents are referred to the programmatic section of this report, specifically on monitoring and evaluation.


Recommendation:
High Priority
Date:
May 17, 2002

Comment:

The reviewers are concerned about the longevity and certainty of the landowner agreements for habitat protection. New tasks have been added to this ongoing project that modifies it's original scope.
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Jun 7, 2002

Comment:

Fundable. This proposal is to continue to coordinate the McKenzie River Watershed Program. BPA funds are used primarily for coordination, with other funds used for a variety of implementation projects. Activities include the design, implementation and monitoring of habitat and water quality projects, as well as outreach education. Having completed a number of baseline assessments, the Program plans to increase its protection and restoration activities in 2003.

The Watershed Program appears to be well managed. The council's activities are well connected to those of related groups and projects. A good history of projects and achievements is presented. However, proponents still need to demonstrate the big picture of all these separate activities being coordinated. The response provides a long description of the different groups conducting monitoring and the Council's role in coordinating these efforts, but it is hard to get a sense from the response as to whether there is an overall systematic monitoring program that results from the sum of all the parts. Do the various monitoring efforts tell a story at the watershed level? Are data analyzed appropriately and consistently? Methods of analysis are not described.


Recommendation:
Date:
Jul 19, 2002

Comment:

Statement of Potential Biological Benefit to ESU
Potential long term protection and enhancement of spawning/rearing PFC through outreach, education, planning benefits. Short term potential for riparian and in-stream habitat. Long term benefits in guiding more comprehensive restoration and watershed development.

Comments
Substantial progress increasing local sensitivity and responsibility. Framework for realizing on-the-ground benefits in place. Can leverage site specific actions and influence local govt planning.

Already ESA Req? No

Biop? No


Recommendation:
A
Date:
Jul 23, 2002

Comment:

Recommend
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Oct 30, 2002

Comment:


Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Apr 30, 2003

Comment:

Fund as Recommended
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Sep 20, 2003

Comment:

Project on track to spend out entire amount by the end of fiscal year. Scope should be in the queue for next year, numbers for next year should be accurate.
Recommendation:
Date:
Sep 20, 2003

Comment:


REVIEW:
NW Power and Conservation Council's FY 2006 Project Funding Review
Funding category:
expense
Date:
May 2005
FY05 NPCC start of year:FY06 NPCC staff preliminary:FY06 NPCC July draft start of year:
$127,133 $127,133 $127,133

Sponsor comments: See comment at Council's website