FY 2002 Mountain Snake proposal 199405000

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleSalmon River Habitat Enhancement M & E
Proposal ID199405000
OrganizationShoshone-Bannock Tribes (SBT)
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
NameJeffry L. Anderson
Mailing addressP.O. Box 306 Ft. Hall, ID 83203
Phone / email2084783764 / [email protected]
Manager authorizing this projectChad Colter, SBT Fish and Wildlife Coordinator
Review cycleMountain Snake
Province / SubbasinMountain Snake / Salmon
Short descriptionMaintain habitat improvements and evaluate benefits; monitor salmonid populations and habitat parameters; coordinate land and water stewardship activities; coordinate planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of new improvements and protections
Target speciesSnake River spring/summer chinook salmon, Snake River summer steelhead, Columbia River bull trout, westslope cutthroat trout
Project location
LatitudeLongitudeDescription
44.78 -113.75 Bear Valley Creek, tributary to Middle Fork Salmon River
44.2696 -114.7337 Yankee Fork Salmon River, tributary to Salmon River
44.1537 -114.3002 Herd Creek, tributary to East Fork Salmon River
44.1177 -114.4281 Big Boulder Creek, tributary to East Fork Salmon River
Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives (RPAs)

Sponsor-reported:

RPA

Relevant RPAs based on NMFS/BPA review:

Reviewing agencyAction #BiOp AgencyDescription
NMFS Action 150 NMFS In subbasins with listed salmon and steelhead, BPA shall fund protection of currently productive non-Federal habitat, especially if at risk of being degraded, in accordance with criteria and priorities BPA and NMFS will develop by June 1, 2001.
NMFS Action 152 NMFS The Action Agencies shall coordinate their efforts and support offsite habitat enhancement measures undertaken by other Federal agencies, states, Tribes, and local governments by the following:
NMFS Action 183 NMFS Initiate at least three tier 3 studies (each necessarily comprising several sites) within each ESU (a single action may affect more than one ESU). In addition, at least two studies focusing on each major management action must take place within the Columbia River basin. The Action Agencies shall work with NMFS and the Technical Recovery Teams to identify key studies in the 1-year plan. Those studies will be implemented no later than 2003.

Section 2. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishment
1989 Reclamation of 2.5 km of floodplain in Bear Valley Creek eliminated a substantial source of fine sediment into the remaining 50 km of stream and the Middle Fork Salmon River.
1988 Successful interconnection of four series of remnant dredge ponds with the mainstem Yankee Fork Salmon River, creating over 1.5 ha of additional rearing habitat for anadromous salmonids.
1991 Successful modification of a debris jam and removal of an abandoned dam has allowed access to an additional 3.2 km of spawning habitat and 7.7 km of rearing habitat for anadromous salmonids and bull trout.
1992 Fencing constructed on Herd Creek to discourage livestock use of streambank and riparian areas, thus improving streambank stability and reducing sediment input into the stream.
1994 Vertical banks in a cutoff channel in Big Boulder Creek were sloped, the stream was diverted away from high cutbanks, returned to a more natural meander pattern within .5 km of affected floodplain, eliminating the cutoff channel of BBC as sediment source.

Section 3. Relationships to other projects

Project IDTitleDescription
198909803 Salmon Supplementation Studies in Idaho Rivers (ISS) Coordinate work to avoid duplication of effort, share personnel and equipment when necessary during the field season, share data.
199401700 Idaho Model Watershed Habitat Projects Provide representation on Technical Team and Advisory Group.

Section 4. Budget for Planning and Design phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1. Decrease both surface and subsurface streambed sediment in Bear Valley Creek (BVC) (MF Salmon River) to less than 25% surface fines in low gradient reaches and less than 30% subsurface fines by volume. a. Work with the USFS and others to eliminate all human activities which result in extraordinary amounts of sediment input into BVC. Ongoing $3,000
1. b. Sponsor new enhancement efforts as necessary to reduce sediment recruitment into the Bear Valley watershed. Ongoing $1,550
2. Increase streambank cover and stability in BVC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. a. Work with the Forest Service and others to reduce the impact of livestock grazing on streambanks in the Bear Valley watershed. Ongoing $1,550
3. Increase rearing area for anadromous fish in the Yankee Fork Salmon River (YFSR). a. Continue to pursue enhancement efforts that will result in increased rearing area for fish on the YFSR. Ongoing $1,200
4. Incorporate the off-channel rearing area into a low-tech, bioenhancement facility for chinook salmon and steelhead in the YFSR a. In cooperation with the Tribes' Salmon River Production Program, continue to explore building a low-tech bioenhancement facility. 2 $1,200
5. Decrease both surface and subsurface streambed sediment in Herd Creek (HC) and Big Boulder Creek (BBC) (EF Salmon River) to less than 25% surface fines in low gradient reaches and less than 30% subsurface fines by volume. a. Continue to pursue options to expand the amount of streambank currently protected with fencing (goal of total riparian exclosure fencing on Bennetts' Ranch on Herd Creek). 2 $1,200
5. b. Work with the USFS, BLM, and others to eliminate all human activities which result in extraordinary amounts of sediment into the East Fork Salmon River and its tributaries. Ongoing $1,700
5. c. Sponsor new enhancement efforts as necessary to reduce sediment recruitment into the East Fork watershed. Ongoing $1,600
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Decrease both surface and subsurface streambed sediment in Bear Valley Creek (BVC) (MF Salmon River) to less than 25% surface fines in low gradient reaches and less than 30% subsurface fines by volume. 2003 2006 $18,200
2. Increase streambank cover and stability in BVC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. 2003 2006 $6,200
3. Increase rearing area for anadromous fish in the Yankee Fork Salmon River (YFSR). 2003 2006 $4,800
4. Incorporate the off-channel rearing area into a low-tech, bioenhancement facility for chinook salmon and steelhead in the YFSR 2003 2003 $1,200
5. Decrease both surface and subsurface streambed sediment in Herd Creek (HC) and Big Boulder Creek (BBC) (EF Salmon River) to less than 25% surface fines in low gradient reaches and less than 30% subsurface fines by volume. 2003 2006 $14,400
Outyear budgets for Planning and Design phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$13,500$13,500$13,500$13,500

Section 5. Budget for Construction and Implementation phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1. Increase streambank cover and stability in BVC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. a. Continue revegetation efforts as necessary to achieve target. 5 $3,500
2. Increase streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. Increase streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC. a. Exclude livestock from streambanks in study sites in HC and continue revegetation as needed. 5 $14,000
2. b. Revegetate the streambanks in the project site in BBC. 5 $9,500
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Increase streambank cover and stability in BVC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. 2003 2006 $14,000
2. Increase streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. Increase streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC. 2003 2006 $94,000
Outyear budgets for Construction and Implementation phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$27,000$22,000$20,000$20,000

Section 6. Budget for Operations and Maintenance phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1. Increase rearing area for anadromous fish in the Yankee Fork Salmon River (YFSR). a. Maintain check structures and flows within the pond series during high and low flows to ensure the integrity of the system. 10 $2,000
2. Increase streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC. a. Maintain existing riparian fence on Herd Creek.. 10 $5,500
2. b. As necessary, maintain integrity of the BBC enhancement site. 5 $5,000
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Increase rearing area for anadromous fish in the Yankee Fork Salmon River (YFSR). 2003 2006 $8,000
2. Increase streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC. 2003 2006 $40,000
Outyear budgets for Operations and Maintenance phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$12,500$10,000$10,000$10,000

Section 7. Budget for Monitoring and Evaluation phase

Task-based budget
ObjectiveTaskDuration in FYsEstimated 2002 costSubcontractor
1. Improve communications and information sharing among entities working in the Salmon River Basin on fisheries related issues. a. Participate in regional committees, work groups, etc., to ensure the exchange of Tribal information and perspective on the group's mission (e.g., natural production, supplementation, survival and mortality, habitat enhancement). Ongoing $15,000
2. Monitor human activities in the Salmon River Basin which have the potential to affect anadromous fish and their habitat. a. Monitor activities (e.g., mining, road construction, logging, grazing) on federal lands which have the potential to affect anadromous fish directly or indirectly through degradation of habitat or water quality or quantity. Ongoing $4,000
2. b. Monitor activities (as in Task a) on state and private lands. Ongoing $4,000
2. c. Work with appropriate government agencies, interest groups, and private individuals to ensure all human activity in the Salmon River Basin has no detrimental impact to anadromous fish and the affected parts comply with all laws. Ongoing $5,000
3. Assist other entities in monitoring overall populations of anadromous fish in the Salmon River Basin. a. Work with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game on monitoring parr densities and thus health of anadromous fish populations in the Salmon River Basin. Ongoing $5,000
3. b. Monitor stocking success, where appropriate, of anadromous fish outplanted in the Salmon River Basin at the request of the Tribes. Ongoing $5,000
4. Decrease both surface and subsurface streambed sediment in Bear Valley Creek (BVC) (MF Salmon River) to less than 25% surface fines in low gradient reaches and less than 30% subsurface fines by volume. a. Eliminate the dredge-mined area as an extraordinary source of sediment into BVC. $0
4. b. Monitor the floodplain in the project area for percent cover to determine revegetation success (goal of 80% vegetative cover on floodplain). 5 $2,500
4. c. Monitor sediment levels in BVC to document changes. Ongoing $15,000
5. Increase streambank cover and stability in BVC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. a. Revegetate the newly created floodplain and streambank in the site area. $0
5. b. Monitor streambank cover and stability within the project area and below. Ongoing $5,000
6. Increase stream habitat diversity in BVC. a. Allow natural hydrograph, including floodplain and riparian function, to allow BVC to reach a dynamic equilibrium in the affected area. Ongoing $0
6. b. Monitor changes in pools and riffles in the site area and downstream (goal of large pools (> 3 ft deep) average 56 pools/mile in the project site and two miles below). Ongoing $10,000
6. c. Monitor changes in sinuosity in the site area (goal of 1.7 based on sinuosity of BVC prior to mining). Ongoing $3,500
6. d. Monitor changes in width-to-depth ratios in the project area and below (goal of less than 10). Ongoing $8,000
7.Improve egg-to-parr survival of all fish but primarily anadromous fish in BVC to levels similar to other less impacted Middle Fork and upper Salmon River streams. a. Reduce sediment inputs into BVC. Ongoing $0
7. b. Monitor chinook salmon redds in the fall and steelhead redds in the spring. Ongoing $20,000
7. c. Monitor numbers of adult and juvenile salmonids, primarily chinook salmon and steelhead. Ongoing $25,000
8. Increase rearing area for anadromous fish in the Yankee Fork Salmon River (YFSR). a. Connect off-channel dredge ponds to the mainstem YFSR. $0
8. b. Monitor anadromous fish use of the off-channel rearing area (goal of 22,000 smolts). Ongoing $5,000
8. c. Compare differences in numbers and growth between the off-channel rearing area and the adjacent mainstem YFSR. Ongoing $10,000
9. Monitor use of the off-channel rearing area by anadromous fish to find ways to increase use. a. Study the use of off-channel rearing area by chinook salmon and steelhead taking into account habitat use, flow, temperature, invertebrate densities, dissolved oxygen, and cover. Ongoing $3,000
10. Decrease both surface and subsurface streambed sediment in Herd Creek (HC) and Big Boulder Creek (BBC) (EF Salmon River) to less than 25% surface fines in low gradient reaches and less than 30% subsurface fines by volume. a. Eliminate the section of HC in the Bennetts Ranch area as an extraordinary source of sediment input into HC. $0
10. b. Eliminate the affected reach of BBC near the trailhead as an extraordinary source of sediment into the stream (goal of 80% vegetative cover on floodplain). $0
10. c. Monitor sediment levels in HC and BBC. Ongoing $13,000
11. Increase streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. a. Monitor streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC. Ongoing $2,500
12. Increase stream habitat diversity in HC and BBC. a. Allow natural hydrograph, including floodplain and riparian function, to allow HC and BBC to reach a dynamic equilibrium in the affected area. Ongoing $0
12. b. Monitor changes in pools and riffles in HC project area, above, and below (goal of at least 47 large pools (> 3 ft deep)/mile). Ongoing $5,000
12. c. Monitor changes in pools and riffles in BBC project site (goal of at least 47 large pools (> 3 ft deep)/mile). Ongoing $3,000
12. d. Monitor changes in width-to-depth ratios in HC and BBC (goal of < 10). Ongoing $3,000
12. e. Monitor longitudinal profile within the BBC enhancement site. Ongoing $1,500
13. Improve egg-to-parr survival of all fish but primarily anadromous fish in HC and BBC to levels similar to other upper Salmon River streams. a. Reduce sediment inputs into HC and BBC. Ongoing $0
13. b. Monitor chinook salmon redds in the fall and steelhead redds in the spring in HC and BBC. Ongoing $10,000
13. c. Monitor numbers of adult and juvenile salmonids, primarily chinook salmon and steelhead in HC and BBC. Ongoing $12,000
14. Increase spawning and rearing area for anadromous fish in BBC. a. Monitor use by anadromous fish of newly accessible spawning and rearing habitat upstream of breached dam on BBC. Ongoing $2,000
Outyear objectives-based budget
ObjectiveStarting FYEnding FYEstimated cost
1. Improve communications and information sharing among entities working in the Salmon River Basin on fisheries related issues. 2003 2006 $60,000
2. Monitor human activities in the Salmon River Basin which have the potential to affect anadromous fish and their habitat. 2003 2006 $52,000
3. Assist other entities in monitoring overall populations of anadromous fish in the Salmon River Basin. 2003 2006 $40,000
4. Decrease both surface and subsurface streambed sediment in Bear Valley Creek (BVC) (MF Salmon River) to less than 25% surface fines in low gradient reaches and less than 30% subsurface fines by volume. 2003 2006 $70,000
5. Increase streambank cover and stability in BVC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. 2003 2006 $20,000
6. Increase stream habitat diversity in BVC. 2003 2006 $86,000
7.Improve egg-to-parr survival of all fish but primarily anadromous fish in BVC to levels similar to other less impacted Middle Fork and upper Salmon River streams. 2003 2006 $180,000
8. Increase rearing area for anadromous fish in the Yankee Fork Salmon River (YFSR). 2003 2006 $60,000
9. Monitor use of the off-channel rearing area by anadromous fish to find ways to increase use. 2003 2006 $12,000
10. Decrease both surface and subsurface streambed sediment in Herd Creek (HC) and Big Boulder Creek (BBC) (EF Salmon River) to less than 25% surface fines in low gradient reaches and less than 30% subsurface fines by volume. 2003 2006 $52,000
11. Increase streambank cover and stability in HC and BBC to bank stability greater than 80% with 75% of banks undercut. 2003 2006 $10,000
12. Increase stream habitat diversity in HC and BBC. 2003 2006 $50,000
13. Improve egg-to-parr survival of all fish but primarily anadromous fish in HC and BBC to levels similar to other upper Salmon River streams. 2003 2006 $88,000
14. Increase spawning and rearing area for anadromous fish in BBC. 2003 2006 $8,000
Outyear budgets for Monitoring and Evaluation phase
FY 2003FY 2004FY 2005FY 2006
$207,000$200,000$200,000$200,000

Section 8. Estimated budget summary

Itemized budget
ItemNoteFY 2002 cost
Personnel FTE: 3.75 $121,000
Fringe 34% of salary $41,200
Supplies Includes snorkel gear, habitat monitoring equipment, thermographs, misc. field and office supplies $6,800
Travel Includes field per diem, vehicle leases (3), and travel for meetings $35,000
Indirect 28% of salary and fringe benefits $45,500
$249,500
Total estimated budget
Total FY 2002 cost$249,500
Amount anticipated from previously committed BPA funds$0
Total FY 2002 budget request$249,500
FY 2002 forecast from 2001$249,500
% change from forecast0.0%
Cost sharing
OrganizationItem or service providedAmountCash or in-kind

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:
Sep 28, 2001

Comment:

A response is needed. The proponents need to provide documentation that common monitoring methods are being used in these watersheds and other watersheds in the Salmon subbasin and that data and metadata are being provided to Streamnet (or other database if Streamnet is not appropriate).

This project continues to focus on monitoring and evaluation of results of previously completed and ongoing restoration work. Ongoing projects are adequately justified with references to methods and results, however, it is not clear that methods are the same as for other monitoring programs in the Snake Basin, e.g., Project #199107300"Idaho Natural Production Monitoring and Evaluation." The proponents should corroborate with principal investigators on other monitoring and evaluation projects to ensure that results are comparable among projects and areas within the basin.

It is not clear that original monitoring sites were selected by a probabilistic sampling method to allow statistical inferences to be drawn to the entire study area(s). Also, it is not clear if the sites are part of a Snake Basin wide monitoring and evaluation program, e.g., project #199107300"Idaho Natural Production Monitoring and Evaluation." The ISRP recommends that the proponents of monitoring projects in the Idaho Provinces work with the Oregon, Washington, and Montana Provinces to begin to develop monitoring and evaluation procedures with common field procedures and probabilistic site selection for the entire Columbia Basin. The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Monitoring Program (Nicholas 1997a, 1997b, 1999) as implemented in the Oregon coastal coho streams and the Columbia Plateau Province is a Tier 2 level monitoring and evaluation program that can serve as a good model. Also, see the section on monitoring in the introduction to this report.

The review group suggests that future terrestrial monitoring efforts be made compatible with one of the national terrestrial survey efforts. Perhaps an intensification of the National Resources Inventory survey sites and data collection protocols would serve the region well. See the Proposals #200002300 and #200020116 and ISRP reviews in the Columbia Plateau.


Recommendation:
High Priority
Date:
Nov 30, 2001

Comment:

This project addresses RPAs 150, 152 and 183.
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Dec 21, 2001

Comment:

Fundable subject to a commitment to provide the data and metadata to STREAMNET or other database available to the public.

This project continues to focus on monitoring and evaluation of results of previously completed and ongoing restoration work. Ongoing projects are adequately justified with references to methods and results, however, this project should begin to plan for change to probabilistic site selection so that inferences can be drawn to the entire watershed. See the reviews and responses of Project #199107300"Idaho Natural Production Monitoring and Evaluation."

The proponents seem to be unaware of the requirement for data generated by BPA funded projects to be made available to the public. The ISRP assumes that STREAMNET is the appropriate database for storage of data and metadata, but other arrangements might be agreed upon with the Council during the contracting phase.

The ISRP appreciates the commitment to development and adoption of common habitat survey methods on a Columbia Basin-wide basis and to corroborate with other principal investigators working with M&E projects throughout the Columbia Basin to ensure that results are comparable among projects and areas. See ISRP reviews and proponent responses to project proposals 199107300, 28051. Collocation of study sites for fish counts, aquatic habitat, and water quality would enhance the region's ability to draw meaningful conclusions from the array of M&E projects currently underway.

The proponents should interact closely with Project 199801600 in the Columbia Plateau (Jim Ruzycki and Richard Carmichael, ODFW, "Monitor Natural Escapement and Productivity of John Day Basin Spring Chinook Salmon." ODFW revised this proposal to create a comprehensive plan to include all monitoring and evaluation for all anadromous salmonid lifestages and habitats in the John Day Basin. The M&E program in the John Day Basin is apparently developing as a model for the Oregon section of the Columbia Basin and is being carefully reviewed by agencies in Washington. Also, the ISRP recommends that the proponents consider using data protocols recommended in Johnson et al. (2001) (Johnson, D. H., N. Pittman, E. Wilder, J. A. Silver, R. W. Plotnikoff, B. C. Mason, K. K. Jones, P. Roger, T. A. O'Neil, C. Barrett. 2001. Inventory and Monitoring of Salmon Habitat in the Pacific Northwest - Directory and Synthesis of Protocols for Management/Research and Volunteers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington. 211pp). The proponents are referred to the programmatic section of this report on Monitoring, the specific comments on Aquatic Monitoring and Evaluation, and the specific comments on Terrestrial Monitoring and Evaluation.


Recommendation:
Date:
Feb 1, 2002

Comment:

Statement of Potential Biological Benefit to ESU
Benefits are indirect. Monitoring and evaluation of habitat restoration and improvement work conducted in the area will likely lead to increased survival through continued restoration work in some very important spawning areas

Comments
This is the necessary monitoring and maintenance of stream improvements and rehabilitation projects completed in the 1980's. The deliverables should include estimates of production, use of the habitat by listed species, and other benefits. Base refers to the maintenance of existing improvements. RPAs refer to new restoration work and monitoring activities.

Already ESA Req? No

Biop? Yes


Recommendation:
A Conditional
Date:
Feb 11, 2002

Comment:

Recommend conditioned upon timely submittal of data to Streamnet or other public databases for implementation of RPA 183.

BPA RPA RPM:
183

NMFS RPA/USFWS RPM:
Base, 150, 152, 183


Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Apr 19, 2002

Comment:


Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Jun 13, 2002

Comment:

Fund conditioned upon timely submittal of data to Stream Net or other public data bases for implementation of RPA 183.
Recommendation:
Fund
Date:
Sep 20, 2003

Comment:

low accrual - position just recently filled. Check M&E - increase in 05. Some work to be rescheduled -$30,000. Sponsor will provide more detail on task id.
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:
$245,000 $245,000 $245,000

Sponsor comments: See comment at Council's website