Independent Scientific Review Panel

for the Northwest Power Planning Council

Review

of

Fiscal Year 2001

High Priority Proposals

for the

Columbia River Basin

Fish and Wildlife Program

ISRP 2001-1

February 1, 2001
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

ISRP and PRG Reviewers

Charles C. Coutant

Jack Griffith

Susan S. Hanna

Lyman McDonald

Brian Riddell

William Smoker

Bruce Ward

Ray White

Richard R. Whitney

Richard N. Williams
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

i

ISRP Review of Fiscal Year 2001 High Priority Proposals

Contents:

I. Review Process....................................................................................1

Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1

Criteria ............................................................................................................................. 1

Recommendation Categories........................................................................................... 3

II. General Issues....................................................................................5

Overview.......................................................................................................................... 5

Problems with Proposal Content...................................................................................... 5

Supporting Biological Data................................................................................................................................... 5

Monitoring and Evaluation.................................................................................................................................... 5

Conglomerate Proposals........................................................................................................................................ 6

Impacts of Passage Improvements................................................................................... 7

Water Rights, Land Acquisition, and Conservation Easements...................................... 7

Public Access to Lands.................................................................................................... 8

Funding Responsibility.................................................................................................... 8

III. Review Findings for Each Proposal..................................................9

Category A Proposals - Full Recommendation............................................................... 9

Category B Proposals - Good Faith Recommendation.................................................. 14

Category C Proposals..................................................................................................... 25

Category D Proposals..................................................................................................... 30

Proposals that Did Not Meet Threshold Criteria ........................................................... 34

IV. Table of Proposals Sorted by ISRP Recommendation and Project

Number.................................................................................................52

V. Index of Proposals by Project Number....................................59
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ISRP Review of Fiscal Year 2001 High Priority Proposals

I. Review Process

Introduction

On November 13, 2000, the Northwest Power Planning Council (Council) and

Bonneville Power Administration (Bonneville) opened a “High Priority” solicitation to

the region to identify immediate actions that will assist Endangered Species Act (ESA)

listed anadromous fish in the Basin. On December 15, Bonneville received 96 proposals

that offered actions ranging from replacing culverts to acquiring riparian habitat to testing

selective fishing gear.

During January 2001, the Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP), with the

assistance of three Peer Review Group members, reviewed and ranked the set of

proposals. The review process differed from the standard ISRP Provincial Review

Process in several ways. Subbasin summaries were not provided, the ISRP did not

conduct a site visit, project sponsors did not make oral presentations, and a response loop

was not included. Consequently, the proposal review was not as interactive or rigorous

as the provincial reviews. Moreover, the review did not benefit from the contextual

information provided by a provincial review, making the fit of the proposals within a

subbasin strategy less apparent.

Criteria

Like the “Innovative” solicitation, the “High Priority” solicitation included unique

criteria that were much more specific than those provided by the 1996 amendment to the

Power Act.1 The criteria were organized in several tiers. The threshold (Tier 1) criteria

were that the proposal address problems of ESA-listed anadromous fish, 2 be designed for

one-time funding, and result in immediate on-the-ground benefits. "High Priority” project

funds cannot be used to build infrastructure or capacity that require subsequent funding

for implementation. Almost half the proposals failed the threshold criteria because they

did not offer immediate actions that would result in on-the-ground benefits. Rather, they

proposed to create infrastructure, conduct assessments or identify actions that could lead

to on-the-ground benefits at a later time.

The threshold criteria required that a proposal justify expedited consideration by

establishing that the proposed action addressed imminent risks to the survival of one or

more species listed under the ESA. In addition, the proposed project must be 1) a timelimited opportunity (e.g. the opportunity to address the risk to the species may be lost if

 

1

 ISRP recommendations are based on a determination that projects: 1) are based on sound science

principles; 2) benefit fish and wildlife; 3) have a clearly defined objective and outcome; and 4) contain

provisions for monitoring and evaluation of results. In addition, the ISRP considers whether a project is

consistent with the Fish and Wildlife Program. These criteria were woven into the high priority criteria.

2

 The ISRP understands that there was enough confusion regarding eligibility of resident fish proposals that

the ISRP reviewed the five resident fish focused proposals on their merits.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

2

the proposal is not implemented in 2001) or 2) broadly recognized to achieve direct

benefits to anadromous fish. In interpreting “imminent risk,” the ISRP focused on

whether the project was likely to provide direct benefits to an ESA-listed species.

Two of the high priority threshold criteria were not within the ISRP’s scientific purview:

in lieu and permitting (NEPA, ESA, etc.) issues. The ISRP understands that Bonneville,

the Council, CBFWA, and NMFS will examine the proposals to determine if they meet

these criteria.

Proposals were asked to address two additional tiers of criteria. Six Tier 2 criteria were

generated from the Fish and Wildlife Program:

• The proposal has measurable, quantitative biological objectives and will result in

clear benefits to species survival;

• The proposal has immediate, measurable benefits to ESA-listed species;

• The proposal will produce largely self-sustaining habitat after activities are

completed;

• The proposal will connect patches of high-quality habitat or extend habitat out

from a core area;

• The proposal will improve conditions in a 303d water-quality limited stream;

and/or,

• The proposal addresses a habitat enforcement issue and results in the protection of

fish or wildlife habitat (including marine habitats of anadromous species).

These Tier 2 criteria proved critical in the ISRP’s identification of technically sound

projects that best meet the intent of the high priority solicitation.

Tier 3 criteria, while not “pass/fail”, were provided to allow a proposal to improve its

priority position by demonstrating one or more of the following:

• The proposal fulfills more than one of the above criteria.

• The proposal shares some of the cost of the action with other entities.

• The proposal is part of a collaborative effort with other entities or have synergistic

effects with actions implemented by other entities.

• The proposal is recommended by an action plan derived from a science-based

assessment.

• The proposal implements high-priority actions approved by a tribal or state

governmental authority with fish and wildlife protection responsibility and

identified by a tribal or state plan as necessary to protect or rebuild fish and/or

wildlife in the Columbia River Basin.

• The proposal either collects or identifies data that are appropriate for measuring

biological outcomes identified in the objectives.

Tier 3 criteria are not scientific, but are elements that are regularly included in the ISRP

proposal review. These elements link a project to other actions and increase the

likelihood of project success.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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Recommendation Categories

In developing its recommendations, the ISRP considered the overall quality of the

proposal as well as the extent to which the proposal met the three high priority tiers.

Proposal recommendations fell into the five categories listed below. These categories

reflect the degree of ISRP confidence that the proposal will meet its objective to benefit

ESA-listed species. In general, projects that proposed to directly address passage issues,

restore or acquire quality habitat, and increase and protect instream flows matched the

high priority criteria the best; proposals to conduct assessments or feasibility studies did

meet the criteria as well (see Figure 1). The recommendation categories do not take into

account the relative cost and benefits of each proposal (e.g. cfs per dollar spent), but such

cost considerations could elevate funding of a Category B proposal above a Category A

proposal.

Category A Proposals - Full Recommendation

These eleven proposals were judged to clearly address imminent risks to an ESA

listed or threatened species by providing direct on-the-ground benefits and meeting a

majority of the other criteria, including cost sharing and collaboration with other

projects and entities. These proposals were generally well written, providing strong

biological justification for the proposed actions and provisions for future monitoring

and evaluation. They targeted clearly demonstrated high priority habitats or problems.

Most were on par with the highest quality proposals seen in previous ISRP annual and

provincial reviews. Under the normal provincial review process, the ISRP would not

have requested a response from the project proponents.

Category B Proposals - Good Faith Recommendation

These nineteen proposals were judged to meet the threshold criteria and likely to offer

important benefits to ESA listed or threatened species. However, many of the

proposals failed to provide adequate detail for technical review on issues such as

biological justification, stock status, priority of projects within a watershed, or

quantification of instream water protection. In spite of these deficiencies, the

reviewers had some confidence that the proposals would yield important benefits to

fish and wildlife. Under a response review, proponents would have needed to clarify

points of uncertainty.

Category C Proposals

These ten proposals were judged to meet the threshold criteria but the extent of

benefits to ESA listed or threatened species was not adequately described and

justified. In general, these were proposals for activities that benefit fish, but the

proposals were not placed in a subbasin context, lacked details on the location of

activities, and were generally too brief for adequate technical review. Under a

response review, the proposals would have needed substantial revision to address

reviewers’ concerns.

Category D Proposals

These eight proposals meet many of the Council’s criteria, but overall were

inadequate and are not recommended for funding consideration.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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Did Not Meet Threshold Criteria

Forty-eight proposals did not meet the threshold criteria for a variety of reasons.

Foremost, they did not offer direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

Many of these projects proposed assessment or planning activities that would require

subsequent or continued funding to achieve on-the-ground benefits.

Among the 48 proposals that did not meet the threshold criteria were a number of

worthwhile projects that probably should be considered high priority in the basin. Many

of these projects proposed needed baseline assessments of listed taxa or the addition of

personnel to ongoing planning and implementation. The ISRP assumes that these

proposals will be considered during the respective Province reviews.

Following a section on general issues identified during the review, recommendations on

each proposal are provided below.

Figure 1. ISRP Recommendation by Proposal Strategy

0

10

20

30

40

50

A B C D NA

ISRP Recommendation

Number of Proposals

Artificial Production

Assessment and

Research

Fisheries

Habitat Restoration

(fencing, etc.)

Land Acquisition

Passage (culverts,

screens, dams, etc)

Water (Acquisition,

Flow Enhancement)
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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II. General Issues

Overview

In general, the quality of the proposals reviewed in the High Priority solicitation fell

below those in the FY 2000 annual review and the 2001 provincial reviews. Many

proposals were overly brief, lacked maps or descriptions identifying the location and

context of the proposed work, failed to make linkages between planning documents

(watershed analyses, subbasin summaries, etc.), and lacked specific descriptions of the

target stocks and their current status.

These omissions, which frequently could have been addressed in a few sentences or a

brief table, resulted in lower levels of support for those projects. Moreover, inclusion of

such information would have provided a better basis to compare the expected benefits of

the proposals.

The relatively short timeframe associated with the High Priority solicitation and the

relatively high funding levels available for projects may have contributed to the lack of

overall proposal quality. Based on the quality of proposals in this solicitation, the ISRP

recommends against further short-timeframe, special-circumstance solicitations. Such

solicitations, if they occur too frequently and generate proposals of the quality in this

solicitation, risk compromising the rigor and credibility of the Provincial Review Process.

Problems with Proposal Content

Supporting Biological Data

The high priority solicitation was designed for situations such as a discovery that

something interfering with anadromous salmon migrations (culvert replacement; new

screens, road decommissioning, etc.) requires immediate corrective action. For these

situations, it may seem superfluous to provide a scientific analysis to justify taking

action. However, many of the proposals failed to provide even basic biological data (e.g.

site location, stock status, or expected biological benefits) to support the proposed action.

Land acquisition and fish passage proposals usually made strong cases from the “land”

perspective, but failed to provide even minimal biological information on the status of the

fish stocks to be affected by acquisition (e.g. proposal 23052 Big Creek Land

Acquisition) or their potential response to the acquisition. In many instances, ISRP

reviewers were forced to rely on good faith that the proposed action would benefit

salmonid stocks, rather than on any articulated biological justification.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Given the short duration of the High Priority projects (12-18 months), evaluating the role

and extent of needed monitoring and evaluation (M&E) was difficult. Follow-up M&E of

the projects will be necessary to ensure that the objectives of the High Priority solicitation

are met. Nevertheless, projects often lacked plans for future monitoring and evaluation.

This disconnect between expectations of the ISRP and information provided by project

sponsors needs to be addressed. For example, what M&E is needed when a faulty culvert
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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is replaced? How does it compare to M&E needed to evaluate the collective projects in

the F&WP for recovery of spring chinook runs in the John Day River Basin?

The ISRP does not expect most individual projects (culvert replacements, water addition,

land purchases, etc.) to have individual, distinct M&E plans for Tier 3 Monitoring as

defined in the NMFS All-H document (Conservation of Columbia Basin Fish: Final

Basinwide Salmon Recovery Strategy, Volume 1, Table 4). Tier 3 monitoring is intended

for those projects or groups of projects where the objectives include establishment of

mechanistic links between management actions and salmon population response. Bisbal

(2001)3 defines this level of effort as effects or response monitoring; the repetitive

measurement of environmental variables to detect changes caused by external influences.

The key words here are “establishment of mechanistic links” and “detect changes caused

by external influences.” Generally, the results of Tier 3 effects monitoring qualify as

research and are publishable in the refereed scientific literature. The ISRP does not

expect expensive Tier 3 effects monitoring for the individual projects, although a project

could certainly contain Tier 3 level monitoring objectives.

The ISRP does expect the individual proposals to include inexpensive, simple Tier 1 or

Tier 2 monitoring (Conservation of Columbia Basin Fish: Final Basinwide Salmon

Recovery Strategy, Volume 1, Table 4). Bisbal (2001) defined this level of monitoring as

trend monitoring; “... track the variability of a particular parameter over a long period of

time, and relies on obtaining data from revisits to a single site.” For example, Tier 1

trend monitoring after culvert replacement could consist of simple observations of

whether or not adults pass through it – understanding that it might take a year or two or a

cycle of abundance to shift before surpluses of fish below encourage them to move

upstream. Stream reaches above replaced culverts might be visited on a rotating basis

rather than every year. Trend monitoring on individual sites does not establish cause and

effect relationships, and in general, the results do not qualify as research.

Tier 3 effects monitoring is usually conducted on a larger scale, or is part of a research

program and is not the responsibility of individual FWP projects, particularly as part of

this High Priority solicitation. The actions required to isolate cause and effect

relationships would be inappropriate for most individual projects. However, the project

sponsors should be aware of and include references to past or current research or Tier 3

effects monitoring that support their proposal. For example, proposals in the Yakima

River Basin for culvert replacement and dam removal indicated that M&E would be

included in the ongoing Yakima River surveys.

Conglomerate Proposals

Large proposals that aggregate a number of diverse properties for fisheries or wildlife

mitigation, such as 23061, Securing Wildlife Mitigation Sites – Oregon, have been

reviewed in several annual review cycles and in the recently completed Innovative

solicitation. These proposals have generally not been included in the top recommended

proposals. Such proposals are very difficult to review in large part because they do not

 

3 Bisbal, G.A. 2001. Conceptual design of monitoring and evaluation plans for fish and wildlife in the

Columbia River ecosystem. Environmental Management (In press).
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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provide enough site-specific information on the proposed mitigation sites. Descriptions of

the property, its biological importance and expected biological benefits are inadequate.

In contrast, proposals that address a single or a few related sites frequently provide

adequate justifications, descriptions, and biological information and are frequently

forwarded to Council with a positive recommendation (e.g., Project: 23054, Forrest

Ranch Acquisition).

Impacts of Passage Improvements

Culvert replacement and elimination of other passage impediments are broadly

recognized as beneficial to fish, but these actions can have negative impacts on isolated

threatened or endangered resident stocks that occur above the barrier. Few proposals

mentioned this possibility. For many resident fish stocks, removal of the barrier may

allow re-expression of a fluvial or adfluvial life history or introduction of non-native

species. In the case of pure strain stocks such as bull trout, redband, or cutthroat trout

isolated above barriers, removal of the barrier could place the population into jeopardy if

the lower watershed contains introduced brook trout or hatchery-reared non-native

rainbow trout. Competitive displacement or exclusion and hybridization may occur. The

ISRP recommends that the Council evaluate the potential for negative impacts on

threatened or endangered resident stocks during its review of proposals.

Water Rights, Land Acquisition, and Conservation Easements

Generally, targeted acquisitions or conservation easements are more likely to provide

secure long-term benefits for fish and wildlife than modifications to irrigation or grazing

projects. Consequently, it is especially important for those projects that modify actions

which historically have tended to be detrimental to fish to quantify the expected benefits

(e.g. increased streamflow) and provide assurance that the benefits will be protected over

time.

The states are using different approaches to secure additional water for instream use. In

general, proposals from Oregon and Washington focused on land acquisition, purchase of

water rights, transfer of water rights to perpetual instream rights, and long-term

conservation easements (15-30 years or perpetuity). Oregon and Washington water laws

ensure that the water gains will remain instream, rather than being made available to

downstream junior water users. In contrast, many proposals from Idaho focused on

achieving water gains through irrigation system modifications such as closed ditches and

fixed-pivot sprinkler systems. These proposals provided fewer assurances that water

gains would remain instream protected from other consumptive uses, perhaps reflecting

differences in water laws of Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Project sponsors should creatively explore the resolution of water and land conservation

issues through programs that encourage perpetual conservation easements or acquisition

of land and water rights. One program mentioned, but not described in detail, is

administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Services of the U.S. Department of

Agriculture. The potential of this and other programs to provide perpetual protection of

land and water should be evaluated and communicated to the region.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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Public Access to Lands

We encourage the Council to establish clear policies on public access to lands purchased

with Fish and Wildlife Program funds. While it is important to protect critical habitat and

the security of threatened and endangered species, public support for a project might also

depend on granting public access to these lands.

Funding Responsibility

One threshold criterion for the High Priority solicitation is that the proposed project be

appropriate mitigation for the Federal Columbia River Power System and not in lieu of

expenditures or actions authorized or required by other entities. Evaluation of projects

against this criterion is not in the ISRP’s purview, but many of the proposals submitted

under the high priority solicitation seemed to raise this policy question. In fact, many of

the proposed actions, which are indeed high priority needs that pose imminent risks to

listed stocks, actually represent management deficiencies under the present land owner or

government authority: private, city, county, tribe, state agency (e.g. Highway

Department) or federal (e.g. USFS). Without questioning the biological need for the

proposed actions, the ISRP suggests that the Council address the policy issue of funding

responsibility for these actions. Future solicitations would benefit from a clear expression

of what constitutes an in lieu issue. What is the responsibility of the Fish and Wildlife

Program to fund habitat improvements, culvert replacements, irrigation system

modifications, intake screening and other actions for a variety of landowners?
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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III. Review Findings for Each Proposal

ISRP project recommendations are organized by recommendation category with

proposals presented in order of project number within each category.

Category A Proposals - Full Recommendation

These eleven proposals were judged to clearly address “imminent” risks to an ESA listed

or threatened species, in that they provide direct on-the-ground benefits, and meet a

majority of the high priority solicitation criteria including cost sharing and collaboration

with other projects and entities. These proposals were well written, provided strong

biological justification for the proposed actions, and provisions for future monitoring and

evaluation. These proposals targeted clearly demonstrated high priority habitats or

problems.

ProjectID: 23001

Protect Bear Valley Wild Salmon, Steelhead, Bull Trout Spawning and Rearing Habitat

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: SBT & IDFG

Funding Request: $320,000

Short Description: Protect critical spawning, rearing and migratory habitats for wild

chinook salmon, steelhead trout, bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout in the Bear

Valley Basin by permanently closing the Bear Valley and Deer Creek allotments to

livestock grazing.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This is an excellent project, excellently presented, that meets the Council’s criteria. This

is one of the best proposals out of the set. This type of work is highly important. It holds

potential for major benefits to threatened and endangered species by permanent

elimination of grazing on the associated lands.

ProjectID: 23002

Ames Creek Restoration

Province: Lower Columbia

Subbasin: Willamette

Sponsor: USFS

Funding Request: $170,000

Short Description: This project will breach an old mill dam to provide fish passage and

restore stream habitat in the old mill pond.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This proposal to breach an old mill dam would open 4 miles of winter steelhead

spawning habitat. It is an excellent proposal that meets the Council's basic criteria. The

proposal provides direct on-the-ground benefits to ESA listed individuals in the South

Santiam River. The proposal includes excellent local support, is championed by the

South Santiam Watershed Council, and long-term O&M and M&E are to funded by the
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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City of Sweet Home Public Works. Furthermore, the project appears to be very

economic for the benefits to be gained. They should consider potential impacts on native

resident stocks if any are present above the culverts. In sum, this is a good example of a

small well-described project with community support and a high likelihood of benefits to

fish.

ProjectID: 23015

Protect Salmon River Breaks Wild Salmon, Steelhead, Bull Trout Spawning and Rearing

Habitat

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: Valley Sun L.L.C.

Funding Request: $47,000

Short Description: Protect critical spawning, rearing and migratory habitats for wild

chinook salmon, steelhead trout, bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout on the Salmon

River Breaks Allotment by permanently closing the allotment to livestock grazing.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This proposal would permanently remove grazing in the Salmon River Breaks Grazing

Allotment and this grazing removal is judged to be beneficial as it would enhance an

important chinook and steelhead area. This is a well-prepared proposal with low costs

that meets the Council’s criteria. The information provided is consistent with that in

project 23001. It is good that monitoring will be provided, but the monitoring is not

described in enough detail.

ProjectID: 23032

Return Spawning/Rearing Habitat to Anadromous/Resident Fish within the Squaw Creek

to Papoose Creek Analysis Area Watersheds

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Clearwater

Sponsor: NPTFWP

Funding Request: $420,000

Short Description: Provide 20 miles of fisheries habitat within the Squaw to Papoose

Creeks Analysis Area by replacing the top 10 fish barrier culverts, a critical component

of an on-going watershed restoration effort, based on a completed watershed assessment.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This is a good straight-forward proposal that includes a map and describes the location of

activities. The proposal meets the Council’s criteria. This is a high priority area. They

should consider potential impacts on native resident stocks if they are present above the

culverts. The USFS will provide monitoring in the future.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23045

Gourley Creek Dam Fish Ladder

Province: Lower Columbia

Subbasin: Lower Columbia

Sponsor: City of Scappoose

Funding Request: $153,550

Short Description: Project will open up about 4 miles of high quality habitat for ESA

listed salmonid above an existing fish passage barrier. Gourlay Creek, is identified as a

focal watershed and a high priority for protection and restoration in the SBW assessment.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This is an excellent proposal to provide passage for ESA species at Gourley Creek Dam

in the Scappoose Watershed. It meets the Council's basic criteria. The time critical

element appears to be the current public support, which could wane. The proposal

provides direct on-the-ground benefits to ESA listed individuals in the Watershed. Listed

species are found in Gourley Creek below the Dam and should expand into the additional

habitat without further expense. The proposal includes excellent local support, is

championed by the Watershed Council. Long-term O&M and M&E are to funded by the

City of Scappoose Water Fund. The project appears to be very economic for the benefits

to be gained. The ISRP had some minor concerns. One concern that should be addressed

during Council review is whether three culverts mentioned in the supporting

documentation will have to be corrected before the habitat above the dam can be

effectively used. Also, they should consider potential impacts on native resident stocks if

any are present above the dam. There was confusion about which tasks have already been

accomplished, although the groundwork seems complete for actual action.

ProjectID: 23053

Wagner Ranch Acquisition

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: John Day

Sponsor: CTWSRO

Funding Request: $2,658,774

Short Description: Aquire Wagner Ranch to provide a contiguous corridor of habitat

along the lower mainstem John Day River.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This is a well-written proposal with justification as high priority project. The proposal is

to acquire a large ranch that would lead to the protection of ten miles of the mainstem of

the John Day River. This proposed purchase looks like an excellent opportunity, the

purchase of property will link to adjacent public owned pieces, and the opportunity is

time limited. The option to purchase the ranch will expire in September 2001. The ISRP

supports the proposal and suggests that the proposal might be funded at a reduced level

for acquisition only while a better proposal for long-term O&M and M&E is prepared

and reviewed as part of the regular rolling review that is to take place in this Province in

the Spring of 2001.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23054

Forrest Ranch Acquisition

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: John Day

Sponsor: CTWSRO

Funding Request: $4,184,185

Short Description: Acquire approximately 4,295 acres of land, 25.22 cfs of water, and

12.17 miles of river habitat on the upper Middle Fork and upper mainstem John Day

Rivers. Property has been designated the highest priority in the John Day basin since

1971.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This exemplary and excellent proposal appears to capitalize on an excellent opportunity.

This is one of the two or three best proposals in the solicitation. It is well prepared with

maps, figures, and brief tables that support the main points of the proposal and help

demonstrate its justification as a high priority project. The Forrest Ranch – John Day

Middle Fork tract - has been identified as the highest priority restoration project in the

entire John Day basin since 1971 and represents the highest density of spawning spring

chinook salmon in the entire basin. This proposal meets the Council's criteria with the

exception of proposed funding of future O&M and M&E. The proposal is to acquire a

large ranch with over 12 miles of the upper mainstem and upper Middle Fork of the John

Day River. It is high priority in that it is very likely time limited. The ISRP supports the

proposal and suggests that the acquisition might be funded at a reduced level for earnest

money or acquisition only while a proposal for long-term O&M and M&E is prepared

and reviewed as part of the regular rolling review that is to take place in this Province in

the Spring of 2001.

ProjectID: 23055

Acquire Prime Salmonid Spawning and Rearing Habitat on Entiat River

Province: Columbia Cascade

Subbasin: Entiat

Sponsor: CDLT

Funding Request: $1,411,320

Short Description: Acquire and protect from development key areas of salmonid

spawning and rearing habitat in the "stillwaters" section of the Entiat River.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This proposal is to acquire land adjacent to the Entiat River and protect it from

development. The area includes 3 miles of some of the most important spawning and

rearing habitat for salmonids in the Entiat Basin, including chinook, steelhead and bull

trout. Landowners have agreed to sell at the prices specified in the proposal. The proposal

is well presented, with strong scientific context and excellent coordination. There is a

high probability that it will produce significant measurable benefits. However, they

should have provided data on stock status and instream water rights. The value to fish is

implicit in broad statements on the importance of the reach.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23073

Purchase Perpetual Conservation Easement on Holliday Ranch and Crown Ranch

Riparian Corridors and Uplands

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: John Day

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $481,800

Short Description: Fence 17.7 miles of mainstem John Day River and tributaries, and

protect 15,532 acres of uplands two miles east of John Day, Oregon under perpetual

conservation easement to improve habitat and protect steelhead spawning grounds and

big game winter range.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This is a proposal to construct and maintain riparian corridor fencing on 15 miles of

mainstem and tributary habitat. It appears funding for the easement is available in another

project. The combination of legal and physical protection is good. The cost is modest

compared to cost of acquisition of the ranches. The ISRP supports this excellent project,

but is confused over long-term O&M costs. The budget includes funds for long-term

O&M while the text indicates that the responsibility for ongoing fence maintenance falls

on the Grantor, the Hollidays. Also, there is inadequate indication of who will pay for

long-term M&E. These issues should be clarified during the Council's review.

ProjectID: 23088

Renovate Selway Falls Anadromous Fish Passage Tunnel

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Clearwater

Sponsor: IDFG

Funding Request: $308,938

Short Description: The Selway River anadromous fish tunnel was constructed in the late

1960's in an effort to provide improved passage conditions through the Selway Falls

complex. Since that time the infrastructure of the tunnel has deteriorated and requires

renovation.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This short and to-the-point proposal justifies the potential benefits to be gained from the

tunnel work. This is an important project to ensure access of fish to sections of the

Clearwater River that are being improved under other projects. Discrete data on stock

status are not provided.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23094

Acquire 27,000 Camp Creek Ranch at Zumwalt Prairie

Province: Blue Mountain

Subbasin: Imnaha

Sponsor: TNC

Funding Request: $2,000,000*

Short Description: Secure, restore and protect steelhead, bull trout, redband trout and

chinook habitat on tributaries to the Imnaha River, including entire Camp Creek

watershed. Restore and protect 27,000 acres of wildlife habitat on the Zumwalt Prairie.

ISRP Rank: A

Comments:

This is an excellent proposal that makes a good case for a cost share from the Fish and

Wildlife Program for the purchase of 27,000 acres that would protect a watershed,

benefit ESA listed anadromous fish, and also benefit wildlife. The Council’s criteria are

satisfied. The funding requests in the narrative and data proposal forms are different, the

narrative specifies that the request is for a $2 million cost share of the overall

$11,937,005 purchase.

Category B Proposals - Good Faith Recommendation

These nineteen proposals were judged to meet the threshold criteria and likely offer

important benefits to ESA listed or threatened species. However, many of the proposals

failed to provide adequate detail for technical review on issues ranging from biological

justification, stock status, lack of indication of priority of projects within a watershed, or

protection and quantification of instream water saving. In spite of these deficiencies, the

reviewers had some confidence that the proposals would yield important benefits to fish

and wildlife.

Projects are not ranked within this category, rather they are listed by project

number.

ProjectID: 23012

Arrowleaf Methow River Conservation Project

Province: Columbia Cascade

Subbasin: Methow

Sponsor: TPL and WDFW

Funding Request: $17,055,000

Short Description: The project is an acquisition of the 1020-acre Arrowleaf property on

the Methow River-- critical habitat for 9 ESA listed species. If not purchased the property

will be subdivided into 70 lots and much of the upland and riparian habitat will be

destroyed.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

See previous ISRP review: “The ISRP was unanimous in viewing the acquisition of the

Arrowleaf property as an important opportunity that should be seized upon by the

Council and BPA. The Arrowleaf property is clearly desirable property with many
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

15

wildlife and habitat features that approximate pristine condition. The proposors clearly

describe the importance of the property, its near pristine condition, its position as a link

between upper and lower habitats (particularly salmonid habitats), and the negative

ecological consequences of not obtaining the property.” Council should look at the cost

of this purchase relative to other purchases.

ProjectID: 23013

Locate, Mark, and Removal of Lost "Ghost" Fishing Nets in Selected Columbia River

Reservoirs: A Feasibility Study

Province: Columbia Gorge

Sponsor: CRITFC

Funding Request: $86,109

Short Description: Every fishing season, gillnets used by treaty Indian commercial

fishers are sometimes lost and unrecoverable. The number present in Zone 6 is unknown,

but is likely in the hundreds, all with the potential to catch listed salmon species.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments: 

In sum, this is a good idea and is a very responsible action by the agency. There was

some debate among the reviewers on whether this proposal met the criteria for one-time

funding and on-the-ground benefits, because, if this project is successful, it could develop

into an annual task. However, the proposal clearly meets many of the criteria and would

likely be achievable. As the sponsors state, there is an inherent element of mainstem

habitat improvement that goes with this proposal, although it appears to be fishing

related. The proposal refers to new technology that should make it possible to locate

these lost nets, leading to their removal. Because the location of this project is on the

mainstem, where it affects all of the listed species that are located above Bonneville Dam,

it is clearly a habitat-type problem. It has the potential to remove a substantial barrier to

migration, and it is of relatively low cost (probably $60,000 if they don't have to purchase

the sonar equipment, previously used in a BPA sponsored project and now idle).

The reviewers were surprised that there was no evidence of the scale of the problem

presented, although experience suggests there might be a substantial number of lost nets.

How many nets are reported lost each year, is this really a problem? Are there

requirements to report lost nets? It may not require many to represent a significant

problem, since the lost nets may fish at all times on all stocks that pass through the lower

Columbia River fishing zones. In this regard they represent a block to migration in the

same sense as a culvert might in a tributary stream.

The major technical concerns with the proposals are: what is the detectability of the nets,

and the unknown feasibility of retrieving the nets.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23018

Crawford Vegetative Management Road Decommission

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: John Day

Sponsor: USDA FS

Funding Request: $112,070*

Short Description: Decommission 45 miles of developed forest roads in the Crawford

Vegetation Management Project of the Upper Middle Fork John Day River watershed.

These roads are currently hindering spawning, rearing, and/or migration of two federally

listed fish species.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

The rationale is good, and in general the action is known to be beneficial. However, the

claims for potential benefit are not supported in the proposal through references or

otherwise. The proposal specifically identifies the roads to be decommissioned. Cost

share is good. The M&E effort seems ample, but the plans for it are not well described.

ProjectID: 23019

Trout Creek Culvert Replacement

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Deschutes

Sponsor: USFS

Funding Request: $128,000

Short Description: Remove barriers to fish passage and mitigate degradation to water

quality. Reduce risk of culvert failure and potential for inputting large volumes of soil

material into Trout Creek.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

This is a very good, concise proposal that meets most of the Council's criteria. The

project is a continuation of Ochoco National Forest's efforts to remove barriers to fish

passage and improve water quality and will open up 3.1 miles of fish habitat. The

proposal provides direct on-the-ground benefits to ESA listed individuals in the Trout

Creek, Ochoco National Forest. The proposal includes good support by the Ochoco

National Forest, is recommended by a Watershed Analysis, and long term O&M and

M&E are apparently funded by the Ochoco National Forest. Furthermore, the project

appears to be very economic for the benefits to be gained. Trout Creek is a key tributary

for steelhead in the Deschutes, but the proposal did not describe this well. They should

consider potential impacts on native resident stocks if any are present above the culverts.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23020

Badger Creek Culvert Replacement and Road Closure Projects

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Deschutes

Sponsor: USFS

Funding Request: $87,000

Short Description: Remove barriers to fish passage and mitigate degradation to water

quality in the Deschutes River with placement of box culvert.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

This is a very good proposal that meets most of the Council's criteria. The project is a

continuation of Ochoco National Forest's efforts to remove barriers to fish passage and

improve water quality and will open up 2 miles of fish habitat. The proposal provides

direct on-the-ground benefits to ESA listed individuals in Badger Creek that flows to Mt.

Creek to Rock Creek to the John Day River. The proposal includes good support by the

Ochoco National Forest, is recommended by a Watershed Analysis, and long term O&M

and M&E are apparently funded by the Ochoco National Forest. Furthermore, the project

appears to be very economic for the benefits to be gained. However, the proposal does

not provide stock status data or a map of the location of the effort. They should consider

potential impacts on native resident stocks if any are present above the culverts.

ProjectID: 23021

Restoring Bull Trout Habitat In The Blackfoot River's North Fork

Province: Mountain Columbia

Subbasin: Blackfoot

Sponsor: TU

Funding Request: $750,300

Short Description: Comprehensive bull trout recovery project aimed at streamflow

enhancement, using irrigation efficiencies projects and habitat restoration in combination

with voluntary water leasing.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

This proposal was also submitted in the Mountain Columbia Review. Although the ISRP

is going to ask for a response in that process, the project should be seriously considered

for funding in one of these processes. The benefits look good and time appears to be of

the essence.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23024

Hancock Springs Passage and Habitat Restoration Improvements

Province: Columbia Cascade

Subbasin: Methow

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $49,941

Short Description: Increase juvenile salmonid access to, and enhance the habitat of a

spring fed off-channel to the upper Methow River.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

This proposal would replace a culvert in Wolf Creek that blocks migrations of listed

spring chinook and steelhead into the upper two-thirds of Hancock Springs system (4200

linear feet), the lower one-third of which (1100 linear feet) is a significant rearing area for

juvenile salmonids. Wolf Creek is a tributary of the Methow River and stands at the

lowermost limit of spring chinook spawning there. While the proposal includes a

statement that the numbers of fish using the area and the rate of survival of juveniles will

be estimated, there is no statement about what the quantitative biological effects of

opening up this area might be. The M and E plan is good for a short proposal. The

description of the location of the project is inadequate. They should consider potential

impacts on native resident stocks if any are present above the culverts.

ProjectID: 23027

Methow Basin Floodplain and Riparian Land Acquisitions

Province: Columbia Cascade

Subbasin: Methow

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $2,332,150

Short Description: This proposal is to purchase properties in the Methow Basin

important for salmonid spawning and rearing.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

This proposal deals with acquisition of floodplain land in the Methow Basin, and is

coordinated with efforts of other entities in the Methow, such as the Nature Conservancy,

WDFW and others. Spawner surveys and monitoring of juvenile salmonid abundance are

being conducted in the area as part of other projects of the Yakama Indian Nation. The

proposal includes good justification for the importance of the habitat, but they may get

comparable benefit through purchase of a subset of the properties or by purchasing the

property in increments. Some of the properties will require rehabilitation, dikes, etc.,

however, budgets for this work are not included in the proposal. The proposal is

recommended by state and the urgency is the availability of the parcels now.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23028

Increase Naches River In-stream Flows By Purchasing Wapatox Water Right

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Yakima

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $4,000,000

Short Description: Cost share with Bureau of Reclamation to purchase water right from

PacifiCorp's Naches Power Plant (served by the Wapatox Canal) to benefit salmon and

steelhead by increasing instream flows and enhance spawning and rearing habitat in the

Naches River.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

The ISRP questioned whether this project was time critical. The M&E is not well

described and needs to be clarified before being fundable. The project has benefit to fish

in that the portion of the river bypassed by the canal is at times dry or otherwise

inaccessible to fish. Species of fish affected are spring chinook, steelhead and coho, as

well as bull trout. Increased flow will lead to reconnection of the lower Naches River

with upstream tributaries such as the American River. Costs will be shared with BOR.

The sponsors should have described partial versus total decommissioning and could have

better described how this project fits in the big picture of the Yakima, how much habitat

is going to be gained? It appears the benefits will be direct in regard to the specific 7

mile stretch in the Naches by adding water and increasing passage. The water rights

could have been better described. How senior is the water right? What is the bottom line

in terms of the instream flow all the way to the Columbia? There is no enumeration in

terms of stock status.

ProjectID: 23035

Buckskin Slough Restoration

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Yakima

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $13,200

Short Description: Buckskin Slough is a small, yet highly productive tributary to the

Naches River in Yakima County. The proposal aims to complete restoration projects

identified in a Phase 1 survey.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

The project offers long term habitat improvement. It does not appear to be urgent except

for the possibility of losing public support. Monitoring is to be done in another project.

The sponsors do not make a strong case that this project addresses imminent risk to ESAlisted species and it does not have an adequate description of immediate benefits. The

project is low cost.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23036

Evaluate live capture selective harvesting methods for commercial fisheries on the

Columbia River

Province: Lower Columbia

Subbasin: Mainstem Columbia

Sponsor: WDFW, ODFW

Funding Request: $384,285

Short Description: Evaluate commercial live capture selective harvesting on the

Columbia River to provide a fishery where tooth nets are used to catch marked hatchery

chinook and unmarked fish are released.

ISRP Rank: B

This proposal might not meet the criteria for the Threshold Criteria. It would provide

benefits for listed species only if fishing is authorized that would take the listed species as

incidental catch, and only if the study succeeds in identifying enforceable soak times and

mesh sizes for gill nets that might be employed in such fisheries. The proposal is for a

good one-year study, but any on-the-ground implementation of full-scale measures would

come later. Having said that, it is regrettable proposals to develop selective fishing

methods are still playing with the most unselective gear (gillnets are gillnets). These tooth

nets are really tangle nets. What is wrong with fish wheels and other non-lethal gear?

The portion of this proposal, identified as Objective 4, dealing with a floating trap net is

the one portion worth funding, but it appears to represent a minor portion of the effort

proposed. As for the requirement that there be a one-time funding commitment, we note

that the proposal makes reference to two previous studies of the so-called "tooth nets"

whose evaluation is proposed here. However, no data or findings from those studies are

given.

ProjectID: 23044

Naches River Water Treatment Plant Intake Screening Project.

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Yakima

Sponsor: City of Yakima

Funding Request: $1,657,500

Short Description: Screen City of Yakima's Naches Water Treatment Plant intake to

eliminate mortality of ESA listed and non-listed salmonids at this location.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

The proposal is to install screens at the intake to the City of Yakima's Water Treatment

Plant on the Naches River. There will likely be some fish benefits. The improved screens

will eliminate or reduce mortality of juvenile salmonids, as some are entrained into the

water treatment plant. However, there is inadequate specification of benefits to fish. This

appears to be screening of the intake facilities. Would it be feasible to screen the canal

where water is redirected from the river? This proposal may raise an in lieu issue, which

is beyond the ISRP’s purview.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23047

Acquire Tucannon River Water Rights

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Tucannon

Sponsor: WWT

Funding Request: $120,000

Short Description: Acquire 2-3 CFS of senior Tucannon River water rights from a

private landowner under a 15-year lease agreement. The acquired water will be left

instream benefiting ESA listed spring chinook, steelhead and bull trout.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

This proposal would purchase a 15-year lease of a senior water right in the Tucannon

River that would increase instream flow to the benefit of 3 listed species. The proposal

provides good justification, clear methods and excellent coordination. The proposal also

provides an excellent discussion on the legal issues surrounding the Washington Water

Trust, which ensures that water savings would remain instream. This project is high on a

priority list of Washington Water Trust. However, the proposal was missing some critical

information on what the leased water will add to the base flow. What are the existing

summer base flows? Is the diversion high or low in the basin? It would be beneficial for

WDFW to provide some monitoring.

ProjectID: 23052

Acquire and Enhance Lower Big and Little Creeks, Columbia River Estuarine

Floodplain, Clatsop County, Oregon.

Province: Columbia Estuary

Subbasin: Mainstem Columbia

Sponsor: NCLC

Funding Request: $528,500

Short Description: Conserve, through acquisition and enhancement, 123 acres of critical

habitat, including Columbia River estuarine floodplain, on lower Big and Little Creeks.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

This is a time-limited opportunity and would relate well to other land acquisitions in the

immediate area. The only concern is that the parcel to be bought does not appear to be

directly on the floodplain (at least not in the picture included) and the proposal does not

clearly indicate that ESA species actually use this habitat. The proposal would be

substantially stronger if species' use of the area had been documented. The proposal does

not present measurable biological objectives but proposes to develop a monitoring

program and conduct it over the next five years. The proposal includes excellent local

support, is championed by the local Watershed Council, and long-term O&M and M&E

are to funded by the North Coast Land Conservancy. The project seems to be economic

for the acreage gained that will connect Nature Conservancy property with Oregon

Department of Fish & Wildlife property.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23084

Acquisition of Lower Desolation Creek, John Day Basin

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: John Day

Sponsor: CTUIR

Funding Request: $4,987,754

Short Description: Acquire and Restore Lower 11 miles of Desolation Creek and its

tributaries. This would restore not less than 11 miles of anadromous streams.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

This proposal is for acquisition of Lower Desolation Creek, John Day Basin to protect

anadromous streams and upland habitat. This is a very good project in that acquisition

would protect the majority of the associated watershed. There is some confusion over the

extent of stream habitat involved. In the short description, 11 miles of streams are

indicated while in the text, 17 miles are mentioned. It is unclear if there are water rights

associated with the property or if these rights would be protected for instream flow?

The proposal is weak in that it does not sufficiently develop the O&M or M&E

components, plus the proposal calls for long-term O&M or M&E costs to BPA. The

ISRP supports acquisition of this parcel, but perhaps at a reduced level for earnest money

or acquisition only. An improved proposal for O&M or M&E funding could be reviewed

in the upcoming provincial review this spring.

ProjectID: 23091

Protect East Fork Salmon River chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout habitat

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: SBT

Funding Request: $1,030,000

Short Description: Protect critical chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout habitat by

acquiring property, providing riparian protection, modifying land use practices, removing

fish passage barriers. Provide off-channel rearing and acclimation for natural fish

production.

ISRP Rank: B

Comments:

There are many excellent aspects of this proposal, however, some confusion is evident

with regard to "natural fish production" (p. 1) and "supplementation" (p. 3--task 6b).

There is inadequate information on how the slough might be "converted" to a hatcheryfish acclimation pond. Does this mean making some physical alterations, or just

introducing the hatchery fish? The property acquisition looks promising. Some stock

status data is given. The project includes M and E in a different project. The proposal

needs more information on water rights, instream flow gains, and details on

supplementation and releases.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23026

Klickitat Basin Key Habitat Acquisition

Province: Columbia Gorge

Subbasin: Klickitat

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $3,000,000

Short Description: Purchase high priority lands for preservation of refugia habitat.

Protection of stream channel and riparian habitats and associated uplands, which

influence immediate riparian function and channel processes.

ISRP Rank: B*

Comments:

Objectives 1 - 3A appear to meet the High Priority criteria and critical areas appear to be

targeted, however 3b, 3c and 4 do not meet the criteria and appear to be primarily

developing infrastructure for the future. A major part of the project is “prioritization” of

future purchases. There is little indication that the purchases are time sensitive.

ProjectID: 23040

Re-introduction of Lower Columbia River Chum Salmon into Duncan Creek

Province: Lower Columbia

Subbasin: Mainstem Columbia

Sponsor: PSMFC, WDFW

Funding Request: $420,796

Short Description: Enhance spawning areas historically used by chum salmon in

Duncan Creek. Jump-start the population by incubating eggs from adjacent stocks at this

site. Conduct annual spawning ground counts and estimate fry production.

ISRP Rank: B*

Comments:

Objective 1 of the proposal meets the High Priority criteria, namely creation or cleaning

up of the spawning grounds. The remainder of the objectives does not meet the threshold

criteria of one-time funding for on-the-ground benefits. Natural recolonization by the

remnant chum stock in Duncan Creek should be pursued prior to introduction of outside

stock. The proposal might be funded at a reduced level for work on the spawning sites.

Long-term funding for further introduction of chum stock and O&M and M&E, might

then be sought during the regular rolling review of the Lower Columbia Basin Province.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23046

Increase In Stream Flows to De-watered Stream Reaches in the Walla Walla Basin

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Walla Walla

Sponsor: WWCCD

Funding Request: $584,000*

Short Description: This project will work with private landowners and irrigation

districts to implement 4 innovative, realistic, measurable solutions to improve flow on

critical de-watered stream reaches.

ISRP Rank: B*

Comments:

Objective 1 of the proposal meets the High Priority criteria. It offers specific on-theground site specific actions that will provide instream water rights and improve flows in

the Walla Walla River for the benefit of ESA listed species. Objectives 2 - 4 offer

promising approaches but do not appear to fit this solicitation. These objectives are

appropriate for submittal in the upcoming Columbia Plateau Provincial Review. The

monitoring is clearly spelled out, but it includes no biological component. A major

shortcoming of the proposal is that it does not present a net flow-increase figure. In other

words, the proposal predicts an amount of water discharge (4,522 gpm or about 10 cfs)

released from the present type of irrigation to benefit the streams, but it does not predict

and subtract from this the amount of water the new irrigation system will deprive streams

of via shallow-well pumping and perhaps other operations. How much water will be lost

from the groundwater pumping? What is the net gain?
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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Category C Proposals

These ten proposals were judged to meet the basic threshold criteria but the extent of

benefits to ESA listed or threatened species is not adequately described and justified. In

general, these proposals are for the type of activities that benefit fish, but the proposals

did not place the proposed work in the context of the subbasin, lacked details on the

specific location of activities, and were generally too brief for technical review.

Projects are not ranked within this category, rather they are listed by project

number.

ProjectID: 23006

Walla Walla River Flow Recruitment - Eastside Ditch Piping

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Walla Walla

Sponsor: Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council

Funding Request: $189,000

Short Description: This proposal will add 5 - 7 cfs of conserved and transferred

irrigation water to the Walla Walla River at the critical flow-impaired reach between

Milton-Freewater and the Oregon-Washington Stateline.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

The proposal failed to adequately describe the biological situation, however, the project

would likely benefit aquatic resources if its objectives are truly met and adhered to (i.e.,

enforced). Inadequate information was presented on the staff and their qualifications to

conduct the proposed work. The project had good cost-sharing. A plus was the

assurance provided that the water saved will receive legal protection and remain

instream.

ProjectID: 23007

Conservation Easement, Baker Ranch, Salmon River East Fork

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: IOSC

Funding Request: $1,415,000

Short Description: Protect riparian areas, restore stream banks & save 70 cfs in the E.F.

of the Salmon through a 740 acre ranch. Conservation easement will eliminate the use of

water from 7 irrigation diversions, saving $647,000 of cost of 7 fish screens and a bridge.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

Implementation of this action would preclude other actions (screening and construction

of a bridge). The proposal appears poorly prepared and lacks detail on several critical

points. It is uncertain from the proposal, whether the saved water will stay in the stream.

The proposal needs to describe the assurance of instream water rights. What are the major

ecological benefits from the fence, if grazing is still allowed inside the fence? Elimination

of grazing in the enclosure should be discussed in the proposal as an alternative. The cost
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

26

of the fence seems high relative to other fencing projects the ISRP has reviewed. Once

fencing enclosures are built they need to be maintained. Who will do the fence

maintenance (this can be expensive)?

ProjectID: 23022

Chumstick Culvert Replacement and Habitat Enhancement 2001

Province: Columbia Cascade

Subbasin: Wenatchee

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $270,825

Short Description: Culvert replacement and realignment on private properties in the

Chumstick watershed; Wenatchee sub-basin. This project concludes a 1999 proposal

submitted to and funded by BPA Fish and Wildlife Program for years 2000-2001.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

This proposal adds onto an existing project. Completion of the two projects would

replace culverts in the Chumstick watershed. The emphasis in the proposal is upon the

lower reaches in the watershed where a series of improperly designed and/or maintained

culverts has blocked migrations of anadromous fishes for many years. The two projects in

tandem will lead to reconnection of 7 miles of Chumstick Creek with the Wenatchee

River at Leavenworth Washington.

The proposal lacked sufficient detail on its justification that it is a high priority action

based on a watershed analysis. A map of the area and a listing of culverts and their

priority for replacement would have allowed the reviewers a better chance to understand

the details and need for the project. There was no discussion of the expected response

from the affected stocks. They should consider potential impacts on native resident stocks

if any are present above the culverts.

ProjectID: 23023

Stormy Creek High Priority Culvert Replacement

Province: Columbia Cascade

Subbasin: Entiat

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $122,800

Short Description: Culvert replacement on county road in the Entiat subbasin known to

be a barrier to passage for ESA "listed" Endangered species.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

The proposal to replace a culvert lacks adequate information on existing stream flows,

stock status, and expected benefits from the proposed work. They should consider

potential impacts on native resident stocks if any are present above the culverts.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23030

Initiate wetland and wet prairie restoration and restore historic stream function, Bessett

Property, Willamette Valley, Oregon.

Province: Lower Columbia

Subbasin: Willamette

Sponsor: NHI

Funding Request: $112,630

Short Description: This wetland restoration will return 68 acres of farmed wetland and

diked stream to a wetland system consisting of a meandering overflow channel, shallow

water flooded zone, scattered vernal ponds and a wooded riparian zone.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

This is an excellent proposal to improve and protect wetlands on 68 acres in a

conservation easement in the Willamette Valley. However, the project is not tightly

linked to known salmon or steelhead populations and their use of the area. This project

“might” create rearing habitat, as there "may be" spring chinook and winter steelhead in

the vicinity. Benefit to anadromous fish is not well demonstrated. However, benefits to

western pond turtle and Oregon spotted frog look promising. The proposal includes

excellent cost sharing with long term O&M and M&E provided by the Oregon Watershed

Enhancement Board and foundation grants. The budget appears to be modest for the

benefits gained.

ProjectID: 23031

Protect John's Creek Watershed

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Clearwater

Sponsor: NPTFWP

Funding Request: $73,878

Short Description: Protect and enhance critical riparian areas of the John's Creek

Watershed to restore quality habitat for chinook salmon, steelhead trout, bull trout, and

resident fish, by excluding cattle grazing from critical habitat.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

Portions of this proposed work marginally meet the basic criteria - replacement of a

dilapidated fence - objective 2, task 2, 3 and 4 ($50,000 requested, but that appears to be

above the going rate for fencing). The project would exclude cattle grazing from critical

riparian areas of the John's Creek Watershed. This portion meets the criteria. Proposed

work seems very expensive relative to other fencing projects. It is a plus, that the

proposal describes M&E.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

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ProjectID: 23033

Big Creek Passage and Screening

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Yakima

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $187,000

Short Description: A concrete dam in Big Creek blocks all upstream fish passage.

Project will provide fish passage over the dam with a series of weirs and a short fishway.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

The proposal would provide a fish ladder at an impassable irrigation diversion dam on

Big Creek, a tributary of the Yakama River and install screens at the intakes for the

ditches. The proposal is so brief, that it is difficult to evaluate. The proposal notes that

Big Creek is on Washington’s “Waldo” list, but does not describe how high the ranking

(i.e., the priority need for the project). While the proposal did not provide adequate

detail or justification to support a funding recommendation, there is reason to believe the

project would yield positive results. There is high use of the creek below the dam by

steelhead (listed) and chinook. They should consider potential impacts on native resident

stocks if any are present above the culverts.

ProjectID: 23039

Upper Yakima River Acquisitions

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Yakima

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $1,936,000

Short Description: Protect 170 acres of upper Yakima River wetlands through fee

simple acquisition to secure spawning and rearing habitat for salmonids.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

This proposal is for acquisition of 80 acres of land adjacent to the Yakima River in a

reach accessible to spring chinook, steelhead and bull trout. The present owners are

planning subdivision and development. Although the proposal meets the solicitation’s

basic criteria, the proposal is inadequate and fails to provide adequate information on fish

passage concerns into the restored area, stock status, and expected benefits from the

proposed work. The proposal did not justify the anadromous fish benefits, although it is

on the Waldo list.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

29

ProjectID: 23048

Install Fish Screens to Protect ESA-listed Steelhead and Bull Trout in the Walla Walla

Basin

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Walla Walla

Sponsor: WWCCD

Funding Request: $461,700

Short Description: This program will protect two ESA-listed salmonid species by

providing cost share for installing WDFW- and NMFS-approved fish screens, for 197

Walla Walla Basin irrigation diversions.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

The proposal does not describe the exact ditches to be screened. Stock status data is not

given. The proposal does not put the project in context and the Walla Walla presents a

dynamic situation making contextual information especially important. The proposal is

an ongoing project that appears will offer potential immediate benefits to ESA listed

steelhead and bull trout. However, the urgency of this probably is not so great that

funding it now does not outweigh the benefits of considering the project in the upcoming

provincial review this spring. Review within the provincial process would put the project

in the context of the watershed.

ProjectID: 23056

Farmers Irrigation District Mainstem Hood River Fish Screen Project

Province: Columbia Gorge

Subbasin: Hood

Sponsor: CTWSRO

Funding Request: $500,000

Short Description: The proposed project would replace the existing noncompliant drum

screens with a horizontal fixed plate screen to meet or exceed current NMFS juvenile fish

screening criteria.

ISRP Rank: C

Comments:

The proposed project would replace the existing noncompliant drum screens with a

horizontal fixed plate screen to meet or exceed current NMFS juvenile fish screening

criteria. The proposed project may not meet the solicitation criteria threshold: there is no

indication that problems with screens this year are crucial to survival of stocks.

Nevertheless, it is likely that the project would have benefits. Project will apparently be

completed without these funds, perhaps even in 2001. If this is a “high Priority” project,

we were surprised not to have seen it proposed during the Columbia River Gorge

provincial review.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

30

Category D Proposals

These eight proposals meet many of the Council’s criteria, but were inadequate, failed for

diverse reasons, and are not recommended for funding consideration.

Projects are not ranked within this category, rather they are listed by project

number.

ProjectID: 23008

Improve Stream Habitat by Reducing Discharge from Animal Feeding Operations in

Salmon and Clearwater Basins

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon and Clearwater

Sponsor: IOSC

Funding Request: $3,366,000

Short Description: Enhance tributary and main stem fish habitat by reducing runoff

from CAFO operations by supporting on-farm improvements with cost-share funding and

technical assistance.

ISRP Rank: D

Comments:

Not all parts of this proposal meet the basic criteria of the solicitation for one-time

funding. However, if carried to full implementation it would address risks to ESA stocks

by offering direct on-the-ground benefits. The project focus is on planning and

identification of problem sites. Location and priority of sites for on-the-ground actions is

not adequately described. This proposal could be expanded and then reconsidered as part

of the Province Review.

ProjectID: 23009

Reconnect Falls Creek to the Main-stem Pahsimeroi River

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: IOSC

Funding Request: $830,000

Short Description: Reestablish 14.0 miles of historical anadromous habitat, save 1-3 cfs

during summer months and provide an isolated bull trout population access to the

mainstem river.

ISRP Rank: D

Comments:

This is likely a worthwhile project but it is not ready for one time on the ground funding.

It is still in its planning phase. The tasks list focuses on design and not installation or

construction. Furthermore, the effectiveness should be justified given the small amount of

water involved and the failure to specify how return as “fish flows” would be enforced.

This proposal could be expanded and reconsidered as part of the Province Review.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

31

ProjectID: 23010

Restoration of Anadromous Fish Access to Hawley Creek

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: IOSC

Funding Request: $2,159,000

Short Description: Reconnect Hawley Creek to the Lemhi River, reduce water

temperatures, and facilitate stream channel and riparian habitat restoration for

anadromous and resident species in Hawley Creek by improving irrigation methods and

increasing instream flows.

ISRP Rank: D

Comments:

Hawley Creek is high in the Lemhi watershed. There is no indication of why Hawley

Creek is a priority stream within the Lemhi system. The proposal fails to present stock

status data on current use and potential benefits, nor does it establish the benefit to the

imminent risk population. Legal assurances are not provided that the water saved will be

protected for instream use. Water savings should have been presented as the net change

to the entire system. What does the 4 cfs mean relative to the stream, relative to the

Lemhi? The Model Watershed Group has a good track record. The cost of the irrigation

system, etc. may approach the price of land acquisition. The proposal has some good

aspects, which "common sense" might tell us will have benefits, but has weak

justification. M&E is not adequately described.

ProjectID: 23011

Reconnect Little Morgan Creek to the Main-stem Pahsimeroi River

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: IOSC

Funding Request: $1,100,000

Short Description: Reestablish 14.3 miles of historical anadromous habitat and provide

an isolated bull trout population access to the mainstem river.

ISRP Rank: D

Comments:

The largest portion of the budget is for planning and design. It is not clear whether

construction is included in this proposal or whether it involves planning and design only.

If so, there is no on-the-ground element. It appears that this project could have long term

benefits for fish. The proposal could be expanded and reconsidered as part of the

Province Review.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

32

ProjectID: 23029

Decommission ten miles of roads in the Wind River Subbasin

Province: Columbia Gorge

Subbasin: Wind

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $104,000

Short Description: Decommission 10 miles of roads in the Wind River subbasin

including culvert removal and slope stabilization.

ISRP Rank: D

Comments:

This proposal received a low evaluation because the specific roads slated for

decommissioning were not identified. The identification of ten miles seems arbitrary. If

this is high priority why didn't it show up in the Columbia Gorge provincial review? Was

it funded under Watershed Council efforts? Similarly, they do not specify the ESA-listed

species, although they refer to winter and summer steelhead. There is inadequate

discussion of potential benefits. They should consider potential impacts on native resident

stocks if any are present above the culverts.

ProjectID: 23061

Securing Wildlife Mitigation Sites – Oregon

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: OWC

Funding Request: $23,960,000

Short Description: Develop wildlife mitigation sites in Oregon through habitat

acquisition and protection and facilitated by coordination, planning, and assessment by

the OWC as specified by the NWPPC's Fish and Wildlife Program.

ISRP Rank: D

Comments:

This proposal is not amenable to scientific review. Each parcel is not specifically justified

with respect to the criteria or benefits to ESA listed anadromous fish. The deficiencies of

the proposal may be obscuring some opportunities. For example, the Wagner property

listed in this proposal is well justified in a separate proposal. This raises an issue of the

budget for this proposal, as funding for the Wagner property is requested in two

proposals.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

33

ProjectID: 23062

Construct approved fish screening systems on unscreened irrigation diversions.

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Mainstem Snake

Sponsor: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Funding Request: $71,142

Short Description: Eliminate fish losses at unscreened irrigation diversions by

constructing approved fish screening devices

that meets the NMFS operational criteria.

ISRP Rank: D

Comments:

This is a very brief proposal, with little biological justification and inadequate description

of locations of the project. Obviously irrigation screening will have benefits, but what

are the intended benefits, what are the statuses of stocks, etc.?

ProjectID: 23064

Hood River-Punch Bowl Falls Fishway-Replacement of Access Stairway

Province: Columbia Gorge

Subbasin: Hood

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $136,750

Short Description: Replace damaged access stairway to provide safe means of cleaning

and maintaining fishway. This allows re-establishment and maintaining of fish runs

upstream in the West Fork of Hood River.

ISRP Rank: D

Comments:

On second review, this proposal appears to fail the solicitation’s critical criteria. If the

proposed work is “High Priority”, why wasn't this proposed during the recently

completed Columbia River Gorge provincial review?
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

34

Proposals that Did Not Meet Threshold Criteria

These 48 proposals did meet the threshold criteria for a variety of reasons. Foremost,

these proposals did not offer direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

Rather, many propose assessment or planning activities that with subsequent or continued

funding would provide on-the-ground actions and direct benefits.

ProjectID: 23003

Experimental Selective Fishery Techniques Development, Evaluation, and Coordination

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: NMFS-SFD

Funding Request: $400,000

Short Description: Design and/or solicit proposals, and begin coordinating development

and testing of selective fishery techniques in the Columbia River Basin, evaluating shortand long- term mortalities of fish encountered during effort directed at harvestable

species.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding. A science program is not adequately defined.

The proposed activity is for coordination and an ongoing task. The proposal fails to

adequately describe how stocks of spring chinook would be identified.

ProjectID: 23004

Support for the Development and Certification (FDA approval) of Effective Drugs and

Anesthesia for Fish

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: USFWS, Bozeman NIO

Funding Request: $240,000

Short Description: Evaluate the efficacy and target animal safety of Aqui-S (an

anesthetic) and florfenicol (an antibacterial agent) for use in fish.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

35

ProjectID: 23005

Develop an Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Carrying Capacity Model

Province: Middle Snake

Subbasin: Middle Snake

Sponsor: University of Idaho

Funding Request: $319,400

Short Description: Develop a model of carrying capacity for juvenile salmonids using a

combination of field laboratory and field sites.

ISRP Rank: NA

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding. This proposal offers assessment capabilities.

ProjectID: 23014

Distribution and seasonal habitat use of ESA-listed salmonid species in City of Portland

tributary streams

Province: Lower Columbia

Subbasin: Willamette

Sponsor: City of Portland, Endangered Species Act Program

Funding Request: $54,792

Short Description: Determine the distribution and seasonal habitat use of listed

salmonids in City of Portland watersheds. Use information to guide development of a

recovery plan, determine necessary protective measures, and monitor effectiveness of

protective measures.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding. This proposal is to inventory the distribution and

seasonal habitat use of listed salmonids in City of Portland watersheds.

ProjectID: 23016

Reconnection of floodplain slough habitat to the Kootenai River

Province: Mountain Columbia

Subbasin: Kootenai

Sponsor: KTOI

Funding Request: $139,974

Short Description: Reconnect slough and floodplain habitat that has been isolated from

the Kootenai River by dikes.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This resident fish proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering

direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding. The proposal focuses on

assessment and planning. The on-the-ground element appears to be planned for 2002.

This proposal is being reviewed as part of the Mountain Columbia review, which is an

appropriate venue for review and potential funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

36

ProjectID: 23017

Assess Surface-Water Flow And Feasibility of Enhancing White Sturgeon Spawning

Substrate Habitat, Kootenai R., Idaho

Province: Mountain Columbia

Subbasin: Kootenai

Sponsor: KTOI/USGS

Funding Request: $535,000

Short Description: Construct real-time surface-water flow model to evaluate the impact

of Kootenay Lake levels and pre-Libby Dam and Libby Dam era flows on white sturgeon

spawning patterns and construct sediment-transport models to assess feasibility of habitat

enhancement

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This resident fish proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering

direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding. The proposal focuses on modeling

and assessment. This proposal is being reviewed as part of the Mountain Columbia

review, which is an appropriate venue for review and potential funding.

ProjectID: 23025

Restore anadromous fish passage at Hemlock Dam on Trout Creek, tributary to Wind

River

Province: Columbia Gorge

Subbasin: Wind

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $220,763

Short Description: Develop and implement alternative for removal of Hemlock Dam

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding. This is a feasibility study. As demonstrated

during the Columbia Gorge Province Review, Hemlock Dam is the number one limiting

factor in the Wind River subbasin. The Wind River watershed assessment and restoration

effort is sound and well coordinated, and this dam is clearly a significant limiting factor

that would be a benefit to remove. Historically, the Wind River has been an outstanding

steelhead stream. They should consider potential impacts on native resident stocks if any

are present above the culverts.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

37

ProjectID: 23034

Reproductive Success Of Naturally Spawning Wild and Hatchery-origin Spring Chinook

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Yakima

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $260,674

Short Description: Wild and hatchery-origin spring chinook will be allowed to

reproduce in an experimental stream. Behavioral observations and DNA-based pedigree

analyses will be used to compare their reproductive success.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposed behavioral study of hatchery fish does not address imminent risks to ESA

stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding. The ISRP has

noted numerous times that this work needs to be done; however, it does not address an

imminent risk – it does address a potential long-term risk.

ProjectID: 23037

Assessment of bull trout populations in the Columbia Basin (excluding the Columbia

Gorge),WA.

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $809,279

Short Description: Determine the status of bull trout populations in the Columbia Basin

(excluding the Columbia Gorge). This will involve data collection to implement

protection and recovery plans that are critical to bull trout survival.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding. This is basic survey work, which should be done.

ProjectID: 23038

Yakima Basin Inventory and Assessment (SSHIAP), and Study and Model Integration

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Yakima

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $194,000

Short Description: Initiate SSHIAP and coordinate, integrate and enhance existing

studies, assessment, and models (EDT, Reaches, LFA, etc.) which will significantly

advance the Yakima Basin’s ability to identify and prioritize projects for salmon recovery

in the basin.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for survey and protocol refinement does not address imminent risks to ESA

stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding. The project is for

inventory and assessment that should be done.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

38

ProjectID: 23041

Restoration of ecosystem nutrient levels in the Columbia Basin

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $57,428

Short Description: The project will establish specific projects which will distribute

salmon carcasses, delayed-release fertilizers and salmon carcass analogs (briquettes) to

increase nutrients in streams to increase growth and survival of fluvial rearing salmonids.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal fails the criteria. It is a multi-year proposal that involves no science

program, and defines no methods. This proposal would not rank in the top of the

proposals submitted for the “Innovative” proposal solicitation to test nutrient

supplementation.

ProjectID: 23042

Forest and Fish - Road Inventory

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $256,080

Short Description: This proposal is to conduct an engineering condition

evaluation/survey of WDFW-owned forest roads basin-wide down to Bonneville.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal to evaluate roads on WDFW-owned forest roads does not address

imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time

funding.

ProjectID: 23043

Columbia Basin Fish Passage and Screening Inventory; WDFW Lands and Kittitas

County

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: WDFW

Funding Request: $182,040

Short Description: This proposal is to conduct an inventory of fish passage structures

and intake screens and to identify required corrective actions in Kittitas County and on

WDFW lands in all of the Columbia Basin down to Bonneville Dam.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal to conduct an inventory of fish passage structures and intake screens does

not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with

one-time funding. The inventory should be completed.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

39

ProjectID: 23049

Benefit/Risk Analysis to Promote Long-Term Persistence of Chinook Salmon in the

Middle Fork Salmon River

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: NPT

Funding Request: $108,236

Short Description: Assess relative benefits and risks associated with current population

status, genetics and potential for management actions aimed at increasing survival/stock

status of chinook salmon in the Middle Fork Salmon River subbasin.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal to conduct a Benefit/Risk Analysis in the Middle Fork Salmon River does

not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with

one-time funding. The work would benefit fish.

ProjectID: 23050

Establishing a Regional Salmonid Germplasm Repository for Populations Listed under

the Endangered Species Act

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: NPT / UI

Funding Request: $1,235,275

Short Description: A systemwide sperm bank for Endangered Species Act-listed

salmonids will be established. This proposed facility will house the activities associated

with the cryopreservation and storage of sperm from fishes within the Columbia Basin.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23051

Assessment and Implementation of Technologies to Monitor Adult Spring and Summer

Chinook Salmon Abundance in Snake River Basin Tributary Streams

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: NPT

Funding Request: $516,678

Short Description: Identify and implement technologies to accurately quantify adult

spring and summer chinook salmon adult spawner abundance in the Secesh River. Adult

abundance data would allow a measure of recovery threshold abundance of a listed

species (NMFS 2000).

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for an assessment does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding. The spawner surveys

should be conducted.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

40

ProjectID: 23057

Enhance Instream Flows and Fish Habitat for 2001 Irrigation Season

Province: Systemwide

Subbasin:

Sponsor: OWT

Funding Request: $51,000

Short Description: Enhance instream flows in targeted tributaries in selected provinces

through adding second project manager to Oregon Water Trust staff to help negotiate

deals that restore streamflows and improve fish habitat for the 2001 irrigation season.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This was a difficult proposal for the reviewers to evaluate, because the track record of the

organization, the low cost, and the potential benefit look good. It is for a staff position to

acquire water rights. This proposal differs from the OWRD in that the proposal is focused

on specific streams, with specific goals for each stream reach. It appears some of the

transactions are in hand, but most appear to be goals. The lack of specificity on the exact

deals and rights that would be acquired kept the ISRP from endorsing this project under

this solicitation.

ProjectID: 23058

Acquire BAIC Tract: Wildlife Mitigation Site - Horn Butte Area, Oregon

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Umatilla

Sponsor: TNC/ODFW

Funding Request: $5,669,617

Short Description: Protect portion of largest tract of undeveloped shrub steppe habitat in

the Oregon portion of the Columbia Basin from conversion to agriculture. Secure

22,000 acres of critical habitat for Washington ground squirrel and numerous other

wildlife species

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

Does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks. The emphasis is on wildlife. They do

not make a strong enough case for benefits to anadromous fish, although they list generic

benefits.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

41

ProjectID: 23059

Prevention and Control of Agricultural Water Pollution in the Columbia Basin of Oregon

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODA

Funding Request: $5,341,000

Short Description: Accelerate implementation of the Oregon Department of

Agriculture’s agricultural water quality management program. This program contributes

to achieving the state water quality standards, the Oregon Plan for Salmon and

Watersheds.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal is for infrastructure and does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23060

Assess Stream Quality for Salmonid Recovery

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODEQ

Funding Request: $369,816

Short Description: Characterize stream habitat, water chemistry, and fish &

macroinvertebrate communities at randomly selected and high quality reference sites to

provide critical baseline data and appropriate targets for stream restoration and

improvement projects.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for an assessment does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23063

Bull Trout Population Assessment

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $191,739

Short Description: Characterize bull trout in Oregon

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for an assessment does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

42

ProjectID: 23065

Develop System to Acquire Additional In-stream Flow Through Market Based Incentives

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $310,442

Short Description: Cooperatively work with the Oregon Water Resources Dept. Oregon

Water Trust and water right holders to develop a system for identifying willing

participants who will increase instream flows through purchasing, leasing, water banking

or conserving water.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for an assessment does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23066

Fish Distribution Data Development for Cutthrout Trout and Non-anadromous areas

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $200,579

Short Description: Development of fish distribution data for cutthroat trout and other

resident salmonids at the 1:24,000 scale for 4th field HUCs

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for development of fish distribution data does not address imminent risks

to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23067

Compile and Digitize Oregon's Fish Screen and Culvert Data

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Deschutes

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $28,848

Short Description: Compile Oregon's fish screen and culvert inventory data into

electronic databases and generate georeference data in order to make the information

usable in a geographic information system.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for data management does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

43

ProjectID: 23068

Fish Presence Survey & Georeference Data Entry

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Deschutes

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $37,717

Short Description: Enhance fish distribution and barrier information as well as on-theground project evaluation and assessment abilities by inputting a backlog of existing

hardcopy Fish Presence Survey data into ODFW's electronic database.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for data compilation and management does not address imminent risks to

ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23069

Apply for Additional In-stream Water Rights

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $65,442

Short Description: Prioritize streams where data currently exists to determine in-stream

flow needs and apply for instream water rights in those streams where instream water

right do not currently exist.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for infrastructure does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding. The project seems

worthwhile, but the proposal is inadequate and does not assure that streams with ESA

listed species will be the only focus. This proposal is weak in its presentation, leaving

many questions unanswered. It does not make a convincing case for funding. Why is the

current instream water right program coordinator not doing the tasks described in the

proposal? These seem basic to a water rights program. How would streams be

prioritized? What data are available? Duties of the staff person are not well described. 

ProjectID: 23070

Web Based System for Interactive Mapping, GIS Data, Metadata and Map Distribution

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $63,640

Short Description: Web Based System for Interactive Mapping, GIS Data, Metadata and

Map Distribution

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for web-based mapping does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

44

ProjectID: 23071

Calapooia River Flow Acquisition and Fish Passage Assessment

Province: Lower Columbia

Subbasin: Willamette

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $55,015

Short Description: Improve upstream passage for ESA-listed fish on the Calapooia

River by reimbursing the owner of Thompsons Mills to not divert flows for power

generation. Evaluate the effect of flow manipulation on upstream passage.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal to temporarily reimburse Thompson Mills not to divert flows for power on

the Calapooia River did not offer long-term, on-the-ground benefits with one-time

funding. This proposal would provide benefits for one year, but to secure long-term

benefits it would require funding every year or permanent actions on the dam. A proposal

for permanent action on the dam would have better met the high priority criteria.

ProjectID: 23072

Fifteenmile Creek Adult Trapping Facility

Province: Columbia Gorge

Subbasin: Fifteenmile

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $572,648

Short Description: Construct an adult trapping facility that will be used to count and

bio-sample jack and adult anadromous salmonids escaping to the Fifteenmile Creek

subbasin.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

The proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits from one-time funding. This proposal is in part to bolster monitoring and

evaluation for winter steelhead in the Fifteenmile Creek subbasin that the ISRP found

inadequate in the recent Columbia River Gorge Province Review. The project would

construct an adult trapping facility that will be used to count and bio-sample jack and

adult anadromous salmonids escaping to the Fifteenmile Creek subbasin. It would

provide information that is an important component of overall subbasin monitoring and

evaluation. However the ISRP’s concerns in the provincial review focused on the need

for an overall subbasin M&E plan that assesses upper basin production, juvenile losses

from the upper basin throughout the middle and lower basin, as well as assessing adult

escapement to the system. An overall integrated M&E program is still needed for the

basin (and the province).
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

45

ProjectID: 23074

Lower Columbia River and Estuary Habitat Assessment and Mapping Project

Province: Columbia Estuary

Subbasin: Mainstem Columbia

Sponsor: LCREP

Funding Request: $256,500

Short Description: Develop high definition, geographically accurate data set of lower

Columbia River aquatic and wetland habitat structure to use as baseline for identifying

critical salmonid/native species habitat and for prioritizing protection and restoration

actions

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for mapping does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering

direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding. The proposal did not adequately

describe why LCREP is now proposing to do this detailed mapping after their report is

out (with similar maps) or demonstrate that past mapping projects by the US Army Corps

of Engineers are not adequate.

ProjectID: 23075

Life history strategies in Oncorhynchus mykiss: interactions between anadromous and

resident forms.

Province: Blue Mountain

Subbasin: Grande Ronde

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $209,925

Short Description: Provide information that will allow biologists to better understand

the relationship between the various life history forms exhibited by O. mykiss.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for a life history study does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23076

Complete Watershed Assessments in the Columbia Plateau

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: OWEB

Funding Request: $1,602,836

Short Description: Prioritize, solicit and contract for uniform watershed assessments to

cover the primary areas of private lands in the Columbia Plateau and adjacent Columbia

subbasins in Oregon using the Oregon Watershed Assessment Manual to enable

restoration actions.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal to conduct watershed assessments does not address imminent risks to ESA

stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

46

ProjectID: 23077

Evaluation, Prioritization and Resolution of Fish Passage Impediments

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: OWEB

Funding Request: $11,000,000

Short Description: Evaluate, inventory, prioritize and plan for resolution of fish passage

impediments in all subbasins of the Columbia Basin. Resolve impediments in priority

subbasins to advance recovery of ESA-listed salmonids.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal is focused on planning, conducting an inventory, and prioritizing potential

sites to resolve passage impediments. This proposal does not identify specific sites to

resolve passage barriers; consequently, it does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks

by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23078

Walla Walla Basin Flow Restoration Project

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Walla Walla

Sponsor: OWRD

Funding Request: $951,254

Short Description: Support restoration and protection of instream flows in the Walla

Walla River by improving streamflow and water use measurement and more intensive

water management and monitoring of water use which will be essential to the success of

other projects.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal to improve streamflow and water use measurement through the

construction of gaging stations, and installation of headgates and measuring devices does

not provide enough detail to ensure success. The proposal does not identify the amount

of instream flows to be gained from the project. Although this proposal meets some of the

high priority criteria, specifically enforcement issues, it does not address imminent risks

to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23079

Implement Anadromous and Resident Salmonid Population and Habitat Monitoring in

the Oregon Portion of the Columbia River Basin

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $2,291,923

Short Description: Implement systematic and statistically-based (EMAP protocols) for

fish population and habitat monitoring in the Oregon portion of the Columbia Basin

Comments:

This proposal for monitoring and evaluation of salmonid populations and their habitats

does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits

with one-time funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

47

ProjectID: 23080

Hydrographic Record Update Project

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: OWRD

Funding Request: $1,119,719

Short Description: Bring current the conversion of existing gage data to flow and

discharge data for Columbia Basin streams in Oregon.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for flow record data management does not address imminent risks to ESA

stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23081

Water Right Acquisition Support Project

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: OWRD

Funding Request: $423,576

Short Description: Support the Northwest Power Planning Council's and other

organization's water brokerage programs by processing instream water right transfers in a

timely manner.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for staff support would address a routine chronic lack of infrastructure.

The position would provide the public function of recording and acknowledging property

rights transfer. It is not for the acquisition of water rights themselves. This may be a very

worthwhile project that would result in securing instream water rights; however, it was

unclear from the proposal whether this level of protection will occur. The proposal fails

to document the expected gains.

ProjectID: 23082

Protect Fish Habitat Through Education and Enforcement

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: CRITFC

Funding Request: $303,575

Short Description: Protect salmon habitat by improving and coordinating enforcement

activities, educating law enforcement administrators, local volunteers and the regulated

community, and monitoring and tracking issues, reports and citations.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding. It is for infrastructure to support coordination,

education, and enforcement that to be successful will need to be ongoing.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

48

ProjectID: 23083

Rear and Release 1.0 million spring chinook at Ringold Springs Hatchery

Province: Columbia Plateau

Sponsor: CRITFC

Funding Request: $235,584

Short Description: Rear and release one million 1999 spring chinook obtained from

Leavenworth Hatchery Complex. Returning adults will be used in sport fishery and

reintroduction to natural habitat such as in the Walla Walla River.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal to rear and release one million spring chinook does not address imminent

risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23085

Columbia Basin, Native American Fish Tissue Contaminant Study: Ecological Analysis

Section

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: YN

Funding Request: $125,750

Short Description: To conduct an analysis of existing proprietary fish tissue

contaminant data to identify any contamination trends in species, contaminants, levels

and locations included in the fish tissue contaminant study area.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This research proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct

on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23086

Support for CRITFC participation in Willamette-Lower Columbia restoration activities.

Province: Columbia Gorge

Sponsor: CRITFC

Funding Request: $122,289

Short Description:

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for staff participation in Willamette-Lower Columbia restoration activities

does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits

with one-time funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

49

ProjectID: 23087

Collaborative Center for Applied Fish Science

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: CRITFC

Funding Request: $4,216,852

Short Description: To enhance the capacity for critical research and development of

supplementation methods and consequent links to natural productivity, leading to

HGMPs, Benefit/Risk analyses and population management plans.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal to expand a research facility, compile population data, and develop

monitoring tools does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct onthe-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23089

Purchase of Tanker Trucks and River Racks/Wiers

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: CRITFC

Funding Request: $533,367

Short Description: Equipment will be used to restore spring chinook to the underutilized

natural production areas throughout the Columbia River system. Subbasins to be

determined by co-managers.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-theground benefits with one-time funding. They did not justify that trucks could not be

rented. They did not justify plantings.

ProjectID: 23090

Farm to Fish

Province: Mountain Snake

Subbasin: Salmon

Sponsor: SBT

Funding Request: $88,000

Short Description: Provide State of the art water distribution facilities to Lemhi River

irrigators in order to restore River flows for salmon and trout reproduction

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal is at the planning rather than implementation phase and does not address

imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time

funding. They will need guarantees that saved water will be left in the stream
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

50

ProjectID: 23092

Genetic relationship of steelhead in North East Oregon

Province: Blue Mountain

Subbasin: Grande Ronde

Sponsor: ODFW

Funding Request: $266,930

Short Description: Determine genetic composition of steelhead in the Grande Ronde

and Imnaha River basins. Define management units to develop future management plans

and actions for endemic populations.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal would provide information to develop future plans and actions and thus

does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits

with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23093

Evaluate the Feasibility of Modifying the Selah Moxee Irrigation Canal to Increase Water

Available for Fish by 15,000 Acre Feet

Province: Columbia Plateau

Subbasin: Yakima

Sponsor: Selah Moxee Irrigation District

Funding Request: $99,607

Short Description: Modification of the Selah Moxee Irrigation Canals to be totally piped

will conserve water (more than 15,000 Acre feet) that can be used for streamflow

augmentation during critical times of the spawning season and outmigration period.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for a feasibility study does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by

offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.

ProjectID: 23095

Aerial Photography and Digital Mapping of the floodplain of the Willamette River

Province: Lower Columbia

Subbasin: Willamette

Sponsor: DOGAMI

Funding Request: $1,047,655

Short Description: Provide aerial photography and a digital elevation model with

vertical resolution suitable for the production of engineering quality maps of the majority

of the 100 year flood plain of the Willamette River.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This proposal for aerial photography and digital mapping does not address imminent risks

to ESA stocks by offering direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

51

ProjectID: 23096

Assessment of Riparian Condition Through Spectrometric Imaging Of Riparian

Vegetation

Province: Systemwide

Sponsor: ODEQ

Funding Request: $240,000

Short Description: Remote multispectral imaging will be used to document riparian

vegetation for all Columbia Basin lands within Oregon. DEQ will use the data to

establish TMDLs to improve water quality for fish and aquatic life, including ESA-listed

species.

ISRP Rank: NA

Comments:

This assessment proposal does not address imminent risks to ESA stocks by offering

direct on-the-ground benefits with one-time funding.
52

IV. Table of Proposals Sorted by ISRP Recommendation and Project Number

Project

Number

Title Sponsor Province Subbasin Request ISRP

Rank

23001 Protect Bear Valley Wild Salmon, Steelhead, Bull Trout

Spawning and Rearing Habitat

SBT & IDFG Mountain Snake Salmon $320,000 A

23002 Ames Creek Restoration USFS Lower Columbia Willamette $170,000 A

23015 Protect Salmon River Breaks Wild Salmon, Steelhead,

Bull Trout Spawning and Rearing Habitat

Valley Sun

L.L.C.

Mountain Snake Salmon $47,000 A

23032 Return Spawning/Rearing Habitat to

Anadromous/Resident Fish within the Squaw Creek to

Papoose Creek Analysis Area Watersheds

NPTFWP Mountain Snake Clearwater $420,000 A

23045 Gourley Creek Dam Fish Ladder City of

Scappoose

Lower Columbia Lower Columbia $153,550 A

23053 Wagner Ranch Acquisition CTWSRO Columbia Plateau John Day $2,658,774 A

23054 Forrest Ranch Acquisition CTWSRO Columbia Plateau John Day $4,184,185 A

23055 Acquire Prime Salmonid Spawning and Rearing Habitat

on Entiat River

CDLT Columbia Cascade Entiat $1,411,320 A

23073 Purchase Perpetual Conservation Easement on Holliday

Ranch and Crown Ranch Riparian Corridors and

Uplands

ODFW Columbia Plateau John Day $481,800 A

23088 Renovate Selway Falls Anadromous Fish Passage

Tunnel

IDFG Mountain Snake Clearwater $308,938 A

23094 Acquire 27,000 Camp Creek Ranch at Zumwalt Prairie TNC Blue Mountain Imnaha $2,000,000 A

TOTAL SPONSOR REQUESTS FOR ISRP "A" RANKED PROPOSALS $12,155,567
Table of Proposals Sorted by ISRP Recommendation and Project Number

53

Project

Number

Title Sponsor Province Subbasin Request ISRP

Rank

23012 Arrowleaf/Methow River Conservation Project TPL and WDFW Columbia Cascade Methow $17,055,000 B

23013 Locate, Mark, and Removal of Lost "Ghost" Fishing

Nets in Selected Columbia River Reservoirs: A

Feasibility Study

CRITFC Columbia Gorge Columbia Gorge $86,109 B

23018 Crawford Vegetative Management Road Decommission USDA FS Columbia Plateau John Day $112,070 B

23019 Trout Creek Culvert Replacement USFS Columbia Plateau Deschutes $128,000 B

23020 Badger Creek Culvert Replacement and Road Closure

Projects

USFS Columbia Plateau Deschutes $87,000 B

23021 Restoring Bull Trout Habitat In The Blackfoot River's

North Fork

TU Mountain Columbia Blackfoot $750,300 B

23024 Hancock Springs Passage and Habitat Restoration

Improvements

YN Columbia Cascade Methow $49,941 B

23027 Methow Basin Floodplain and Riparian Land

Acquisitions

YN Columbia Cascade Methow $2,332,150 B

23028 Increase Naches River In-stream Flows By Purchasing

Wapatox Water Right

YN Columbia Plateau Yakima $4,000,000 B

23035 Buckskin Slough Restoration WDFW Columbia Plateau Yakima $13,200 B

23036 Evaluate live capture selective harvesting methods for

commercial fisheries on the Columbia River

WDFW, ODFW Lower Columbia Mainstem Columbia $384,285 B

23044 Naches River Water Treatment Plant Intake Screening

Project.

COY Columbia Plateau Yakima $1,657,500 B

23047 Acquire Tucannon River Water Rights WWT Columbia Plateau Tucannon $120,000 B

23052 Acquire and Enhance Lower Big and Little Creeks,

Columbia River Estuarine Floodplain, Clatsop County,

Oregon.

NCLC Columbia Estuary Mainstem Columbia $528,500 B

23084 Acquisition of Lower Desolation Creek, John Day

Basin

CTUIR Columbia Plateau John Day $4,987,754 B
Table of Proposals Sorted by ISRP Recommendation and Project Number

54

Project

Number

Title Sponsor Province Subbasin Request ISRP

Rank

23091 Protect East Fork Salmon River chinook salmon,

steelhead, and bull trout habitat

SBT Mountain Snake Salmon $1,030,000 B

23026 Klickitat Basin Key Habitat Acquisition YN Columbia Gorge Klickitat $3,000,000 B*

23040 Re-introduction of Lower Columbia River Chum

Salmon into Duncan Creek

PSMFC, WDFW Lower Columbia Mainstem Columbia $420,796 B*

23046 Increase In Stream Flows to De-watered Stream

Reaches in the Walla Walla Basin

WWCCD Columbia Plateau Walla Walla $584,000 B*

TOTAL SPONSOR REQUESTS FOR ISRP "B" RANKED PROPOSALS $37,326,605

23006 Walla Walla River Flow Recruitment - Eastside Ditch

Piping

Walla Walla

Basin Watershed

Council

Columbia Plateau Walla Walla $189,000 C

23007 Conservation Easement, Baker Ranch, Salmon River

East Fork

IOSC Mountain Snake Salmon $1,415,000 C

23022 Chumstick Culvert Replacement and Habitat

Enhancement 2001

YN Columbia Cascade Wenatchee $270,825 C

23023 Stormy Creek High Priority Culvert Replacement YN Columbia Cascade Entiat $122,800 C

23030 Initiate wetland and wet prairie restoration and restore

historic stream function, Bessett Property, Willamette

Valley, Oregon.

NHI Lower Columbia Willamette $112,630 C

23031 Protect John's Creek Watershed NPTFWP Mountain Snake Clearwater $73,878 C

23033 Big Creek Passage and Screening WDFW Columbia Plateau Yakima $187,000 C

23039 Upper Yakima River Acquisitions WDFW Columbia Plateau Yakima $1,936,000 C

23048 Install Fish Screens to Protect ESA-listed Steelhead and

Bull Trout in the Walla Walla Basin

WWCCD Columbia Plateau Walla Walla $461,700 C

23056 Farmers Irrigation District Mainstem Hood River Fish

Screen Project

CTWSRO Columbia Gorge Hood $500,000 C

TOTAL SPONSOR REQUESTS FOR ISRP "C" RANKED PROPOSALS $5,268,833
Table of Proposals Sorted by ISRP Recommendation and Project Number

55

Project

Number

Title Sponsor Province Subbasin Request ISRP

Rank

23008 Improve Stream Habitat by Reducing Discharge from

Animal Feeding Operations in Salmon and Clearwater

Basins

IOSC Mountain Snake Salmon and

Clearwater

$3,366,000 D

23009 Reconnect Falls Creek to the Main-stem Pahsimeroi

River

IOSC Mountain Snake Salmon $830,000 D

23010 Restoration of Anadromous Fish Access to Hawley

Creek

IOSC Mountain Snake Salmon $2,159,000 D

23011 Reconnect Little Morgan Creek to the Main-stem

Pahsimeroi River

IOSC Mountain Snake Salmon $1,100,000 D

23029 Decommission ten miles of roads in the Wind River

Subbasin

YN Columbia Gorge Wind $104,000 D

23061 Securing Wildlife Mitigation Sites – Oregon OWC Systemwide $23,960,000 D

23062 Construct approved fish screening systems on

unscreened irrigation diversions.

ODFW Columbia Plateau Mainstem Snake $71,142 D

23064 Hood River-Punch Bowl Falls Fishway-Replacement of

Access Stairway

ODFW Columbia Gorge Hood $136,750 D

TOTAL SPONSOR REQUESTS FOR ISRP "D" RANKED PROPOSALS $31,726,892

23003 Experimental Selective Fishery Techniques

Development, Evaluation, and Coordination

NMFS-SFD Systemwide $400,000 NA

23004 Support for the Development and Certification (FDA

approval) of Effective Drugs and Anesthesia for Fish

USFWS,

Bozeman NIO

Systemwide $240,000 NA

23005 Develop an Anadromous Salmonid Habitat Carrying

Capacity Model

University of

Idaho

Middle Snake Middle Snake $319,400 NA

23014 Distribution and seasonal habitat use of ESA-listed

salmonid species in City of Portland tributary streams

City of Portland Lower Columbia Willamette $54,792 NA

23016 Reconnection of floodplain slough habitat to the

Kootenai River

KTOI Mountain Columbia Kootenai $139,974 NA
Table of Proposals Sorted by ISRP Recommendation and Project Number

56

Project

Number

Title Sponsor Province Subbasin Request ISRP

Rank

23017 Assess Surface-Water Flow And Feasibility of

Enhancing White Sturgeon Spawning Substrate Habitat,

Kootenai R., Idaho

KTOI/USGS Mountain Columbia Kootenai $535,000 NA

23025 Restore anadromous fish passage at Hemlock Dam on

Trout Creek, tributary to Wind River

YN Columbia Gorge Wind $220,763 NA

23034 Reproductive Success Of Naturally Spawning Wild and

Hatchery-origin Spring Chinook

WDFW Columbia Plateau Yakima $260,674 NA

23037 Assessment of bull trout populations in the Columbia

Basin (excluding the Columbia Gorge),WA.

WDFW Systemwide $809,279 NA

23038 Yakima Basin Inventory and Assessment (SSHIAP),

and Study and Model Integration

WDFW Columbia Plateau Yakima $194,000 NA

23041 Restoration of ecosystem nutrient levels in the

Columbia Basin

WDFW Systemwide $57,428 NA

23042 Forest and Fish - Road Inventory WDFW Systemwide $256,080 NA

23043 Columbia Basin Fish Passage and Screening Inventory;

WDFW Lands and Kittitas County

WDFW Systemwide $182,040 NA

23049 Benefit/Risk Analysis to Promote Long-Term

Persistence of Chinook Salmon in the Middle Fork

Salmon River

NPT Mountain Snake Salmon $108,236 NA

23050 Establishing a Regional Salmonid Germplasm

Repository for Populations Listed under the Endangered

Species Act

NPT / UI Systemwide $1,235,275 NA

23051 Assessment and Implementation of Technologies to

Monitor Adult Spring and Summer Chinook Salmon

Abundance in Snake River Basin Tributary Streams

NPT Mountain Snake Salmon $516,678 NA

23057 Enhance Instream Flows and Fish Habitat for 2001

Irrigation Season

OWT Systemwide $51,000 NA

23058 Acquire BAIC Tract: Wildlife Mitigation Site - Horn

Butte Area, Oregon

TNC/ODFW Columbia Plateau Umatilla $5,669,617 NA
Table of Proposals Sorted by ISRP Recommendation and Project Number

57

Project

Number

Title Sponsor Province Subbasin Request ISRP

Rank

23059 Prevention and Control of Agricultural Water Pollution

in the Columbia Basin of Oregon

ODA Systemwide $5,341,000 NA

23060 Assess Stream Quality for Salmonid Recovery ODEQ Systemwide $369,816 NA

23063 Bull Trout Population Assessment ODFW Systemwide $191,739 NA

23065 Develop System to Aquire Additional In-stream Flow

Through Market Based Incentives

ODFW Systemwide $310,442 NA

23066 Fish Distribution Data Development for Cutthrout Trout

and Non-anadromous areas

ODFW Systemwide $200,579 NA

23067 Compile and Digitize Oregon's Fish Screen and Culvert

Data

ODFW Columbia Plateau Deschutes $28,848 NA

23068 Fish Presence Survey & Georeference Data Entry ODFW Columbia Plateau Deschutes $37,717 NA

23069 Apply for Additional In-stream Water Rights ODFW Systemwide $65,442 NA

23070 Web Based System for Interactive Mapping, GIS Data,

Metadata and Map Distribution

ODFW Systemwide $63,640 NA

23071 Calapooia River Flow Acquisition and Fish Passage

Assessment

ODFW Lower Columbia Willamette $55,015 NA

23072 Fifteenmile Creek Adult Trapping Facility ODFW Columbia Gorge Fifteenmile $572,648 NA

23074 Lower Columbia River and Estuary Habitat Assessment

and Mapping Project

LCREP Columbia Estuary Mainstem Columbia $256,500 NA

23075 Life history strategies in Oncorhynchus mykiss:

interactions between anadromous and resident forms.

ODFW Blue Mountain Grande Ronde $209,925 NA

23076 Complete Watershed Assessments in the Columbia

Plateau

OWEB Systemwide $1,602,836 NA

23077 Evaluation, Prioritization and Resolution of Fish

Passage Impediments

OWEB Systemwide $11,000,000 NA

23078 Walla Walla Basin Flow Restoration Project OWRD Columbia Plateau Walla Walla $951,254 NA

23079 Implement Anadromous and Resident Salmonid

Population and Habitat Monitoring in the Oregon

Portion of the Columbia River Basin

ODFW Systemwide $2,291,923 NA

23080 Hydrographic Record Update Project OWRD Systemwide $1,119,719 NA
Table of Proposals Sorted by ISRP Recommendation and Project Number

58

Project

Number

Title Sponsor Province Subbasin Request ISRP

Rank

23081 Water Right Acquisition Support Project OWRD Systemwide $423,576 NA

23082 Protect Fish Habitat Through Education and

Enforcement

CRITFC Systemwide $303,575 NA

23083 Rear and Release 1.0 million spring chinook at Ringold

Springs Hatchery

CRITFC Columbia Plateau $235,584 NA

23085 Columbia Basin, Native American Fish Tissue

Contaminant Study: Ecological Analysis Section

YN Systemwide $125,750 NA

23086 Support for CRITFC participation in Willamette-Lower

Columbia restoration activities.

CRITFC Columbia Gorge $122,289 NA

23087 Collaborative Center for Applied Fish Science CRITFC Systemwide $4,216,852 NA

23089 Purchase of Tanker Trucks and River Racks/Wiers CRITFC Systemwide $533,367 NA

23090 Farm to Fish SBT Mountain Snake Salmon $88,000 NA

23092 Genetic relationship of steelhead in North East Oregon ODFW Blue Mountain Grande Ronde $266,930 NA

23093 Evaluate the Feasibility of Modifying the Selah Moxee

Irrigation Canal to Increase Water Available for Fish by

15,000 Acre Feet

Selah Moxee

Irrigation District

Columbia Plateau Yakima $99,607 NA

23095 Aerial Photography and Digital Mapping of the

floodplain of the Willamette River

DOGAMI Lower Columbia Willamette $1,047,655 NA

23096 Assessment of Riparian Condition Through

Spectrometric Imaging Of Riparian Vegetation

ODEQ Systemwide 240,000 NA

TOTAL SPONSOR REQUESTS: Proposals that did not meet threshold criteria $43,622,464
ISRP 2001-1: High Priority Review

59

V. Index of Proposals by Project Number

Project Page Project Page Project Page

23001 9 23033 28 23065 42

23002 9 23034 37 23066 42

23003 34 23035 19 23067 42

23004 34 23036 20 23068 43

23005 35 23037 37 23069 43

23006 25 23038 37 23070 43

23007 25 23039 28 23071 44

23008 30 23040 23 23072 44

23009 30 23041 38 23073 13

23010 31 23042 38 23074 45

23011 31 23043 38 23075 45

23012 14 23044 20 23076 45

23013 15 23045 11 23077 46

23014 35 23046 24 23078 46

23015 10 23047 21 23079 46

23016 35 23048 29 23080 47

23017 36 23049 39 23081 47

23018 16 23050 39 23082 47

23019 16 23051 39 23083 48

23020 17 23052 21 23084 22

23021 17 23053 11 23085 48

23022 26 23054 12 23086 48

23023 26 23055 12 23087 49

23024 18 23056 29 23088 13

23025 36 23057 40 23089 49

23026 23 23058 40 23090 49

23027 18 23059 41 23091 22

23028 19 23060 41 23092 50

23029 32 23061 32 23093 50

23030 27 23062 33 23094 14

23031 27 23063 41 23095 50

23032 10 23064 33 23096 51

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