YKFP MANAGEMENT & DATA (MD)
BPA Project Number:  1988-120-25
Statement of Work and Budget FY 2023
BPA Project Title:  Yakima Fisheries Project Management & Data
Contract Title:  YKFP Management & Data (MD)
Performance/Budget Period:  10/01/22 - 09/30/23

This project provides for all YN management and coordination functions associated with the Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP or Project) in the Yakima Subbasin.  The YKFP was established in a 1994 Memorandum of Agreement with WDFW (project co-manager) to implement and evaluate artificial propagation methods used to restore and rebuild anadromous fish populations in the subbasin.  The YKFP was subsequently expanded to include the Klickitat Subbasin.  However, Klickitat Subbasin management and coordination activities are covered under a separate BPA project, 1988-120-35.

Principal YKFP activities include the use of artificial propagation of juveniles derived from natural origin broodstock to supplement the natural populations of spring Chinook, fall Chinook and coho.  Research, monitoring and evaluation is performed to address, among other issues, (1) the effects of supplementation on the natural populations, (2) the effectiveness of juvenile rearing methods and acclimation in achieving juvenile survival and supplementation objectives, (3) ecological impacts from supplementation, and (4) the development of data to allow adjustments to hatchery and acclimation operations to meet project objectives according to adaptive management principles. Supplementation activities must be coordinated with habitat availability to manage ecological risks and optimize natural production and adult recruitment.  

The YKFP is a complex and comprehensive project that requires significant management and administrative resources. It includes fish production and research facilities and numerous research programs. The Yakama Nation serves as the YKFP “Lead Agency” and is responsible for implementation of all YKFP programs; including managing and directing YKFP project employees, associated project budgets, and ensuring the quality and efficiency of project activities.  

Implementation is coordinated with WDFW, which participates in project planning and performs certain research activities related to ecological interactions, genetics research and analysis, and reproductive success of supplementation fish.   In broad categories, the Yakama Nation is responsible to implement and coordinate:

1. Project planning activities, including those pertaining to facility construction and modifications;
2. Operation and maintenance activities at all YKFP facilities;
3. Project research activities including production of scientific reports and publications;
4. Design and development of a centralized database for Project use and dissemination to others;
5. Development and submittal of funding proposals that ensure consistency with the 2008 MOA (and extensions) between the Three Treaty Tribes and the FCRPS Action Agencies,  and sufficient funding for YKFP operations

Habitat restoration and protection projects within the Yakima Subbasin are now covered under the 1997-051-00 - Yakima Basin Side Channels Land Acquisition project; however, personnel under this project still are responsible for oversight of these activities.

To meet its lead agency responsibilities, the Yakama Nation employs approximately 100 people, including managers, scientists, technicians, fish culturists, laborers and office support personnel. Project management personnel work out of the YKFP’s Central Office in Toppenish, Washington, the Nelson Springs Office and Research Facility northeast of Yakima, Washington and a satellite office in Ellensburg, Washington.  The Wahkiacus Field Office houses scientists and technicians engaged in monitoring and evaluation, habitat management and data management activities for the Klickitat Subbasin.  The YKFP also operates passage and hatchery facilities in the Klickitat.  Part of YKFP management requires coordination of Klickitat and Yakima research and data management activities.

This Management & Data contract funds the activities of YKFP executive management, project coordination and administrative staff necessary for discharging these responsibilities, including administrative support for day to day YKFP operations in the Yakima Subbasin.  Management services funded by this contract include oversight and support of the following YKFP programs:

1.     O&M Lower Yakima River Supplementation & Research Complex,
2.     O&M Upper Yakima River Supplementation & Research Complex (including MRS coho facility)
3.     Yakima Basin Monitoring & Evaluation
4.     Klickitat Basin Monitoring and Evaluation,
5.     Klickitat Watershed Enhancement Project
6.     Klickitat Management, Data and Habitat project.
7.     Klickitat River O&M
8.     YN Project to Provide VSP Estimate (listed O. mykiss)
9.     Management & Data (Yakima Basin)
10.   Capital Klickitat Design & Construction
11.   YN Coho Hatchery Program - Melvin R. Sampson Coho facility and production
12.   Expense Klickitat Hatchery/Wahkicus Design
13.   Side Channels and Land Acquisition

The success of all YKFP projects depends on the administrative structure funding by this contract. The Yakama Nation's management and coordination responsibilities (identified herein) are expected to continue through and beyond the contract performance period. This umbrella management approach was developed through discussions with BPA and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council. WDFW participates in YKFP management through BPA Project 1995-064-25, YKFP Policy/Technical Involvement/Planning.

This contract has seven primary objectives:

1. Provide comprehensive management oversight of the implementation of YKFP activities.
2. Support YN policy development related to YKFP activities in the Yakima and Klickitat Subbasins.
3. Coordinate and/or perform all tasks necessary to the development of project planning documents.
4. Provide required administrative support for Project operations, including financial management and accountability and realty services coordination and technical review.
5. Design, develop and manage YKFP's Data and Information System.
6. Schedule and conduct the YKFP's Science & Management Conference (incorporates Project Annual Review), which includes presentations by project scientists and provides for peer review of research activities.
7. Participate in watershed planning, protection and restoration initiatives by various agencies, groups and committees.

This is a one year contract and budget. There will be no international travel.

As of drafting of this contract renewal,  the status and terms of an Accord extension (if any) between YN and BPA are still unknown.  Tasks in this draft SOW may need to be modified or eliminated depending on whether the final amount of dollars available to this contract for FY23 are sufficient to meet the needs documented here.