In this iteration of the Implement Okanogan Subbasin Plan, we seek to, among other things, address current fish passage issues within Okanogan River tributary streams, maintain and expand our small wood structure networks, and prepare for future habitat complexity projects by acquiring and storing large wood.

Anthropogenic fish passage impediments at Cooper and Greenacres culverts are addressed in Johnson Creek by providing additional funding the the ~4 million of Fish Barrier Removal Board funding Trout Unlimited has already secured to replace four total culverts on Johnson Creek.

We will continue with the design work on the natural barrier to fish passage in Loup Loup Creek, and, assuming we can work with permitting agencies and maintain landowner permission to implement a fish passage project, we intend to construct in 2022, providing access to the upper reaches of Loup Loup Creek, a coldwater tributary stream that supports steelhead.  Projects like this - getting steelhead access to upstream reaches of tributary streams - are crucial for maintaining the viability of upper Columbia summer steelhead in the Okanogan River basin given what we know about climate change predictions.

Additionally, in Loup Loup Creek, we will implement the habitat improvement project at the Lasilla property through a collaboration with the Okanogan Conservation District.  This project was designed in the previous contract.

More fish passage opportunities exist in Antoine Creek, a stream that will be able to support a larger steelhead population in the coming years as surface water historically diverted for irrigation purposes is dedicated to instream flow.  We seek to design fish passage over a natural barrier on private land adjacent to and immediately upstream of Antoine Valley Ranch.

Small wood network projects in Omak, Ninemile, and Aeneas Creeks will be adaptively managed and expanded per their management plans, and an additional structure network is planned for Antoine Creek.

Finally, we have a significant amount of money invested in the procurement of large wood.  This procurement effort will occur in tandem with the effort in 73548 REL 91 CCT METHOW RESTORATION to generate efficiency in acquisition (minimize cost by limiting mobilization effort to one instance) and prepare for future habitat restoration projects in the Okanogan River Basin.

Additionally, we continue to work with the Okanogan Nation Alliance(ONA) In Canada to develop plans for future implementation of projects in the Canadian portion of the Okanogan Basin.  This work will help strengthen salmonid runs in the U.S. portion of the Okanogan, upstream fish populations, and throughout Columbia River Basin.  We will also participate in outreach and education projects throughout the Okanogan in the U.S. portion of the basin, reaching school groups and the general public to advocate for our restoration efforts which take place mostly on private land.

Partnership Communication and Collaboration Agreement:

The contractor (CTCR), its designated agents, sub-consultants and project stakeholders will be available, responsive and will collaboratively address contract related issues during the term of the contract.  Contract issues include but are not limited to technical, policy, regulatory, project management and associated elements related to the project.  Successful execution of this contract is contingent on alignment of the preceding contract issues with the BPI and BPA contracting processes, project management plans, design review protocols (including but not limited to BPA RRT design review, and integration of input and comments from BPA).

CTCR Contract Manager, CTCR's sponsor, and CTCR's design consultants will all cooperate, coordinate, collaborate, and maintain effective communication with BPA PM/COR, EC Lead, RRT Lead, and Hydraulic Engineer during the entire length of this design contract.  CTCR and its subcontractors will address BPA comments and concerns, and the two entities will arrive at a mutual beneficial consensus.  CTCR contract manager will upload all the subcontracts executed under this contract cbfish.org.

Background on OSHIP:

The Okanogan River, Similkameen River and associated tributaries have several factors that limit salmonid production and rearing.  These ecological concerns include but are not limited to:  temperature, flow, habitat complexity, barriers, sedimentation and substrate.  We will be addressing these concerns throughout the Okanogan River Basin, (main-stem and tributary portions) by implementing a list of stream habitat restoration projects and developing feasibility plans on future projects.  

The goal of this project, when it started was to implement the Okanogan Sub-Basin Plan.  The Sub-Basin Plan (2004) was developed to describe in detail the current state of the Okanogan Basin and then describe what are the limiting factors for anadromous salmonid production and survival.  We have continued to analyze the needs of the basin relating to salmonid production through cooperation with the OBMEP program and the use of the EDT model.  

Personnel working on the project are:

John Rohrback - project manager: project oversight, project development, coordinate with interested parties, public relations and funding and cost share developer.  Develop proposals, write reports, internal and external coordination

Chris Fisher - project oversight, project development, coordinate with interested parties, public relations, outreach and education, and funding and cost share developer.

Kirk Truscott - Anadromous Division Lead-Represent the habitat division in upper level management and forums.  Participate with council and internal planning decisions that affect the habitat division.  Help to vet projects through the MOA agreement.

Casey Baldwin - participate in FPRB coordination, work with regional partners and forums to help facilitate habitat project implementation.  Biological expertise.

Dennis Papa - help to develop projects through field exploration, oversee construction implementation, write permits, and maintain habitat improvement projects.

Arnold Abrahamson - oversee construction projects, help on projects with heavy equipment, hauling and transport.  Evaluate habitat needs through field participation, repair fences, and otherwise maintain habitat improvement projects.