The ISRP determined that this proposal is not applicable for scientific review at this time. The ISRP anticipates reviewing a draft Master Plan for the project in Step One of the Council’s Three Step Review, so that they can provide comments and enable changes to the plan before it is finalized. The addition of the Chief Joseph consulting team is promising.

The proposed hatchery project should be developed in conjunction with the Supplementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Program (SMEP, Project #2008-905-00). The effort should describe its relationship with Idaho Supplementation Studies (ISS), including supplementation of the ESU in the Imnaha, Johnson Creek, and Grande Ronde. Evaluation of the suitability of the Crystal Springs site should be based in part on evaluations of other supplementation projects, including the Northeast Oregon Hatchery Master Plan (Project 198805301). Kevin Myer’s (IDFG) research on Yellowstone cutthroat trout should be used to inform, evaluate and justify the use of hatcheries to produce cutthroat trout.

1. Purpose, Significance to Regional Programs, Technical Background, and Objectives

This proposal would initiate the preparation of necessary environmental and engineering documents, including the master plan and the Three Step Process. The proposed project states that it will follow HSRG recommendations. The proponents claim they will meet regional planning goals, which are primarily conservation goals. However, the proposal did not state how hatchery production and increased harvest on hatchery stocks will meet these conservation goals.


2. History: Accomplishments, Results, and Adaptive Management

Crystal Springs is an existing trout hatchery. This proposal is for development of a new hatchery program.

3. Project Relationships, Emerging Limiting Factors, and Tailored Questions for Type of Work (Hatchery, RME, Tagging)

The project is linked to SMEP projects, but the proposal did not clearly justify why they could not continue to use existing hatcheries. Justification for supplementation of cutthroat trout could have been more detailed. Some habitat projects have occurred, but it is unknown to what extent this might allow the supplemented fish to thrive. The proponent should address interactions between the proposed release of cutthroat trout and resident fishes such as redband trout.

4. Deliverables, Work Elements, Metrics, and Methods

Hatchery planning is to be subcontracted. Most details would be forthcoming in the Master Plan and subsequent reports.

The ISRP determined that this proposal is not applicable for scientific review at this time. The ISRP anticipates reviewing a draft Master Plan for the project in Step One of the Council’s Three Step Review, so that they can provide comments and enable changes to the plan before it is finalized. The addition of the Chief Joseph consulting team is promising. The proposed hatchery project should be developed in conjunction with the Supplementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Program (SMEP, Project #2008-905-00). The effort should describe its relationship with Idaho Supplementation Studies (ISS), including supplementation of the ESU in the Imnaha, Johnson Creek, and Grande Ronde. Evaluation of the suitability of the Crystal Springs site should be based in part on evaluations of other supplementation projects, including the Northeast Oregon Hatchery Master Plan (Project 198805301). Kevin Myer’s (IDFG) research on Yellowstone cutthroat trout should be used to inform, evaluate and justify the use of hatcheries to produce cutthroat trout. 1. Purpose, Significance to Regional Programs, Technical Background, and Objectives This proposal would initiate the preparation of necessary environmental and engineering documents, including the master plan and the Three Step Process. The proposed project states that it will follow HSRG recommendations. The proponents claim they will meet regional planning goals, which are primarily conservation goals. However, the proposal did not state how hatchery production and increased harvest on hatchery stocks will meet these conservation goals. 2. History: Accomplishments, Results, and Adaptive Management Crystal Springs is an existing trout hatchery. This proposal is for development of a new hatchery program. 3. Project Relationships, Emerging Limiting Factors, and Tailored Questions for Type of Work (Hatchery, RME, Tagging) The project is linked to SMEP projects, but the proposal did not clearly justify why they could not continue to use existing hatcheries. Justification for supplementation of cutthroat trout could have been more detailed. Some habitat projects have occurred, but it is unknown to what extent this might allow the supplemented fish to thrive. The proponent should address interactions between the proposed release of cutthroat trout and resident fishes such as redband trout. 4. Deliverables, Work Elements, Metrics, and Methods Hatchery planning is to be subcontracted. Most details would be forthcoming in the Master Plan and subsequent reports.