SUMMARY OF TASK SCOPE

The scope of this project is to provide for Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) participation in all aspects of YKFP (the "Project") management in terms of policy and the impact of technical matters on policy.  The WDFW will, in accord with the Yakama Nation (YN) and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA): foster policy development and coordination with tribal, state and federal fisheries agencies having a vested interest in the Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project; coordinate efforts specifically addressing fishery management policies; and assist in development, oversight and review of technical issues involved in experimental design, monitoring, evaluation, facility design, operations, and project implementation.

INTRODUCTION

The Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project is a supplementation project sponsored by the Northwest Power Planning Council (Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program 1994, Measure 7.4K).  The objectives of the YKFP are: 1 - to test the hypothesis that new supplementation techniques can be used in the Yakima River Basin to increase natural production and to improve harvest opportunities while maintaining the long-term genetic fitness of the wild and native salmonid populations and keeping adverse ecological interactions within acceptable limits (Yakima Fisheries Project Final Environmental Impact Statement, 1996); 2 - provide knowledge about the use of supplementation, so that it may be used to mitigate effects on anadromous fisheries throughout the Columbia River Basin; 3 - to maintain and improve the quantity and productivity of salmon and steelhead habitat, including those areas made accessible by habitat improvements; 4 - to ensure that Project implementation remains consistent with the Council's Fish and Wildlife Program; and 5 - to implement the Project in a prudent and environmentally sound manner.  Current YKFP operations have been designed to test the principles of supplementation.  The Project's experimental design has focused on the following critical uncertainties affecting supplementation:

1. The survival and reproductive success of hatchery fish after release from the hatchery;
2. The impacts of hatchery fish as they interact with non-target species and stocks; and,
3. The effects of supplementation on the long-term genetic fitness of fish stocks.

The YKFP endorses an adaptive management policy applied through a project management framework as described in the Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project Planning Status Report (1995).  The project is managed by a Policy Group consisting of a representative of the Yakama Nation (lead agency) and a representative of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The functions of the parties are described in an MOU between the YN and the WDFW.  A Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) consisting of one representative from each management entity reports to the Policy Group and provides technical input on policy and other issues.  The Policy Group and STAC meet periodically (usually at two- to three-week intervals) to conduct the business of the YKFP.

This request will provide for personnel time and support resources needed for effective participation in various YKFP activities including: implementation of a project management structure, identification and resolution of management issues, coordination with Bonneville Power Administration regarding project contracted activities and deliverables, involvement in the Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) supporting policy development and resolution, participation in support of NEPA activities, and facility design and operations review and support.