Project # 2003-017-00 Period:  2004 - 2007
Current SOW Period:  1 March 2006 - 28 February 2007
PROJECT PURPOSE/JUSTIFICATION

Project #2003-017-00 (Project) seeks to develop two novel monitoring and evaluation programs: (i) subbasin-scale pilot status and trend monitoring efforts for anadromous salmonids and their habitat in the Wenatchee, John Day and South Fork Salmon River subbasins, and (ii) effectiveness monitoring for suites of habitat restoration projects in selected watersheds within the three target subbasins.  This work is critical for implementing the 2000 NMFS FCRPS Biological Opinion (RPA Actions 180, 181, and 183) (BiOp) and builds on current status and trend monitoring programs within each of these subbasins.  Several regional and local organizations are funding and implementing these programs.  In short, this project will integrate existing and new monitoring and evaluation activities in three pilot subbasins to help ensure that provisions of the BiOp are satisfied.

This Scope of Work (SOW) will enable the Bonneville Power Administration (Bonneville) to implement the Project in the Wenatchee Subbasin.  Specifically, within this SOW, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will 1) estimate the total number of steelhead redds in selected streams within the Wenatchee Subbasin by conducting index spawning ground counts, and will 2) estimate the smolt production of spring chinook salmon and steelhead for the Wenatchee Subbasin.  Both of these work elements expand upon previous and current monitoring work being conducted by WDFW and are key components of the two monitoring and evaluation programs developed by Project.  These work elements are interrelated with other Project components including: 1) steelhead spawning surveys at randomized locations, 2) smolt production estimates of other species and/or at other locations, and 3) several habitat and water quality studies.  While the completion of work elements within this SOW is not dependent on the implementation of interrelated Project components, the completion of this SOW will provide the context for, and facilitate the interpretation of, data collected in other Project components.  

Background Details:  Steelhead Spawning Ground Surveys

Steelhead spawning surveys were initiated in the Wenatchee Subbasin by WDFW in 2000.  The objective of these surveys was to determine the efficacy of a supplementation program that was begun in 1998 after the stock was listed as endangered.  Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) currently funds these activities.  The scope of the project was limited to selected tributaries in the Wenatchee Subbasin.  This Project would expand the scope of the surveys to include all tributaries in the Wenatchee Subbasin with significant steelhead spawning populations.  In addition to the funds to be spent on spawning ground surveys as part of this BPA-funded Project, WDFW commits approximately $44,000 annually to steelhead spawning ground surveys.  Current methodology involving the use of index sites has been determined to provide reliable and accurate estimates of those spawning populations (e.g., status/trend monitoring).  The extent of steelhead spawning outside those identified spawning populations is unknown.  The proposed probabilistic sampling of small order streams (see related SOW for USFS) should provide data to answer this question.  Data generated from both index and probabilistic surveys will be used in estimating the spawning escapement of major tributaries and the entire subbasin.  These data will not only be used in determining the effect of supplementation programs on increasing spawner abundance and estimating egg deposition for ongoing smolt monitoring but will also be used by fishery managers to monitor recovery efforts.  Steelhead redd location data obtained from GPS-based georeferencing of each redd, to be generated from both index and probabilistic surveys, will be used to elucidate variability in the distribution of steelhead within the Wenatchee Subbasin.  Changes in spawning distribution may interact with variable habitat quality to affect overall steelhead production.

Background Details:  Smolt Production Monitoring

Smolt production monitoring in the Wenatchee Subbasin began in 1993.  Chelan County PUD currently funds a smolt monitoring project on the Chiwawa River to determine the efficacy of a spring chinook supplementation program.  In 1997, Chelan County PUD began funding a similar project on the upper Wenatchee River (0.5 km below Lake Wenatchee) to determine the efficacy of a sockeye supplementation program.   The Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) began a Wenatchee Subbasin smolt monitoring program in 2000.  The objective of this program is to estimate smolt production of anadromous species in the Wenatchee Subbasin.  Chelan County PUD also provides logistical support and funds all necessary repairs.  The WDFW currently operates and conduct data analysis of all these projects.  
In addition to the funds to be spent on smolt trapping operations as part of this BPA-funded Project, WDFW commits approximately $88,000 annually to the smolt monitoring activities at the upper and lower Wenatchee traps.  The limited scope of the upper Wenatchee smolt monitoring program (i.e., sockeye) prohibits estimating smolt production of other species (e.g. spring chinook and steelhead) that spawn in the Little Wenatchee and White River watersheds (tributaries of Lake Wenatchee).  The trapping period of the lower Wenatchee trap is sufficient to meet the objectives of this Project.  However, the trap efficiency at both locations is inadequate to provide smolt production estimates of steelhead and spring chinook with the desired level of precision.  An additional trap operated under this Project at each location would increase the capture efficiency and provide a higher level of precision.  In addition to the second additional trap, funding for the necessary personnel to operate two traps simultaneously. A second eight-foot trap is needed at the lower Wenatchee river location.  The cone and livebox will be purchased from the vendor, while Chelan PUD will construct the trap.  During the trapping period it is likely that the cone will become damaged.  Extra cones have been previously purchased for this trap location that can be installed immediately, minimizing the time period the trap is out of operation.  A second five-foot trap is needed at the upper Wenatchee river location.  The water depth during the proposed trapping period (March - November) is typically too shallow for the operation of eight-foot cones.  No extra cones are available for this trap and will need to be purchased to complete this Project.

Table 1.  Current and future smolt trap locations in the Wenatchee Subbasin.
Trap Location               River km Year started Funding Agency
Lower Wenatchee - 2 traps 9.6 2000 & 2005* SRFB & CCPUD; BPA*
Upper Wenatchee - 2 traps 89.7 1997 & 2005* CCPUD; BPA*
Chiwawa River               1.0 1993               CCPUD
Nason Creek 1.0          2001               YN & BPA**
Peshastin Creek               2004**               BPA**
Icicle Creek               2004**               BPA**
* Funded under this contact.                                                                                                            
** Proposed under this project but different contracts.

Technical methodologies for all work conducted under this SOW will follow protocols specified in the following document unless Upper Columbia Regional Technical Team and WDFW mutually agree to changes to these methodologies:

Hillman, T.W.  2004.  Monitoring strategy for the Upper Columbia Basin: Draft report February 1, 2004.  Prepared for Upper Columbia Regional Technical Team, Wenatchee, Washington.