Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata) populations throughout the Columbia River Basin (CRB) are in decline.  Multiple reasons for the decline have been identified including passage at mainstem CRB dams and habitat degradation; however, little is know about limiting factors within CRB tributaries.  Declining lamprey populations is of primary concern to the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation, Oregon (CTWSRO) due to their high cultural and environmental value.  Accordingly, the project intent is to expand knowledge of lamprey populations in Fifteenmile Creek and Hood River Subbasins.  The ultimate project goal is to establish, conserve and/or maintain harvestable populations for perpetuity. Seufert Falls (rkm 0.4) on Fifteenmile Creek is an important Pacific lamprey harvest location for CTWSRO tribal members; yet little information is available on their status.  Likewise, very little is known about historical or current distribution of Pacific lamprey in the Hood River subbasin.  Lamprey were once widely distributed throughout the Hood River basin (USFS 1996); however, lack of adequate passage facilities at Powerdale Dam (rkm 7.2) is believed to have eradicated lamprey from areas upstream.  Project objectives include:  

1. Estimate adult Pacific lamprey escapement in Fifteenmile Creek;
2. Evaluate the feasibility of estimating Pacific lamprey spawner escapement to Hood River;
3. Characterize adult Pacific lamprey use of Fifteenmile Creek;
4. Describe Pacific lamprey spawning distribution in Fifteenmile Creek and Hood River Subbasins;
5. Describe redd characteristics and habitat within stream reaches in Fifteenmile and Hood River Subbasins;
6. Determine larval lamprey distribution and associated habitat in  Fifteenmile Cr. and Hood River Subbasins;
7. Determine out-migration timing and relative abundance of larval lamprey in Fifteenmile and Hood River Subbasins; and
8. Identify factors limiting Pacific lamprey production within Fifteenmile and Hood River Subbasins.