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 – critical for implementing the 2000 NMFS FCRPS Biological Opinion (RPA Actions 180, 181, and 183) (BiOp) – 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 contract is one of several contracts that will implement this project.  The final report for this contract will contain data that will 1) be submitted to NOAA FISHERIES (also a contractor under this project) and 2) be submitted to BPA as a contract final report according to the terms of this contract.  The goal and objectives of this contract are as follows:  

1. To determine the current habitat conditions in the Upper Columbia Basin (status monitoring)
2. To determine how these factors change over time (trend monitoring)
3. To determine what effects tributary habitat actions have on fish populations and habitat conditions (effectiveness monitoring)?

The plan is designed to address these questions and at the same time eliminate duplication of work, reduce costs, and increase monitoring efficiency.  The implementation of valid statistical designs, probabilistic sampling designs, standardized data collection protocols, consistent data reporting methods, and selection of sensitive indicators will increase monitoring efficiency (Currens et al. 2000; Bayley 2002).  

WDOE will measure these physical habitat indicators.    In sum, these  indicators address  "outcome" variables (e.g.,  sediment, woody debris, pools, riparian habitat, etc.), as outlined in Hillman and Giorgi (2002) and the Action Agencies/NOAA Fisheries RME Plan.    
(The above is from Hillman 2006 Upper Columbia Monitoring Strategy)

Completion of this SOW by the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE) will be dependent on the implementation of interrelated Project components, including:

1) Initial site selection will be provided by the ISEMP staff.
2) Reconnaissance of sampling sites will be performed by the an ISEMP designated "Recon Coordinator" from among those ISEMP agencies contracted to BPA.  Prior to the field season, the Recon Coordinator will provide WDOE with directions for physical access and authorization for access to sites on federal lands.
3) Reconnaissance of sampling sites will be performed by Cascadia Conservation District (CCD) on non-federal properties: Prior to the field season, CCD will provide WDOE with directions for physical access and authorization from property owners for access to privately-owned sites.
4) Prior to the field season, RTT/NOAA-Fisheries will provide a field sampling protocol (manual) and field forms in the protocols: A Field Manual of Scientific Protocols for the Collection of Benthic Macroinvertebrates within the Upper Columbia Monitoring Strategy” (Moberg 2010), and “A Field Manual of Scientific Protocols for Habitat Surveys within the Upper Columbia Monitoring Strategy” (Moberg 2010), each based on Hillman (2006)*, in order that WDOE may properly train its field staff.

5) The WDOE budget is dependent upon their ability to lease a USFS bunkhouse for 5 staff.

*Hillman, T.W. 2006. Monitoring strategy for the Upper Columbia Basin: Draft report 2006. Prepared for Upper Columbia Regional Technical Team, Wenatchee, Washington