This acclimation project proposes to further develop acclimation for upper Columbia steelhead and spring Chinook by developing new semi-natural ponds similar to what has been uniquely successful in the Mid-Columbia Coho Restoration Project (BPA Project #19-96-04000).  This would involve utilizing the existing PUD/Federal mitigation production in the region that is currently doing either direct stream plants or single point, large releases and expand/refine those releases by adding additional acclimation releases in known habitat reaches within the Wenatchee and Methow watersheds.   This strategy will enhance the goals of recovery for these two listed stocks.

Since a comprehensive plan has already been complied through the efforts of YN staff and sub-contracted work from ANCHOR Environmental and been successfully accepted through the ISRP/NPCC processes, the FY11 contracting period will focus on preparing site(s) for on-the-ground operations as soon as the spring of 2011 in both the Methow and Wenatchee basins.  Primary objectives for this project in 2011-2012 is to beginning implementing steelhead acclimation at Rohlfing's Pond in the Wenatchee Basin as well as design, construct and acclimate spring Chinook at Biddle Pond (upper Methow drainage) and Winthrop NFH back channel in the Methow Basin.  YN will continue with various field studies and site data collection, if not already completed, to determine if potential, identified rearing sites will have the ability to rear these species of concern and at what level.  Management throughout this whole process will be key in implementation.