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 #1996-040-00). 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 2 listed stocks.

For the FY19 contracting period, one of the main objectives will be to continue moving ahead with the comprehensive plan presented to various committees and agencies, which has been accepted generally. The main placement of this program is to maximize spring Chinook distribution in the upper Methow where adult management is in place and being implemented to restrict/reduce hatchery influence and more importantly reduce the effects of a single source release location, which YN identified in the UCSCSA original plan. Currently, restrictions to the numbers being released in the upper Methow are due to the uncertainties of whether these decreases in productivity form the egg-to-emigrant life stage is due to super saturation in the reaches near Methow SFH and Winthrop NFH, hatchery contributions that are driving down reproductive success or a combination of both. So, for 2019 releases will occur only at Goat Wall for a third consecutive year.  Chewuch AF will continue be used for acclimation of spring Chinook, just no longer under this contract.  Steelhead in the Methow are being planned for release either from future Goat Wall releases, Early Winters, Mid Valley Pond and/or Gold Creek Ponds.  Schedule is being discussed for 2020 releases.

For the Wenatchee, focus in on steelhead acclimation in Nason Creek. The Powerline site will alleviate the lack of acclimated rearing needed for these species and get away from the current direct planting strategy.  This site was scheduled for construction in summer/fall of 2018 but due to permitting delays, it is being re-scheduled within this contracting period.  Construction being set for August 2019.