The Abernathy Tidal Habitat Restoration project -- is located entirely within the WDFW Abernathy Creek Wildlife Area; the goal is to improve habitat for rearing juveniles and spawning adult anadromous salmonids (originating from both Abernathy Creek and upriver Columbia River populations).  The proposed project will provide improved habitat conditions for salmonid juvenile rearing and foraging habitat, as well as adult spawning habitat -- for the three Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) currently protected under the Endangered Species Act, as well as unlisted salmonids and other anadromous fish species.  Anadromous salmonid species in the Abernathy Creek watershed include fall Chinook salmon, chum salmon, coho salmon, winter steelhead, and sea-run coastal cutthroat trout.

Under this contract, WDFW will implement the "Construction Phase" of the Abernathy Tidal Restoration Project -- as a Washington Estuary Habitat MOA Project, with direct BPA funding.

Brief Background:  A Section 536 Feasibility Study for the Abernathy Tidal Restoration Project was initiated by WDFW and the Corps in 2009 (Phase 1).  This Study included the development of a preferred Restoration Alternative.  All of the information, data, and draft reports from the 536 Feasibility Study were available to WDFW engineering staff to develop the agreed-upon alternative and restoration design for this BPA contract (Phase 2).  Under the previous BPA-WDFW "Design" contract.  (#54420),  WDFW reviewed all technical information, selected the final restoration alternative with BPA concurrence, developed conceptual and final designs, and initiated the environmental review and county, state and federal permitting processes.  The previous Design project also provided a preliminary Budget and Project Description (Pisces SOW development) for the Construction Phase of the Project.

The Construction (Phase 3) of the Abernathy Tidal Restoration Project (this contract) will accomplish the following tasks:

1. Plan the logistics and detailed timeline for constructing the Final  Restoration Design at the WDFW Abernathy Wildlife Area.
2. Conduct coordination between the Habitat Program Environmental Engineers (Design Team) and the CAMP Construction Crew to do the build phase during the work-window established during the permitting process, i.e., starting construction by August 1, 2012.
3. Conduct the Construction Tasks from  August 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012.
a. Procure logs to be delivered to the site and spoil removal services through bidding and subcontracting process.              
                b. Mobilization; delivery of equipment, and storage of logs and construction materials on-site.
c. Survey and flag key design elements, including wetland protection.
d. Put any sediment reduction structures and coffer dams in place, as needed to protect stream environment and ESA fish.
e. Excavate blind channels.
f.  Haul excavation spoils offsite, including road bed rock and old boat ramp materials (part of the subcontract agreement)
h. Build large wood structures and engineered log jams.
i. Conduct plantings and other revegetation actions.
j. Demobilization.
4. Develop a monitoring plan for revegetation, and a long-term Operations and Maintenance Agreement with BPA.