In 1991, Burlington Bottoms, now called the John R. Palensky WMA, was the first site in Oregon to be purchased by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) under the Willamette and Columbia River Basins Fish and Wildlife Programs, to provide partial mitigation for the impacts associated with the construction of hydroelectric facilities.  The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) was contracted by BPA in 1993 to conduct interim management of the BB site, which included completion of a habitat assessment or habitat evaluation procedure (HEP).  In addition, a hydrology and hydraulics assessment was also conducted on the site in 1993. Results of the HEP and hydrology study were incorporated into the Environmental Assessment/ Management Plan written in 1994 (DOE/EA-0928).  Implementation of the EA/Management Plan began in 1995, and included custodial oversight and habitat restoration projects, including non-native vegetation removal.  In 2001, a second management plan was written, titled Five-Year Habitat Management Plan, 2001-2005.  This Plan addresses specific goals and objectives to be carried out over a five-year period, using various enhancement strategies to achieve the overall goal of protecting, maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitat on the site.   This Habitat Management Plan is being revised and will be completed in 2013.  During the term of the project, project activities and expenditures shall be consistent with BPA's Final Environmental Assessment/Management Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact (December 1994, DOE/EA-0928).  Project activities not considered in the 1994 Environmental Assessment will comply with NEPA requirements in separate documentation.  Consultation with the USFWS and/or NMFS will occur as necessary and the appropriate NEPA compliance and concurrence verification will be obtained.
        
The purpose of this scope of work is to continue implementation of various management activities that include: 1) operate and maintain the water control structure as part of moist soil management for the site; 2) habitat enhancement activities including non-native plant removal and native planting; 3) custodial management of the site; 4) monitoring and evaluation of past enhancement activities; and 5) finalization of the revised Habitat Management Plan to reflect past activities and on-the-ground conditions.  In addition to the management activities on the Palensky WMA, the scope of work includes some tasks related to the coordination and oversight of the Willamette Wildlife Agreement, which was developed between BPA and the State of Oregon in 2010.  Specifically, additional staff time has been included in order to 1) help identify potential acquisition projects in the north half of the Willamette Valley; 2) coordinate with acquisition sponsors during the solicitation process; 3) monitor completed acquisitions; and 4) assist acquisition sponsors with vegetation maintenance and restoration of previously-funded acquisitions.