Tidal Freshwater Pilot Monitoring Study: Estuary Conference and Technical Proposal Revisions
Administration
BPA Project No. 2005-001-00
PNNL Project No. 48158
BPA Project Manager: Tracey Yerxa (503 230 4738)
PNNL Project Manager:  Gary Johnson (503 417 7567)
PNNL Contract Officer:  Jan Slater (360 681 3642)

Goals
The overall goal of this project is to provide basic but critical data on the ecology of subyearling salmon in the tidal freshwater area of the lower Columbia River and estuary (LCRE).  The specific goal of this part of the project is to convene and document a scientific conference on the LCRE including, in part, subyearling salmon ecology.

Background and Needs
In fiscal year 2005 (FY05), the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) initiated a project with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to conduct a pilot monitoring study in the tidal freshwater reach of the Lower Columbia River and estuary (LCRE).  This reach extends from Bonneville Dam downstream to about river mile 36, the upper extent of salt water intrusion.  The FY05 project included a task to prepare and plan a scientific conference on the lower Columbia River, estuary, and ocean.  This planning process is ongoing with the conference scheduled for April 19-20, 2006 in Astoria, Oregon.  FY05 funds of $80,000 were authorized for the period August 2005 to January 2006, inclusive.
For FY06, PNNL prepared a technical proposal that is currently being reviewed by the Independent Scientific Advisory Panel (ISRP).  Based on previous experience, it is likely the technical proposal will need to be revised based on the ISRP's comments.  FY06 funds for this project have not yet been expended.
In conclusion, there are needs to fulfill the estuary conference task and revise the FY06 technical proposal.

Objectives and Tasks
The objectives and tasks for statement of work for project 2005-001-00 are to:
1. WE 118 Coordination -- Complete the estuary conference.
a. Finalize the program
b. Register participants
c. Coordinate the Steering Committee
d. Send the announcement
e. Develop and activate the website
f. Produce the abstracts and program handouts
g. Conduct the event
h. Document the event
2. WE 199 Project Management -- Revise the FY06 technical proposal.
a. Review the ISRP's comments
b. Meet with BPA to discuss the comments and responses
c. Revise and submit a new technical proposal

Project Period and Schedule
The project period will be February 13, 2006 to May 31, 2006.  The schedule for the objectives is presented in the following table in PISCES categories, along with an estimated budget for each objective (more detailed budget data is presented later in the scope of work).  

Deliverables
The deliverables for this contract will be:
1. WE 118 Coordination: The estuary conference with documentation of the event.
2. WE 119 Project Managements: A revised technical proposal for FY06 incorporating responses to the ISRP's comments.

Technical Expertise
This project will require staff with the following expertise:
• Knowledge of RME in estuaries
• Knowledge of salmon ecology in the Columbia River estuary
• Knowledge of ongoing research in the Columbia River estuary
• Ability to facilitate a steering committee
Staff at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (operated by Battelle for the U. S. Department of Energy) will conduct this project.  Mr. Gary Johnson is leading BPA's project for Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation planning in the estuary/ocean (2002-077-00) and the Tidal Freshwater Pilot Monitoring Study (2005-001-00).  Ms. Kathi Ruiz has coordinated numerous scientific workshops and symposia, such as the Corps of Engineers' Annual Review of the Anadromous Fish Evaluation Program and the 2003 Columbia River Estuary Research Needs Workshop.  We will subcontract with Mr. Bruce Sutherland, retired from the Estuary Partnership, to document verbal discussions during the panel/audience sessions at the conference