Contract Extension Memorandum  1988-108-04 EXP STREAMNET
1988-108-04 EXP STREAMNET (CIS-NED) July 1, 2016 (FY 15, FY 16, and FY17)

StreamNet is a cooperative, regional scale data management project that provides assistance to agencies that create the biological data by funding data management staff within these agencies. StreamNet also coordinates regional data management initiatives designed to improve the quality, flow, and timeliness of key data to decision makers. StreamNet acquires fish related data from the management agencies, standardizes and georeferences them to the hydrography (stream network), and makes them widely available through a website that includes online data query systems.  This memo documents modifications to the current SOW that were agreed upon when the contract was extended through September 30, 2017

For FY-2017, the primary focus of StreamNet remains the Coordinated Assessments (CA) project. However, certain high priority traditional data sets have been prioritized and the project will resume updating these consistently across the basin. The traditional data types selected were determined to add value to regional processes in last year’s survey by the StreamNet Executive Committee. Support is also provided to the region in archiving data in secure data repositories that are available to appropriate regional scale entities.  More specific work priorities for this year are:

1. The StreamNet Executive Committee should continue to be used to focus and prioritize the CA Project. This should specifically include prioritizing selection of new high level indicators, taking into account regional data needs, such as NOAA status assessments and NPCC high level indicators and dashboards. Priorities should incorporate realistic assessments of available staff and other agency priorities.
2. The StreamNet Executive Committee will offer expanded membership to any entity that is a significant data provider or data user, such as tribes.
3. The StreamNet Executive Committee should also continue to evaluate and prioritize updating traditional StreamNet data sets to reflect an emphasis on those that add value to ongoing regional O&M efforts. These include updating geo-referenced data that are related to CA populations and is supportive of a more granular understanding of high level indicator trends, as well as maintenance of regional databases such as fish distribution and facilities.
4. StreamNet should provide accessible and useful displays of information at the regional scale, with special focus on the CA project. Improvements to the StreamNet website should include GIS-based, population level graphical presentation of the high level indicators as they are developed. StreamNet should also assist in supporting the efforts of others (NOAA, NPCC, etc.) who are engaged in similar efforts by focusing on automating and streamlining the flow of data for these efforts.
5. While focusing the CA project on high level indicators that support regionally significant monitoring efforts, clear direction and consensus should be used to guide agencies and tribes to submit data that support population level assessments. Where such data are lacking, the Executive Committee should provide overall project direction to address any concerns. If warranted, they may wish to use lower level or even higher level information and incorporate that into the CA database.
6. The StreamNet Executive Committee should periodically evaluate whether regional data collection and management efforts are aligned with the high level data needs identified by the users of CA data, and recommendations for funding and support provided to BPA, NPCC, NOAA, and others from a regional perspective.
7. Where data are needed in support of regional prioritization (i.e. resident fish data for NPCC indicators and dashboards), StreamNet should prioritize infrastructure and data management assistance needed to support such indicators. This will require advance planning in order to potentially shift resources or request additional support, as agencies are currently fully committed to ongoing efforts.   BPA and the StreamNet Executive Committee should clearly convey to agencies the importance of contributing to regional efforts. This will assist in gaining acceptance and buy-in from agency managers and biologists.
8. CA methodologies for calculation of high level indicators should be fully documented.
9. The StreamNet Data Store should continue to serve a role as a secure environmental data repository. If BPA has a desire to confirm that the Data Store is in receipt of datasets for projects that have designated the Data Store as their repository, an automated routine linking Pisces/cbfish and the Data Store should be developed and implemented.
10. StreamNet should continue to play a role in the development and deployment of emerging technologies in fisheries data collection through sponsorship of workshops, though these may take place less frequently in future. If available, funding the engagement of agency-embedded staff in purchasing, development and testing of these technologies, with the objective of making data collection and transfer more efficient and secure across the region, can also be a StreamNet function.
11. StreamNet should continue to seek out efficiencies and new sources of revenue in order to fund agency operations that support regional data management priorities (i.e. field data stewards that compile and provide CA data). Where appropriate, the StreamNet Executive committee should recommend increases in traditional funding and support as needed, to complete the priorities they have established.
12. StreamNet partners should focus first on updating time series data for established trends (i.e., those already defined and mapped in the regional GIS) prior to making any effort to identify and map new stream survey reaches.  The mapping of new trend locations or the refined mapping of existing trends should only be attempted after determining that the necessary GIS support exists at both the local and regional level.  
13. Fish Distribution as a StreamNet data category should be redefined as a GIS dataset that is exchanged (or compiled regionally) using GIS file formats.   This is a significant shift from the traditional StreamNet model.  While less elegant than a regionally coordinated linear event table approach (using stream routes and measures), this is a practical compromise that respects budget realities. This approach should provide the desired functionality of allowing end users and regional partners to simply visualize species distribution and habitat use type in map form.  


Ongoing work to support the project will include funding for data management staff within partner organizations, maintenance of the databases and computer infrastructure needed to manage and disseminate the data, regional coordination to integrate StreamNet efforts with other regional efforts to maximize efficiency of data flow and support regional approaches to data management and sharing, and administration of the project.