Initially this project focused on the development of a biomonitoring plan to determine the effectiveness of aquatic habitat enhancement actions on salmon and steelhead.  Beginning in FY 2015 this project will expand to include physical and biological sampling using regionally standardized habitat and biotic monitoring protocols and methods ( CHaMP) to evaluate the effectiveness of habitat enhancement efforts sponsored by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) in the Umatilla, Walla Walla, Tucannon, Grande Ronde and John Day basins in NE Oregon and SE Washington.  Monitoring data will be used to 1) determine the biological benefits of aquatic habitat improvements; 2) establish relationships between physical habitat conditions and biological responses to improved habitat; and 3) inform manager’s decisions for modifying existing habitat work and implementing new watershed restoration plans for achieving desired future conditions. Study sites and data collected will be coordinated through the CHaMP Program and data will be uploaded to CHaMP database and available for use by other researchers.

Total BPA funding for the expanded work on this project will be $333,200 for FY 2015.  BPA funds will come from: 1) the existing project (2009-014-00, $43,700); 2)  the Umatilla Natural Production Monitoring and Evaluation Project (1990-005-01, $264,000) and 3)  the Walla Walla Monitoring and Evaluation Project (2000-039-00, $25,403). Additional cost share funding will come from a Bureau of Indian Affairs Contract ($27,200).  Funding for the CTUIR Umatilla and Walla Walla M&E projects will be reduced to $718,000 and $972,000 respectively in association with the transfer of CHaMP and related biotic monitoring and evaluation work elements to this project (2009-014-00).  Combining CHaMP and biotic monitoring into one unified project will enhance logistical, organizational, budgeting and reporting efficiencies.  

This project is a monitoring component of a comprehensive strategy and framework for natural resource management developed by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) utilizing traditional First Foods concepts (see First Foods serving order in attached Umatilla River Vision paper).  A major component of preserving First Foods is protecting and enhancing the habitats which sustain them. The CTUIR Department of Natural Resource Fisheries and Wildlife Programs are implementing habitat enhancement actions in the Umatilla, Walla Walla, Tucannon, Grande Ronde and John Day basins in NE Oregon and SE Washington.