The Crystal Springs project is developing a hatchery proposal to utilize an existing hatchery site that will rear resident and anadromous fish to supplement harvest opportunities and increase conservation values associated with each species.  The Tribes are approaching anadromous fish production by implementing a pilot 'captive' Chinook program and outplanting up to 1,000,000 eyed-eggs in Panther Creek and Yankee Fork; consistent with existing supplementation actions in those systems.  Also, the Tribes will produce up to 30,000 catchable-sized Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout for harvest in confined fisheries within the Fort Hall Reservation and adjacent Tribal lands.  

The hatchery planning process during the 2023 contract year will focus on receiving feedback on the Step 1 Master Plan submitted during the 2022 contract year and pending approval by ISRP/NPCC, advancing design for facility components.  The Tribes identified a more suitable location within the Fort Hall Reservation in a spring-fed complex along the Portneuf River; the ample availability of water and extent of the land parcel make this location more desirable than the previously surveyed site at Crystal Springs.  If the project is approved by the NPCC to move into Step 2/3 the Tribes anticipate spending the remainder of the contract year to advance designs and program components to meet the allocated capital budget for the project.