Coho Rearing:

The activities in this contract are outlined in the Master Yakama Nation project under Operation and Maintenance objectives and tasks and identified as BPA direct fund work. The long term vision of the larger restoration project is to restore coho salmon to the Wenatchee and Methow river basins at biologically sustainable levels that will support harvest in most years. The project works toward development of locally adapted, naturally spawning coho populations in the Wenatchee and Methow subbasins by increasing the fitness of reintroduced coho salmon by reducing domestication and emphasizing local adaptation.

Hatchery smolt production work is covered under BPA contracts supporting the Yakama Nation's coho reintroduction efforts through egg incubation and juvenile rearing of full-term coho at the Willard NFH and Winthrop NFH while also providing holding, spawning, incubation and acclimation space at the Leavenworth NFH and the Winthrop NFH.  Work also includes fish health laboratory services provided by the Lower Columbia River and the Olympia Fish Health Centers for monitoring adult and juvenile coho salmon health.  The Statement of Work included within this contract represents activities for the 12-month period February 1 thru January 31.

Steelhead Kelt Reconditioning:

Additionally, for the Yakama Nation Steelhead Kelt Reconditioning Project, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Winthrop National Fish Hatchery will perform tasks associated with the operations and maintenance of the Methow Steelhead Kelt Facility (MSKF).  The operations will take place at the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery during the time period of February 1st through January 31st.  The Service will: 1) Remove snow from the access road to the kelt reconditioning facility, 2) maintain the lawn and grounds, 3) ensure continuity of fish production water to the facility, 4) provide first response to all low water alarms, 5) conduct minor facility repair and maintenance, and 6) coordinate with the YN regarding facility operations which may affect either parties programs.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Winthrop National Fish Hatchery will manage necessary permits and/or requirements to operate and maintain the MSKF as a part of the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery.  The tasks will include: 1)  acquire and maintain an NPDES permit for the Winthrop NFH, 2) Assist the YN personnel in developing adequate safety plans for the facility that meet Service requirements, 3) Assist YN personnel in developing adequate Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans for the facility that meet Service requirements.