In the previous contract, contract 83002, Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation (MSRF) and BPA technical leads identified a preferred alternative for preventing seasonal disconnection of the intake that feeds the side channel network.  The preferred alternative is to build an engineered riffle in the mainstem river to address localized incision and maintain flows into the side channel over a wider range of flows and particularly during low flow conditions.

One of the project objectives is to build and expand on the engineering framework established in the first phase of the project that allowed MSRF to work directly with BPA technical staff to efficiently develop a preferred conceptual design.  MSRF plans to utilize this framework on several other upcoming targeted projects.  In the next phase this design will be finalized by the licensed professional engineer selected under the previous contract.

Project is intended to restore a perennial connection to the Twisp Ponds side channel network flowing from an existing connection to the Twisp River at River Mile 1.5.  This project will increase the resilience of off-channel rearing habitat for juvenile spring Chinook and steelhead by providing a perennial connection to the Twisp Ponds side channel network.

MSRF Contract Manager and MSRF's design consultants will all cooperate, coordinate, collaborate, and maintain effective communication with BPA PM/COR, EC Lead, HIP Review Lead, and Hydraulic Engineer during the entire length of this contract with regards to project design.  MSRF and its subcontractors will address BPA comments and concerns, and the two entities will arrive at a mutual beneficial consensus.  MSRF contract manager will upload all the subcontracts being executed under this contract.

The Twisp Ponds project is in the Lower Twisp River Assessment Unit (AU), a major spawning area for both spring Chinook and steelhead.  Both the Biological Strategy and EDT rank the Lower Twisp/ Twisp-Lower AU as a top priority for restoration.  The project addresses important ecological concerns as identified in the Biological Strategy.