Implementation of the Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and associated Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations include operating John Day Reservoir in a manner that will delay nesting by colonial waterbirds (i.e., Caspian terns and gulls) at the Blalock Islands until after the majority of juvenile Upper Columbia and Snake River distinct population segment (DPS) of steelhead trout pass downriver during the spring migratory season. Dam operators will also use greater pool elevation flexibility beginning October 1, 2020 (beginning September 1 of each year beginning in 2021) through April 9. While all operations and pool elevations fall within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s authorized operating range, in practice, these operations and associated pool elevations are not characteristic of how the reservoir has been managed in the recent past. Therefore, concerns have been raised regarding how this water regime may influence existing natural resources, natural resource management objectives, and public use at the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).

Provide services to monitor response of waterfowl, vegetation, and visitor approval at Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge (UNWR).  Modifications to Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) will alter the elevation the John Day Reservoir Pool (Pool) which may potentially affect important natural resources and public use at the refuge.  This statement of work (SOW) is to allow for assessment of habitat and public use at the refuge prior to pool elevation changes as well as monitoring of these attributes over the first five years of the new operating system. A final report on findings will be produced.

Services provided by this contract/agreement will include the following tasks:

1.    Background research of waterfowl abundance, vegetation and habitat characteristics, and public use at UNWR.
2.    Aerial surveys of waterfowl, moist soil vegetation, submerged aquatic vegetation beds, emergent marsh, cottonwood stands, and island morphology.
3.    Ground surveys of moist soil vegetation, emergent marsh, and cottonwood stands.
4.    Hunter satisfaction surveys.
5.    Preparation of final report describing monitoring results.