The sponsors of this proposal provided adequate responses to most ISRP comments and recommendations. The details regarding the snorkeling surveys and the habitat descriptions from the USFS were welcome additions.

The ISRP rates this proposal as Fundable with two qualifications.

1) One outstanding issue is the assumption that brook trout populations in the upper Tieton River won't hinder establishment of bull trout above the dam. This should be viewed as a hypothesis to be tested. There are cases from elsewhere that indicate brook trout can have a major, negative effect on bull trout. The collection of samples for genetic analysis partly addresses this question (hybridization), but competitive interactions will not be directly assessed. Inclusion of an element in the M&E to address bull-brook trout interactions other than hybridization would strengthen this component of the project.

2) In response to the ISRP's request for a description of plans for bull trout population M&E of fish ladder use, the sponsors did indicate that an interagency work group, the Yakima Fish Passage Work Group, will develop a passage evaluation project if funding is available. However, this monitoring and evaluation plan of ladder use and passage effectiveness (including fallback rates) is critical in determining the success of the project and should be an integral part of this proposal.