This well-written proposal provides a clear description of what appears to be an important problem and excellent opportunity for substantial gain for fish, especially steelhead, by improving access to 15 mile of stream. The current fish ladder is inadequate. Dam removal would open up significant habitat that has received some extensive restoration such as side channel work. There is strong collaborative effort on this project, especially with USFS, and monitoring and evaluation would be done by WDFW and UCD under separate projects.

The ISRP is not requesting a response but believes the project sponsors, Council, and BPA should consider the following points. A new 1/3 mile-long channel will be excavated through the accumulated sediments and stabilized prior to dam removal. Stabilizing the stream banks will not be an easy task. Although the proposal describes some methods to stabilize the banks, such as use of root wads and tree planting on the banks, reviewers expect a major element will be - or should be - soil bioengineering in nature. This "fundable" recommendation is qualified. If funded, the Council and/or BPA should require a more complete description and clarification of how the streambed and banks will be stabilized, and what variations in plan, longitudinal and cross-sectional profiles are envisaged. If requested, the ISRP would be willing to review the updated stabilization plan.