Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program
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Project Summary

Project 2007-111-00 - Assess impacts of flow augmentation on bull trout in the North Fork and Lower Clearwater Rivers
Project Number:
2007-111-00
Title:
Assess impacts of flow augmentation on bull trout in the North Fork and Lower Clearwater Rivers
Summary:
Determine the downriver effects of cold water releases from Dworshak Dam on bull trout populations inhabiting the North Fork Clearwater River tailrace and lower mainstem Clearwater River.
Proposer:
None
Proponent Orgs:
Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) (Govt - State)
Starting FY:
2007
Ending FY:
2011
BPA PM:
None
Stage:
Area:
Province Subbasin %
Mountain Snake Clearwater 100.00%
Purpose:
Programmatic
Emphasis:
RM and E
Focal Species:
Species Benefit:
Anadromous: 0.0%   Resident: 100.0%   Wildlife: 0.0%
Tags:
None
Special:
None
BiOp Association:
None

No photos have been uploaded yet for this Project.

The table content is updated frequently and thus contains more recent information than what was in the original proposal reviewed by ISRP and Council.

Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 2007-111-00-NPCC-20090924
Project: 2007-111-00 - Assess impacts of flow augmentation on bull trout in the North Fork and Lower Clearwater Rivers
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Approved Date: 10/23/2006
Recommendation: Do Not Fund
Comments:

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 2007-111-00-ISRP-20060831
Project: 2007-111-00 - Assess impacts of flow augmentation on bull trout in the North Fork and Lower Clearwater Rivers
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 8/31/2006
Final Round ISRP Date: None
Final Round ISRP Rating: Does Not Meet Scientific Review Criteria
Final Round ISRP Comment:
The ISRP rates this project Not Fundable. This recommendation resulted primarily, because the project objectives do not adequately address the problems identified in the technical and scientific background section of the proposal.

Several aspects of this proposal raise questions: What difference does it make where the entrained bull trout originated above Dworshak Dam? The problem identified is that there is entrainment. Shouldn't the primary focus be upon reducing or eliminating entrainment, regardless of the origin of the fish?

The background and rationale sections indicate that this project will address the potential problem of temperature effects (from cold water releases from Dworshak Dam) on bull trout, but the proposal does not include this as a stated objective.

The use of strobe lights has not been effective in guiding fish away from turbine intakes (see Whitney et al., 1997).

The proposal refers to measurements of water depth occupied by bull trout in the reservoir but makes no mention of their depth distribution at the intakes. Wouldn't the most effective use of effort in this project be to get information on their depth distribution at the intakes? The proposal suggests that the outlet structure can be set to draw water from a wide range of depths. Thus, the only piece of information missing is bull trout depth at the structure.

The proposal gives the impression that Dworshak is operated primarily for the benefit of fish, which of course is not accurate. Information should be provided showing that Dworshak is primarily a hydroelectric power dam (400,000 KW). During the months of March and April, when entrainment appears to be a problem, the dam is most likely operated strictly for power production. Flow augmentation for temperature control in the Snake River occurs later in the season, when fall Chinook are emigrating out of the river. It is misleading to assign responsibility for any effects on bull trout to the flow augmentation strategy, unless more information can be provided.
Documentation Links:

Legal Assessment (In-Lieu)

Assessment Number: 2007-111-00-INLIEU-20090521
Project Number: 2007-111-00
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 10/6/2006
In Lieu Rating: No Problems Exist
Cost Share Rating: None
Comment: Bull trout impacts, Dworshak flow augmentation.

Capital Assessment

Assessment Number: 2007-111-00-CAPITAL-20090618
Project Number: 2007-111-00
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 2/27/2007
Capital Rating: Does Not Qualify for Capital Funding
Capital Asset Category: None
Comment: None

Project Relationships: None