The sponsors of this proposal have provided adequate responses to most ISRP review comments and recommendations. The response contains useful information about target species abundance. From the EDT analyses it does appear that Oak Flats ranks as a high priority area for salmonid restoration. Additionally, the response (as well as the revised narrative) makes a good case for acquiring the Oak Flats area to help fill in a gap -- and remove an elk fence -- that will improve wildlife connectivity between existing wildlife strongholds. It was gratifying to see a proposal address fish and wildlife issues in an integrated way.

Some details of the restoration work are provided, although there are other undescribed details that could be potentially important (e.g., when will the old water diversion structures be demolished?). Heavy equipment activity in the river could cause sediment and other water quality issues for spawning, egg incubation, and early rearing life stages, so timing of instream activity will be critical.

The ISRP rated this proposal as Fundable with a qualification because of the lack of details described for the monitoring and evaluation of project effects benefiting focal species (steelhead and bull trout) and their habitats. They name the groups doing fisheries monitoring in this area of the Naches River (the Yakima Nation, WDFW, and the USFS), but need to include the methods used, variables to be measured, and the links to those agencies' monitoring projects.