This proposal merits high priority. The feasibility of the project and its alternatives have been carefully examined for a period of years, during which the process was conducted in phases appropriate to the circumstances. The proposal obviously has wide support from affected agencies and entities on both sides of the international border. The proposal is very complete, thorough, well prepared, and well documented. The ISRP appreciated the photos and figures of the project site. This project is likely to have significant benefits (increase in spawning habitat) to focal species that will persist over the long-term. Wildlife species are quite likely to benefit from restoration of sinuosity in the stream channel.

Although the project would take place in Canadian waters, the anadromous fish affected pass through U.S. waters both as juveniles and adults. Adults are subject to in-river fisheries by tribal members and others. Counts of adults at Bonneville Dam will clearly accrue to the credit of the Council's Fish and Wildlife Program. Monitoring and evaluation involves eight years of pre-treatment sockeye "inventories" for treatment and control areas (upstream and downstream) and 2 years of pre-treatment inventories for Chinook and steelhead/rainbow. The proposed work includes similar monitoring "at least 10 years" after treatment. The proposal would have been improved by an explanation of the experimental design and methods of the inventories, as well as provisions for release and long-term storage of data and meta-data.

The proponents are qualified to administer the restoration work. Personnel and equipment for dike removal, etc., will be contracted. Cost sharing is proposed.