This proposal rated very high in all review criteria, and the ISRP found the project worthy of support. The ISRP is not requesting a response, but the proposal would be improved if the proponents provided a better justification for Objective 5. Specifically, a better description of how the diet data will be used to indicate the importance of certain habitat types in the lower Willamette (if prey availability data are also not collected).

Other comments:

Technical and scientific background: The proposal describes a research study to determine the habitat use of subyearling chinook and to examine if this habitat is limiting to survival and productivity (growth) of these juveniles. While it doesn't focus on a high priority problem it will provide information needed to understand the function and importance of the rather limited rearing habitat for subyearling chinook in the lower Willamette River.

Rationale and significance to subbasin plans and regional programs: The proposal does a good job in relating its objectives to those in the Oregon Plan, the Willamette Subbasin Plan, and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Willamette Basin Floodplain Restoration Study.

Relationships to other projects: A well-organized table summarizes relationships between this project and other projects funded by BPA, USACE, USFWS, and State of Oregon. The nature of the relationships between projects is described.

Objectives: Objectives 1, 2, and 3 are linked to objectives in the Willamette Subbasin Plan and are very well justified. The rationale for the radio-telemetry (Objective 4) is located in the work element section 4c and could be moved up to follow the stated objective. The rationale for the food habits study (Objective 5) is weak, and the justification for these data needs further development.

Tasks (work elements) and methods: Methods are described in detail, with text, maps and photos. Sampling procedures are extensively described, as are parameters to be measured and analytical procedures.

Monitoring and evaluation: Monitoring of project implementation effectiveness is not a part of this proposal, but this project is collaborating with the Collaborative Systemwide Monitoring and Evaluation Program (CSMEP) and Pacific Northwest Aquatic Monitoring Partnership (PNAMP) on an "inform" basis. It isn't clear that these relationships will accomplish monitoring of this project.

Information transfer: Information transfer will be accomplished through annual reports, peer reviewed publications, workshops, and technical presentations. The proponents also intend to provide habitat restoration guidance as an output of this project.

Benefits to focal and non-focal species: Identification and significance of the lower Willamette rearing habitat for subyearling spring chinook may play an important role in the protection and restoration of this habitat over the long term.