The response was minimal and the proposal is still incomplete. It provides very little additional information to address reviewer comments. Details of work elements are still to be developed in the course of the feasibility analysis. ISRP review comments have not been adequately addressed, so the reviewers see no reason to change the recommendation of "Not fundable."

ISRP comments (June 2006): Not fundable. Key Washougal River habitats have been eliminated through dredging, channel modification, diking, filling and draining. Associated biological problems are described. Altered hydrology, sediment supply and other associated conditions are identified as limiting factors in the subbasin plan. This project would build on previous work to restore floodplain and aquatic habitats in the Washougal River and Camas Slough. It proposes to change the mouth of the Washougal River to bypass the Slough and provide a safer passage route.

However, the Washougal Subbasin Plan has only some very general statements that altered habitats may increase temperature and predation, and these were not at all related to the Washougal. The temperature problem reference in the subbasin plan on page I-93 was related to the lack of riparian shading in Lacamas Creek not the slough. The predation problem cited on page I-3 of the subbasin plan was just a general statement that, "altered habitat conditions have increased predation..." These issues are the basis for this proposed project, but there is "no documentation" for these problems.

The rationale is presented as the need for improved passage and the relation of this project (if feasible) to providing that improvement. No specific reference is made to regional programs, except for previously identified limiting factors from the subbasin plan. There is no specific reference to other projects.

The objectives in this proposal are not related to subbasin plan objectives and are not justified based on documented problems.

Three work elements are: project management, feasibility study, and coordination. Details of the feasibility study are in Section b. However, these are only generally described in the form of work elements.

Methods are lacking, except for a brief mention of an analysis of sediment deposition and transport capability will be conducted to reduce the long-term O&M and allow the natural formation of a delta outside of the Highway14 bridge.

No M&E is proposed.

This proposal does not provide the basis to indicate any benefit would be provided to the focal species. If the proposed project takes place, it is likely that temperature problems will occur and introduced species will thrive in the backwater created north of Lady Island by sealing off the Camas slough. Reviewers would predict mostly adverse effects from this project.