The number of proposed activities is quite large. The proposal makes a good connection between biological and physical components by examining the relationship between food web productivity surrogates and the health of downstream fish communities in multiple basins. The project location is in headwaters in nearly fishless areas, therefore this study looks at watershed processes and the influence of headwaters on downstream areas with fish.

The proposal would be stronger with more assurances on collaboration with other John Day and regional projects. Some projects are mentioned, but there are several other projects in the John Day that could complement this work (SWCD, ODFW, NOAA). The proposal ties the project to the goals of the Fish and Wildlife Program, the BiOp (RME), the monitoring programs ISEMP, PNAMP (through the intensively monitored watersheds), and the John Day Subbasin Plan objective of achieving aquatic ecosystem health.

The objectives, identified as components in the proposal, are reasonably specified, and a rationale is presented for each. Methods for the site selection work element are described in detail, with timelines and deliverables. The characterization of the 60 selected sites is described in less detail, but with timelines and deliverables. Sampling and measurement is described at length. Statistical analysis is described in good detail. The statistical design shows good awareness and appears technically sound.

Facilities and personnel are reasonable. Similar work by this team has focused on the effects of headwater restoration on downstream fish productivity in Lake Wenatchee. Plans for information transfer are reasonable.