Contributors (in alphabetical order)
|
|  Yüklə 2.47 Mb.
|
SUBBASIN RECOMMENDATIONSFY 2002 Projects Proposals ReviewThe following subbasin proposals were reviewed by the Lower Snake River Mainstem River Subbasin Team and the Province Budget Work Group and are recommended for Bonneville Power Administration project funding for the next three years. Table 1 provides a summary of how each project relates to resource needs, management goals, objectives, and strategies, and other activities in the subbasin. Projects and BudgetsContinuation of Ongoing ProjectsProject: 199401807 – Garfield County Sediment Reduction and Riparian Improvement Program Sponsor: PCDShort Description:Coordinate, implement, and monitor conservation practices for the reduction of sediment from the uplands of Garfield County and enhance habitat in the riparian zones of the streams to improve water quality for Steelhead and Chinook Salmon. Abbreviated AbstractThis project proposal is continuation and an expansion of the area covered under BPA project ID 199401807. The reason for this expansion is because of the recent subbasin summaries completed in the Columbia Plateau. The southern portion of Garfield County has been covered under the Pataha Creek Model Watershed project since 1995. It is included in the Tucannon Subbasin Summary. The northern portion of the county is in the Lower Snake Subbasin Summary and is now included in this proposal. This project proposal is to aid the farmers and ranchers of Garfield County in their continuing effort to reduce the amount of soil erosion on cropland, rangeland, and riparian areas. The soil erosion coupled with other contaminates has led to a degradation of the water quality and quantity of most of the streams in the county. The Pomeroy Conservation District is currently working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in getting as many farmers and ranchers enrolled in the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) as possible. These programs are designed to restore and enhance habitat along certain eligible streams and drainages to benefit fish and wildlife. Although these programs are available and successful, the issue of sediment in the streams is not entirely covered. This proposal is to use additional funding to address areas not covered by these two federal programs. Examples: additional funding for off-site watering facilities outside the riparian zones; the introduction and eventual conversion of more cropland acres into a no-till or direct seed program and other effective conservation programs. Our current cost share program through BPA has been working very well in the Pataha Watershed and other funding has been used in a limited amount throughout the remainder of the county. However, there is still an immense arena of cooperators in Garfield that have not utilized these programs. The upland portion of this program would address those cooperators that have not used existing programs or reached their district limitation. A new emphasis is also being directed towards cattle operations along streams and must also be addressed to improve salmon habitat and water quality. The pictures below illustrate what we want to accomplish.
Relationship to Existing Goals, Objectives and StrategiesThis project proposal addresses the PCD’s objectives 1-4 and the associated strategies (pages 143-144) as well as the all of WDFW’s goals and objectives for the Lower Snake River Subbasin. Specific WDFW objectives and strategies (i.e., actions) that are addressed include Objective 2 and Actions 2.1-2.8, Objective 3 and Actions 3.1-3.10, Objective 4 and Actions 4.1-4.5, Objective 5 and Actions 5.1-5.5. Review CommentsThis project benefits an ESU by reducing the amount of soil erosion on cropland, rangeland, and riparian areas through conservation efforts. Project may address RPA 153. This project needs to be implemented consistent with limiting factors and problem locations identified in subbasin summaries and eventually subbasin planning to insure fisheries benefits to target species. There needs to be oversight by the COTR to insure that actions taken will benefit fish and wildlife. Budget
Project: 199102900– Understanding the Effects of Summer Flow Augmentation on the Migratory Behavior and Survival of Fall Chinook Salmon Migrating through Lower Granite Reservoir Sponsor: USFWS and USGSShort Description:Increase the potential for fall chinook salmon recovery by providing data and analyses for implementing, evaluating, and understanding the mechanisms of summer flow augmentation. Abbreviated AbstractDams reduce the survival of chinook salmon smolts during early seaward migration. Summer flow augmentation is implemented annually to mitigate for Snake River fall chinook smolt mortality caused by the four dams in the lower Snake River by increasing downstream migration rate and survival. There are two philosophies regarding summer flow augmentation within the resource management community of the Columbia River basin. One philosophy embraces summer flow augmentation based on studies that show flow augmentation increases the migration rate and survival of fall chinook salmon smolts. The other questions the existing migration rate and survival studies, and advocates the use of limited reservoir water for other fishery and economic purposes. For the present and near future, summer flow augmentation will be implemented annually as one measure to recover Snake River fall chinook salmon, which are listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act. This project will forecast juvenile fall chinook salmon run timing past Lower Granite Dam to aid fishery managers develop annual water management plans. In addition we will estimate fish survival and relate it to variables such as flow and temperature as part of a continuing evaluation of the effectiveness of flow augmentation. This project will also examine water velocity effects on fall chinook salmon migration behavior, and also how cool Clearwater River water temperatures influence the thermal environment of Lower Granite Reservoir and whether migrating fish are delayed by this influx. Relationship to Other Projects
Relationship to Existing Goals, Objectives and StrategiesThis project proposal addresses the USFWS Objectives 1 and 2 and associated Strategies (page 153). Review CommentsThis proposal will need to be reviewed in the Systemwide Project Review Process to put it in context with all other passage projects. Funding should be provided to insure that this project is supported through the Systemwide review process. Budget
New ProjectsProject: 25049 – Numerically Simulating the Hydrodynamic and Water Quality Environment for Migrating Salmon in the Lower Snake River Sponsor: PNNLShort Description:The objective of this work is to apply state-of-the-art computer models that can describe the complex hydrodynamic and water quality environment in the lower Snake River, and to relate that information to migrating salmon. Abbreviated AbstractSummer flow augmentation is implemented annually from Dworshak Reservoir and other Snake River reservoirs to increase water velocities and decrease water temperatures in Lower Granite Reservoir (LGR) during periods of fall chinook salmon smolt passage and adult migration. Previous research has shown that summer flow augmentation decreases water temperature, however little is presently known regarding hydrodynamic impacts or three-dimensional temperature variations. The primary goal of this study is to provide information on the physical river environment, related specifically to the anadromous salmonids species, to various river mangers (e.g. fisheries, hydropower, etc.,) at locations of concern throughout the lower Snake River system. Hydrodynamic and water quality information will be developed using multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to simulate the river system from above Lower Granite Reservoir (i.e. above the Clearwater R. confluence) to its confluence with the Columbia River. Numerical data from the model would then be used in conjunction with field data from salmon tracking studies by combining these datasets in a geographic information system (GIS). In addition to simulating periods when the salmon were tracked, the CFD models can also be used to simulate periods with alternative release strategies (e.g. increased/decreased flows and/or increased/decreased temperatures) from upstream reservoirs. In combination with fish tracking data, this work will provide a better understanding of how potential flow augmentation strategies could influence the exposure histories (to both dissolved gas and water temperatures) of adult and juvenile salmon in the lower Snake River. A secondary goal would be to augment the FINS individual fish model from two- to three-dimensions (Scheibe and Richmond, 2001). This would be most appropriate in LGR, were a stratified thermal regime may exist for an extended period, and a three-dimensional CFD model is necessary. Density driven currents, generated primarily from cold water emanating from the Clearwater River, may influence juvenile salmon migrants and be a beneficial measure for enhancing survival. By using the combination of a three-dimensional CFD and an individual fish-tracking model, a powerful predictive tool will be developed that will provide additional insight into the river’s environment that is not possible from field data alone. Relationship to Other Projects
Relationship to Existing Goals, Objectives and StrategiesThis proposal addresses Objective 1 and its associated strategy (page 142). The use of numerical CFD models, as recognized in the NMFS Biological Opinion, Appendix B, which states that a two or three-dimensional model should be developed “to yield a better understanding of water temperature impacts and possible solutions” (pg. B-17). The NMFS Biological Opinion lists several action items that are pertinent to the lower Snake Sub-basin. Proceeding in numerical order, the following relationships between these action items and this proposal have been noted: Action 34: draft Dworshak Reservoir to elevation 1500 ft in September. This action is suggested to provide cooler water for reduction in water temperatures along the lower Snake, and to possibly eliminate a thermal block that delays adult migration. The numerical models discussed in this proposal would be capable of simulating various releases from Dworshak, including the one discussed in this Action item, and routing these flows throughout the system. Incremental differences in temperature and water velocity would be compared at numerous locations to further understanding of the management scenario’s impact on the river environment. Action 50: adult PIT-tag detection. Data gathered through this action item would be beneficial for calibration of the FINS model. In addition, adult fish tracks could be inserted into the simulated domain, and the history of temperature and dissolved gas concentrations experienced by the fish could be extrapolated. Action 105: develop a pilot study to assess the feasibility of enhancing ecological communities, including hydrosystem operations. Basic hydrodynamic information such as residence time, water velocity and depth under a variety of release flows can be simulated in the numerical models. By using the numerical models, various management scenarios could be examined before they were implemented in the field for optimum system efficiency. These scenarios could be applied to the pilot study, or to the system wide results developed after the studies completion. Action 107: conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess survival of adult salmonids. Using the numerical models to further increase understanding of the river system may augment information obtained under several of the research items listed in this Action. Action 131: monitoring the effects of TDG. Data gathered through this action item would be beneficial for calibration and verification of the MASS2 model. In addition, if the numerical model were to isolate additional (and perhaps improved) spill patterns, these could then be verified with field data under this Action. Action 141: evaluate juvenile fish condition due to disease in relation to high temperature impacts during critical migration period. Review CommentsAddresses NMFS RPA 141 and 143 and is linked directly to flow augmentation from Snake River reservoirs. Reviewers question whether this proposed work is is duplicative with EPA 's water quality monitoring of the Snake River. Budget
Project: 25053 – Evaluate Bull Trout Movements in the Tucannon and Lower Snake Rivers Sponsor: USFWS - IFROShort Description:Determine spatial and temporal distribution of migratory bull trout in the Tucannon River and Lower Snake River. Estimate “take” and identify passage limitations in the Snake River resulting from the hydropower system. Abbreviated AbstractThe overall goals of the project are to determine the temporal and spatial distribution of bull trout within the Tucannon and Snake rivers, and whether the Hydropower System on the Lower Snake River is adversely affecting the migratory component of the Tucannon River bull trout subpopulation. The project will help meet measures 10.1A.1 and 10.5A in the 1994 Fish and Wildlife Program, and provide useful information for bull trout recovery planning and hydrosystem effects determinations. We will use radio-telemetry to monitor the movements of adult bull trout within the Tucannon River and as they leave the Tucannon subbasin and move into the main stem Snake River in the fall and winter, 2002 - 2005. Adult bull trout will be captured at the Tucannon Hatchery weir in the spring, and surgically implanted with radio-transmitters in years 2002 - 2005. By using long-term tags and surgical implants in spring, we allow ample time for surgical recovery to minimize effects on fish spawning or movements. We will use fixed station data loggers to help monitor fish movements within the Tucannon River and to evaluate passage efficiency in fishways at Snake River dams. We will also determine the extent of “take” if a portion of the subpopulation becomes stranded in the mainstem as fish move past the dams and out of Lower Monumental Pool. Tracking from boat, shore, and/or aircraft will also be used to monitor bull trout distribution in the Tucannon or Snake rivers. Relationship to Other Projects
Relationship to Existing Goals, Objectives and StrategiesThis proposal addresses the USFWS’s Goal 2, Objectives 1-3 and the associated strategies (page 153-154). Review CommentsTied to the USFWS bull trout bi-op. Budget
Project: 25064 – Investigating passage of ESA-listed Juvenile Fall Chinook Salmon at Lower Granite Dam during Winter when the Fish Bypass System is Inoperable Sponsor: USFWS and USGSShort Description:Describe passage timing, genetic lineage, scale patterns, and locations of fall chinook salmon that hold over in Lower Granite Reservoir during the winter. Abbreviated AbstractJuvenile fall chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act typically have an ocean-type life history. Fry emerge in the spring, grow rapidly, and migrate from the Snake River during summer. However, some of the later emerging and slower growing juvenile fall chinook salmon fail to leave the Snake River as subyearlings, and they overwinter in the reservoirs, and then resume seaward migration the following spring. This project will explore holdover behavior of fall chinook salmon in Lower Granite Reservoir and refine existing methods of scale pattern analysis for determining age and DNA analysis for determining genetic lineage of holdover fish. In addition, we will use radio telemetry to determine where fish hold over in Lower Granite Reservoir and document passage timing Lower Granite Dam. Relationship to Other Projects
Review CommentsThis project addresses RPA 190. This proposal will need to be reviewed in the Systemwide Project Review Process to put it in context with all other passage projects. Funding should be provided to insure that this project is supported through the Systemwide review process. Budget
Project: 25033 – Evaluate Restoration Potential of Mainstem Habitat for Anadromous Salmonids in the Columbia and Snake Rivers Sponsor: Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryShort Description:Identify mainstem habitat sampling reaches, collect baseline data on physical habitat conditions, identify opportunities for mimicking the range and diversity of historic habitat conditions, develop improvement recommendations for mainstem reaches. Abbreviated AbstractThere is now considerable debate within the Columbia Basin regarding management activities directed towards enhancement of mainstem habitat and anadromous salmonid populations. Much of the debate is centered on physical and operational modifications to hydroelectric dams, and the related uncertainties regarding potential restoration sites and specific benefits to salmon (NMFS 2000). The research to be conducted under this proposal will evaluate the restoration potential of mainstem habitats for fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). The studies will address two research questions: “Are there sections not currently used by spawning fall chinook salmon within the impounded mainstem Columbia and Snake rivers that possess the physical characteristics suitable for fall chinook spawning habitat?” and “Can hydrosystem operations affecting these sections be adjusted such that the sections closely resemble the physical characteristics of current fall chinook spawning areas in similar physical settings?” This project will result in a report on the location and spatial extent of potential restoration areas, and recommendations to the region for adjusting hydrosystem operations to improve fall chinook spawning habitat, including alternative flow scenarios by water-year type. Relationship to Other Projects
Relationship to Existing Goals, Objectives and StrategiesThis proposal addresses the Pacific Northwest Laboratories Objective 1. Review CommentsThis project is not management priority at this time. Budget
|
Erosion on convention seeded ground
