Okanogan Kelt Reconditioning Proposal

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Okanogan Kelt Reconditioning(Proposal 29007)
Sponsored By Colville Confederated Tribes
Presented ByPaul WagnerGolder Associates, Inc.

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Project NeedSpecifically called for in
Subbasin Summary

• Objective 1 Maximize reproductive potential of
  steelhead in the Okanogan Subbasin.
• Strategy 1. Explore feasibility of steelhead
  kelts reconditioning to allow repeat spawning."
• Fish and Wildlife Needs
• "Enhance survival of post-spawn (kelt) steelhead
  to maximize reproductive success."

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NMFS Biological Opinion for Operation of the
Federal Columbia River Power System

• RPA Action 109 - Theoretically, reconditioning
  and/or kelt downstream transportation could
  significantly increase the likelihood of a second
  spawning opportunity for many of these fish.
  Evaluations should be conducted to review
  available literature and develop pilot testing
  regarding reconditioning of kelts."

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Limiting Factor Addressed

• Downstream and upstream passage through 9
  mainstem Columbia River hydroelectric projects.

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Relationship to other projects

• BPA Project 200001700. Wild Kelt
  Reconditioning.
• BPA Project 199604200. Restore Enhance
  Anadromous Fish Populations Habitat in Salmon
  Creek.
• BPA Project 200000100. Improvement of
  Anadromous Fish Habitat and Passage in Omak
  Creek.
• Omak Creek Habitat Restoration Projects funded by
  the National Fish and Wildlife Federation, the
  Salmon Recovery Funding Board (Project
  00-1683-D).

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Relationship to other projects, continued

• Salmon Creek Habitat Restoration Efforts.
• Mid-Columbia Steelhead Radio Telemetry Studies.
• Chelan and Douglas County Public Utility District
  Habitat Conservation Plan.
• BPA Proposal 29042. Selective Fish Collection
  and Harvesting Gear.
• BPA Proposal 29051. Develop Local Okanogan River
  Steelhead Brood Stock.

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Objectives

• Objective 1. Conduct Final Planning/Development
  of Kelt Reconditioning Program for the Okanogan
  River.
• Objective 2. Collect Steelhead from Omak and
  Salmon Creeks.
• Objective 3. Hold, Feed, and Recondition
  Steelhead Kelts at the Cassimer Bar Facility.
• Objective 4. Monitor and Evaluate Reconditioning
  Success.

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Objective 1. Conduct Final Planning/Development
of Kelt Reconditioning Program for the Okanogan
River.

• Task 1a. Kelt Trapping/Release Final Planning and
  Permitting.
• Task 1b. Kelt Reconditioning Facility
  Development.
• Task 1c. Staff Training.

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Objective 2. Collect Steelhead from Omak and
Salmon Creeks. Task 2a. Steelhead Trapping.
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Objective 3. Hold, Feed, and Recondition
Steelhead Kelts at the Cassimer Bar Facility.

• Task 3a. Kelt Holding/Reconditioning.

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Objective 4. Monitor and Evaluate
Reconditioning Success.

• Task 4a. Mortality and Re-Maturation.
• Task 4b. Homing Fidelity/Spawning Success.
• Task 4c. Fecundity and Egg Viability Assessment.
  
• Task 4d. Reporting and Project Administration.

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Expected Results

• Double natural steelhead production in Omak and
  Salmon creeks in 5 years.
• - based upon 30 capture rate, 50
  reconditioning rate.
• Assess homing fidelity.
• -compliment ongoing efforts by CRITFC,YN, and
  others.
• Assess egg viability and fecundity.
• - add to the body of science related to
  steelhead kelt reconditioning.

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Schedule

• November 2002 - March 2003. Complete final
  planning, facility modifications, permitting,
  staff training (tasks 1a, 1b, 1c).
• March 2003 - April 2003. Capture steelhead (task
  2a).
• April 2003 - December 2003. Recondition kelts
  (task 3a).
• December 2003 - April 2003. Monitoring and
  evaluation, reporting (tasks 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).