PDF download links for current and past annual reports:
2022 Annual Implementation Report
2021 Annual Implementation Report
2020 Annual Implementation Report
2019 Annual Implementation Report
2018 Annual Implementation Report
2017 Annual Implementation Report
2016 Annual Implementation Report
Introduction
This 2022 Annual Implementation Report summarizes work accomplished in the Upper Columbia Region and documents progress toward recovery of ESA-listed steelhead and spring Chinook stocks. The 2007 Upper Columbia Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan (Recovery Plan) envisions an approach to recovery of Upper Columbia Spring Chinook and steelhead populations. This requires comprehensive efforts across multiple management and geographic boundaries, with a focus on restoring degraded Habitat, addressing causes of mortality in the Hydropower system and migration corridor, mitigating the influence of fish Hatcheries on wild populations, and managing Harvest at sustainable levels. These four management sectors are often called the “Four Hs” of salmon recovery.
This 2022 Annual Implementation Report focuses on Habitat and provides a summary of actions taken to restore and protect habitat in the Upper Columbia, highlighting local efforts toward the recovery of viable Upper Columbia spring Chinook salmon and steelhead populations. The entirety of this report was approved by the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board of Directors on June 27, 2024.
Adult Returns
Spawner escapement estimates describe the numbers of adult Chinook salmon and steelhead returning to the Upper Columbia region. Specific methods used to generate these estimates differ among populations. The estimated number of spawning spring Chinook salmon is based on redd count data, with corrections applied to account for estimates of fish per redd, sex ratios, and hatchery-to-natural-origin ratios, depending on available data for individual populations. Since 2010, population-level steelhead spawner escapement rates have been estimated from a PIT-tag based model for each primary population in the Upper Columbia (Hillman et. al. 2023).
An estimated 1,854 natural-origin Upper Columbia spring Chinook salmon returned to spawning grounds in 2022. This is the largest number of natural-origin spring Chinook in a single year since 2011, but the 12-year geometric mean of 1,078 remained well below the delisting abundance target of 4,500 naturally produced spawners. The estimated return of hatchery-origin spawners was 2,899, for a combined estimate of 4,753 spring Chinook spawners in the region. The increase in number of spring Chinook spawners relative to the previous five years was represented in all three of the populations in the region (Figure 1). There were an estimated 171 natural-origin spawners in the Entiat River (186 total including hatchery-origin fish), 929 in the Methow River (2,159 total), and 754 in the Wenatchee River (2,408 total).
Estimated natural-origin Upper Columbia steelhead spawners numbered 1,086, which was the lowest in the last three years. This estimate was below the 12-year geometric mean of 1,732 and approximately half that of the delisting abundance target of 3,000 naturally produced spawners. The return of hatchery-origin spawners was estimated at 1,179, which sums to 2,265 total spawners in the region. Total spawners in 2022 not only decreased in the Upper Columbia but is the lowest total spawner estimate since the Endangered Species Act listing of steelhead as Endangered in 1997. Three of the four sub-basins saw decreases in both natural-origin and total spawners relative to last year, with Methow being the exception (Figure 1). Estimates of natural-origin steelhead in 2022 were 217 (241 total) in the Entiat River, 411 (1172 total) in the Methow River, 323 (408 total) in the Wenatchee River, and 135 (444 total) in the Okanogan River.
Figure 1. Upper Columbia spring Chinook salmon and steelhead returns (left axis) between 2000-2022 for natural-origin (colored bars) and hatchery-origin (gray bars) fish and percent hatchery-origin spawners (right axis; light gray fill) by year. The black line indicates the 12-year geometric mean of natural-origin spawners, and the dashed line is the abundance delisting target for natural-origin fish. Note the difference in axes among plots and a break in the y-axis for Methow Chinook and steelhead and Okanogan steelhead. Source: WDFW 2022 SPI data.
Habitat Conditions in 2022
Snowpack and Streamflow
The winter of 2022 (November 2021 – March 2022) across the Upper Columbia had average precipitation and cool weather. The 2022 winter was a La Niña period with an Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) anomaly of -1.7 °F (National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, 2023). La Niña years typically produce wetter and cooler winters in the Pacific Northwest. As we would expect, the winter was cooler than average in 2022, although the precipitation was average. Winter (November – March) temperatures in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties were 2.6 to 4.3 °F below normal (Abatzoglou, 2023) and winter temperatures at snow measurement sites were 2.2 °F below normal (NRCS 2023). Winter precipitation was 5% and 11% below average in Okanogan County and Chelan County, respectively, but 21% above average in Douglas County (Abatzoglou, 2023). Summer brought warmer than average temperatures and below average precipitation. The June – August temperature ranged from 2.5 to 2.8 °F above normal across all three counties. Although the region receives most of its precipitation outside of the summer months, 2022 was particularly dry with the June – August precipitation was22% to 38% below normal across the three counties. Finally, due to the warmer summer, across the entire calendar year of 2022 the air temperature ranged from 1.2 to 1.7 °F above normal. For the calendar year of 2022, precipitation was 5 to 20% below normal in each of the counties across the region (Abatzoglou, 2023).
The snowpack, relative to an average year, varied widely in the Upper Columbia. Across the seven representative USDA SNOTEL sites, the average peak snowpack was 13% below normal, which is the fourth year in a row of below average peak snowpack (NRCS, 2023, Figure 2). However, due to a colder winter and spring, the snowpack peak was 11 days later, and the average day of disappearance was 12 days later than average on June 7th. However, peak snowpack at the two sites with the most average snowpack – Harts Pass and Stevens Pass – were 19% and 8% above normal. Conversely, Salmon Meadows and Moses Mountain in Okanogan County were 45% and 33% below normal, respectively (Figure 2).
Interestingly, streamflow was slightly above average and the summer water temperatures in the Upper Columbia were also slightly above average (USGS, 2023). Typically, as streamflow increases, the temperature decreases because the more water present in a stream, the less the water will warm up in the summer. Total streamflow in the 2022 water year (October 2019 – September 2020) was 15% above normal. Likewise, 7-day low flows across the region were also 7% above normal. Although low flow was near or above average in most rivers, the average peak 7-day water temperature across the four USGS sites was 70.4 °F which is 1.8 °F above the historic 7-day maximum water temperature. Two gauge locations with the greatest increases above their average peak water temperature were Similkameen near Nighthawk at 3.5 °F above normal, and the Okanogan River near Malott at 3.4 °F above normal. For the Okanogan River, which in an average year is typically the hottest river in the Upper Columbia, reached 79.3 °F which is lethal for salmonids. In contrast, the Columbia River summer (July – August) water temperature was nearly average at -0.06 °F from the 30-year normal. (Columbia River DART, 2023).
Total streamflow in the 2022 water year 15% above normal.
The average peak 7-day water tempurature was 1.8°F above the historic maximum.
Figure 2. Map of the four major Upper Columbia River subbasins showing the location of SNOWTEL sites where snow-water equivalent is assessed (circles) and USGS stream gages where flow is measured (triangles). The color ramp indicates the percent difference from annual average for each of the two measurements.
Wildfire
Wildfire is a major driver of aquatic habitat in the Upper Columbia and has the potential to both degrade habitat through large amounts of fine sediment and loss of riparian shading or to improve habitat by increased streamflow and large wood additions from downed trees. While 2022 was not as significant of a wildfire season compared to 2021 according to the NWCC (2022) annual report, it included multiple fires in the Upper Columbia that have the potential to degrade or improve habitat. The Pasayten Complex (which included the Parks Fire and Kid Fire) burned 29,303 acres of the headwaters of Pasayten River, which flows north into Canada and then into the Similkameen River. The Irving Peak Fire or White River Fire (same fire, referred to by different names) burned the north slope of the Little Wenatchee but did not burn along the creek. Conversely the Minnow Ridge Fire burned 5,350 acres including along sections of Chikamin Creek.
Ocean Conditions
Ocean conditions in 2022 for salmon were a mix of good and poor. Across 16 ecosystem indicators used by NOAA to summarize ocean conditions (NOAA Fisheries, 2023) for juvenile salmon survival in the ocean, 2022 conditions ranked as the eleventh in the 25-year time series (Figure 3). Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and La Niña conditions produce cool temperatures that ehanace productivity in the Norther Pacific. Despite favorable PDO and La Nina in 2022, there were moderate or average local physical conditions and productivity. The copepod and ichthyoplankton biomass were average over the entire year, despite favorable PDO and La Niña conditions, and were due to the weakest upwelling index at 45°N in the last 25 years. Zooplankton are a critical food species for salmon survival in the ocean, and upwelling brings cool water and nutrients that enhance zooplankton productivity. Therefore, in weak upwelling years zooplankton productivity is reduced, which decreases salmon survival.
Ocean conditions likely have the greatest impact on salmon during their first year in the ocean. As a result, the impact of ocean conditions on returning adult salmon may be delayed for several years becuasethe number of years spent in the ocean varies among species, populations, and individual fish. Poor ocean conditions in 2015-2019 likely contributed to lower numbers of salmon and steelhead returning to the Upper Columbia in recent years. Conversely, the uptick in spring Chinook adult returns in 2022 may reflect improved ocean conditions in 2020-2022. Conditions in 2021 were particularly good for populations that migrate along the continental shelf toward the Gulf of Alaska, including Upper Columbia spring Chinook salmon. This is one likely cause for 2022 being the second year in a row of increased spring Chinook returns. Conversley, 2021 offshore sea surface temperatures were less favorable for steelhead.
Harvest
Harvest of salmon and steelhead in tributaries to the Columbia River is managed by the state of Washington and tribal fishery managers to limit impacts on ESA-listed species. In 2022, recreational fisheries occurred upstream of Priest Rapids Dam for Upper Columbia summer Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon. All wild Chinook and wild steelhead were required to be released (ODFW & WDFW, 2023). Additionally, there was a limited spring Chinook salmon fishery on Icicle Creek in 2022 targeting unlisted, hatchery-origin spring Chinook salmon.
Harvest of Upper Columbia spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead occurred primarily in the mainstem Columbia River below the confluence of the Snake River. Under the U.S. v. Oregon Management Agreement, fisheries in this area are managed in accordance with an agreed-upon harvest rate schedule. In 2022, an estimated 5,264 wild spring Chinook entered the Columbia River destined for the Upper Columbia, with 29,605 total hatchery and natural origin fish
combined (including from the Chief Joseph hatchery). The estimated number of wild fish taken by non-treaty wild harvest was 22 (0.4% of the wild run) and treaty harvest through ceremonial and subsistence (C&S) fisheries accounted for 461 fish (8.8% of the run). An estimated 783 (14.9%) Upper Columbia wild spring Chinook salmon died from various causes during migration or failed to pass Rock Island Dam, for an estimated escapement of 3,998 (75.9% of initial wild run) at Rock Island Dam (ODFW & WDFW, 2023). Data for 2022 upriver summer steelhead are not currently available.
See more information on harvest in the UCSRB Harvest Background Summary.
Hydrosystem Survival
Salmon and steelhead from Upper Columbia populations migrate through the Columbia River hydrosystem during their emigration to the ocean as juveniles and again as adults returning to their stream of origin. Survival during migration may be influenced by environmental conditions and operations associated with the dams and reservoirs encountered prior to ocean entry and upon return up the Columbia River. The water year 2022 was slightly above average on the mainstem Columbia River, resulting in a runoff volume of 9% above average (1991-2020) at Grand Coulee and 2% above average at The Dalles Dam (DeHart, 2023). As a result of higher than average flows, seasonal spring migration flow targets were all met at McNary and Priest Rapids. However, weekly average flows were below targets in April and May due to the late onset of runoff. As with 2020 and 2021, summer spill was curtailed in 2022 on August 15. Juvenile salmon and steelhead encounters with powerhouses are detrimental to their survival. An increased portion of the flow through spill reduces juvenile encounters with powerhouses. The percentage of April 15 through May 31 spill in Columbia River dams has risen steadily since the early 2000s and was the highest at 54% in 2022 (DeHart, 2023). In 2022, steelhead travel time estimates from Rocky Reach to McNary were average while spring Chinook fish travel time over the same section were below (faster) than average (DeHart et al., 2023). Fish travel times from McNary to Bonneville for steelhead and spring Chinook were average in 2022 (McCann et al., 2022).
Despite this improved spill, fish travel times and overall salmon and steelhead survival has not markedly increased. Although there was a slight uptick in survival estimates through the hydrosystem from 2021 to 2022 for Upper Columbia populations, estimates for 2022 were well below the 2008-2020 average for both yearling Chinook salmon and steelhead (Figure 4). This is based on juvenile survival estimates through the hydrosystem by the National Marine Fisheries Service for hatchery-origin Upper Columbia spring Chinook and steelhead. The survival of natural-origin Upper Columbia spring Chinook and steelhead is not assessed. For hatchery yearling Chinook salmon, estimated survival was 48% from release to McNary Dam and 77% from McNary to Bonneville Dam (Widener et al. 2023). When these two estimates were combined (i.e., release to McNary rate multiplied by McNary to Bonneville rate), the total estimated survival for hatchery yearling Chinook salmon in 2022 was 37%, a slight uptick from 33% in 2021. For hatchery steelhead, estimated survival from release to McNary Dam was 22% and 90% from McNary to Bonneville Dam, and the combined survival estimate was 20%, a slight uptick from 18% in 2021 (Figure 4). Release to McNary survival decreased for both hatchery Chinook and steelhead between 2021 and 2022, but McNary to Bonneville greatly increased, which elevated the estimated survival through the hydrosystem for both species.
The Comparative Survival Study (CSS) evaluates hydropower survival over time and includes estimates of survival for wild spring Chinook and steelhead (McCann et al., 2022). The most recent smolt-to-adult returns (SAR) survival estimate for wild spring Chinook (Entiat and Methow populations combined) indicate that survival from Rocky Reach Dam back to Bonneville Dam (RRE-BON) was 0.9% in the 2021 migration year, which is higher than the mean of 0.85%, with a 12-year geometric mean of 0.72 (McCann et al., 2023). The estimate for wild steelhead (Okanogan River or Columbia Mainstem above Wells Dam) at the same points for the 2017 juvenile migration year was 1.93% (12-year geometric mean = 1.25%). Each of these SAR estimates fell below the target rate of 2%-6% defined by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (McCann et al., 2022).
See more information on harvest in the UCSRB Hydropower Background Summary.
Figure 4. Estimated rates of survival (points) and standard errors (small black lines with cross bars) through the Columbia River hydropower system for hatchery-origin yearling Chinook salmon (left column, green dots) and steelhead (right column, blue dots) originating in the upper Columbia River, 2008–2022 (data from Widener et al., 2023). Solid black horizontal lines are at 0% and 100%.
Hatcheries
In 2022, hatchery programs in the Upper Columbia released nearly 3.6 million spring Chinook and 907,000 steelhead (DeHart, 2023). These hatchery fish were released as part of public utility district (PUD), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CTCR) programs aimed at harvest, conservation, reintroduction, and safety-net goals.
These hatchery fish, released as juveniles, are managed as adults according to the goals of the program from which they were released. One method for assessing the risk of a supplementation program is to determine the influence of the hatchery and natural environments on the adaptation of the composite population. This is estimated by the proportion of natural-origin fish in the hatchery broodstock (pNOB) and the proportion of hatchery-origin fish in the natural spawning escapement (pHOS). In 2022, pHOS continues to be low in the Entiat at 8% (Figure 1). Conversely, in the Methow and Wenatchee pHOS remains high at 57% and 69%, respectively. For steelhead, pHOS values are low in the Wenatchee and Entiat at 21% and 10%, respectively, but were much higher in the Okanogan and Methow at 70% and 65%, respectively (Figure 1).
A composite metric called the Proportionate Natural Influence (PNI) combines pNOB and pHOS to assess genetic risk for a salmon population that is supplemented with hatchery fish (i.e., spawners are a combination of natural and hatchery-origin individuals). Higher PNI values indicate greater strength of selection in the natural environment relative to that of the hatchery environment. Estimates of spring Chinook salmon PNI values in the Wenatchee River subbasin were 0.64 and 0.42, for the Chiwawa River and Nason Creek populations, respectively (Hillman et al., 2023). In the Methow River, the spring Chinook PNI estimate was 0.44 (Snow et al., 2023). For steelhead, PNI estimates were 0.72 for the Wenatchee subbasin and 0.53 for the Methow subbasin. Scientists recommend a PNI of 0.67 or greater for conservation programs, as defined by the Hatchery Scientific Review Group (2009), and a few were below the 0.50 rate required for the natural environment to dominate selection (Paquet, 2011). Wenatchee Steelhead PNI fell above this cut-off in 2022, but other sub-basins and the Wenatchee Steelhead long-term average still fall below recommended rates.
See more information on hatcheries in the UCSRB Hatchery Background Summary.
Habitat
Habitat restoration and protection projects in the Upper Columbia are tracked in the Salmon Recovery Portal database, administered by the State of Washington Governor’s Salmon Recovery Office (GSRO). All habitat projects that could benefit salmon, steelhead, and bull trout, regardless of funder or sponsor, are tracked through this database. This information is used to track our progress toward implementing habitat goals in the Upper Columbia Spring Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan (Recovery Plan) and the Upper Columbia Biological Strategy.
2022 Habitat Accomplishments
of stream opened
completed
placed in channel
relocated
of stream treated
of riparian trees planted
In 2022, partners completed 28 projects across all four major subbasins (Figure 5), with 15 projects implemented in the Methow, eight in the Wenatchee, three in the Entiat, and one in the Okanogan, as well as one in Squilchuck Creek. The number of projects completed in 2021 was 31. Of the completed projects, 23 were restoration, three were assessment, one was design, and one was outreach. Ther were zero protection projects.
Since 1998, there have been 578 projects completed in the region, most of which (59%) were implemented within the last 11 years. The 28 projects completed in 2022 roughly aligns with the 10-year average of 30.8 projects per year. Over the past six years, an average of 20.5 projects have been completed annually. As noted in previous annual reports, the scope and scale of current projects is significant based on the cost of recently completed projects. The total project cost for all 28 projects in 2022 was $9 million (Figure 6), with two projects each exceeding $1 million in total project costs. The average funding amount per project was approximatly $335,000, which is below the 2021 average of $690,000. This was due to one project exceeding $9 million and four projects over $1 million. A complete list of projects completed in 2022 is provided in Attachment 1.
Projects Completed in 2022
Figure 5. Map of the Upper Columbia region showing the location and type of projects completed in 2022 within each of the four major subbasins.
During 2022, UCSRB and regional partners made considerable strides in the ongoing effort to update the region’s Barrier Prioritization Tool. This tool provides a consistent, repeatable, systematic and well-documented approach to prioritizing barrier corrections, similar to the region’s Prioritization of all other project types. Factors that inform the barrier prioritization include colonization potential, miles of available habitat, barrier severity (% passable), connectivity (number of barriers downstream) and habitat quality (temperature, sediment load, riparian condition, etc.). A noteworthy update to the Barrier Prioritization Tool was the expansion to include data from the Okanogan subbasin, which was informed by a barrier assessement completed in 2022 (see Okanogan subbasin featured project).
Most of the 2022 projects targeted ESA-listed spring Chinook (16 of 28 projects) as the primary species of interest. Steelhead was the second most targeted species (9 of 28 projects). Bull trout were listed as the secondary species benefiting in 13 of the 28 projects. Several projects also listed benefits to unlisted species and stocks such as summer chinook, lamprey, redband trout, westslope cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout.
See more information on habitat in the UCSRB Habitat Background Summary.
Total Number of Projects and Money Spent By Year
Figure 6. Total number of habitat projects completed (blue bars; right axis) and money spent in millions (orange line; left axis) annually from 1998 through 2022.
Featured Projects
A previously corrected barrier in the Okanogan subbasin along Antoine Creek. The data produced in the Okanogan Basin Barrier Assessment will help inform future opportunities to improve fish passage, like displayed above in Antoine Creek.
Partners completed one project in the Okanogan subbasin in 2022 (see attachment 1)
Okanogan Basin Barrier Assessment (19-1471)
Sponsor: Cascade Fisheries
Location: Widespread – Okanogan Subbasin
Funding: Total project cost: $235,694; $189,276 from Salmon Recovery Funding Board; $46,418 in match from Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Outcomes: 350 miles of stream assessed; 537 fish passage impediments identified
Cascade Fisheries FEG, in cooperation with WDFW, conducted a comprehensive fish passage barrier assessment throughout the Okanogan subbasin. With the completion of this assessment, the entire Upper Columbia region now has current and comprehensive fish passage data. Having a complete understanding of fish passage in the UC allows the Region to prioritize investments and leverage funding to systematically repair/remove fish passage barriers.
Cascadia CD, Trout Unlimited, Cascade Fisheries, and USFS staff install a series of 22 BDAs and PALS for Potato Creek in October of 2022.
Partners completed three projects in the Entiat subbasin in 2022 (see attachment 1).
Potato Creek Phase 2 (RM 0.6 to RM 1.6)
Sponsor: Cascadia Conservation District
Location: Entiat River Potato Creek Assessment Unit (AU)
Funding: Total project cost: $33,695; $22,695 from the Washington State Conservation Commission Salmon Recovery Fund, $11,000 of in-kind match from the US Forest Service.
Outcomes: 22 BDA and PAL structures installed in-channel; 45 logs placed in-channel; 800 feet of reconnected floodplain, 0.5 acres of riparian planting.
Cascadia Conservation District in partnership with the US Forest Service, Trout Unlimited, and Cascade Fisheries installed the second phase of a low-tech process-based restoration for Potato Creek in the fall of 2022. The creek has documented O. mykiss and, when combined with the 2020 Potato Creek Low Tech Restoration project, brings the total to 55 beaver dam analogs and post assisted log structures for the creek. These structures are designed to arrest incision and aggrade stream beds to reconnect floodplains, store water, add wood and complexity, and generate increased cold water flows for both the Potato Creek and the Entiat River. Currently, Potato Creek is flow limited and has sections of stream that go subsurface at base flow. Riparian plantings strengthen the cold-water benefits of the project. A relic beaver dam was also repaired in order to increase water storage and base flows. Beaver recolonization is also a desired long-term goal of this multi-phase, collaborative project.
Engineered log jam downstream of new side channel excavation.
Partners completed 15 projects in the Methow subbasin in 2022 (see Attachment 1).
Alder Creek Floodplain Restoration 20-1457
Sponsor: Yakama Nation
Location: Methow River – Alder Creek
Funding: Total project cost: $774,847; $187,456 from Salmon Recovery Funding Board; $149,967 Wells Habitat Conservation Plan; $442,424.12 BPA Accord
Outcomes: 0.5 total miles of instream habitat treated; 14 structures placed in channel; 6.5 acres of off-channel/floodplain connected or added; 0.5 miles of off-channel stream created or connected; 0.25 miles of channel treated for channel reconfiguration and connectivity.
The Alder Creek Floodplain project is located on Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) property on the Alder Creek Floodplain (Methow River RM 34-34.5 river right floodplain). This project was developed in collaboration with WDFW and WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Designed elements addressed ecological concerns in the reach including peripheral and transitional habitats (Side channel and Wetland Habitat Conditions) and channel structure and form (Instream Structural Complexity/Bed and Channel Form).
The primary project element included select excavation and apex log jam placement to encourage the creation of a perennial side channel. This 1400′ side channel will create a perennial connection to natural groundwater upwelling areas, providing excellent summer and winter thermal refugia for juvenile Spring Chinook and steelhead. Large wood structures placed within this side channel create cover and promote pool formation. Finally, a planting plan was implemented for the project, which will result in improved riparian habitat.
Use of heavy equipment is common in large-scale restoration projects. Here the contractor carefully works instream to build the constructed riffle, which increased the elevation of Nason Creek to ensure water flows through the newly created side channel.
Partners completed eight projects in the Wenatchee subbasin in 2022 (see Attachment 1).
Merritt Oxbow Reconnection Restoration (20-1447)
Sponsor: Cascade Fisheries
Location: Nason Creek Lower 10 Assessment Unit (AU)
Funding: Total project cost: $805,000; $460,000 from Salmon Recovery Funding Board; $345,000 match from Bonneville Power Administration.
Outcomes: 4.3 miles of off-channel stream created; 0.28 miles of instream habitat treated; 24 structures placed in channel; 1.1 acres of riparian planting; 2.7 acres of off-channel floodplain connected or added
This restoration project addressed high priority ecological concerns in Nason Creek by establishing a perennial side channel with connection to off channel wetland habitat, installing wood structures to increase instream complexity and habitat, and establishing riparian vegetation in the floodplain and newly created side channel. The project is located on Chelan-Douglas Land Trust property at RM 10.8 – 11 on Nason Creek. The project benefits ESA listed Spring Chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout in Nason Creek, among other non-listed species.
Attachment 1
Table of Information for Projects Completed in 2022
List of projects completed in 2022. Source: Salmon Recovery Portal database (September 2022). CCD = Cascadia Conservation District; CCNRD= Chelan Country Natural Resources Department; CF= Cascade Fisheries; CTCR = Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation; MSRF= Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation, OCD= Okanogan Conservation District; TU = Trout Unlimited; YN = Yakama Nation.
Citations
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DeHart, J. 2023. Comparative Survival Study Oversight Committee and Fish Passage Center, Comparative Survival Study of PIT-Tagged Spring/Summer/Fall Chinook, Summer Steelhead, and Sockeye. BPA Contract #19960200.
Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG). 2009. Columbia River Hatchery Reform System-Wide Report. Prepared by the Hatchery Scientific Review Group.
Hillman, T., M. Miller, K. Shelby, M. Hughes, C. Moran, J. Williams, M. Tonseth, C. Willard, S. Hopkins, J. Caisman, T. Pearsons, C. Deason, M. Tonseth, and R. O’Connor. 2023. Monitoring and evaluation of the Chelan and Grant County PUDs hatchery programs: 2022 annual report. Report to the HCP and PRCC Hatchery Committees, Wenatchee and Ephrata, WA.
McCann, J. B. Chockley, E. Cooper, G. Scheer, S. Haeseker, B. Lessard, T. Copeland, J. Ebel, A. A. Storch, and D. Rawding. 2022. Comparative Survival Study Oversight Committee and Fish Passage Center, Comparative Survival Study of PIT-Tagged Spring/Summer/Fall Chinook, Summer Steelhead, and Sockeye.
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National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Fisheries. 2023. Ocean Indicators Summary for 2021. Retrieved from https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/science-data/ocean-indicators-summary-2021
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) – National Water and Climate Center. Snow Telemetry (SNOTEL) and Snow Course Data and Products. https://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/
Northwest Interagency Coordination Center. 2023. Northwest Annual Fire Report 2022. Portland, OR, USA.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW & WDFW). 2022 Joint Staff Report: Stock Status and Fisheries for Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook, Sockeye, Steelhead, and Other Species. Joint Columbia River Management Staff. Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. February 2, 2022.
Snow, C., D. Grundy, B. Goodman, A. Haukenes, and T. Kahler. 2023. Monitoring and evaluation of the Wells Hatchery and Methow Hatchery programs: 2022 annual report. Report to Douglas PUD, Grant PUD, Chelan PUD, and the Wells and Rocky Reach HCP Hatchery Committees, and the Priest Rapids Hatchery Subcommittees, East Wenatchee, WA.
WDFW-Salmonid Population Indicators (SPI) Escapement. 2023. Retrieved from https://data.wa.gov/Natural-Resources-Environment/WDFW-Salmonid-Population-Indicators-SPI-Escapement/fgyz-n3uk/about_data
Widener, D.L., K. Jaenecke, J. R. Faulkner, S. G. Smith, and T.M. Marsh. 2022. Survival estimates for the passage of spring-migrating juvenile salmonids through Snake and Columbia River dams and reservoirs, 2022. Report to the Bonneville Power Administration, BPA Project # 1993-029-00.
United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2021. U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved from https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/sw.