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Project Proposal Request for FY 2007 - FY 2009 Funding (Revised Summer 2006)

Proposal 199101901: Hungry Horse Mitigation/Flathead Lake

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Table of Contents
Part 1. Administration and Budgeting
Section 1: General Administrative
Section 2: Project Location
Section 3: Project Species
Section 4: Past Accomplishments
Section 5: Relationship to Other Projects
Section 6: Biological Objectives
Section 7: Work Elements
Section 8: Budget
Section 9: Project Future
Section 10: Documents
Part 2. Reviews
Part 1 of 2. Administration and Budgeting
Section 1: General Administrative Information
Process Information:
Date Proposal Submitted & Finalized Status Form Generator
July 14, 2006 Finalized Barry Hansen
Proposal Type: Ongoing
Proposal Number: 199101901
Proposal Name: Hungry Horse Mitigation/Flathead Lake
BPA Project Manager: Joe Deherrera
Agency, Institution or Organization: Salish & Kootenai Confederated Tribes
Short Description: This project mitigates the impacts of Hungry Horse Dam on downstream aquatic environments within the Flathead Indian Reservation. It includes components of monitoring, research, and implementation.
Information Transfer: We use information transfer locally by educating the public about our projects. We actively transfer information between cooperating agencies with the Flathead Subbasin, we publish in journals when possible, and rely on BPA for online dissemination of information.
 
Project Proposal Contacts
Contact Organization Address Phone/Email Roles Notes
Form Submitter
Barry Hansen Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation Highway 93 W P.O. Box 278
Pablo MT 59855		 Ph: 406.883.2888
Fax: 406.883.2896
Email: barryh@cskt.org		 Form Submitter
All Assigned Contacts
Barry Hansen Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation Highway 93 W P.O. Box 278
Pablo MT 59855		 Ph: 406.883.2888
Fax: 406.883.2896
Email: barryh@cskt.org		 Form Submitter
Section 2: Project Location
Sponsor Province: Mountain Columbia ARG Province: No Change
Sponsor Subbasin: Flathead ARG Subbasin: No Change
Location(s) at which the action will be implemented
Latitude Longitude Waterbody Location Description County/State Subbasin Primary?
47N & 48N 114W & 115W Flathead Lake and River Flathead Subbasin Lake/Montana, Flathead Yes
Section 3: Focal Species
Focal Species:
Primary Secondary Additional Species
Bull Trout
Freshwater Mussels
Westslope Cutthroat
Lake Trout
Rainbow Trout
Section 4: Past Accomplishments
Past Accomplishments for Each Fiscal Year of This Project
Fiscal Year Accomplishments
2005 1.Native species monitoring, 2.Lake creel survey, 3. Biological parameters of lake trout, 4. Evaluated off-site fish planting, 5. Bioenergetics model, 6. Monitored shoreline erosion, 7. removed 3.5 miles of road, 8. two non-native fishing contests
2004 1.Native species monitoring, 2.Lake creel survey, 3. Biological parameters of lake trout, 4. Evaluated off-site fish planting, 5. Bioenergetics model, 6. Monitored shoreline erosion, 7. 3,000 m of riparian fence, 8. two non-native fishing contests
2003 1.Native species monitoring, 2.Lake creel survey, 3. Biological parameters of lake trout, 4. Evaluated off-site fish planting, 5. Bioenergetics model, 6. Evaluated white sturgeon distribution, 7. Removed 1 streamside corral, and repaired one streambank.
2002 1.Native species monitoring, 2. Removed 1.5 miles of road, 15 ft high dam, and 1 culvert, 3. Conducted lake creel survey, 4. Evaluated biological parameters of lake trout, 5. Partially developed bioenergetics model, 6. Quantified diet of Mysis relicta
Section 5: Relationships to Other Projects
Other Current Projects Related to this Project (any funding source)
Funding Source Related ID Related Project Title Relationship
BPA [no entry] Flathead Subbasin Flowering Rush and Yellow Flag Iris Project We are a cooperator in this new project proposal. We have been closely involved with the problem identification and survey, and will conduct the macroinvertebrate portion of this project.
BPA 199101903 Hungry Horse Mitigation/Habita This project operates with similar objectives within the Flathead Basin but off the Flathead Indian Reservation. Numerous objectives are coordinated between the agencies, including monitoring, implementation, and project identification.
BPA 199101904 Hungry Horse Mitigation - Koka This project raises the fish for planting in off-site reservoirs to replace lost recreational and subsistence opportunity
BPA 199608701 Montana Focus Watershed Coordi This project provides the landowner contact component necessary for restoration activities on private lands.
BPA 200200300 Secure & Restore F&W Habitat Land protection/preservation project. Sister project. This project often lays the groundwork with landowners leading to the possibility of acquisition or easement on candidate properties.
Section 6: Biological Objectives
Biological Objectives of this Proposed Project
Biological Objective Full Description Associated Subbasin Plan Strategy Page Nos
Improve channel stability Improve channel stability to a level equivalent to the channel stability habitat restoration score of reference streams. Flathead Upgrade or remove problem roads, restore bank integrity, and improve instream habitat 27,28
Improve forest management Use appropriate silvicultural techniques to alter forest structure and composition Flathead Schedule and implement restoration treatments and full implementation of BMP's 60
Improve habitat connectivity Restore passage to migratory fish by removing potential man-made barriers Flathead Restore connectivity by removing barriers related to entrainment, culverts, habitat degradation, low flows, etc. 31
Improve habitat diversity Restore the habitat diversity of the mainstem to a level that supports sustainable, harvestable levels of focal species. Flathead Restore woody debris recruitment, sinuosity, and channel morphometry 22,23,28
Improve hydraulic regime Reduce reservoir drawdown and implement Kerr License Flathead Reduce reservoir operational impacts and provide instream flow downstream of dams. 34
Improve riparian condition Improve riparian condition to a level that supports sustainable, harvestable levels of focal species Flathead Revegetate denuded areas, improve grazing practices, control noxious weeds, and provide habitat protection 21,22,26,27
Improve riparian forest management Restore forest communities on 10% of riparian/wetland watershed acres over the next 15 years Flathead Identify and prioritize areas in need of restoration and achieve full implementation of BMP's 52
Improve shoreline condition Restore lake shoreline conditions to a level equivalent to the shoreline condition habitat restoration score of reference lakes Flathead Implement shoreline restoration techniques to stabilize shorelines that are destabilized by fluctuating lake levels 37
Increase bull trout population sizes Achieve at least 5 local with more than 100 adult bull trout in all primary core areas. Flathead Minimize mortality, reduce non-native competitors, and conserve gene flow 40
Increase bull trout population stability Achieve an overall bull trout population trend that is stable or increasing Flathead Minimize mortality, reduce non-native competitors, and conserve gene flow 41
Increase number of westslope cutthroat populations Maintain or increase the total number of local populations of westslope cutthroat trout Flathead Minimize mortality, reduce non-native competitors, and conserve gene flow 44
Increase westslope cutthroat trout population size Achieve at least 20 genetically pure populations with a minimum of 50 adults Flathead Minimize mortality, reduce non-native competitors, and conserve gene flow 45
Maintain number of local bull trout populations Maintain or increase the total number of local populations of bull trout Flathead Minimize mortality, reduce non-native competitors, and conserve gene flow 39
Maintain tribal subsistence and angler harvest Maintain or increase harvestable sportfish Flathead Create alternate harvest opportunities in off-site lakes 48
Protect Class I watersheds Protect and maintain prime, functioning tributary habitat None Implement actions necessary to protect Class I status 32
Reduce fine sediments Reduce the delivery of fine sediments in the mainstem to a level that supports sustainable, harvestable levels of focal species Flathead Eliminate or reduce sediment sources through road removal, BMP's, and riparian restoration 24,25,29,30
Reduce lake pollutants Reduce pollution to a level equivalent to the pollution habitat restoration score of reference lakes Flathead Eliminate or reduce pollutant sources and implement water quality regulations 38
Reduce non-native species Prevent further expansion, suppress, and where possible eradicate non-native species Flathead Prevent non-native introductions, upgrade fish hatchery practices, educate the public, and remove non-natives 42,46,47
Reduce non-native species in riparian areas Treat an average of 10% of acres currently in a disturbed condition Flathead Develop and implement comprehensive weed management plans 54
Reduce overgrazing Restore grassland or shrubland communities on 10% of grassland/shrubland acres over 10-15 years Flathead Coordinate with landowners to reduce stocking or exclude with fencing or other management techniques 57
Reduce rate of land conversion Using acquisitions, conservation easements and management agreements, conserve and restore 10% over 10-15 years in those subunits for which the floodplain vegetation index in the TBA spreadsheet tool are 8 or lower Flathead Pursue acquisition, conservation easements, landowner incentives, and management plans 50,55
Reduce roads Reduce road densities in watersheds exceeding 4 miles/section Flathead Schedule and implement road removals and BMP's 60
Restore hydrograph Restore the hydrography within a natural range of variability on 10% of riparian/wetland acres over 10-15 years in those subunits for which the freshette impact index/water level difference Index in the TBA spreadsheet tool ranges from 4 thru 8 (riparian) below 8 (wetlands) Flathead Reduce reservoir operational impacts, improve instream flows, and restore functional channel morphometry 51
Section 7: Work Elements
Work Elements and Associated Biological Objectives
Work Element Name Work Element Title Description Start Date End Date Estimated Budget
01: Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Monitor native species in Flathead Lake Annual spring gillnetting in fixed locations to determine trends in abundance of bull and westslope cutthroat trout. 5/1/2007 6/1/2009 $16,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
02: Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Flathead Lake creel survey Year-round Flathead Lake creel survey conducted with roving angler interviews and aerial counts of pressure 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $126,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
03: Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Monitor lake trout biology Collection of lake trout in fall with 48 gillnets consisting of 12 mesh sizes set randomly within five geographic areas and five depth strata. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $54,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
04: Analyze/Interpret Data Analyze biological parameters of lake trout Annual measurement and analysis of lake trout captured in fall to determine 1)age structure, 2)growth, 3)age at maturity, 4)mortality rate, 5)fecundity, and 6)condition. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $9,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
05: Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Monitor off-site stocking Cost-effective creel surveys and stock assessments of off-site reservoirs stocked to increase angler opportunities 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $6,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Maintain tribal subsistence and angler harvest
 No Metrics for this Work Element
06: Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Inventory population status and habitat associations of western pearl mussels Determine distribution of western pearl mussels on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Quantify habitat parameters and identify possible sites for re-introduction and habitat restoration 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $31,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve channel stability
 No Metrics for this Work Element
07: Develop RM&E Methods and Designs Research food web interactions in Flathead Lake Update and maintain Flathead Lake bioenergetics model and investigate dynamic food web interactions 10/1/2007 9/30/2009 $16,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Increase bull trout population stability
Reduce non-native species
 No Metrics for this Work Element
08: Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Research aquatic invasives: flowering rush and yellow iris Cooperative research conducted with Salish-Kootenai College and the University to understand in ecology and control of invasive aquatic plants. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $48,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Protect Class I watersheds
Reduce non-native species
Reduce non-native species in riparian areas
 No Metrics for this Work Element
09: Develop RM&E Methods and Designs Research shoreline erosion processes Monitor rates of shoreline erosion in Flathead Lake. Correlate erosion rates with wind data and shoreline type. Develop restoration methods specific to unique littoral cells. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $60,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve riparian condition
Improve shoreline condition
Protect Class I watersheds
Reduce fine sediments
Reduce lake pollutants
 No Metrics for this Work Element
10: Other Construct gravel beach at Salish Point Construct a gravel beach at Salish Point to predetermined slope, crest height, and particle size that is currently in a highly degraded state consisting of a failing wooden seawall 4/1/2007 5/15/2007 $50,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve riparian condition
Improve shoreline condition
Protect Class I watersheds
Reduce lake pollutants
 No Metrics for this Work Element
11: Remove or Relocate Predaceous Animals Conduct fishing contests for lake trout Reduce lake trout abundance in Flathead Lake by means of fishing contests that engage the angling public. 10/1/2006 9/30/2007 $62,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Reduce non-native species
 No Metrics for this Work Element
12: Remove or Relocate Non-predaceous Animals Remove brook trout from westslope cutthroat trout streams Apply piscicides to remove brook trout from tributaries of Flathead Lake that support native westslope cutthroat trout. 10/1/2007 9/30/2008 $75,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Reduce non-native species
 No Metrics for this Work Element
13: Install Fence Protect riparian areas from grazing by fencing Restore riparian and channel condition by reducing grazing by excluding cows with fences 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $18,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve channel stability
Improve riparian condition
Increase bull trout population stability
Protect Class I watersheds
Reduce fine sediments
Reduce overgrazing
 No Metrics for this Work Element
14: Decommission Road Restore watershed function by recontouring roads Recontour 3 miles of road and remove 2 stream crossings in the north Missions landscape 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $36,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve channel stability
Improve habitat diversity
Improve hydraulic regime
Improve riparian condition
Increase bull trout population sizes
Maintain tribal subsistence and angler harvest
Protect Class I watersheds
Reduce fine sediments
Reduce lake pollutants
Reduce non-native species
Reduce overgrazing
Reduce roads
 * # of road miles decommissioned : 20 miles
15: Realign, Connect, and/or Create Channel Reconstruct degraded stream channels Physically reconstruct over-widened, incised, channelized, or otherwise degraded stream channels 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $120,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve channel stability
Improve habitat diversity
Increase bull trout population stability
Reduce fine sediments
Reduce non-native species
 No Metrics for this Work Element
16: Create, Restore, and/or Enhance Wetland Construct wetlands to remediate polluted irrigation return flows Construct wetlands to remediate polluted irrigation return flows 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $50,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve hydraulic regime
Reduce fine sediments
Reduce lake pollutants
 No Metrics for this Work Element
17: Plant Vegetation Restore riparian vegetation and function Restore riparian vegetation and function by planting and maintaining native vegetation 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $50,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve channel stability
Improve forest management
Improve habitat diversity
Improve riparian condition
Improve riparian forest management
Improve shoreline condition
Reduce fine sediments
Reduce lake pollutants
 No Metrics for this Work Element
18: Develop Alternative Water Source Develop off-channel water sources Develop off-channel water sources to facilitate the removal of livestock from riparian areas 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $9,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve channel stability
Reduce fine sediments
Reduce overgrazing
 No Metrics for this Work Element
19: Operate and Maintain Habitat/Passage Remove/upgrade passage barriers Remove/upgrade culverts that are improperly designed or placed and present passage barriers. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $30,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve habitat connectivity
 No Metrics for this Work Element
20: Install Fish Passage Structure Install ladders at irrigation diversion sites Install ladders at irrigation diversion sites 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $22,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve habitat connectivity
 No Metrics for this Work Element
21: Remove/Modify Dam Remove in-channel dams Remove in-channel dams that act as passage barriers and alter watershed processes 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $18,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Improve habitat connectivity
 No Metrics for this Work Element
22: Provide Public Access/Information Maintain AM advisory radio system Maintenance of AM traveler's advisory radio system to educate and inform anglers and boaters of the importance of prevention in the spread of disease and exotic organisms 10/1/2006 9/30/2007 $3,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
Reduce non-native species
 No Metrics for this Work Element
23: Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Conduct NEPA and permitting compliance for project implementation Conduct NEPA and permitting compliance for project implementation 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $15,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
24: Identify and Select Projects Pre-planning and coordination of projects The synthesis of physical/biological data, planning, and logistics required to identify priorities in watershed restoration 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $36,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
25: Manage and Administer Projects Project management The budgeting, contracting, purchasing, coordinating necessary to complete projects on the ground 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $27,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
26: Produce Annual Report Annual report Annual report 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $7,000
Biological Objectives Metrics
No Metrics for this Work Element
Section 8: Budget
Itemized Estimated Budget
Item Note FY 2007 Cost FY 2008 Cost FY 2009 Cost
Personnel [blank] $79,000 $82,000 $85,000
Fringe Benefits [blank] $19,000 $20,000 $21,000
Supplies [blank] $15,000 $20,000 $20,000
Other Sub-contracts $27,000 $250,000 $250,000
Overhead [blank] $34,000 $36,000 $36,000
Totals $174,000 $408,000 $412,000
Total Estimated FY 2007-2009 Budgets
Total Itemized Budget$994,000
Total Work Element budget$994,000
Cost sharing
Funding Source or Organization Item or Service Provided FY 2007 Est Value ($) FY 2008 Est Value ($) FY 2009 Est Value ($) Cash or in-kind? Status
CSKT technical support and facilities $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 In-Kind Confirmed
Flathead Lakers, Flathead Land Trust and others technical assistance and landowner contacts $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 In-Kind Under Development
NRCS grant dollars and technical support $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 Cash Under Development
ongoing recruitment cost share $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 Cash Under Development
USFWS grant dollars $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 Cash Confirmed
Totals $320,000 $320,000 $320,000
Section 9: Project Future
Project Future Costs and/or Termination
FY 2010 Est Budget FY 2011 Est Budget Comments
$425,000 $425,000 [Outyear comment field left blank]
Future Operations & Maintenance Costs
cannot make a reasonable estimate at this time
 
Termination Date Comments
NA This project began in 1991 and is an on-going project of the CSKT to mitigate the impacts of Hungry Horse Dam.
 
Final Deliverables
Annual reports
Section 10: Narrative
Document Type Size Date
Fix-it Loop Documents
Documents Originally Submitted with this Proposal
Narrative for proposal 199101901 doc 104 kb 1/10/2006
Part 2 of 2. Reviews of Proposal
Administrative Review Group (ARG) Results
Account Type:
Expense		 No changes were made to this proposal


NPCC Final Funding Recommendations (October 23, 2006) [Full NPCC Council Recs]
FY 2007 NPCC Rec
$139,000		 FY 2008 NPCC Rec
$338,000		 FY 2009 NPCC Rec
$412,000		 Total NPCC Rec
$889,000
Budget Type:Expense
Budget Category:ProvinceExpense
Recommendation:Fund
NPCC Comments: Funding contingent on ISRP and Council review of revised proposal. Revised proposal due end of December, 06.


NPCC Draft Funding Recommendations (September 15, 2006) [Full NPCC Council Recs]
FY 2007 NPCC Rec
$139,000		 FY 2008 NPCC Rec
$338,000		 FY 2009 NPCC Rec
$412,000		 Total NPCC Rec
$889,000
FY 2007 MSRT Rec
$ 0		 FY 2008 MSRT Rec
$ 0		 FY 2009 MSRT Rec
$ 0		 Total MSRT Rec
$ 0
Budget Category:ProvinceExpense
NPCC Comments:
NPCC Staff Comments: Funding contingent on ISRP, Council review of revised proposal. Revised proposal due end of December, 06.


Independent Scientific Review Panel Final Review (August 31, 2006) [Download full document]
Recommendation: Not fundable
Comments: The tone of the response was so defensive that it was difficult to see the substance of the response. The project sponsor does include graphs in the response that surely should have been included in the original proposal. However, there still is no evidence of progress in meeting the initial goals and objectives regarding biological response to habitat initiatives. They do provide some assessment of trends in fish populations in Flathead Lake, but there is no effort to tie these trends to the habitat program. With regard to all the road restoration work, it is true that population-level improvements will take several generations to be apparent; however, monitoring fish presence above an improved road crossing is quite achievable and could yield a rough estimate of increased potential productivity if you knew how many miles of stream were now available. Indicating a willingness to adjust the M&E to address the ISRP's concerns would have been helpful.

Reviewers remain of the opinion that Not Fundable is the appropriate recommendation. By any reasonable standard that we might apply, this effort falls short of demonstrating biologically significant results (and current/proposed actions) that benefit fish and wildlife.


Independent Scientific Review Panel Preliminary Review (June 2, 2006) [Download full document]
Recommendation: Not fundable
Comments: The project sponsors report that "The project began in 1992 with monitoring emphasis in order to evaluate the success of on-going mitigation efforts within the sub-basin.” Further, "Monitoring of ecosystem and biological responses to our mitigation projects is ongoing since 1992, and has grown to address targeted tributaries as well as biological population changes in the lake trout of Flathead Lake." However, the results provide no basis to assess progress in these original and expanded goals and objectives.

Their results to date were described as follows:

"Monitoring Results:

(1) detailed monitoring of a five year kokanee reintroduction experiment (1993-1997) in Flathead Lake that identified and quantified the reason for the failure of the experiment.

(2) accurate and repeatable quantification of baseline angler use of the Flathead Lake fishery in 1992-3 and development of a continuous dataset from 1998 to present.

(3) continuation of annual trend monitoring of native westslope cutthroat and bull trout in Flathead Lake to establish a 24 year period of record.

(4) quantification of parameters of lake trout biology used to measure population changes based on trends in mortality rates, age at maturity, growth, and fecundity.

Research Results

(1) Development of a bioenergetic model to quantify consumption rates of planted kokanee by lake trout in Flathead Lake resulting in the conclusion that lake trout consumed 87% of planted kokanee within one year of their release

(2) Determination of limiting factors in Mysis relicta population dynamics resulting in the conclusion that the Mysis population is not resource limited but is top-down controlled.

(3) Development of a lakewide, multispecies bioenergetic model that quantifies predation rates on bull and westslope cutthroat trout)

(4) Quantification of erosion rates in South Bay of Flathead Lake and correlation with wave climates and reservoir pool elevations"

This project needs to be justified based on results. The project has expended more than $1 million in just the past three years, and few results were provided. Only a brief list of activities with inadequate substantiating background detail or data synthesis was provided. Reviewers previously concluded, "…the funding agency should be assured that monitoring in a series of tributaries is rigorous and continuing so that diminishing returns from habitat renovation can be identified. If habitat measures are effective, there should be a tendency for juvenile abundance to increase at any given parent density. If efforts to improve escapement to the spawning grounds are successful there should be a tendency for parent numbers to increase along the curve (relating parents and offspring) described for the improved habitat conditions. The funding agency needs to be confident that strategies and methods exist for obtaining these data." This proposal provides no such assurance and no demonstrated progress toward initial objectives; thus, there is no basis for continuing the project.

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