This proposal should be linked to the Columbia Basin Water Transaction Program (proposal #200201301) and address the criteria for water transactions under that program that are relevant to the proposed actions.

Technical and scientific background: The problem is relatively straightforward. The sponsors propose to install piping to convey irrigation water and the saved water from this more efficient practice would be used to enhance instream flows year round.

The sponsors need to provide an estimate of how much relative gain in flow will be achieved by the project. How much will fish habitat be enhanced by this flow increase and what life stages will be benefited? The proposal should include an estimate of what flows are needed to remove the threat to fish populations, attempt to show that the goal is possible and reasonable, and that this project helps to make a significant gain in meeting that goal.

The sponsors need to provide more background on the project area. Will flow be increased in a single stream or multiple streams? Is there evidence that reduced flows in this (these) specific reaches reduced fish production? A map clearly identifying the project area would be helpful.

Rationale and significance to subbasin plans and regional programs: The Walla Walla Subbasin Plan identifies dewatering and low flows as a limiting factor for fish. The proposal generally is consistent with Plan by providing improvement of instream flows.

Relationships to other projects: The project bears a direct relationship to one BPA funded project. Direct collaboration with this project was not discussed.

Objectives: The objective is straightforward. It is to provide increased instream flow using water saved by installing piping to convey irrigation water. Flows will be held in trust for salmon. In some sections of the proposal the amount of water added to instream flow is given as 1.4 cfs, but in the objectives the amount is 4-5 cfs. Which is it?

This proposal should be linked to the Columbia Basin Water Transaction Program (proposal 200201301) and address the criteria for water transactions under that program that are relevant to the proposed actions.

Tasks (work elements) and methods: The project is for construction.

Monitoring and evaluation: No provisions are made for M&E. The proposal needs a description of how flows (and the hydrograph) will be monitored and how the water "savings" will benefit steelhead and salmon populations.

Facilities, equipment, and personnel: Construction equipment and personnel will be secured through contract.

Information transfer will be planned, if the proposal is funded.

Benefits to focal and non-focal species: The project could be of benefit to multiple focal species. It is difficult to assess the benefits, however, because the sponsors provide little background information relating to project location, pre-project flows and habitat conditions, fish use of the specific area of the project, etc. Most of the justification for the project is in general terms. Non-focal species were not discussed. Non-focal species could benefit if increased flows were substantive enough to provide significant improvements.