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• 41. [Article] AI - Oregon Coast Coho Assessment: Habitat

  Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Oregon Coast Coho Assessment: Habitat Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review is threefold: 1) provide an analysis of the current status and trend in coho populations, their habitat, and related threats; 2) provide NOAA Fisheries with information it requires to determine whether formalized conservation efforts within the ESU justify not listing coho under the Endangered Species Act as outlined in their Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts; and 3) provide information to state agencies, watershed councils, and others participating in the Oregon Plan for and Watersheds (OPSW) so they may assess the success of their OPSW programs and modify them where necessary to better achieve their objectives (i.e. adaptive management). This report describes the current status and trend of instream physical habitat for coho in the ESU as well as summarizes and evaluates instream habitat restoration activities conducted from 1997-2003. Persistence of coho salmon populations in coastal drainages during periods of poor ocean conditions is dependent on the distribution and carrying capacity of freshwater habitat. Coho salmon are sensitive to the quality of habitat during each life stage and seasonal effects on survival are propagated through subsequent life stages (Nickelson et al. 1992). In this chapter, we use measures of habitat quality and quantity to determine overall carrying capacity of freshwater habitat at two juvenile coho life stages: 1) fry through summer parr; and 2) over-winter parr to smolt. From this information we identify life stages at which habitat may limit the coho smolt production capacity for the coho salmon populations considered independent by NOAA Fisheries Technical Recovery Team. Title: AI - Oregon Coast Coho Assessment: Habitat Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review is threefold: 1) provide an analysis of the current status and trend in coho populations, their habitat, and related threats; 2) provide NOAA Fisheries with information it requires to determine whether formalized conservation efforts within the ESU justify not listing coho under the Endangered Species Act as outlined in their Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts; and 3) provide information to state agencies, watershed councils, and others participating in the Oregon Plan for and Watersheds (OPSW) so they may assess the success of their OPSW programs and modify them where necessary to better achieve their objectives (i.e. adaptive management). This report describes the current status and trend of instream physical habitat for coho in the ESU as well as summarizes and evaluates instream habitat restoration activities conducted from 1997-2003. Persistence of coho salmon populations in coastal drainages during periods of poor ocean conditions is dependent on the distribution and carrying capacity of freshwater habitat. Coho salmon are sensitive to the quality of habitat during each life stage and seasonal effects on survival are propagated through subsequent life stages (Nickelson et al. 1992). In this chapter, we use measures of habitat quality and quantity to determine overall carrying capacity of freshwater habitat at two juvenile coho life stages: 1) fry through summer parr; and 2) over-winter parr to smolt. From this information we identify life stages at which habitat may limit the coho smolt production capacity for the coho salmon populations considered independent by NOAA Fisheries Technical Recovery Team. Close

• 42. [Article] Oregon Fish Habitat Distribution - Redband Trout

  Abstract -- These data describe areas of suitable habitat believed to be used currently and historically by redband trout populations. Columbia River redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri, a subspecies ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Fish Habitat Distribution - Redband Trout Abstract -- These data describe areas of suitable habitat believed to be used currently and historically by redband trout populations. Columbia River redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri, a subspecies of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, is native to the Fraser and Columbia River drainages, east of the Cascade Mountains to barrier falls on the Pend Oreille, Spokane, Snake and Kootenai rivers (Allendorf et al. 1980; Behnke 1992). Northern Great Basin redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss newberrii, are found in the closed basins of south-central Oregon as well as the Upper Klamath Lake basin. While Upper Klamath Lake now drains to the ocean, redband trout in the basin had ancestors that came from interior connections to the Great Basin and not from connections to the ocean (Behnke 1992). Redband trout, for the purposes of habitat distribution mapping, are generally defined as stream-resident O. mykiss gairdneri; migration is confined within their natal stream or watershed while steelhead, or the anadromous life form of O.mykiss gairdneri, migrate from their natal stream to the ocean and back. It is recognized, that while redband and steelhead habitat distribution datasets are published separately, overlapping areas represent the same subspecies. The term "currently" is defined as within the past five reproductive cycles. This information is based on sampling, the best professional opinion of Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife or other natural resources agency staff biologists or modeling (see the fhdBasis field). Due to natural variations in run size, water conditions, or other environmental factors, some habitats identified may not be used annually. These data now comply with the Oregon Fish Habitat Distribution Data Standard that was adopted by the Oregon Geographic Information Council in February 2011. The Standard document can be found at: http://gis.oregon.gov/DAS/EISPD/GEO/standards/docs/OregonFishHabitatDistributionDataStandardv2.pdf Key features of the Oregon Fish Habitat Distribution Data include: species, run, life history, habitat use, origin, production, the basis for each record, originator name, originator entity and reference. Habitat distribution data are mapped at a 1:24,000 scale statewide and are based on the Pacific Northwest Framework Hydrography dataset. The data are made available as GIS files in both shapefile and ESRI geodatabase format. The data were developed over an extensive time period ranging from 1996 to 2011. Title: Oregon Fish Habitat Distribution - Redband Trout Abstract -- These data describe areas of suitable habitat believed to be used currently and historically by redband trout populations. Columbia River redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri, a subspecies of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, is native to the Fraser and Columbia River drainages, east of the Cascade Mountains to barrier falls on the Pend Oreille, Spokane, Snake and Kootenai rivers (Allendorf et al. 1980; Behnke 1992). Northern Great Basin redband trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss newberrii, are found in the closed basins of south-central Oregon as well as the Upper Klamath Lake basin. While Upper Klamath Lake now drains to the ocean, redband trout in the basin had ancestors that came from interior connections to the Great Basin and not from connections to the ocean (Behnke 1992). Redband trout, for the purposes of habitat distribution mapping, are generally defined as stream-resident O. mykiss gairdneri; migration is confined within their natal stream or watershed while steelhead, or the anadromous life form of O.mykiss gairdneri, migrate from their natal stream to the ocean and back. It is recognized, that while redband and steelhead habitat distribution datasets are published separately, overlapping areas represent the same subspecies. The term "currently" is defined as within the past five reproductive cycles. This information is based on sampling, the best professional opinion of Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife or other natural resources agency staff biologists or modeling (see the fhdBasis field). Due to natural variations in run size, water conditions, or other environmental factors, some habitats identified may not be used annually. These data now comply with the Oregon Fish Habitat Distribution Data Standard that was adopted by the Oregon Geographic Information Council in February 2011. The Standard document can be found at: http://gis.oregon.gov/DAS/EISPD/GEO/standards/docs/OregonFishHabitatDistributionDataStandardv2.pdf Key features of the Oregon Fish Habitat Distribution Data include: species, run, life history, habitat use, origin, production, the basis for each record, originator name, originator entity and reference. Habitat distribution data are mapped at a 1:24,000 scale statewide and are based on the Pacific Northwest Framework Hydrography dataset. The data are made available as GIS files in both shapefile and ESRI geodatabase format. The data were developed over an extensive time period ranging from 1996 to 2011. Close

• 43. [Article] Mosier Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- This document provides an assessment of critical watershed health parameters for the Mosier, Rock and Rowena Creek Watersheds. All of these are located in Northwestern Wasco County, Oregon. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mosier Watershed Assessment Abstract -- This document provides an assessment of critical watershed health parameters for the Mosier, Rock and Rowena Creek Watersheds. All of these are located in Northwestern Wasco County, Oregon. Mosier and Rock Creeks both have some headwaters in Hood River County. All three enter the Columbia River in or near the City of Mosier, Oregon. The assessment was coordinated by Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) at the request of the Mosier Watershed Council. The assessment looks not only at the health of perennial streams, but also at the health of major seasonal reaches and upland areas, focusing on water quality and quantity issues, with their effects on aquatic habitat. Upland habitat is also addressed, but wildlife populations are not. The assessment contains sections on: description of the watershed, watershed conditions at the time of settlement, climate, history, channel habitat type classification, hydrology and water use, riparian and wetlands condition, sediment sources, channel modification, water quality, fish and fish habitat, upland habitat, and evaluation. Title: Mosier Watershed Assessment Abstract -- This document provides an assessment of critical watershed health parameters for the Mosier, Rock and Rowena Creek Watersheds. All of these are located in Northwestern Wasco County, Oregon. Mosier and Rock Creeks both have some headwaters in Hood River County. All three enter the Columbia River in or near the City of Mosier, Oregon. The assessment was coordinated by Wasco County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) at the request of the Mosier Watershed Council. The assessment looks not only at the health of perennial streams, but also at the health of major seasonal reaches and upland areas, focusing on water quality and quantity issues, with their effects on aquatic habitat. Upland habitat is also addressed, but wildlife populations are not. The assessment contains sections on: description of the watershed, watershed conditions at the time of settlement, climate, history, channel habitat type classification, hydrology and water use, riparian and wetlands condition, sediment sources, channel modification, water quality, fish and fish habitat, upland habitat, and evaluation. Close

• 44. [Article] Calapooia River Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- The Calapooia River Watershed Assessment characterizes past and current watershed conditions and evaluates opportunities for improvements in the watershed, particularly for fish habitat and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Calapooia River Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The Calapooia River Watershed Assessment characterizes past and current watershed conditions and evaluates opportunities for improvements in the watershed, particularly for fish habitat and water quality. The assessment will aid the Calapooia Watershed Council (Council) in identifying opportunities and priorities across all land uses for voluntary watershed restoration projects and education. The assessment includes information on historical conditions, social, economic, and land use conditions, vegetation, wetlands, stream flow and water use, fish population and aquatic habitat, water quality, key wildlife habitats and populations, and recommendations for Restoration and Protection. Title: Calapooia River Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The Calapooia River Watershed Assessment characterizes past and current watershed conditions and evaluates opportunities for improvements in the watershed, particularly for fish habitat and water quality. The assessment will aid the Calapooia Watershed Council (Council) in identifying opportunities and priorities across all land uses for voluntary watershed restoration projects and education. The assessment includes information on historical conditions, social, economic, and land use conditions, vegetation, wetlands, stream flow and water use, fish population and aquatic habitat, water quality, key wildlife habitats and populations, and recommendations for Restoration and Protection. Close

• 45. [Article] Upper Nehalem Watershed Assessment

  Abstract -- The ODF watershed analysis process was designed to focus on functions and processes that influence aquatic and riparian habitat conditions on State Forest lands. The watershed analysis process ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Upper Nehalem Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The ODF watershed analysis process was designed to focus on functions and processes that influence aquatic and riparian habitat conditions on State Forest lands. The watershed analysis process is consistent with strategies identified in the FMP and includes consideration of natural disturbances that have helped to define the existing aquatic ecosystem. Under the FMP, aquatic and riparian strategies call for managing for "properly functioning" aquatic systems that are inherently dynamic and include a range of natural variability over space and time. The goal of the FMP strategy is to maintain or restore proper function in aquatic and riparian habitats such that they are capable of supporting native species. Correspondingly, the primary objectives of the watershed analysis were to identify where properly functioning habitat existed, where properly functioning habitat was lacking, and what management changes could be implemented to protect or as necessary, restore proper function to those habitats. Title: Upper Nehalem Watershed Assessment Abstract -- The ODF watershed analysis process was designed to focus on functions and processes that influence aquatic and riparian habitat conditions on State Forest lands. The watershed analysis process is consistent with strategies identified in the FMP and includes consideration of natural disturbances that have helped to define the existing aquatic ecosystem. Under the FMP, aquatic and riparian strategies call for managing for "properly functioning" aquatic systems that are inherently dynamic and include a range of natural variability over space and time. The goal of the FMP strategy is to maintain or restore proper function in aquatic and riparian habitats such that they are capable of supporting native species. Correspondingly, the primary objectives of the watershed analysis were to identify where properly functioning habitat existed, where properly functioning habitat was lacking, and what management changes could be implemented to protect or as necessary, restore proper function to those habitats. Close

• 46. [Article] Oregon Coast Coho Habitat Assessment 1998-2003 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2005-5

  Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Coast Coho Habitat Assessment 1998-2003 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2005-5 Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review is threefold: 1) provide an analysis of the current status and trend in coho populations, their habitat, and related threats; 2) provide NOAA Fisheries with information it requires to determine whether formalized conservation efforts within the ESU justify not listing coho under the Endangered Species Act as outlined in their Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts; and 3) provide information to state agencies, watershed councils, and others participating in the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OPSW) so they may assess the success of their OPSW programs and modify them where necessary to better achieve their objectives (i.e. adaptive management). This report describes the current status and trend of instream physical habitat for coho in the ESU as well as summarizes and evaluates instream habitat restoration activities conducted from 1997-2003. Title: Oregon Coast Coho Habitat Assessment 1998-2003 Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2005-5 Abstract -- In November 2003, the State of Oregon began a comprehensive review of coho and their habitat in NOAA Fisheries’ Oregon Coastal Coho Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU). The purpose of the review is threefold: 1) provide an analysis of the current status and trend in coho populations, their habitat, and related threats; 2) provide NOAA Fisheries with information it requires to determine whether formalized conservation efforts within the ESU justify not listing coho under the Endangered Species Act as outlined in their Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts; and 3) provide information to state agencies, watershed councils, and others participating in the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OPSW) so they may assess the success of their OPSW programs and modify them where necessary to better achieve their objectives (i.e. adaptive management). This report describes the current status and trend of instream physical habitat for coho in the ESU as well as summarizes and evaluates instream habitat restoration activities conducted from 1997-2003. Close

• 47. [Article] Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02

  Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02 Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest Conservation Need (per USFWS requirements for State Wildlife Action Plans). The distribution of many species of amphibians in western Oregon is sparsely documented (Oregon Conservation Strategy, page 27). Although a broad-scale survey for amphibian presence would provide much information about amphibian distribution, most studies have focused on limited areas. One cost-effective approach is to combine amphibian observational surveys with existing aquatic habitat surveys conducted as part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OCSRI 1997). The Oregon Plan has been in place since 1997 and the monitoring component provides a survey framework for streams in the lower Columbia River and Oregon coast drainages. The sampling framework is also compatible with implementation of the aquatic components of the Conservation Strategy, as demonstrated by this study. This study describes the presence of amphibians in and along wadeable streams in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages of Oregon, ponds and sloughs in the Willamette Valley, and selected streams in the Great Basin of southeast and central Oregon. As a component of monitoring under the Oregon Plan, the Aquatic Inventories Project (AIP) conducts aquatic habitat surveys at randomly selected and spatially balanced sites across all 1st through 4th order streams (wadeable) in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages. The purpose of the habitat surveys is to describe stream morphology, instream physical habitat, and riparian vegetation. Because the surveyors were already observing features within and alongside the stream channel, they were able to record observations of amphibians. The amphibian component was consistent with the survey protocol used by the US Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative. The advantage of coupling an amphibian component with the OR Plan aquatic surveys was that it not only was an efficient use of resources, but more importantly, provided information using a statistically rigorous survey design across a broad geographic area. In the summer of 2006, AIP began collecting amphibian occurrence data during physical stream habitat surveys as a pilot study to determine if our standard survey protocol could be modified to document distribution of amphibians characterized as Strategy Species under the Oregon Conservation Strategy. During the summer season, field crews observed four strategy species of amphibians and eleven amphibian species total. The potential to use these data to fill the gaps within the known current distribution of amphibians and to potentially develop a habitat based distribution models for these species led to the summer 2007 work. Amphibian data are also collected during four other survey projects, and although the site selection procedure does not conform to the same statistical standards as the Oregon Plan survey design, the projects offer a number of opportunities to collect amphibian occurrence information over a wide variety of habitats. The amphibian observations from these four projects are also included in this report. The four projects are as follows: • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys on selected streams throughout the state. • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys at stream habitat restoration projects in Western Oregon. • Surveys to document the distribution of Oregon chub also record amphibian data from over 1,000 pond and slough sites within the Willamette Valley floodplain since 1991. • The Native Fish Investigations Project began a study in 2007 to document the distribution and abundance of Redband Trout in the Great Basin region of Eastern Oregon. Surveys in the summer of 2007 occurred in 8 of Oregon’s 10 ecoregions (Figure 1)(Omernick 1994). Ecoregions are relatively large areas defined by distinctive geographic and ecological characteristics; flora and fauna communities and geographic conditions are typically distinct. Ecoregions provide an ecological framework for describing amphibian distribution across the state. The goals of our 2007 work were to: • Increase the consistency, efficiency and ability of habitat crews in identifying amphibians through improved training. • Increase knowledge of distribution and habitat associations of amphibians in streams in western Oregon (location, stream size and type), and infer distribution in all coastal and lower Columbia drainages. • Describe temporal changes in stream habitat use by amphibians (seasonal, annual). • Estimate surveyor bias by comparing standard crew data with intensive resurveys. • Describe distribution of amphibians in ponds, sloughs and other off channel aquatic habitats in the Willamette Valley. • Describe distribution of amphibians in the Great Basin of eastern Oregon. Many of Oregon’s amphibians rely on aquatic habitats at some point of their life, either for breeding and juvenile development or to inhabit as adults. Most aquatic amphibians breed from late winter to early summer, and many adults remain in or near their breeding sites into the summer. Most tadpoles and juvenile amphibians are also active in and occupy aquatic habitats during the summer. The aquatic habitat and redband trout surveys are appropriate opportunities to observe species and life stages (breeding adults, tadpoles and juveniles) that occupy aquatic or riparian habitats during the summer. Likewise the Oregon chub surveys are likely to observe amphibian species and life stages in ponds and sloughs during the spring and fall. These types of surveys are an efficient and cost-effective means to collect information on amphibian species that are closely tied to aquatic habitat throughout their life cycle. Amphibian species that are more terrestrial in nature may be better surveyed through a different approach. Title: Distribution of amphibians in wadeable streams and ponds in western and southeast Oregon, Information Report 2009-02 Abstract -- The Oregon Conservation Strategy (ODFW 2006) identified monitoring needs for 17 amphibian species native to the state of Oregon that are designated as “Strategy species”, or Species of Greatest Conservation Need (per USFWS requirements for State Wildlife Action Plans). The distribution of many species of amphibians in western Oregon is sparsely documented (Oregon Conservation Strategy, page 27). Although a broad-scale survey for amphibian presence would provide much information about amphibian distribution, most studies have focused on limited areas. One cost-effective approach is to combine amphibian observational surveys with existing aquatic habitat surveys conducted as part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OCSRI 1997). The Oregon Plan has been in place since 1997 and the monitoring component provides a survey framework for streams in the lower Columbia River and Oregon coast drainages. The sampling framework is also compatible with implementation of the aquatic components of the Conservation Strategy, as demonstrated by this study. This study describes the presence of amphibians in and along wadeable streams in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages of Oregon, ponds and sloughs in the Willamette Valley, and selected streams in the Great Basin of southeast and central Oregon. As a component of monitoring under the Oregon Plan, the Aquatic Inventories Project (AIP) conducts aquatic habitat surveys at randomly selected and spatially balanced sites across all 1st through 4th order streams (wadeable) in coastal and lower Columbia River drainages. The purpose of the habitat surveys is to describe stream morphology, instream physical habitat, and riparian vegetation. Because the surveyors were already observing features within and alongside the stream channel, they were able to record observations of amphibians. The amphibian component was consistent with the survey protocol used by the US Geological Survey’s Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative. The advantage of coupling an amphibian component with the OR Plan aquatic surveys was that it not only was an efficient use of resources, but more importantly, provided information using a statistically rigorous survey design across a broad geographic area. In the summer of 2006, AIP began collecting amphibian occurrence data during physical stream habitat surveys as a pilot study to determine if our standard survey protocol could be modified to document distribution of amphibians characterized as Strategy Species under the Oregon Conservation Strategy. During the summer season, field crews observed four strategy species of amphibians and eleven amphibian species total. The potential to use these data to fill the gaps within the known current distribution of amphibians and to potentially develop a habitat based distribution models for these species led to the summer 2007 work. Amphibian data are also collected during four other survey projects, and although the site selection procedure does not conform to the same statistical standards as the Oregon Plan survey design, the projects offer a number of opportunities to collect amphibian occurrence information over a wide variety of habitats. The amphibian observations from these four projects are also included in this report. The four projects are as follows: • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys on selected streams throughout the state. • AIP conducts aquatic habitat surveys at stream habitat restoration projects in Western Oregon. • Surveys to document the distribution of Oregon chub also record amphibian data from over 1,000 pond and slough sites within the Willamette Valley floodplain since 1991. • The Native Fish Investigations Project began a study in 2007 to document the distribution and abundance of Redband Trout in the Great Basin region of Eastern Oregon. Surveys in the summer of 2007 occurred in 8 of Oregon’s 10 ecoregions (Figure 1)(Omernick 1994). Ecoregions are relatively large areas defined by distinctive geographic and ecological characteristics; flora and fauna communities and geographic conditions are typically distinct. Ecoregions provide an ecological framework for describing amphibian distribution across the state. The goals of our 2007 work were to: • Increase the consistency, efficiency and ability of habitat crews in identifying amphibians through improved training. • Increase knowledge of distribution and habitat associations of amphibians in streams in western Oregon (location, stream size and type), and infer distribution in all coastal and lower Columbia drainages. • Describe temporal changes in stream habitat use by amphibians (seasonal, annual). • Estimate surveyor bias by comparing standard crew data with intensive resurveys. • Describe distribution of amphibians in ponds, sloughs and other off channel aquatic habitats in the Willamette Valley. • Describe distribution of amphibians in the Great Basin of eastern Oregon. Many of Oregon’s amphibians rely on aquatic habitats at some point of their life, either for breeding and juvenile development or to inhabit as adults. Most aquatic amphibians breed from late winter to early summer, and many adults remain in or near their breeding sites into the summer. Most tadpoles and juvenile amphibians are also active in and occupy aquatic habitats during the summer. The aquatic habitat and redband trout surveys are appropriate opportunities to observe species and life stages (breeding adults, tadpoles and juveniles) that occupy aquatic or riparian habitats during the summer. Likewise the Oregon chub surveys are likely to observe amphibian species and life stages in ponds and sloughs during the spring and fall. These types of surveys are an efficient and cost-effective means to collect information on amphibian species that are closely tied to aquatic habitat throughout their life cycle. Amphibian species that are more terrestrial in nature may be better surveyed through a different approach. Close

• 48. [Article] ODFW Sage Grouse Core Areas

  Abstract -- Core Area Approach to Habitat Mitigation for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon: The goal of these recommendations is to protect essential habitats to meet habitat and population objectives identified ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: ODFW Sage Grouse Core Areas Abstract -- Core Area Approach to Habitat Mitigation for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon: The goal of these recommendations is to protect essential habitats to meet habitat and population objectives identified in this Plan. The objective of these recommendations is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate for impacts on sage-grouse habitats from energy development, its associated infrastructure or other industrial/commercial developments. The rapid increase in energy development across the West in recent years has initiated a landscape approach to wildlife conservation, referred to as core areas (Doherty et al. 2011). The landscape approach prioritizes habitats based on measures that assess sage-grouse population and habitat relative abundance, and provides protection for a minimum of 75% of the population. The remaining 25% of the population area would be available for development with some level of stipulations and regulations, but likely at a reduced level. The strength of this approach is that it uses biological information to identify core areas with the objective of protecting the most important breeding areas. It also enables managers, at the landscape scale, to map and analyze the risks and necessary conservation measures for each core area. The limitation of this approach is that it focuses on breeding abundances. For sage-grouse the relative abundance data is drawn from spring lek counts of males. Thus, habitat conservation measures may be biased towards breeding and nesting only. Lek data have limitations as well including: variable sampling effort both spatially and temporally and detection probabilities have not been estimated for ground or aerial counts. Notwithstanding, these are the best data available for mapping sage-grouse distributions. Because the method outlined by Doherty et al. (2011) focuses on breeding habitats and ODFWs lek data is prone to variable sampling, an additional and complementary method was used to approximate seasonal use ranges, referred to as connectivity corridors. Using a home range estimator local and seasonal connectivity corridors were estimated. Thus, it is important to clarify some definitions about the mapping approach in Oregon. This document refers to Doherty's "core areas" (i.e., 25, 50, 75, 100%) as lek density strata. Lek density 25-75% polygons and the intersection of 100% strata and local connectivity polygons collectively define a "core area." Title: ODFW Sage Grouse Core Areas Abstract -- Core Area Approach to Habitat Mitigation for Greater Sage-Grouse in Oregon: The goal of these recommendations is to protect essential habitats to meet habitat and population objectives identified in this Plan. The objective of these recommendations is to avoid, minimize, or mitigate for impacts on sage-grouse habitats from energy development, its associated infrastructure or other industrial/commercial developments. The rapid increase in energy development across the West in recent years has initiated a landscape approach to wildlife conservation, referred to as core areas (Doherty et al. 2011). The landscape approach prioritizes habitats based on measures that assess sage-grouse population and habitat relative abundance, and provides protection for a minimum of 75% of the population. The remaining 25% of the population area would be available for development with some level of stipulations and regulations, but likely at a reduced level. The strength of this approach is that it uses biological information to identify core areas with the objective of protecting the most important breeding areas. It also enables managers, at the landscape scale, to map and analyze the risks and necessary conservation measures for each core area. The limitation of this approach is that it focuses on breeding abundances. For sage-grouse the relative abundance data is drawn from spring lek counts of males. Thus, habitat conservation measures may be biased towards breeding and nesting only. Lek data have limitations as well including: variable sampling effort both spatially and temporally and detection probabilities have not been estimated for ground or aerial counts. Notwithstanding, these are the best data available for mapping sage-grouse distributions. Because the method outlined by Doherty et al. (2011) focuses on breeding habitats and ODFWs lek data is prone to variable sampling, an additional and complementary method was used to approximate seasonal use ranges, referred to as connectivity corridors. Using a home range estimator local and seasonal connectivity corridors were estimated. Thus, it is important to clarify some definitions about the mapping approach in Oregon. This document refers to Doherty's "core areas" (i.e., 25, 50, 75, 100%) as lek density strata. Lek density 25-75% polygons and the intersection of 100% strata and local connectivity polygons collectively define a "core area." Close

• 49. [Article] Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008

  Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008 Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential winter rearing capacity of streams within those population units, and described the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. Sample sites were randomly selected and spatially balanced within the distribution of coho salmon (juvenile and adult) in Oregon coastal watersheds south of the Columbia River. Twenty five sites were targeted within each of the four population units. Each survey was approximately 1000 m in length and adhered to protocols in Moore et al (2007). The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (HLFM) was used to estimate habitat capacity and quality for rearing juvenile coho. The HLFM predicted that the Nehalem and Siuslaw basins could support the highest density of juvenile coho, and the South Umpqua the least. Seasonal changes in habitat were similar to that reported in a previous study. Winter surveys facilitated the assessment of habitat status and estimating capacity because the surveys were conducted at the time when habitat is most limiting to survival of juvenile coho. Winter surveys were particularly valuable in capturing secondary channel and slow water habitat units such as beaver ponds and alcoves. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence range of 30% recommended in the Coho Conservation Plan. Twenty five target sites were not adequate to describe the winter parr capacity within a 95% confidence interval of +30% in each population unit. Confidence intervals of estimates of parr per km ranged from 34 to 60% and mean parr per m2 ranged from 20 to 45%. Title: Status of Winter Rearing Habitat in Four Coho Population Units_ODFW AQI Winter Report Final 2008 Abstract -- We described the status of habitat in four Oregon coastal coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) population units (Nehalem, Siuslaw, Coquille, South Umpqua) during winter 2007, estimated the potential winter rearing capacity of streams within those population units, and described the differences observed in stream habitat between winter and summer with emphasis on slow water and secondary channel habitats. Sample sites were randomly selected and spatially balanced within the distribution of coho salmon (juvenile and adult) in Oregon coastal watersheds south of the Columbia River. Twenty five sites were targeted within each of the four population units. Each survey was approximately 1000 m in length and adhered to protocols in Moore et al (2007). The Habitat Limiting Factors Model (HLFM) was used to estimate habitat capacity and quality for rearing juvenile coho. The HLFM predicted that the Nehalem and Siuslaw basins could support the highest density of juvenile coho, and the South Umpqua the least. Seasonal changes in habitat were similar to that reported in a previous study. Winter surveys facilitated the assessment of habitat status and estimating capacity because the surveys were conducted at the time when habitat is most limiting to survival of juvenile coho. Winter surveys were particularly valuable in capturing secondary channel and slow water habitat units such as beaver ponds and alcoves. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the number of survey sites necessary to represent each population unit within the desired confidence range of 30% recommended in the Coho Conservation Plan. Twenty five target sites were not adequate to describe the winter parr capacity within a 95% confidence interval of +30% in each population unit. Confidence intervals of estimates of parr per km ranged from 34 to 60% and mean parr per m2 ranged from 20 to 45%. Close

• 50. [Article] Limiting Factors Assessment and Restoration Plan for Steer Creek Tributary of Rock Cr Siletz

  Abstract -- This document provides watershed restoration actions proposed to enhance the Coho Salmon population within the Steer Cr. 6th field in Lincoln County, Oregon. This stream is a 4th order contributor ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Limiting Factors Assessment and Restoration Plan for Steer Creek Tributary of Rock Cr Siletz Abstract -- This document provides watershed restoration actions proposed to enhance the Coho Salmon population within the Steer Cr. 6th field in Lincoln County, Oregon. This stream is a 4th order contributor to Rock Creek, which joins the Siletz River near Logsden, Oregon. The stream has been prioritized for restoration by the Midcoast Watershed Council because it appears to provide the best remaining spawning and rearing potential within the Rock Cr. basin. The report contains information on the physical setting, current status of Coho, resources used in developing the plan, general questions that guided the assessment, pre-survey mapping/location of habitat subdivisions, secondary branch habitats, critical contributing areas, lowland area, summer and winter habitat assessment, lake habitat, location of other resources, juvenile Coho, evaluation of habitat quality and Coho production, Field Assessment, location of potential migration barriers, potential sites for restoration work, morphology, rank of restoration efforts, riparian corridor, and core area. Title: Limiting Factors Assessment and Restoration Plan for Steer Creek Tributary of Rock Cr Siletz Abstract -- This document provides watershed restoration actions proposed to enhance the Coho Salmon population within the Steer Cr. 6th field in Lincoln County, Oregon. This stream is a 4th order contributor to Rock Creek, which joins the Siletz River near Logsden, Oregon. The stream has been prioritized for restoration by the Midcoast Watershed Council because it appears to provide the best remaining spawning and rearing potential within the Rock Cr. basin. The report contains information on the physical setting, current status of Coho, resources used in developing the plan, general questions that guided the assessment, pre-survey mapping/location of habitat subdivisions, secondary branch habitats, critical contributing areas, lowland area, summer and winter habitat assessment, lake habitat, location of other resources, juvenile Coho, evaluation of habitat quality and Coho production, Field Assessment, location of potential migration barriers, potential sites for restoration work, morphology, rank of restoration efforts, riparian corridor, and core area. Close