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• 1. [Article] Oregon South Coast Estuaries: Hunter Creek, Pistol River, Chetco River, & Winchuck River Tidal Wetlands Assessment (2012-2015)

  Abstract -- Although tidal wetlands on the Oregon South Coast are limited in extent, they may be particularly valuable for a variety of wetland functions. This assessment combines the Brophy (2007) and ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon South Coast Estuaries: Hunter Creek, Pistol River, Chetco River, & Winchuck River Tidal Wetlands Assessment (2012-2015) Abstract -- Although tidal wetlands on the Oregon South Coast are limited in extent, they may be particularly valuable for a variety of wetland functions. This assessment combines the Brophy (2007) and Adamus (2005) approaches to quantify the extent and causes of habitat loss and hydrogeomorphic changes in tidal wetlands of four Oregon South Coast Estuaries. The potential for restoring critical habitat and wetland functions is ranked using Ecological Prioritization Criteria (Brophy, 2007), while indicators of function, risk, and integrity are evaluated using scoring models from the Adamus (2005) Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Rapid Assessment Method. The extent of inundation (head of tide) during King Tide conditions was observed and documented by staff and volunteers. Field measurements of salinity concentrations and stratification during high and low flow were tabulated. The historic aerial photo record was examined to detect channel migration, floodplain re-vegetation, and human-caused alterations. Related studies were combined with these observations to provide a summary of estuary hydrology, sedimentation, and channel stability related to wetland establishment and loss in each of the four estuaries. Ecological priority scores (Brophy, 2007) varied with wetland size, tidal channel condition, connectivity, and diversity of vegetation classes. Wetlands were categorized as restoration or conservation types, and priority ranks for wetlands were depicted on orthophoto base maps. Tidal wetlands and nearby floodplain wetlands in a variety of geomorphic settings were surveyed using the HGM protocol, including one “reference” and one restoration site . The HGM survey scores 55 indicators, including botanical transects, used to rank wetland functions (calculated by indicator scoring models). Risks to wetlands include human disturbances in close proximity to the wetlands and floodplains, resulting from the narrow valley floors in this tectonically active region. Wetland integrity is threatened by a surprising large proportion of non-native species in the botanical transects, 40%. Wetland indicators that scored low, and could be restored or enhanced, are discussed in a restoration considerations narrative. Wetland descriptions include lists of plant species, grouped by wetland status, native/non-native, and perennial/annual persistence. In addition to the HGM scores, an analysis of cover and diversity of all plant species in plots, off-transect species diversity, and waterfowl food distribution was completed using a wetland vegetation database developed for the Oregon South Coast. Title: Oregon South Coast Estuaries: Hunter Creek, Pistol River, Chetco River, & Winchuck River Tidal Wetlands Assessment (2012-2015) Abstract -- Although tidal wetlands on the Oregon South Coast are limited in extent, they may be particularly valuable for a variety of wetland functions. This assessment combines the Brophy (2007) and Adamus (2005) approaches to quantify the extent and causes of habitat loss and hydrogeomorphic changes in tidal wetlands of four Oregon South Coast Estuaries. The potential for restoring critical habitat and wetland functions is ranked using Ecological Prioritization Criteria (Brophy, 2007), while indicators of function, risk, and integrity are evaluated using scoring models from the Adamus (2005) Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Rapid Assessment Method. The extent of inundation (head of tide) during King Tide conditions was observed and documented by staff and volunteers. Field measurements of salinity concentrations and stratification during high and low flow were tabulated. The historic aerial photo record was examined to detect channel migration, floodplain re-vegetation, and human-caused alterations. Related studies were combined with these observations to provide a summary of estuary hydrology, sedimentation, and channel stability related to wetland establishment and loss in each of the four estuaries. Ecological priority scores (Brophy, 2007) varied with wetland size, tidal channel condition, connectivity, and diversity of vegetation classes. Wetlands were categorized as restoration or conservation types, and priority ranks for wetlands were depicted on orthophoto base maps. Tidal wetlands and nearby floodplain wetlands in a variety of geomorphic settings were surveyed using the HGM protocol, including one “reference” and one restoration site . The HGM survey scores 55 indicators, including botanical transects, used to rank wetland functions (calculated by indicator scoring models). Risks to wetlands include human disturbances in close proximity to the wetlands and floodplains, resulting from the narrow valley floors in this tectonically active region. Wetland integrity is threatened by a surprising large proportion of non-native species in the botanical transects, 40%. Wetland indicators that scored low, and could be restored or enhanced, are discussed in a restoration considerations narrative. Wetland descriptions include lists of plant species, grouped by wetland status, native/non-native, and perennial/annual persistence. In addition to the HGM scores, an analysis of cover and diversity of all plant species in plots, off-transect species diversity, and waterfowl food distribution was completed using a wetland vegetation database developed for the Oregon South Coast. Close

• 2. [Article] NF - Effect of Bull Trout and Brook Trout Interactions on Foraging Habitat, Feeding Behavior, and Growth

  Abstract -- Observations of free-ranging sympatric bull trout Salvelinus confluentus and nonnative brook trout S. fontinalis in two eastern Oregon headwater streams provided little evidence of habitat ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: NF - Effect of Bull Trout and Brook Trout Interactions on Foraging Habitat, Feeding Behavior, and Growth Abstract -- Observations of free-ranging sympatric bull trout Salvelinus confluentus and nonnative brook trout S. fontinalis in two eastern Oregon headwater streams provided little evidence of habitat partitioning. Both species held focal feeding points in similar microhabitats and fed primarily from the water column rather than from the surface or benthos. In an instream experiment, 20 enclosures were assigned one of three treatments: two bull trout, four bull trout, or a mix of two bull trout and two brook trout. In the enclosures, macroinvertebrate drift was restricted and trout densities were elevated, creating an environment of reduced food and habitat resources. Under these conditions, there was no indication of a niche shift by bull trout; feeding behavior and habitat use by bull trout did not differ depending on the presence or absence of brook trout. Brook trout in the mixed-species treatment were the most aggressive, maintained dominance in 75% of the enclosures, and exhibited significantly higher growth than sympatric bull trout. However, the effects of intra-and interspecific interactions on bull trout growth were equivalent. Given the absence of resource partitioning and a niche shift by bull trout in the presence of brook trout (despite obvious interference interactions), we suggest that the displacement of bull trout by brook trout is likely when resources are scarce. Title: NF - Effect of Bull Trout and Brook Trout Interactions on Foraging Habitat, Feeding Behavior, and Growth Abstract -- Observations of free-ranging sympatric bull trout Salvelinus confluentus and nonnative brook trout S. fontinalis in two eastern Oregon headwater streams provided little evidence of habitat partitioning. Both species held focal feeding points in similar microhabitats and fed primarily from the water column rather than from the surface or benthos. In an instream experiment, 20 enclosures were assigned one of three treatments: two bull trout, four bull trout, or a mix of two bull trout and two brook trout. In the enclosures, macroinvertebrate drift was restricted and trout densities were elevated, creating an environment of reduced food and habitat resources. Under these conditions, there was no indication of a niche shift by bull trout; feeding behavior and habitat use by bull trout did not differ depending on the presence or absence of brook trout. Brook trout in the mixed-species treatment were the most aggressive, maintained dominance in 75% of the enclosures, and exhibited significantly higher growth than sympatric bull trout. However, the effects of intra-and interspecific interactions on bull trout growth were equivalent. Given the absence of resource partitioning and a niche shift by bull trout in the presence of brook trout (despite obvious interference interactions), we suggest that the displacement of bull trout by brook trout is likely when resources are scarce. Close

• 3. [Article] 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009

  Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009 Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake. Borax Lake is a natural lake perched 10 meters above the desert floor on sinter deposits, which is fed almost exclusively by thermal groundwater. The Borax Lake chub was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1982 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1982). Population abundance estimates obtained since 1991 indicate a fluctuating population ranging between approximately 4,000 and 34,000 fish (Salzer 1997; Scheerer and Jacobs 2008). The basis for the Borax Lake chub’s listed status was not population size, but the security of a very limited, unique, isolated, and vulnerable habitat. Because Borax Lake is situated above salt deposits on the desert floor, alteration of the salt crust shoreline could reduce lake levels and the habitat quantity and quality available to Borax Lake chub. At the time of the listing, Borax Lake was threatened by habitat alteration caused by geothermal energy development and alteration of the lake shore crust to provide irrigation to surrounding pasture lands. The Borax Lake chub federal recovery plan, completed in 1987, advocated protection of the lake ecosystem through the acquisition of key private lands, protection of groundwater and surface waters, controls on access, and the removal of livestock grazing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Recovery measures implemented since listing have improved the conservation status of Borax Lake chub and protection of its habitat (Williams and Macdonald 2003). When the species was listed, critical habitat was designated on 259 hectares of land surrounding the lake, including 129 hectares of public lands and two 65-hectare parcels of private land. In 1983, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management designated the public land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Nature Conservancy began leasing the private lands in 1983 and purchased them in 1993, bringing the entire critical habitat into public or conservation ownership. The Nature Conservancy ended water diversion from the lake for irrigation and livestock grazing within the critical habitat. Passage of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 removed the public BLM lands from mineral and geothermal development within a majority of the basin. These actions, combined with detailed studies of the chub and their habitat, have added substantially to our knowledge of the Borax Lake ecosystem (Scoppettone et al. 1995, Salzer 1992, Perkins et al. 1996). However, three primary threats remain. These include the threat to the fragile lake shoreline, wetlands, and soils from a recent increase in recreational use around the lake (particularly off-road vehicle usage), the threat of introduction of nonnative species, and potential negative impacts to the aquifer from geothermal groundwater withdrawal if groundwater pumping were to occur on private lands outside the protected areas (Williams and Macdonald 2003). A review of the conservation status of the Borax Lake chub by Williams and Macdonald (2003) cited the lack of recent and ongoing population and ecosystem monitoring as one argument against downlisting or delisting the species at that time. Although an increase in abundance is not a goal in the successful recovery of this species, monitoring trends in abundance over time is an important management tool to assess species status. The objectives of this study were to: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of Borax Lake chub and 2) to evaluate habitat conditions at Borax Lake, including the condition of the fragile lake shoreline and outflows. This report describes results from monitoring conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Native Fish Investigations Project in 2009. Title: 2009 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2009 Abstract -- The Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in the Alvord Basin in Harney County, Oregon (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake chub are represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake. Borax Lake is a natural lake perched 10 meters above the desert floor on sinter deposits, which is fed almost exclusively by thermal groundwater. The Borax Lake chub was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1982 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1982). Population abundance estimates obtained since 1991 indicate a fluctuating population ranging between approximately 4,000 and 34,000 fish (Salzer 1997; Scheerer and Jacobs 2008). The basis for the Borax Lake chub’s listed status was not population size, but the security of a very limited, unique, isolated, and vulnerable habitat. Because Borax Lake is situated above salt deposits on the desert floor, alteration of the salt crust shoreline could reduce lake levels and the habitat quantity and quality available to Borax Lake chub. At the time of the listing, Borax Lake was threatened by habitat alteration caused by geothermal energy development and alteration of the lake shore crust to provide irrigation to surrounding pasture lands. The Borax Lake chub federal recovery plan, completed in 1987, advocated protection of the lake ecosystem through the acquisition of key private lands, protection of groundwater and surface waters, controls on access, and the removal of livestock grazing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Recovery measures implemented since listing have improved the conservation status of Borax Lake chub and protection of its habitat (Williams and Macdonald 2003). When the species was listed, critical habitat was designated on 259 hectares of land surrounding the lake, including 129 hectares of public lands and two 65-hectare parcels of private land. In 1983, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management designated the public land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Nature Conservancy began leasing the private lands in 1983 and purchased them in 1993, bringing the entire critical habitat into public or conservation ownership. The Nature Conservancy ended water diversion from the lake for irrigation and livestock grazing within the critical habitat. Passage of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 removed the public BLM lands from mineral and geothermal development within a majority of the basin. These actions, combined with detailed studies of the chub and their habitat, have added substantially to our knowledge of the Borax Lake ecosystem (Scoppettone et al. 1995, Salzer 1992, Perkins et al. 1996). However, three primary threats remain. These include the threat to the fragile lake shoreline, wetlands, and soils from a recent increase in recreational use around the lake (particularly off-road vehicle usage), the threat of introduction of nonnative species, and potential negative impacts to the aquifer from geothermal groundwater withdrawal if groundwater pumping were to occur on private lands outside the protected areas (Williams and Macdonald 2003). A review of the conservation status of the Borax Lake chub by Williams and Macdonald (2003) cited the lack of recent and ongoing population and ecosystem monitoring as one argument against downlisting or delisting the species at that time. Although an increase in abundance is not a goal in the successful recovery of this species, monitoring trends in abundance over time is an important management tool to assess species status. The objectives of this study were to: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of Borax Lake chub and 2) to evaluate habitat conditions at Borax Lake, including the condition of the fragile lake shoreline and outflows. This report describes results from monitoring conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Native Fish Investigations Project in 2009. Close

• 4. [Article] 2007 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2007

  Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2007 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2007 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline of this species include changes in flow regimes and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. We continued surveys initiated in 1991 in the Willamette River drainage to quantify the abundance of known Oregon chub populations, search for unknown populations, evaluate potential introduction sites, and monitor introduced populations as part of the implementation of the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan. We sampled a total of 70 sites in 2007. New populations of Oregon chub were discovered at Green Island in the lower McKenzie River and in the Muddy Creek drainage (Linn County). We confirmed the continued existence of Oregon chub at 34 locations. These included 23 naturally occurring and 11 introduced populations. We did not find Oregon chub at nine locations where they were collected on at least one occasion between 1991-2006. Nonnative fish were collected at most of these locations. We obtained abundance estimates of 18 naturally occurring populations and 11 introduced populations of Oregon chub located in the Middle Fork Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, and Mid-Willamette drainages (Table 1). We introduced additional Oregon chub into the South Stayton Pond in the Santiam drainage and into Cheadle and Display Ponds in the Mid-Willamette drainage. The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2007, there were 20 populations totaling 500 or more individuals (Table 1). Fifteen of these populations also met the second criteria. Of the 15 populations meeting criteria 1 and 2, eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, four were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and three were located in the Santiam drainage. In 2007, we met the downlisting criteria. Findings to date indicate that Oregon chub remain at risk due to the loss of suitable habitat and the continued threats posed by the proliferation of non-native fishes, illegal water withdrawals, accelerated sedimentation, and potential chemical spills or careless pesticide applications. Their status has improved in recent years, resulting primarily from successful introductions and the discovery of previously undocumented populations. Title: 2007 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2007 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline of this species include changes in flow regimes and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. We continued surveys initiated in 1991 in the Willamette River drainage to quantify the abundance of known Oregon chub populations, search for unknown populations, evaluate potential introduction sites, and monitor introduced populations as part of the implementation of the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan. We sampled a total of 70 sites in 2007. New populations of Oregon chub were discovered at Green Island in the lower McKenzie River and in the Muddy Creek drainage (Linn County). We confirmed the continued existence of Oregon chub at 34 locations. These included 23 naturally occurring and 11 introduced populations. We did not find Oregon chub at nine locations where they were collected on at least one occasion between 1991-2006. Nonnative fish were collected at most of these locations. We obtained abundance estimates of 18 naturally occurring populations and 11 introduced populations of Oregon chub located in the Middle Fork Willamette, Santiam, McKenzie, and Mid-Willamette drainages (Table 1). We introduced additional Oregon chub into the South Stayton Pond in the Santiam drainage and into Cheadle and Display Ponds in the Mid-Willamette drainage. The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2007, there were 20 populations totaling 500 or more individuals (Table 1). Fifteen of these populations also met the second criteria. Of the 15 populations meeting criteria 1 and 2, eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, four were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and three were located in the Santiam drainage. In 2007, we met the downlisting criteria. Findings to date indicate that Oregon chub remain at risk due to the loss of suitable habitat and the continued threats posed by the proliferation of non-native fishes, illegal water withdrawals, accelerated sedimentation, and potential chemical spills or careless pesticide applications. Their status has improved in recent years, resulting primarily from successful introductions and the discovery of previously undocumented populations. Close

• 5. [Article] 2006 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2006

  Abstract -- Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake in Harney County, Oregon. The Borax Lake chub is a small ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2006 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2006 Abstract -- Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake in Harney County, Oregon. The Borax Lake chub is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in Oregon’s Alvord Basin (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake is a natural lake, perched 10 meters above the desert floor on sinter deposits, which is fed almost exclusively by thermal groundwater. The Borax Lake chub was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1982 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1982). Population abundance estimates obtained in 1991-1996 indicated a fluctuating population ranging from a low of 8,144 fish to a high of 34,634 fish (Salzer 1997). The basis for the Borax Lake chub’s listed status was not population size, but the security of a very limited, unique, isolated, and vulnerable habitat. Because Borax Lake is situated above salt deposits on the desert floor, alteration of the salt crust shoreline could reduce lake levels and the habitat quantity and quality available to Borax Lake chub. At the time of the listing, Borax Lake was threatened by habitat alteration caused by geothermal energy development and alteration of the lake shore crust to provide irrigation to surrounding pasture lands. The Borax Lake chub federal recovery plan, completed in 1987, advocated protection of the lake ecosystem through the acquisition of key private lands, protection of groundwater and surface waters, controls on access, and the removal of livestock grazing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Numerous recovery measures implemented since listing have improved the conservation status of Borax Lake chub and protection of its habitat (Williams and Macdonald 2003). When the species was listed, critical habitat was designated on 259 hectares of land surrounding the lake, including 129 hectares of public lands and two 65- hectare parcels of private land. In 1983, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management designated the public land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Nature Conservancy began leasing the private lands in 1983 and purchased them in 1993, bringing the entire critical habitat into public or conservation ownership. The Nature Conservancy ended water diversion from the lake for irrigation and livestock grazing within the critical habitat. Passage of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 removed the public BLM lands from mineral and geothermal development within a majority of the basin. These actions, combined with detailed studies of the chub and their habitat have added substantially to our knowledge of the Borax Lake ecosystem (Scoppettone et al. 1995, Salzer 1992, Perkins et al. 1996). However, three primary threats remain. These include the threat to the fragile lake shoreline, wetlands, and soils from a recent increase in recreational use around the lake (particularly off-road vehicle usage), the threat of introduction of nonnative species, and potential negative impacts to the aquifer from geothermal groundwater withdrawal if groundwater pumping were to occur on private lands outside the protected areas (Williams and Macdonald 2003). Although an increase in abundance is not a goal in the successful recovery of this species, monitoring trends in abundance over time is an important management tool to assess species status. From 1998-2004, data describing the abundance of the Borax Lake chub population are not available. Abundance estimates were obtained from 1986- 1997 by The Nature Conservancy (Salzer 1997) (Figure 1). Abundance estimates for 1986-1990 are not comparable with those obtained in 1991-1997. Prior to 1991, estimates were obtained only from traps set around the perimeter of the lake. In 1991, estimates were obtained from traps set on a regularly spaced grid throughout the lake. A study comparing the methods suggests that prior to 1991 abundance was under estimated, perhaps by as much as 50 percent (Salzer 1992). A recent review of the conservation status of the Borax Lake chub by Williams and Macdonald (2003) cited the lack of recent and ongoing population and ecosystem monitoring as one argument against downlisting or delisting the species at this time. The chub population has experienced substantial fluctuations in abundance over the time period (1986-1997) when abundance data are available (Figure 1). At the time of the review, the most recent abundance estimates that were obtained in 1996 and 1997 were some of the lowest estimates since 1991. Borax Lake chub population abundance estimates from 1986 to 1997 and 2005 to 2006. Horizontal bars represent 95% confidence limits. In 1986-1990 (solid symbols), only the perimeter of the lake was trapped. After 1990 (open symbols) the entire lake was trapped. Estimates are not directly comparable across these time periods. There are limited data on population age structure that offer valuable insight into the productivity of Borax Lake chub. Williams and Bond (1983) examined lengthfrequency data and concluded that the population consisted primarily of age 1 fish, with few age 2 and age 3 fish present. Limited opercle bone aging of chub collected in 1992- 1993 also indicated that most Borax Lake were less than one year of age (67-79%), yet a few individuals were aged at 10+ years (Scoppettone 1995). Because Borax Lake chub are only found in one location and the population is apparently dominated by a single year-class of adults, the species has a high inherent risk of extinction. 3 The objectives of this study were to: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of Borax Lake chub, and 2) to evaluate ways to reduce handling of Borax Lake chub when monitoring population abundance both by modifying previous mark-recapture protocols and by developing snorkeling survey protocols to use as an alternative to mark-recapture estimates. In addition, we collected data regarding lake temperatures, chub size (age) structure, and the condition of the fragile lake shoreline and outflows. Title: 2006 Borax Lake Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2006 Abstract -- Borax Lake chub (Gila boraxobius) is represented by a single population that inhabits a 4.1 hectare geothermally-heated alkaline lake in Harney County, Oregon. The Borax Lake chub is a small minnow endemic to Borax Lake and adjacent wetlands in Oregon’s Alvord Basin (Williams and Bond 1980). Borax Lake is a natural lake, perched 10 meters above the desert floor on sinter deposits, which is fed almost exclusively by thermal groundwater. The Borax Lake chub was listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1982 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1982). Population abundance estimates obtained in 1991-1996 indicated a fluctuating population ranging from a low of 8,144 fish to a high of 34,634 fish (Salzer 1997). The basis for the Borax Lake chub’s listed status was not population size, but the security of a very limited, unique, isolated, and vulnerable habitat. Because Borax Lake is situated above salt deposits on the desert floor, alteration of the salt crust shoreline could reduce lake levels and the habitat quantity and quality available to Borax Lake chub. At the time of the listing, Borax Lake was threatened by habitat alteration caused by geothermal energy development and alteration of the lake shore crust to provide irrigation to surrounding pasture lands. The Borax Lake chub federal recovery plan, completed in 1987, advocated protection of the lake ecosystem through the acquisition of key private lands, protection of groundwater and surface waters, controls on access, and the removal of livestock grazing (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1987). Numerous recovery measures implemented since listing have improved the conservation status of Borax Lake chub and protection of its habitat (Williams and Macdonald 2003). When the species was listed, critical habitat was designated on 259 hectares of land surrounding the lake, including 129 hectares of public lands and two 65- hectare parcels of private land. In 1983, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management designated the public land as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. The Nature Conservancy began leasing the private lands in 1983 and purchased them in 1993, bringing the entire critical habitat into public or conservation ownership. The Nature Conservancy ended water diversion from the lake for irrigation and livestock grazing within the critical habitat. Passage of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Act of 2000 removed the public BLM lands from mineral and geothermal development within a majority of the basin. These actions, combined with detailed studies of the chub and their habitat have added substantially to our knowledge of the Borax Lake ecosystem (Scoppettone et al. 1995, Salzer 1992, Perkins et al. 1996). However, three primary threats remain. These include the threat to the fragile lake shoreline, wetlands, and soils from a recent increase in recreational use around the lake (particularly off-road vehicle usage), the threat of introduction of nonnative species, and potential negative impacts to the aquifer from geothermal groundwater withdrawal if groundwater pumping were to occur on private lands outside the protected areas (Williams and Macdonald 2003). Although an increase in abundance is not a goal in the successful recovery of this species, monitoring trends in abundance over time is an important management tool to assess species status. From 1998-2004, data describing the abundance of the Borax Lake chub population are not available. Abundance estimates were obtained from 1986- 1997 by The Nature Conservancy (Salzer 1997) (Figure 1). Abundance estimates for 1986-1990 are not comparable with those obtained in 1991-1997. Prior to 1991, estimates were obtained only from traps set around the perimeter of the lake. In 1991, estimates were obtained from traps set on a regularly spaced grid throughout the lake. A study comparing the methods suggests that prior to 1991 abundance was under estimated, perhaps by as much as 50 percent (Salzer 1992). A recent review of the conservation status of the Borax Lake chub by Williams and Macdonald (2003) cited the lack of recent and ongoing population and ecosystem monitoring as one argument against downlisting or delisting the species at this time. The chub population has experienced substantial fluctuations in abundance over the time period (1986-1997) when abundance data are available (Figure 1). At the time of the review, the most recent abundance estimates that were obtained in 1996 and 1997 were some of the lowest estimates since 1991. Borax Lake chub population abundance estimates from 1986 to 1997 and 2005 to 2006. Horizontal bars represent 95% confidence limits. In 1986-1990 (solid symbols), only the perimeter of the lake was trapped. After 1990 (open symbols) the entire lake was trapped. Estimates are not directly comparable across these time periods. There are limited data on population age structure that offer valuable insight into the productivity of Borax Lake chub. Williams and Bond (1983) examined lengthfrequency data and concluded that the population consisted primarily of age 1 fish, with few age 2 and age 3 fish present. Limited opercle bone aging of chub collected in 1992- 1993 also indicated that most Borax Lake were less than one year of age (67-79%), yet a few individuals were aged at 10+ years (Scoppettone 1995). Because Borax Lake chub are only found in one location and the population is apparently dominated by a single year-class of adults, the species has a high inherent risk of extinction. 3 The objectives of this study were to: 1) obtain a mark-recapture population estimate of Borax Lake chub, and 2) to evaluate ways to reduce handling of Borax Lake chub when monitoring population abundance both by modifying previous mark-recapture protocols and by developing snorkeling survey protocols to use as an alternative to mark-recapture estimates. In addition, we collected data regarding lake temperatures, chub size (age) structure, and the condition of the fragile lake shoreline and outflows. Close

• 6. [Article] AI - Stream Habitat Conditions on Industrial Forest Lands in Coastal Oregon

  Abstract -- In the summer of 1998 and 1999, watersheds in western Oregon were randomly sampled for stream habitat conditions. Sites were selected using a random tessellation stratified design. Oregon Department ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Stream Habitat Conditions on Industrial Forest Lands in Coastal Oregon Abstract -- In the summer of 1998 and 1999, watersheds in western Oregon were randomly sampled for stream habitat conditions. Sites were selected using a random tessellation stratified design. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Inventories methods were used to quantify indicators of sediment supply and quality, riparian forest connectivity and health, habitat structure, in-stream complexity, and presence of salmonid species. As part of the overall sampling 47 sites in 1998 and 70 sites in 1999 were sampled on industrial forest lands. Of these sites 13 were sampled both in 1998 and 1999, and 37 sites were sampled for fish presence/absence. Approximately 44% of the sites sampled for habitat were within the range of anadromous salmonids. Upstream catchment area and gradient were the two major factors driving the overall patterns of habitat variables. Secondarily, land ownership and geology were other factors correlated with the habitat variables analyzed. The private non-industrial land ownership type was characterized by slightly higher fine sediment levels, lower wood volumes and number of key wood pieces, lower densities of deep pools, and lower levels of stream shading. State and industrial forest lands show moderate wood levels in the stream channel, although they show low levels of conifers in riparian zones. The sedimentary geologic type was characterized by higher levels of fine sediments in riffle units. Twelve, high quality, unconstrained stream reaches occurred in the 1998 and 1999 habitat sample on Industrial forest lands. Conditions on industrial forest lands in 1998-1999 were compared to conditions in 1993-1994 to detect any potential change over the five-year period. Three different datasets were analyzed. No significant changes in aquatic habitat or riparian conditions were detected. Electrofishing surveys were conducted at 37 sites outside or the expected range of coho salmon to determine fish presence/absence. Salmonid species were present at 19 of the sites that were electrofished. Title: AI - Stream Habitat Conditions on Industrial Forest Lands in Coastal Oregon Abstract -- In the summer of 1998 and 1999, watersheds in western Oregon were randomly sampled for stream habitat conditions. Sites were selected using a random tessellation stratified design. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Aquatic Inventories methods were used to quantify indicators of sediment supply and quality, riparian forest connectivity and health, habitat structure, in-stream complexity, and presence of salmonid species. As part of the overall sampling 47 sites in 1998 and 70 sites in 1999 were sampled on industrial forest lands. Of these sites 13 were sampled both in 1998 and 1999, and 37 sites were sampled for fish presence/absence. Approximately 44% of the sites sampled for habitat were within the range of anadromous salmonids. Upstream catchment area and gradient were the two major factors driving the overall patterns of habitat variables. Secondarily, land ownership and geology were other factors correlated with the habitat variables analyzed. The private non-industrial land ownership type was characterized by slightly higher fine sediment levels, lower wood volumes and number of key wood pieces, lower densities of deep pools, and lower levels of stream shading. State and industrial forest lands show moderate wood levels in the stream channel, although they show low levels of conifers in riparian zones. The sedimentary geologic type was characterized by higher levels of fine sediments in riffle units. Twelve, high quality, unconstrained stream reaches occurred in the 1998 and 1999 habitat sample on Industrial forest lands. Conditions on industrial forest lands in 1998-1999 were compared to conditions in 1993-1994 to detect any potential change over the five-year period. Three different datasets were analyzed. No significant changes in aquatic habitat or riparian conditions were detected. Electrofishing surveys were conducted at 37 sites outside or the expected range of coho salmon to determine fish presence/absence. Salmonid species were present at 19 of the sites that were electrofished. Close

• 7. [Article] Shoreside Hake Observation Program: 2006 Annual Report

  Abstract -- The Shoreside Hake Observation Program (SHOP) was established in 1992 to provide information for monitoring catch in the shoreside component of the directed Pacific hake – also called Pacific ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Shoreside Hake Observation Program: 2006 Annual Report Abstract -- The Shoreside Hake Observation Program (SHOP) was established in 1992 to provide information for monitoring catch in the shoreside component of the directed Pacific hake – also called Pacific whiting – (Merluccius productus) fishery, and for evaluating conservation measures adopted to limit the catch of salmon, other groundfish, and other prohibited species. Though instituted as an experimental full retention monitoring program, it has been continued annually to account for all catch landed at shoreside processors by targeted hake trips; tracking potential discards, and accommodating the landing and disposal of un-sorted catch from these trips until permanent federal regulations can be developed. The SHOP is a cooperative effort between the fishing industry and state and federal management agencies. Participants in the SHOP include mid-water trawlers carrying Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP), designated shoreside processing plants in California, Oregon, and Washington, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). In 1995, the SHOP’s required observation rate was reduced from 50 percent of landings to 10 percent, as studies indicated that fish tickets were a good representation of what was actually landed (ODFW 1995). This lower observation rate allowed for increased collection of biological information (e.g., otoliths, length, weight, sex, and maturity) from Pacific hake and bycatch species such as yellowtail rockfish (Sebastes flavidus), widow rockfish (S. entomelas), yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus), darkblotched rockfish (S. crameri), bocaccio (S. paucispinis), canary rockfish (S. pinniger), sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), Pacific (chub) mackerel (Scomber japonicus), and jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus). Title: Shoreside Hake Observation Program: 2006 Annual Report Abstract -- The Shoreside Hake Observation Program (SHOP) was established in 1992 to provide information for monitoring catch in the shoreside component of the directed Pacific hake – also called Pacific whiting – (Merluccius productus) fishery, and for evaluating conservation measures adopted to limit the catch of salmon, other groundfish, and other prohibited species. Though instituted as an experimental full retention monitoring program, it has been continued annually to account for all catch landed at shoreside processors by targeted hake trips; tracking potential discards, and accommodating the landing and disposal of un-sorted catch from these trips until permanent federal regulations can be developed. The SHOP is a cooperative effort between the fishing industry and state and federal management agencies. Participants in the SHOP include mid-water trawlers carrying Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP), designated shoreside processing plants in California, Oregon, and Washington, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC), the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). In 1995, the SHOP’s required observation rate was reduced from 50 percent of landings to 10 percent, as studies indicated that fish tickets were a good representation of what was actually landed (ODFW 1995). This lower observation rate allowed for increased collection of biological information (e.g., otoliths, length, weight, sex, and maturity) from Pacific hake and bycatch species such as yellowtail rockfish (Sebastes flavidus), widow rockfish (S. entomelas), yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus), darkblotched rockfish (S. crameri), bocaccio (S. paucispinis), canary rockfish (S. pinniger), sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), Pacific (chub) mackerel (Scomber japonicus), and jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus). Close

• 8. [Article] AI - Rearing of Juvenile Salmon in Recovering Wetlands of the Salmon River Estuary

  Abstract -- The Salmon River estuary, on the central Oregon coast, provides an excellent opportunity to study salmonid use of restored tidal marsh. The U.S. Forest Service manages the estuary as part of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: AI - Rearing of Juvenile Salmon in Recovering Wetlands of the Salmon River Estuary Abstract -- The Salmon River estuary, on the central Oregon coast, provides an excellent opportunity to study salmonid use of restored tidal marsh. The U.S. Forest Service manages the estuary as part of the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area with the goal to rehabilitate the estuary “to its condition prior to the existing diking and agricultural use.” To achieve this goal, the U.S. Forest Service has completed three dike removal projects at 9-year intervals beginning in 1978. These projects created a patchwork of restored marshes in various stages of recovery, providing a natural laboratory for studying marsh restoration processes and their effects on estuarine rearing salmonids. Our Sea Grant-funded research, which is a cooperative study with researchers from the University of Washington, has four objectives: (1) describe salmon species use of undiked reference and recovering marshes; (2) compare diets of juvenile salmon among reference and diked marshes of different recovery ages; (3) compare availability and distribution of prey organisms consumed by juvenile salmon; and (4) assess geomorphological and ecological indicators (“metrics”) of restored wetlands and relationships to salmon use. This report describes the results of fish distribution and abundance surveys. Results of the other objectives are described in Gray et al. (In Review). Title: AI - Rearing of Juvenile Salmon in Recovering Wetlands of the Salmon River Estuary Abstract -- The Salmon River estuary, on the central Oregon coast, provides an excellent opportunity to study salmonid use of restored tidal marsh. The U.S. Forest Service manages the estuary as part of the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area with the goal to rehabilitate the estuary “to its condition prior to the existing diking and agricultural use.” To achieve this goal, the U.S. Forest Service has completed three dike removal projects at 9-year intervals beginning in 1978. These projects created a patchwork of restored marshes in various stages of recovery, providing a natural laboratory for studying marsh restoration processes and their effects on estuarine rearing salmonids. Our Sea Grant-funded research, which is a cooperative study with researchers from the University of Washington, has four objectives: (1) describe salmon species use of undiked reference and recovering marshes; (2) compare diets of juvenile salmon among reference and diked marshes of different recovery ages; (3) compare availability and distribution of prey organisms consumed by juvenile salmon; and (4) assess geomorphological and ecological indicators (“metrics”) of restored wetlands and relationships to salmon use. This report describes the results of fish distribution and abundance surveys. Results of the other objectives are described in Gray et al. (In Review). Close

• 9. [Article] Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2011

  Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2011 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). ODFW, Eastern Oregon fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2011 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). ODFW, Eastern Oregon fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Close

• 10. [Article] Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2013-2015

  Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2013-2015 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2013-2015 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Close

• 11. [Article] Factors that Influence Evolutionary Significant Unit Boundaries and Status Assessment in a Highly Polymorphic Species, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in the Columbia Basin

  Abstract -- The species Oncorhynchus mykiss expresses a complex array of life histories across much of its range as well as considerable geographic variation. Several subspecies have been proposed (Behnke ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Factors that Influence Evolutionary Significant Unit Boundaries and Status Assessment in a Highly Polymorphic Species, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in the Columbia Basin Abstract -- The species Oncorhynchus mykiss expresses a complex array of life histories across much of its range as well as considerable geographic variation. Several subspecies have been proposed (Behnke 1992), although none of them are formally recognized. Two of the proposed subspecies in North America include both trout and steelhead life histories: O.m. irideus, or Coastal rainbow/steelhead, and O.m. gairdneri, or Inland redband/steelhead. A third subspecies that includes an anadromous life history occurs in Asia, while all other North American subspecies are entirely trout. In the Pacific Northwest, the boundary between the coastal and inland subspecies occurs in the Columbia Gorge, where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range. The steelhead and trout life histories within these two subspecies are genetically more similar to each other than to fish with the same life history in the other subspecies, indicating that the different life histories within a geographic area share an evolutionary origin (Allendorf 1975). Recent molecular systematic surveys suggest that this proposed taxonomic model of North American 0. mykiss subspecies may be over simplified and inaccurate (Currens 1997, Busby et al. 1996, F. Utter, U. of Washington); however, it remains the available model until final revisions to the taxonomy are adopted. The NOAA Fisheries Service (NMFS) further divided 0. mykiss into multiple "Evolutionarily Significant Units" (ESUs)(Waples 1991, 56 FR 58612, Waples 1995) for listing consideration under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA considers "distinct" populations of taxonmnic species to be "species" eligible for legal protection (16 U.S.C. 1532[161). NMFS adopted the concept of ESUs to serve as distinct population segments in their ESA listing decisions, along with specific criteria for defining them. Evidence for whether or not rainbow trout and steelhead are in the same ESUs is presented in this report according to the criteria provided by NMFS policy (56 FR 58612). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) likewise recognizes "Distinct Population Segments" (DPSs) that may be listed under ESA. The agencies share jurisdiction over 0. mykiss for ESA decisions, with NMFS overseeing the anadromous steelhead and USFWS overseeing the freshwater trout. NMFS has described ESUs for all Northwest steelhead, whether they have been listed or not (Busby et al. 1996); however, the USFWS has not generally described DPSs for Northwest 0. mykiss trout. During the original coast-wide status review of steelhead conducted in the 1990s, the NMFS Biological Review Team concluded that, in general, 0. mykiss trout are part of steelhead ESUs in cases where the two forms are sympatric and have an opportunity to interbreed (Busby et al. 1996). The review team was less conclusive about whether trout above artificial barriers were part of the ESUs. Trout that are sympatric with steelhead were also included in the ESUs by NMFS in the final listing determinations, but they were not listed. The steelhead in five of the ESUs in the Pacific Northwest were listed, including the Lower Columbia (63 FR 13347), Willamette, Mid-Columbia (64 FR 14517), Upper Columbia and Snake ESUs (62 FR 43937), all of which are in the Columbia Basin. As a result of two recent court cases NMFS is now reexamming the biological relationship between trout and steelhead populations in the ESUs where steelhead are listed and is reassessing the extinction risk of the whole ESUs from the perspective of both life histories. First, the Hogan decision in Oregon concluded that the Services may describe distinct population segments for ESA listing, but once ESUs or DPSs are described, the Services cannot list only part of one of one of them (Alsea Valley Alliance v. Evans [161 F.Supp. 2d 1154, D. Oreg. 2001]). So if NMFS finds trout to be part of an ESU along with steelhead, the Service cannot assess the extinction risk of only the steelhead in the ESU or list only the steelhead. Second, lawsuits in California about non­anadromous 0. mykiss upstream of man-made barriers (mostly impassible dams) made a similar argument, stating that such populations are related to the steelhead populations below the barriers and should be included in the ESUs and listed (EDC v. Evans, SACV- 00-1212-AHS (EEA), United States District Court, C.D. California). The purpose of this report is to provide more detailed information about trout and steelhead in the Columbia Basin listed ESUs. This report will address two major issues. The first section provides information that will be used to review whether trout and steelhead populations are biologically part the same ESUs, as defined by NMFS criteria. The second section provides information that will be used to review the extinction risks of entire ESUs if trout are considered along with steelhead. A similar, separate report is being prepared for California ESUs where steelhead are listed. Title: Factors that Influence Evolutionary Significant Unit Boundaries and Status Assessment in a Highly Polymorphic Species, Oncorhynchus mykiss, in the Columbia Basin Abstract -- The species Oncorhynchus mykiss expresses a complex array of life histories across much of its range as well as considerable geographic variation. Several subspecies have been proposed (Behnke 1992), although none of them are formally recognized. Two of the proposed subspecies in North America include both trout and steelhead life histories: O.m. irideus, or Coastal rainbow/steelhead, and O.m. gairdneri, or Inland redband/steelhead. A third subspecies that includes an anadromous life history occurs in Asia, while all other North American subspecies are entirely trout. In the Pacific Northwest, the boundary between the coastal and inland subspecies occurs in the Columbia Gorge, where the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range. The steelhead and trout life histories within these two subspecies are genetically more similar to each other than to fish with the same life history in the other subspecies, indicating that the different life histories within a geographic area share an evolutionary origin (Allendorf 1975). Recent molecular systematic surveys suggest that this proposed taxonomic model of North American 0. mykiss subspecies may be over simplified and inaccurate (Currens 1997, Busby et al. 1996, F. Utter, U. of Washington); however, it remains the available model until final revisions to the taxonomy are adopted. The NOAA Fisheries Service (NMFS) further divided 0. mykiss into multiple "Evolutionarily Significant Units" (ESUs)(Waples 1991, 56 FR 58612, Waples 1995) for listing consideration under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA considers "distinct" populations of taxonmnic species to be "species" eligible for legal protection (16 U.S.C. 1532[161). NMFS adopted the concept of ESUs to serve as distinct population segments in their ESA listing decisions, along with specific criteria for defining them. Evidence for whether or not rainbow trout and steelhead are in the same ESUs is presented in this report according to the criteria provided by NMFS policy (56 FR 58612). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) likewise recognizes "Distinct Population Segments" (DPSs) that may be listed under ESA. The agencies share jurisdiction over 0. mykiss for ESA decisions, with NMFS overseeing the anadromous steelhead and USFWS overseeing the freshwater trout. NMFS has described ESUs for all Northwest steelhead, whether they have been listed or not (Busby et al. 1996); however, the USFWS has not generally described DPSs for Northwest 0. mykiss trout. During the original coast-wide status review of steelhead conducted in the 1990s, the NMFS Biological Review Team concluded that, in general, 0. mykiss trout are part of steelhead ESUs in cases where the two forms are sympatric and have an opportunity to interbreed (Busby et al. 1996). The review team was less conclusive about whether trout above artificial barriers were part of the ESUs. Trout that are sympatric with steelhead were also included in the ESUs by NMFS in the final listing determinations, but they were not listed. The steelhead in five of the ESUs in the Pacific Northwest were listed, including the Lower Columbia (63 FR 13347), Willamette, Mid-Columbia (64 FR 14517), Upper Columbia and Snake ESUs (62 FR 43937), all of which are in the Columbia Basin. As a result of two recent court cases NMFS is now reexamming the biological relationship between trout and steelhead populations in the ESUs where steelhead are listed and is reassessing the extinction risk of the whole ESUs from the perspective of both life histories. First, the Hogan decision in Oregon concluded that the Services may describe distinct population segments for ESA listing, but once ESUs or DPSs are described, the Services cannot list only part of one of one of them (Alsea Valley Alliance v. Evans [161 F.Supp. 2d 1154, D. Oreg. 2001]). So if NMFS finds trout to be part of an ESU along with steelhead, the Service cannot assess the extinction risk of only the steelhead in the ESU or list only the steelhead. Second, lawsuits in California about non­anadromous 0. mykiss upstream of man-made barriers (mostly impassible dams) made a similar argument, stating that such populations are related to the steelhead populations below the barriers and should be included in the ESUs and listed (EDC v. Evans, SACV- 00-1212-AHS (EEA), United States District Court, C.D. California). The purpose of this report is to provide more detailed information about trout and steelhead in the Columbia Basin listed ESUs. This report will address two major issues. The first section provides information that will be used to review whether trout and steelhead populations are biologically part the same ESUs, as defined by NMFS criteria. The second section provides information that will be used to review the extinction risks of entire ESUs if trout are considered along with steelhead. A similar, separate report is being prepared for California ESUs where steelhead are listed. Close

• 12. [Article] Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09

  Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define “sustainable and productive” by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish “Population Health Goals” for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the “half-pounder” run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990a; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU “are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA”. Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 1999. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Attainment of all of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations of wild steelhead in the KMP are healthy and may allow managers to restore harvest opportunities for wild fish. Conversely, failure to attain any of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations are depressed and would likely lead to actions designed to minimize fishing mortality. However, in most years it is likely that some goals will be attained while some will not be attained. Under that scenario, and depending on which goals are attained, selective fisheries, like the current one for wild winter steelhead in the Rogue River, remain as viable options for fishery managers. Title: Klamath Mountains Province Steelhead Project, 1999 Annual Report Report Number: OPSW-ODFW-2002-09 Abstract -- The steelhead supplement to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds (OSPW) is intended to maintain wild steelhead populations in Oregon at sustainable and productive levels that provide substantial environmental, cultural, and economic benefits. The OSPW attempts to better define “sustainable and productive” by committing the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) to establish “Population Health Goals” for each Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) of wild steelhead within the state. In addition, section ODFW IB1S of the plan calls for ODFW to assess adult escapement and juvenile production of wild steelhead in each ESU. The National Marine Fisheries Service identified seven ESUs for steelhead in Oregon and concluded that steelhead produced in coastal basins between Cape Blanco in southern Oregon and the Klamath River Basin in northern California constitutes one ESU. This area closely corresponds to the geologic boundaries of the Klamath Mountains Province (KMP). Steelhead in the KMP differ from those in adjoining areas because of distinctive life history and genetic characteristics (Busby et al. 1994). Primary differences in life history parameters have been identified for wild KMP steelhead. Summer steelhead and winter steelhead differ in time of return as adults, tendency to return to fresh water on a false spawning migration (the “half-pounder” run), age at ocean entry, growth rate and migration patterns of juveniles in fresh water (ODFW 1990a; ODFW 1994). As a result of these differences, separate health goals seem warranted for summer and winter steelhead populations. Winter steelhead inhabit streams throughout the KMP, while summer steelhead are found only in a portion of the Rogue River Basin. However, the distribution of summer and winter steelhead overlap in major areas of the Rogue River Basin (Everest 1973) and as juveniles of the respective races cannot be differentiated, some population health goals will have to apply to both races. The status of wild steelhead in the Klamath Mountains Province ESU is not readily apparent. Busby et al. (1994) concluded that the steelhead in this ESU “is not now at risk of extinction, but if present trends continue, it is likely to become so in the foreseeable future”. In contrast, Chilcote (1998) concluded that almost all steelhead populations in the Oregon portion of the ESU “are relatively healthy and certainly do not warrant listing as threatened under the ESA”. Uncertainty as to the status of the resource, coupled with the comprehensive conservation plan developed by Oregon and the termination of wild fish harvest in all streams except the Rogue River, lead the National Marine Fisheries Service to defer a listing of KMP steelhead under the Endangered Species Act. However, KMP steelhead remained a candidate species during 1999. The goal of this project is to develop and implement assessment methods to determine the status of wild steelhead in the Oregon portion of the KMP. Project objectives include (1) develop population health goals and allied monitoring methods and (2) determine resource status in relation to health goals. Attainment of all of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations of wild steelhead in the KMP are healthy and may allow managers to restore harvest opportunities for wild fish. Conversely, failure to attain any of the population health goals will likely indicate that the populations are depressed and would likely lead to actions designed to minimize fishing mortality. However, in most years it is likely that some goals will be attained while some will not be attained. Under that scenario, and depending on which goals are attained, selective fisheries, like the current one for wild winter steelhead in the Rogue River, remain as viable options for fishery managers. Close

• 13. [Article] Passage behavior of radio-tagged yearling chinook salmon and steelhead at Bonneville Dam associated with the Surface Bypass Program, 2000

  Abstract -- In 1994, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) initiated a program to develop and evaluate surface-oriented juvenile salmonid bypass systems at hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Passage behavior of radio-tagged yearling chinook salmon and steelhead at Bonneville Dam associated with the Surface Bypass Program, 2000 Abstract -- In 1994, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) initiated a program to develop and evaluate surface-oriented juvenile salmonid bypass systems at hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The goal of the program was to develop juvenile bypass systems that would significantly improve the passage efficiency and survival of juvenile salmonids during their downstream migration. In 1998 a prototype surface collector (PSC) was installed at Bonneville Dam's first powerhouse. The PSC was designed not to bypass fish around the turbines but rather to examine fish behavior and hydraulics at the entrances and to determine the efficacy of surface bypass at BI before building a full production surface bypass system. In 1998 and 1999, our radio telemetry evaluation indicated that only 27-49% of the fish that came within 6 m of the entrances entered the PSC. We also determined that a 6 m entrance width was more efficient than a 1.5 m entrance width. In 2000, the PSC was extended to include turbines 1-6 and each of the six entrances was 6 m wide. To continue our evaluation of the PSC in 2000, we used radio telemetry to examine the movements and behavior of subyearling chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the forebay of Bonneville Dam. The objectives of this research were to: 1) determine the behavior, distribution, and approach patterns of subyearling chinook salmon in the forebay areas of Bonneville Dam; 2) determine the time and route of dam passage of sub yearling chinook salmon; 3) determine movement patterns and behavior of subyearling chinook salmon in the vicinity of the PSC; and 4) assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the PSC. From 25 April to 1 June 2000, we radio-tagged and released 1,193 juvenile hatchery steelhead and 2,075 yearling chinook salmon. These fish were released from four locations upstream of Bonneville Dam: Rock Creek, John Day Dam, The Dalles Dam, and Hood River, Oregon. Median travel times from release to Bonneville Dam ranged from 14 h to 76 h, depending on species and the location of release. Of all the fish released, we detected 80% of steelhead and 82% of chinook salmon at Bonneville Dam. Of the fish released at Hood River, we detected 95% of steelhead and 94% of chinook salmon. Median residence time in the forebay areas of Bonneville Dam ranged from 8 min to 9 .7 h, depending on species and forebay area. Discharge rates and die! periods effected residence times of both species. Passage routes were determined for 91 % of steelhead and 92% of chinook salmon detected at Bonneville Dam. Nearly half ( 49%) of steelhead passed at powerhouse one (BI), and the largest proportion ( 44%) of chinook salmon passed through the spillway. Thirty-four percent of steelhead detected at Bonneville Dam passed through the spillway. Of the steelhead that passed at Bl, 44% passed into the sluiceway, 33% were guided into the downstream migration channel (DSM) via the standard-length submersible traveling screens (STS) or extended-length submersible bar screens (ESBS), and 23% were unguided and passed directly through the turbines. Of the chinook salmon that passed at Bl, 29% passed into the sluiceway, 36% were guided into the DSM, and 35% were unguided and passed directly through the turbines. Of the fish that passed at B2, 55% of steelhead and 39% of chinook salmon were guided into the DSM by the STS and 45% of steelhead and 60% of chinook salmon passed through the turbines unguided. No steelhead and 1 % of chinook salmon were detected passing through the sluice chute at B2, which was minimally operated during spring 2000. Passage rates were highest for both species during the day at the spillway and B 1. However, passage rates were highest for both species during the night at B2. Of the fish that entered the Bl forebay, 74% of steelhead and 63% of chinook sahnon were detected within 6 m of the PSC and were therefore considered to have discovered the PSC. Of the fish that discovered the PSC, 60% of steelhead and 72% of chinook salmon entered the PSC. However, of the fish that entered the PSC, only 29% (61 of 214) of steelhead and 41 % (100 of 246) of chinook salmon entered the PSC via the entrance they were first detected at without meandering to one or more entrances. Therefore, of the fish that entered the PSC, 71 % (153 of214) of steelhead and 59% (146 of 246) of chinook salmon meandered to one or more entrances before entering the PSC. In relation to units 1-6 at B 1, the PSC was quite efficient at collecting fish. Of the fish that passed at units 1-6 (guided and unguided) 83% of steelhead and 78% of chinook salmon entered the PSC. The PSC was also relatively effective compared to water passing into the turbines and the spillway. An effectiveness of 2.5 for steelhead and 2.4 for chinook salmon indicated that the proportion of fish that entered the PSC out of total passage at units 1-6 was over twice as high as the proportion of discharge that entered the PSC out of total discharge into and under the PSC at units 1-6. When compared to spillway effectiveness (1.0 for steelhead and 1.3 for chinook salmon), PSC effectiveness was about twice as high. Since fish that entered the PSC could pass through other routes, the PSC was not considered an actual passage route for purposes of calculating passage metrics such as FPE. However, if the PSC were an actual passage route, FPE would have increased from 78% to 85% for steelhead and from 73% to 78% for chinook salmon. Title: Passage behavior of radio-tagged yearling chinook salmon and steelhead at Bonneville Dam associated with the Surface Bypass Program, 2000 Abstract -- In 1994, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) initiated a program to develop and evaluate surface-oriented juvenile salmonid bypass systems at hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The goal of the program was to develop juvenile bypass systems that would significantly improve the passage efficiency and survival of juvenile salmonids during their downstream migration. In 1998 a prototype surface collector (PSC) was installed at Bonneville Dam's first powerhouse. The PSC was designed not to bypass fish around the turbines but rather to examine fish behavior and hydraulics at the entrances and to determine the efficacy of surface bypass at BI before building a full production surface bypass system. In 1998 and 1999, our radio telemetry evaluation indicated that only 27-49% of the fish that came within 6 m of the entrances entered the PSC. We also determined that a 6 m entrance width was more efficient than a 1.5 m entrance width. In 2000, the PSC was extended to include turbines 1-6 and each of the six entrances was 6 m wide. To continue our evaluation of the PSC in 2000, we used radio telemetry to examine the movements and behavior of subyearling chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the forebay of Bonneville Dam. The objectives of this research were to: 1) determine the behavior, distribution, and approach patterns of subyearling chinook salmon in the forebay areas of Bonneville Dam; 2) determine the time and route of dam passage of sub yearling chinook salmon; 3) determine movement patterns and behavior of subyearling chinook salmon in the vicinity of the PSC; and 4) assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the PSC. From 25 April to 1 June 2000, we radio-tagged and released 1,193 juvenile hatchery steelhead and 2,075 yearling chinook salmon. These fish were released from four locations upstream of Bonneville Dam: Rock Creek, John Day Dam, The Dalles Dam, and Hood River, Oregon. Median travel times from release to Bonneville Dam ranged from 14 h to 76 h, depending on species and the location of release. Of all the fish released, we detected 80% of steelhead and 82% of chinook salmon at Bonneville Dam. Of the fish released at Hood River, we detected 95% of steelhead and 94% of chinook salmon. Median residence time in the forebay areas of Bonneville Dam ranged from 8 min to 9 .7 h, depending on species and forebay area. Discharge rates and die! periods effected residence times of both species. Passage routes were determined for 91 % of steelhead and 92% of chinook salmon detected at Bonneville Dam. Nearly half ( 49%) of steelhead passed at powerhouse one (BI), and the largest proportion ( 44%) of chinook salmon passed through the spillway. Thirty-four percent of steelhead detected at Bonneville Dam passed through the spillway. Of the steelhead that passed at Bl, 44% passed into the sluiceway, 33% were guided into the downstream migration channel (DSM) via the standard-length submersible traveling screens (STS) or extended-length submersible bar screens (ESBS), and 23% were unguided and passed directly through the turbines. Of the chinook salmon that passed at Bl, 29% passed into the sluiceway, 36% were guided into the DSM, and 35% were unguided and passed directly through the turbines. Of the fish that passed at B2, 55% of steelhead and 39% of chinook salmon were guided into the DSM by the STS and 45% of steelhead and 60% of chinook salmon passed through the turbines unguided. No steelhead and 1 % of chinook salmon were detected passing through the sluice chute at B2, which was minimally operated during spring 2000. Passage rates were highest for both species during the day at the spillway and B 1. However, passage rates were highest for both species during the night at B2. Of the fish that entered the Bl forebay, 74% of steelhead and 63% of chinook sahnon were detected within 6 m of the PSC and were therefore considered to have discovered the PSC. Of the fish that discovered the PSC, 60% of steelhead and 72% of chinook salmon entered the PSC. However, of the fish that entered the PSC, only 29% (61 of 214) of steelhead and 41 % (100 of 246) of chinook salmon entered the PSC via the entrance they were first detected at without meandering to one or more entrances. Therefore, of the fish that entered the PSC, 71 % (153 of214) of steelhead and 59% (146 of 246) of chinook salmon meandered to one or more entrances before entering the PSC. In relation to units 1-6 at B 1, the PSC was quite efficient at collecting fish. Of the fish that passed at units 1-6 (guided and unguided) 83% of steelhead and 78% of chinook salmon entered the PSC. The PSC was also relatively effective compared to water passing into the turbines and the spillway. An effectiveness of 2.5 for steelhead and 2.4 for chinook salmon indicated that the proportion of fish that entered the PSC out of total passage at units 1-6 was over twice as high as the proportion of discharge that entered the PSC out of total discharge into and under the PSC at units 1-6. When compared to spillway effectiveness (1.0 for steelhead and 1.3 for chinook salmon), PSC effectiveness was about twice as high. Since fish that entered the PSC could pass through other routes, the PSC was not considered an actual passage route for purposes of calculating passage metrics such as FPE. However, if the PSC were an actual passage route, FPE would have increased from 78% to 85% for steelhead and from 73% to 78% for chinook salmon. Close

• 14. [Article] 2006 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2006

  Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 2006 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2006 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline of this species include changes in flow regimes and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. We continued surveys initiated in 1991 in the Willamette River drainage to quantify the abundance of known Oregon chub populations, search for unknown populations, evaluate potential introduction sites, and monitor introduced populations as part of the implementation of the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan. We sampled a total of 103 sites in 2006. No new populations of Oregon chub were discovered. Thirty-five of the 103 sites were new locations that were sampled for the first time in 2006. Sixty-eight sites, sampled on at least one occasion between 1991-2005, were revisited. We confirmed the continued existence of Oregon chub at 33 locations. These included 23 naturally occurring and 10 introduced populations. Locations of naturally occurring populations were: Santiam drainage (Geren Island, Santiam I-5 Side Channels, Santiam Conservation Easement, Stayton Public Works Pond, Green’s Bridge Backwater, Pioneer Park, Santiam Conservation Easement, and Gray Slough), Mid-Willamette drainage (Finley Gray Creek Swamp), McKenzie drainage (Shetzline Pond and Big Island), Coast Fork Willamette drainage (Coast Fork Side Channels and Lynx Hollow), and the Middle Fork Willamette drainage (two Dexter Reservoir alcoves, East Fork Minnow Creek Pond, Shady Dell Pond, Buckhead Creek, two Elijah Bristow State Park sloughs and an island pond, Barnhard Slough, and Hospital Pond). Introduced populations were located in the Middle Fork Willamette (Wicopee Pond and Fall Creek Spillway Ponds), Santiam (Foster Pullout Pond), McKenzie (Russell Pond), Coast Fork Willamette (Herman Pond), and Mid-Willamette drainages (Dunn Wetland, Finley Display Pond, Finley Cheadle Pond, Ankeny Willow Marsh, and Jampolsky Wetlands). We did not find Oregon chub at 14 locations where they were collected on at least one occasion between 1991-2005 (Jasper Park Slough, Wallace Slough, East Ferrin Pond, Dexter East Alcove, Hospital Impoundment Pond, Rattlesnake Creek, Elijah Bristow Large Gravel Pit, Elijah Bristow Small Gravel Pit, Little Muddy Creek tributary, Bull Run Creek, Camas Swale, Barnhard Slough, Camous Creek, and Dry Muddy Creek). Nonnative fish were collected at most of these locations. We obtained abundance estimates of naturally occurring populations of Oregon chub at 18 locations in the Middle Fork Willamette (East Fork Minnow Creek Pond, Shady Dell Pond, Elijah Bristow State Park Sloughs and Island Pond, Hospital Pond, Dexter Reservoir Alcoves, Haws Pond, and Buckhead Creek), Santiam (Geren Island, Gray Slough, Stayton Public Works Pond, Pioneer Park Pond, and Santiam I-5 Side Channels), McKenzie (Big Island and Shetzline Pond), and Mid-Willamette drainages (Finley Gray Creek) (Table 1). We obtained abundance estimates for 10 introduced populations of Oregon chub, located in Fall Creek Spillway Ponds, Wicopee Pond, Dunn Wetland Ponds, Finley Display Pond, Finley Cheadle Pond, Ankeny Willow Marsh, Jampolsky Wetlands, Foster Pullout Pond, Herman Pond, and Russell Pond. The three largest populations in 2006 were introduced populations. In addition, we evaluated eleven potential Oregon chub introduction sites in the Willamette River drainage. We introduced Oregon chub into the South Stayton Pond, a recently restored site located on ODFW property in the Santiam drainage, from Stayton Public Works Pond and Pioneer Park Pond. The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2006, there were 18 populations totaling 500 or more individuals (Table 1). Thirteen of these populations also met the second criteria. Of the 13 populations meeting criteria 1 and 2, eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, three were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and two were located in the Santiam drainage. With the addition of one more stable population in the Santiam drainage, the downlisting criteria will be met. Findings to date indicate that Oregon chub remain at risk due to the loss of suitable habitat and the continued threats posed by the proliferation of non-native fishes, illegal water withdrawals, accelerated sedimentation, and potential chemical spills or careless pesticide applications. Their status has improved in recent years, resulting primarily from successful introductions and the discovery of previously undocumented populations. Title: 2006 Oregon Chub Investigations Progress Reports 2006 Abstract -- Oregon chub Oregonichthys crameri, small minnows endemic to the Willamette Valley, were federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1993. Factors implicated in the decline of this species include changes in flow regimes and habitat characteristics resulting from the construction of flood control dams, revetments, channelization, diking, and the drainage of wetlands. The Oregon chub is further threatened by predation and competition by non-native species such as largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, crappies Pomoxis sp., sunfishes Lepomis sp., bullheads Ameiurus sp., and western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. We continued surveys initiated in 1991 in the Willamette River drainage to quantify the abundance of known Oregon chub populations, search for unknown populations, evaluate potential introduction sites, and monitor introduced populations as part of the implementation of the Oregon Chub Recovery Plan. We sampled a total of 103 sites in 2006. No new populations of Oregon chub were discovered. Thirty-five of the 103 sites were new locations that were sampled for the first time in 2006. Sixty-eight sites, sampled on at least one occasion between 1991-2005, were revisited. We confirmed the continued existence of Oregon chub at 33 locations. These included 23 naturally occurring and 10 introduced populations. Locations of naturally occurring populations were: Santiam drainage (Geren Island, Santiam I-5 Side Channels, Santiam Conservation Easement, Stayton Public Works Pond, Green’s Bridge Backwater, Pioneer Park, Santiam Conservation Easement, and Gray Slough), Mid-Willamette drainage (Finley Gray Creek Swamp), McKenzie drainage (Shetzline Pond and Big Island), Coast Fork Willamette drainage (Coast Fork Side Channels and Lynx Hollow), and the Middle Fork Willamette drainage (two Dexter Reservoir alcoves, East Fork Minnow Creek Pond, Shady Dell Pond, Buckhead Creek, two Elijah Bristow State Park sloughs and an island pond, Barnhard Slough, and Hospital Pond). Introduced populations were located in the Middle Fork Willamette (Wicopee Pond and Fall Creek Spillway Ponds), Santiam (Foster Pullout Pond), McKenzie (Russell Pond), Coast Fork Willamette (Herman Pond), and Mid-Willamette drainages (Dunn Wetland, Finley Display Pond, Finley Cheadle Pond, Ankeny Willow Marsh, and Jampolsky Wetlands). We did not find Oregon chub at 14 locations where they were collected on at least one occasion between 1991-2005 (Jasper Park Slough, Wallace Slough, East Ferrin Pond, Dexter East Alcove, Hospital Impoundment Pond, Rattlesnake Creek, Elijah Bristow Large Gravel Pit, Elijah Bristow Small Gravel Pit, Little Muddy Creek tributary, Bull Run Creek, Camas Swale, Barnhard Slough, Camous Creek, and Dry Muddy Creek). Nonnative fish were collected at most of these locations. We obtained abundance estimates of naturally occurring populations of Oregon chub at 18 locations in the Middle Fork Willamette (East Fork Minnow Creek Pond, Shady Dell Pond, Elijah Bristow State Park Sloughs and Island Pond, Hospital Pond, Dexter Reservoir Alcoves, Haws Pond, and Buckhead Creek), Santiam (Geren Island, Gray Slough, Stayton Public Works Pond, Pioneer Park Pond, and Santiam I-5 Side Channels), McKenzie (Big Island and Shetzline Pond), and Mid-Willamette drainages (Finley Gray Creek) (Table 1). We obtained abundance estimates for 10 introduced populations of Oregon chub, located in Fall Creek Spillway Ponds, Wicopee Pond, Dunn Wetland Ponds, Finley Display Pond, Finley Cheadle Pond, Ankeny Willow Marsh, Jampolsky Wetlands, Foster Pullout Pond, Herman Pond, and Russell Pond. The three largest populations in 2006 were introduced populations. In addition, we evaluated eleven potential Oregon chub introduction sites in the Willamette River drainage. We introduced Oregon chub into the South Stayton Pond, a recently restored site located on ODFW property in the Santiam drainage, from Stayton Public Works Pond and Pioneer Park Pond. The Oregon Chub Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1998) set recovery criteria for downlisting the species to “threatened” and for delisting the species. The criteria for downlisting the species are: 1) establish and manage 10 populations of at least 500 adult fish, 2) all of these populations must exhibit a stable or increasing trend for five years, and 3) at least three populations meeting criterion 1 and 2 must be located in each of the three recovery areas (Middle Fork Willamette River, Santiam River, and Mid-Willamette River tributaries). In 2006, there were 18 populations totaling 500 or more individuals (Table 1). Thirteen of these populations also met the second criteria. Of the 13 populations meeting criteria 1 and 2, eight were located in the Middle Fork Willamette drainage, three were located in the Mid-Willamette drainage, and two were located in the Santiam drainage. With the addition of one more stable population in the Santiam drainage, the downlisting criteria will be met. Findings to date indicate that Oregon chub remain at risk due to the loss of suitable habitat and the continued threats posed by the proliferation of non-native fishes, illegal water withdrawals, accelerated sedimentation, and potential chemical spills or careless pesticide applications. Their status has improved in recent years, resulting primarily from successful introductions and the discovery of previously undocumented populations. Close

• 15. [Article] Neacoxie Watershed

  Abstract -- Previously, little information was known about the ecology or the condition of native habitats in the Neacoxie sub-watershed that drains from the city of Warrenton into the north section of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Neacoxie Watershed Abstract -- Previously, little information was known about the ecology or the condition of native habitats in the Neacoxie sub-watershed that drains from the city of Warrenton into the north section of the Necanicum Estuary in the city of Seaside. In 2002, the Necanicum Watershed Council completed an assessment for the Necanicum River watershed, but with major knowledge gaps for the Neacoxie watershed, which includes the Neacoxie Creek corridor and the Clatsop Plains. In order for the North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) and other land managers to develop stewardship priorities and to make informed decisions about land management actions in this region, additional information was required. Together with the Necanicum Watershed Council and the North Coast Watershed Association, NCLC secured funding to conduct habitat inventories of the Neacoxie watershed. The Neacoxie Watershed Assessment summarizes the results of terrestrial plant transects and aquatic plant surveys completed in the summer of 2011 on ten properties owned by the North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) in the Neacoxie Creek watershed (please refer to Appendices A & B). Habitat types include stabilized sand dunes dominated by coastal prairie habitat, interdunal wetland swales and lakes, upland Sitka spruce forest, and forested wetlands. Percent composition of each plant community type observed was calculated. Invasive non-native plant species were recorded. Surveys were also conducted for both native and non-native plants in four water bodies owned by NCLC or adjacent to land trust properties. The plant community data that were collected will be used to evaluate baseline ecological conditions in the Neacoxie watershed. Plant communities can be used as indicators of long-term tidal and hydrologic conditions as well as the ecological health of the landscape. Repeated measurements can be used to assess community changes over time and to assess how plant community composition compares to that described for natural conditions. This information will assist the land trust in making science-based stewardship decisions on its properties, and can be used by other landowners to better understand changes occurring in plant communities in similar habitats on their properties as a result of human disturbance (e.g., land development, farming, grazing) and invasion by non-native plants. Title: Neacoxie Watershed Abstract -- Previously, little information was known about the ecology or the condition of native habitats in the Neacoxie sub-watershed that drains from the city of Warrenton into the north section of the Necanicum Estuary in the city of Seaside. In 2002, the Necanicum Watershed Council completed an assessment for the Necanicum River watershed, but with major knowledge gaps for the Neacoxie watershed, which includes the Neacoxie Creek corridor and the Clatsop Plains. In order for the North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) and other land managers to develop stewardship priorities and to make informed decisions about land management actions in this region, additional information was required. Together with the Necanicum Watershed Council and the North Coast Watershed Association, NCLC secured funding to conduct habitat inventories of the Neacoxie watershed. The Neacoxie Watershed Assessment summarizes the results of terrestrial plant transects and aquatic plant surveys completed in the summer of 2011 on ten properties owned by the North Coast Land Conservancy (NCLC) in the Neacoxie Creek watershed (please refer to Appendices A & B). Habitat types include stabilized sand dunes dominated by coastal prairie habitat, interdunal wetland swales and lakes, upland Sitka spruce forest, and forested wetlands. Percent composition of each plant community type observed was calculated. Invasive non-native plant species were recorded. Surveys were also conducted for both native and non-native plants in four water bodies owned by NCLC or adjacent to land trust properties. The plant community data that were collected will be used to evaluate baseline ecological conditions in the Neacoxie watershed. Plant communities can be used as indicators of long-term tidal and hydrologic conditions as well as the ecological health of the landscape. Repeated measurements can be used to assess community changes over time and to assess how plant community composition compares to that described for natural conditions. This information will assist the land trust in making science-based stewardship decisions on its properties, and can be used by other landowners to better understand changes occurring in plant communities in similar habitats on their properties as a result of human disturbance (e.g., land development, farming, grazing) and invasion by non-native plants. Close

• 16. [Article] Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2008

  Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2008 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2008 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Close

• 17. [Article] Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2009

  Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2009 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2009 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Close

• 18. [Article] Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2010

  Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2010 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2010 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Close

• 19. [Article] Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2012

  Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2012 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Title: Fish Population Monitoring in the Middle Fork John Day River Intensively Monitored Watershed - Annual Technical Report 2012 Abstract -- Within the Middle Fork John Day River IMW (MFJDR_IMW), several habitat factors have been identified as limiting for the recovery of summer steelhead. Degraded floodplain and channel structure, altered sediment routing, altered hydrology, and water quality (temperature) are cited as limiting factors in the Draft Mid-Columbia Steelhead Recovery Plan (Carmichael 2008). Current and proposed restoration efforts for the MFJDR_IMW are anticipated to address these key limiting factors. In order to assess restoration effectiveness on focal fish species, monitoring and analyses must emphasize population level spatial scales. Fish population monitoring for the MFDJR_IMW includes evaluating summer steelhead and spring Chinook population productivity, survival, and abundance. While abundance is an important metric for population assessments, survival and production will also be key indicators of population responses to planned restoration activities. Freshwater survival is assessed from the parr to smolt life stages (parr to smolt survival) and ocean or out-of-basin survival is estimated as a smolt to adult return ratio (SAR). Freshwater productivity is assessed as smolts produced for constructed redds (smolts/redd). Originator: ODFW, Eastern Oregon Fish Research (EOFR). Funded by Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Close

• 20. [Article] Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2010 Annual Report

  Abstract -- Task 1.1: Distribution, Abundance, and Proportion of Hatchery and Natural-Origin Chinook Salmon: Counts of spring Chinook redds were similar in 2010 compared to the 2002–2009 averages for the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2010 Annual Report Abstract -- Task 1.1: Distribution, Abundance, and Proportion of Hatchery and Natural-Origin Chinook Salmon: Counts of spring Chinook redds were similar in 2010 compared to the 2002–2009 averages for the Middle Fork Willamette, McKenzie and the North Santiam rivers and significantly higher in the South Santiam River Preliminary analyses indicate that the proportions of hatchery fish recovered as carcasses from the spawning grounds varied significantly among all four surveyed sub-basins (South Santiam > M. Fork Willamette > North Santiam > McKenzie) Task 1.2: Monitor fin-clipped & unclipped fish passing Leaburg and Upper Bennett dams. Adult fish passage at Leaburg and Upper Bennett dams was continuously monitored in 2010. We estimated that 2,696 spring Chinook (52% unclipped) passed above Leaburg Dam and 5,956 passed above upper Bennett Dam (14% unclipped). Passage at Leaburg Dam of fin-clipped fish was strongly bimodal with peaks in June (coincident with passage of the majority of unclipped fish) and September (coincident with a smaller proportion of unclipped fish). This bimodal peak suggests that hatchery fish might be removed in September to reduce the proportion of hatchery origin spawners while simultaneously reducing the impacts of handling wild fish. Task 2.1: Collection, spawn timing, and Hatchery/Wild (H/W ) composition for broodstock management. Collection, spawn timing, and H/W composition for broodstock management were successfully monitored at all facilities in 2010. Task 2.2: Determine Survival of Outplanted Fish and Abundance of Spawners. Patterns of pre-spawning mortality were similar to results in 2009 with mortality below project dams significantly higher than that above project dams. We did not detect significant differences in mortality between clipped and unclipped spring Chinook. In comparisons of pre-spawning mortality among sub-basins above project dams, pre-spawning mortality was uniformly low in the Breitenbush and N. Santiam above Detroit, S. Santiam above Foster, and in the S. Fork McKenzie. Pre-spawning mortality was uniformly higher above project dams in the N. Fork Mid. Fork Willamette, Fall Creek and the Little N. Fork Santiam. No comprehensive surveys were conducted in the Middle Fork Willamette. Task 3.1: Determine the extent of summer steelhead reproduction in the wild: We developed a formal study plan to analyze and interpret genetic results from a collection of 299 tissue samples from unclipped juvenile steelhead at Willamette Falls, five from the mainstem Willamette River, and two from the South Santiam River in 2010 in addition to a single sample from an unclipped adult steelhead at the Minto fish collection facility. Samples were preserved 7 and cataloged and then shipped to the NOAA Fisheries Manchester, Washington (WA) laboratory for analysis. Task 3.2: Evaluate release strategies for summer steelhead to increase migration and reduce impacts on wild fish. Study plans to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of volitional release strategies were completed and presented in the 2009 annual report to USACE (Cannon et al. 2010). Funding to process the tissue samples was not available in 2010, and no progress was made in executing the proposed work. Title: Willamette Biological Opinion Hatchery Research 2010 Annual Report Abstract -- Task 1.1: Distribution, Abundance, and Proportion of Hatchery and Natural-Origin Chinook Salmon: Counts of spring Chinook redds were similar in 2010 compared to the 2002–2009 averages for the Middle Fork Willamette, McKenzie and the North Santiam rivers and significantly higher in the South Santiam River Preliminary analyses indicate that the proportions of hatchery fish recovered as carcasses from the spawning grounds varied significantly among all four surveyed sub-basins (South Santiam > M. Fork Willamette > North Santiam > McKenzie) Task 1.2: Monitor fin-clipped & unclipped fish passing Leaburg and Upper Bennett dams. Adult fish passage at Leaburg and Upper Bennett dams was continuously monitored in 2010. We estimated that 2,696 spring Chinook (52% unclipped) passed above Leaburg Dam and 5,956 passed above upper Bennett Dam (14% unclipped). Passage at Leaburg Dam of fin-clipped fish was strongly bimodal with peaks in June (coincident with passage of the majority of unclipped fish) and September (coincident with a smaller proportion of unclipped fish). This bimodal peak suggests that hatchery fish might be removed in September to reduce the proportion of hatchery origin spawners while simultaneously reducing the impacts of handling wild fish. Task 2.1: Collection, spawn timing, and Hatchery/Wild (H/W ) composition for broodstock management. Collection, spawn timing, and H/W composition for broodstock management were successfully monitored at all facilities in 2010. Task 2.2: Determine Survival of Outplanted Fish and Abundance of Spawners. Patterns of pre-spawning mortality were similar to results in 2009 with mortality below project dams significantly higher than that above project dams. We did not detect significant differences in mortality between clipped and unclipped spring Chinook. In comparisons of pre-spawning mortality among sub-basins above project dams, pre-spawning mortality was uniformly low in the Breitenbush and N. Santiam above Detroit, S. Santiam above Foster, and in the S. Fork McKenzie. Pre-spawning mortality was uniformly higher above project dams in the N. Fork Mid. Fork Willamette, Fall Creek and the Little N. Fork Santiam. No comprehensive surveys were conducted in the Middle Fork Willamette. Task 3.1: Determine the extent of summer steelhead reproduction in the wild: We developed a formal study plan to analyze and interpret genetic results from a collection of 299 tissue samples from unclipped juvenile steelhead at Willamette Falls, five from the mainstem Willamette River, and two from the South Santiam River in 2010 in addition to a single sample from an unclipped adult steelhead at the Minto fish collection facility. Samples were preserved 7 and cataloged and then shipped to the NOAA Fisheries Manchester, Washington (WA) laboratory for analysis. Task 3.2: Evaluate release strategies for summer steelhead to increase migration and reduce impacts on wild fish. Study plans to evaluate advantages and disadvantages of volitional release strategies were completed and presented in the 2009 annual report to USACE (Cannon et al. 2010). Funding to process the tissue samples was not available in 2010, and no progress was made in executing the proposed work. Close