Recommendations for Implementing Research, Monitoring and Evaluation for the 2008 NOAA Fisheries FCRPS BiOp. Draft 2009.

RPA 56.3 -- Facilitate and participate in an ongoing collaboration process to develop a regional strategy
for limited habitat status and trend monitoring for key ESA fish populations.

In the Grande Ronde, limiting factors were listed as: Flow; Habitat diversity; Obstructions; Riparian/Off-Channel habitat; Water quality, sediment

In Catherine Creek, limiting factors were listed as: Flow; Habitat diversity; Obstructions; Riparian/Off-Channel habitat; Temperature.

The Upper Grande Ronde and Catherine Creek populations each have a 23% habitat gap.

RPA 57.5 Action agencies will convene a regional technical group to develop an initial set of relationships in FY2008, then annually
convene the group to expand and refine models relating habitat actions to ecosystem function and salmon survival by incorporating
research and monitoring results and other relevant information. (initiate in FY2008).

A core set of habitat metrics that need to be measured within the recommended populations will be generated based on IMW analyses,
Workgroup recommendations (from RPA 57.5), and regional discussions on monitoring needed to support high-level indicators (NWEIS and PNAMP). Those habitat metrics that have a strong relationship with population processes will be included in the core set of metrics. The habitat status and trend monitoring design should follow the GRTS-based, master-sample management tools whenever possible.

CRITFC comment (Dale McCullough): It seems appropriate that our habitat monitoring project in the Grande Ronde and Catherine Creek, using the Minam as a reference condition, is related to RPA 56.3. We are applying GRTS sampling design. However, our project is more that simply status and trend monitoring. We are developing a predictive model using key habitat variables to predict life cycle survival of spring chinook. We have made use of past subbasin plan evaluations of limiting factors and assessments leading to the Accords to identify critical variables to monitor and incorporate into our model. These variables are also consistent with those identified in this Council document on RPAs. Possibly RPA 57.5 hinges on whether CRITFC needs to be included in the Workgroup for this RPA. I will leave that to the discretion of BPA and consult with my COTR.  We have been coordinating with BPA, NOAA, and ODFW concerning application of the CHamP monitoring protocol to development of consisten region-wide status and trend data. We expect to be part of the workgroup involved in application and development of CHaMP methods given that we have considerable experience in monitoring to share with the group.