This is a straight-forward and self-contained proposal, is technically sound, and presents no major issues or concerns. The qualifications are that the sponsors should identify the location and descriptive information about site characteristics and what developmental work is needed before recreational benefits begin. The sponsors should also identify how sedimentation ponds at Talmaks Reservoir will be maintained, including how sediment will be removed. The ISRP recommends that these items be addressed in the Council's decision making process and BPA contracting.

1. Purpose: Significance to Regional Programs, Technical Background, and Objectives

The background describing the purpose and history of the project and its significance to regional programs is clearly presented. Most of continuing funding is sought for O&M of existing pond programs.

Objectives of the long-standing project are largely to provide fish for recreational use, principally by tribal members but also by non-members, and to provide a valuable outreach function.

2. History: Accomplishments, Results, and Adaptive Management (ISRP Review of Results)

The proposal very briefly summarized project accomplishments in a section that would have been inadequate in communicating results in terms of basic metrics like number of hours of recreational effort and trout catch rates to date in the absence of the site visit and the Portland presentation. It appears that 3,000 to 3,700 kg of trout are harvested annually from the three ponds.

Reviewers agree with sponsors' assessment regarding the severe environmental limitations and shortcomings of the Mud Creek and Talmaks ponds. They also understand the traditional value of those two sites. The factors limiting return-to-creel of stocked trout at Mud Creek and Talmaks ponds that have sub-optimal performance appear to be well identified and understood by the sponsors.

It is equally apparent that the Tunnel pond is performing well to provide good recreational opportunities, both in terms of quality and quantity.

Modified by Dal Marsters on 4/13/2012 4:33:16 PM.