This acclimation project proposes to further develop acclimation for upper Columbia steelhead and spring Chinook by developing new semi-natural ponds similar to what has been uniquely successful in the Mid-Columbia Coho Restoration Project (BPA Project #19-96-04000).  This would involve utilizing the existing PUD/Federal mitigation production in the region that is currently doing either direct stream plants or single point, large releases and expand/refine those releases by adding additional acclimation releases in known habitat reaches within the Wenatchee and Methow watersheds.   This strategy will enhance the goals of recovery for these 2 listed stocks.

For the FY09 contracting period, one of the main objectives will be to present a comprehensive plan for rearing strategies for the aforementioned listed stocks within the UC watershed; specifically the Wenatchee and Methow basins.  Once the plan has been established and agreed upon by various co-managers, conducting various field studies and site data collection will occur to determine if potential, identified rearing sites will have the ability to rear these species of concern and at what level.  Management throughout this whole process will be key in implementation.