The goal of this project is to increase the abundance of naturally produced Upper Columbia River steelhead on their natural spawning grounds.  Project objectives include: (1) Implementing steelhead kelt reconditioning program in Upper Columbia River to increase natural origin steelhead spawner abundance relative to current conditions, (2) Evaluating kelt survival and program effectiveness, and (3) Collaborating with on going M&E studies to document the reproductive success of reconditioned kelts after release.  The scope of this contract covers steps critical to development and implementation of a kelt reconditioning program in the Upper Columbia River.  Activities expected to be completed within the contract period include the development of a site plan for the kelt reconditioning facility and construction of the facility.  Coordination with on-site visits at capture and reconditioning locations with affected stakeholders (USFWS, WDFW, Chelan PUD and Douglas PUD) will take place.  Two studies will be conducted during this contract period, a live spawning/fucundity study and a trapping study, will determine potential sources for natural origin steelhead kelts that to be included in the program.  The work elements to be performed under this contract will ensure that the infrastructure and methodologies are in place so that kelt collection and reconditioning activities may begin in the spring of 2012.