Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program
SOW Report
Contract 56091: 1991-019-01 EXP HUNGRY HORSE MITIGATION/FLATHEAD
Project Number:
Title:
Hungry Horse Mitigation/Flathead Lake Restoration and Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RM&E)
Stage:
Implementation
Area:
Province Subbasin %
Mountain Columbia Flathead 100.00%
Contract Number:
56091
Contract Title:
1991-019-01 EXP HUNGRY HORSE MITIGATION/FLATHEAD
Contract Continuation:
Previous: Next:
50765: 1991-019-01 EXP HUNGRY HORSE MITIGATION/FLATHEAD
  • 59727: 1991-019-01 EXP HUNGRY HORSE MITIGATION/FLATHEAD
Contract Status:
Closed
Contract Description:
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) wrote "Fisheries Mitigation Plan for Losses Attributable to the Construction and Operation of Hungry Horse Dam" in March 1991 to define the fisheries losses, mitigation alternatives and recommendations to protect, mitigate and enhance resident fish and aquatic habitat affected by Hungry Horse Dam.  On November 12, 1991, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) approved the mitigation plan with minor modifications, called for a detailed implementation plan, and amended measures 903(h)(1) through (7).  A long-term mitigation plan was submitted in August 1992, was approved by the Council in 1993, and the first contract for this project was signed on November 11, 1993.  The problem this project addresses is the loss of habitat, both in quality and quantity, in the interconnected Flathead Lake and River basin resulting from the construction and operation of Hungry Horse Dam.  Projects will be selected and implemented in accordance with the limiting factors, priorities and strategies identified in the Flathead River Subbasin Plan, amended to the Program in 2004.

The Flathead watershed has been radically altered by dam construction for hydropower and other land uses. With the construction of Hungry Horse, Bigfork and Kerr dams, the Flathead River system was divided into isolated reaches.  Past legal and illegal species introductions are also causing problems for these isolated ecosystems.  In the drainage, native bull trout are a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and westslope cutthroat have been designated by the state as a species of special concern.  This project fosters mitigation to offset the impacts of the construction of Hungry Horse Dam and the inundation of 72 miles of the South Fork of the Flathead River and its tributaries upstream of the dam.  

Key subbasins within the Flathead drainage, which are critical to native species restoration, are experiencing a rapid change in land ownership and management patterns.  Subdivision and residential development of agricultural and timber lands adjacent to streams and lakes pose one of the greatest threats to weak but recoverable stocks of trout species.  Growth of small tract development throughout the watershed is occurring at a record rate.    

This project addresses basin-level objectives of the 2000 Fish and Wildlife Program of (1) maintenance and restoration of healthy ecosystems and watersheds, (2) protection and expansion of habitat and ecosystem functions, and (3) the achievement of desired population characteristics of resident fish species.  The project mitigates the blockage of spawning runs by Hungry Horse Dam by restoring and creating spawning habitats within Flathead Lake tributaries.  The project also addresses the unstable shoreline habitat within Flathead Lake and shifts in species composition within the lake and consequent dominance of introduced species that might restrict the success of mitigation measures.  

Specific goals of this project are to create and restore habitat and quantitatively monitor changes in fish populations to verify the efficacy of our mitigation measures.  The project consists of four components: monitoring, restoration, research, and coordination.  Monitoring, for example, includes a spring gillnetting series conducted annually in Flathead Lake and builds on an existing data set initiated in 1981.  

Monitoring of the experimental kokanee reintroduction was a primary activity of this project between 1992 and 1997.  Lake trout, whose high densities have precluded successful mitigation of losses of other species in Flathead Lake, have been monitored since 1996 to measure several biological parameters.  Results of this work have utility in determining the status of this key predator.  The project also defined the baseline condition of the Flathead Lake fishery in 1992-1993 and has conducted annual lakewide creel surveys since 1998.  

The restoration component of the project has addressed several stream channel, riparian, and fish passage problems.  The research component of the project began in FY 2000 and measured trophic links between Mysis relicta and other species to assist in predicting the results of potential mitigation strategies.  

The Tribe obtains cost share funds from other sources for the majority of the objectives within this workplan.  

This project also has incorporated the watershed coordination project.  The watershed coordinator was previously a stand alone project but was merged into this project at the request of BPA.  The watershed coordinator helps to coordinate private landowners and agencies for addressing the issues mentioned above.  For recovery of the fisheries resources to be successful in the drainage, local involvement is necessary.  

This project is a coordinated effort toward addressing resource concerns and limiting factors within the Flathead River basin from a watershed perspective.  Pilot projects and all other restoration or enhancement projects coordinated and implemented under this project will help address the fisheries losses from Hungry Horse Dam construction and operation.  This project coordinates agencies, landowners, funding sources, and contractors to facilitate on-the-ground actions which benefit resident fish and wildlife.  

This project complements other projects such as Secure and Restore Critical Resident Fish Habitat (200200300), Hungry Horse Mitigation/Habitat Improvements (9101903), Hungry Horse Mitigation (9101904) and its sister project in the Kootenai River system (9608702).  This project also assists with the implementation of projects conducted with Tribal dollars.  This project coordinates the efforts of these other projects through coordinating with landowners, other agencies and funding sources, contractors, etc.  Activities for FY 2009 include four data collection work elements.  They include quantification of: 1) trends in native species abundance in Flathead Lake by gillnetting surveys, 2) harvest and pressure in Flathead Lake by means of roving interviews and aerial counts, 3) lake trout population trends, and 4) catch rates in stocked, off-site reservoirs.  There are two research-based work elements intended to assist in guiding future mitigation activities.  These research activities address bioenergetics of the Flathead Lake fish community, and the factors controlling shoreline erosion rates in Flathead Lake.  The implementation-level work elements include decommissioning of roads, installation of riparian fences, construction of a natural gravel beach, culvert removal, and correction of detrimental irrigation structures.
Account Type(s):
Expense
Contract Start Date:
10/01/2011
Contract End Date:
09/30/2012
Current Contract Value:
$487,021
Expenditures:
$487,021

* Expenditures data includes accruals and are based on data through 30-Sep-2024.

Env. Compliance Lead:
Work Order Task(s):
Contract Type:
Contract (IGC)
Pricing Method:
Cost Reimbursement (CNF)
Click the map to see this Contract's location details.

Description: Aerial view of Jocko River restoration

Contract(s):

56091

Dimensions: 960 x 720


Viewing of Work Statement Elements

Deliverable Title WSE Sort Letter, Number, Title Start End Concluded
All applicable EC documents B: 165. NEPA and ESA documents, & other cultural or environmental clearance 09/30/2012 09/30/2012
Database of Flathead Lake and river creel survey results C: 157. Quantify Flathead lake and river fishery 09/30/2012 09/30/2012
Average catch rates, total annual harvest and pressure for the Flathead Lake fishery. D: 162. Analyze trends in data collected under WE E 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Results of analysis of trends in six measures of lake trout population dynamics E: 162. Analyze biological parameters of lake trout 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Data set of angler reports and fish shocking results F: 157. Monitor success of fish planting program 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Report quantifying success of planting program G: 162. Analyze monitoring data from WE H and draw conclusions 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Database of erosion rates and evaluation of erosion control techniques H: 157. Research shoreline erosion processes and restoration results 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Report of monitoring results of lakeshore erosion rates I: 162. Analyze results of research under WE J and success of restoration projects 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Population estimate of lake trout in Flathead Lake J: 158. Conduct mark/recapture field procedure 07/30/2012 07/30/2012
A population estimate of lake trout in Flathead Lake K: 162. Generate lake trout population estimate 06/01/2012 06/01/2012
Up to 5 miles of road removed in Camas, DAyton and Mill Creek drainages L: 33. Timber road and culvert removal in Camas, Mill, and Dayton watersheds 08/28/2012 08/28/2012
A Reservation-wide data set of westslope trout genetic status M: 157. Determine the genetic status of westslope cutthroat trout on the Flathead Indian Reservation 09/30/2012 09/30/2012
A determination of population viability and population-specific management recommendations. N: 162. Analyze genetics data from isolated streams in WE M 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Construction of Magpie Creek fish passage barrier O: 190. Construct passage barrier in Magpie Creek 09/28/2012
Restoration of about 2,000 ft of Ronan Creek P: 30. Restore the segment of Ronan Creek through Big Meadow 09/29/2012
A restored reach (1,500') of Jocko River channel and floodplain Q: 30. Restore a segment of the Jocko River and floodplain 09/28/2012
2500 ft of fence protecting the Jocko River floodplain R: 40. Fence Schall property 08/29/2012 09/21/2012
3,200 feet of protective fencing along the Jocko River S: 40. Fence Meyer property 09/28/2012
3,500 feet of protective fencing along the Jocko River T: 40. Fence Firestone property 09/03/2012
Remove structures and debris from newly acquired properties U: 27. Remove structures and debris from newly acquired properties 06/14/2012 06/14/2012
Land management plans for newly acquired properties V: 193. Produce land management plans on newly acquired properties 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Weed management on 350 acres of acquired lands W: 197. Manage weed infestations on acquired properties 09/30/2012 09/30/2012
Coordination meetings and new project/cost share opportunities X: 191. New and ongoing coordination activities 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
List of projects for FY2011 Y: 114. Identify problems and coordinate solutions 09/28/2012 09/28/2012
Appraisal reports, NEPA documents, surveys, and title reports Z: 172. Work with project 200200300 on acquisitions & easements 09/30/2012 09/30/2012
Funding Package - Submit draft to COTR AA: 119. Manage current and future projects 05/28/2012 05/28/2012
Attach Progress Report in Pisces AB: 132. Annual Report of Completion of WE's 10/1/10 to 9/30/11 09/28/2012

Viewing of Implementation Metrics
Viewing of Environmental Metrics Customize

Primary Focal Species Work Statement Elements
Cutthroat Trout, Westslope (O. c. lewisi)
  • 1 instance of WE 190 Remove, Exclude and/or Relocate Animals
  • 1 instance of WE 193 Produce Land Management Plan
  • 1 instance of WE 197 Maintain/Remove Vegetation
  • 1 instance of WE 27 Remove Debris
  • 2 instances of WE 30 Realign, Connect, and/or Create Channel
  • 1 instance of WE 33 Decommission Road/Relocate Road
  • 3 instances of WE 40 Install Fence
  • 1 instance of WE 172 Conduct Pre-Acquisition Activities
  • 1 instance of WE 114 Identify and Select Projects
  • 3 instances of WE 157 Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data
  • 1 instance of WE 158 Mark/Tag Animals
  • 4 instances of WE 162 Analyze/Interpret Data
Trout, Bull (S. confluentus) (Threatened)
  • 1 instance of WE 197 Maintain/Remove Vegetation
  • 1 instance of WE 27 Remove Debris
  • 1 instance of WE 30 Realign, Connect, and/or Create Channel
  • 1 instance of WE 33 Decommission Road/Relocate Road
  • 3 instances of WE 40 Install Fence
  • 1 instance of WE 172 Conduct Pre-Acquisition Activities
  • 1 instance of WE 114 Identify and Select Projects
  • 2 instances of WE 157 Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data
  • 1 instance of WE 158 Mark/Tag Animals
  • 3 instances of WE 162 Analyze/Interpret Data
Trout, Lake (S. namaycush) [OBSOLETE]
  • 1 instance of WE 157 Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data
  • 1 instance of WE 158 Mark/Tag Animals
  • 4 instances of WE 162 Analyze/Interpret Data
Trout, Rainbow (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
  • 1 instance of WE 157 Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data
  • 1 instance of WE 162 Analyze/Interpret Data

Sort WE ID WE Title NEPA NOAA USFWS NHPA Has Provisions Inadvertent Discovery Completed
A 185 Periodic Status Reports for BPA 10/01/2011
B 165 NEPA and ESA documents, & other cultural or environmental clearance 10/01/2011
C 157 Quantify Flathead lake and river fishery 10/01/2011
D 162 Analyze trends in data collected under WE E 10/01/2011
E 162 Analyze biological parameters of lake trout 10/01/2011
F 157 Monitor success of fish planting program 10/01/2011
G 162 Analyze monitoring data from WE H and draw conclusions 10/01/2011
H 157 Research shoreline erosion processes and restoration results 10/01/2011
I 162 Analyze results of research under WE J and success of restoration projects 10/01/2011
J 158 Conduct mark/recapture field procedure 10/01/2011
K 162 Generate lake trout population estimate 10/01/2011
L 33 Timber road and culvert removal in Camas, Mill, and Dayton watersheds
M 157 Determine the genetic status of westslope cutthroat trout on the Flathead Indian Reservation 10/01/2011
N 162 Analyze genetics data from isolated streams in WE M 10/01/2011
O 190 Construct passage barrier in Magpie Creek 07/17/2012
P 30 Restore the segment of Ronan Creek through Big Meadow
Q 30 Restore a segment of the Jocko River and floodplain 09/12/2011
R 40 Fence Schall property 10/01/2011
S 40 Fence Meyer property
T 40 Fence Firestone property 10/01/2011
U 27 Remove structures and debris from newly acquired properties
V 193 Produce land management plans on newly acquired properties
W 197 Manage weed infestations on acquired properties 10/01/2011
X 191 New and ongoing coordination activities 10/01/2011
Y 114 Identify problems and coordinate solutions 10/01/2011
Z 172 Work with project 200200300 on acquisitions & easements 10/01/2011
AA 119 Manage current and future projects 10/01/2011
AB 132 Annual Report of Completion of WE's 10/1/10 to 9/30/11 10/01/2011