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 FY17 contracting period, one of the main objectives will be to continue moving ahead with the comprehensive plan presented to various committees and agencies, which has been accepted generally.  The main placement of this program is to maximize spring Chinook distribution in the upper Methow where adult management is in place and being implemented to restrict/reduce hatchery influence and more importantly reduce the effects of a single source release location, which YN identified in the UCSCSA original plan.  Currently, restrictions to the numbers being released in the upper Methow are due to the uncertainties of whether these decreases in productivity form the egg-to-emigrant life stage is due to super saturation in the reaches near Methow SFH and Winthrop NFH, hatchery contributions that are driving down reproductive success or a combination of both.  So, for 2017 releases will occur only at Goat Wall and Chewuch AF (not being operated by YN in 2017 under this contract due to issues from the Colville but working on a future agreement).  Steelhead in the Methow are being planned for release either from future Goat Wall releases and/or Early Winters.

For the Wenatchee, focus in on steelhead acclimation in Nason Creek.  The Powerline site will alleviate the lack of acclimated rearing needed for these species and get away from the current direct planting strategy.  

Primarily activities for this contract will revolve around several key items:

- Managing necessary NEPA, SEPA and ESA approvals  for project consultations (currently have the project EA going out for formal public review on Nov. 9, 2016) and have already received first round of comments back from SEPA lead WDFW.  Looking at NEPA completion, barring any significant issues by around Christmas 2016.  ESA consultations are under way with both USFWS and NMFS.  Timelines for completion are unclear at this point in time but have gotten communication form both agencies (Sierra Franks; USFWS and Roman Pittman; NMFS) so they are being worked on currently.  Processing permits for Powerline construction and continuing to develop release numbers at various sites and get HCP and PRCC committee approval.