This contract describes work elements necessary to determine habitat unit crediting for BPA mitigation projects. Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) is the primary tool used to estimate habitat losses incurred as a result of dam construction on rivers located within the Columbia Basin Region. Similarly, HEP is also used to determine BPA compensation habitat unit credits for protection and enhancement efforts funded by BPA. Work tasks include hiring crew members, scheduling and planning HEP evaluations, conducting field assessments, compiling and analyzing data, writing reports, and procuring and maintaining vehicle(s), field gear, and computer/software equipment.

Field data is analyzed and applied to HEP species model variables to determine habitat quality and habitat units. HEP survey results are included in project reports. HEP survey reports may be drafted by the Regional HEP Team Coordinator/assistant, and/or in conjunction with project staff; Regional HEP Team (RHT) Coordinator will review all reports regardless of authorship.  If multiple properties belonging to the same entity are surveyed, HEP results may be combined into a single report.  Reports will be submitted to their respective project entities, BPA and CBFWA as they are completed.   Sections included in each HEP report: Abstract, Methods, Results, Discussion. Report will include raw data files, data summaries, transect photos within appendices and/or attachments.

During this contract period a data warehousing effort will be initiated in which all data (digital and paper) will be assessed for relocation to a secure archive.  
Additionally, during this contract period, Paul Ashley will draft white papers capturing historical issues related to this program and  to assist in this transition of the HEP program,