CCR-43489:

Through this contract change request funds will be added to the contract to replace and ship an actuator for the N.F. Salmon Creek diversion. The actuator for the diversion on the North Fork of Salmon Creek (NFSC) raises and lowers the gate on the diversion.  During this spring the actuator was determined inoperable by staff of the Okanogan Irrigation District (OID). The actuator automates the operation of diversion gate and allows the operation to be controlled remotely. Thus the operation of the gate can be responsive and divert more or less water nearly instantaneously depending on discharge in the NFSC, water elevations in Salmon Lake (receiving water body), etc.
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During this contract period, CCT will be accomplishing the following work:

Actively participate in watershed coordination by discussing schedules for redd and juvenile steelhead surveys, water releases, fish out-plants with irrigation district, local, NGOs, and city/state/federal governments.  CCT will continue to facilitate communication between the Okanogan Irrigation District and Washington Water Trust to secure funds for the volume of water associated with the water lease.

CCT staff will continue to evaluate fish passage conditions during controlled releases in Salmon Creek.  Will survey stream channel to ensure stability and identify any impediments to adult fish passage or stranding of smolts within the lower reach of Salmon Creek.  Staff will prepare and present results and evaluation of low flow channel to the Okanogan Irrigation District (OID).  If the low-flow channel is obscured by high water, CCT proposes to contract with a design firm to prepare designs to improve the channel and contract manager will coordinate with BPA COR, BPA engineer, and BPA EC Lead.  

In this contract, based upon results of the EDT output/prioritization and hydraulic model, contract manager will reach out to landowners to discuss conceptual plans to address impacts upon aquatic resources from current and past land management practices.  CCT contract manager will coordinate with the BPA COTR and EC lead on habitat restoration projects before including the project in the SOW.  Lastly, CCT will submit Progress (Annual) Report for the period 8/1/2017 to 7/31/2018 summarizing the accomplishments made possible through this contract.

CCT Contract Manager and CCT's design consultants will all cooperate, coordinate, collaborate, and maintain effective communication with BPA PM/COR, EC Lead, RRT Lead, and Hydraulic Engineer during the entire length of this contract with regards to project design.  CCT and its subcontractors will address BPA comments and concerns, and the two entities will arrive at a mutual beneficial consensus. CCT contract manager will upload all the subcontracts being executed under this contract.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY OF SALMON CREEK:

The objective of the CCT is to return perennial flow to Salmon Creek.  At a minimum, 3,600 ac-ft is required to meet adequate conditions for the life history for summer steelhead.  

Since 1910, water from Salmon Creek has been stored in Conconully Reservoir, which is delivered to agricultural fields within the Okanogan Irrigation District, via ~ 12 miles of Salmon Creek.  In addition,  the North Fork of Salmon Creek is diverted into Salmon Lake, an off-channel storage reservoir, via a feeder canal.  Water is then released from Salmon Lake to augment storage of Conconully Reservoir.   Both reservoirs are near the town of Conconully, about 17 miles northwest of Okanogan. Two pumping plants supplement the water supply during water-short years.  Shell Rock Pump Station lifts water from the Okanogan River, and Duck Lake Pumping Plant withdraws water from Duck Lake.

Salmon Creek, a tributary to the Okanogan River, is considered to be one of the most significant opportunities to restore summer steelhead in the Okanogan Basin.  This project reconnects the Okanogan River with approximately 11 miles of habitat conducive for spawning and rearing of summer steelhead.  During controlled water releases in 2003, approximately 25 cfs was required for fish migration downstream of the diversion dam.  During 2008 a "low-flow" channel was constructed downstream of the diversion dam which provided suitable fish passage conditions at approximately 10 cfs.  The low flow channel extended the duration of water available through a 12-year water lease program.  During 2011, uncontrolled spill exceeded 500 cfs resulting in an undistinguishable low flow channel.  The low flow channel was re-established after the irrigation season of 2012.  This included re-shaping the outlet of Salmon Creek as well as fortifying the stream bank in two reaches, one of which where a structure was in jeopardy of falling into the channel.  

In addition land purchases (+200 acres) have occurred within the lowermost 15 miles of Salmon Creek, as well as activating high flow channels, reestablishing spring-fed alcoves, and abating sediment delivery from incised stream banks.  

In the future, efforts will be directed at securing the remaining 1,800 ac-ft. to reestablish perennial flow in Salmon Creek.  Acquiring an additional 1,800 ac-ft. may come from a number of techniques including increased irrigation efficiencies, long-term water leases, or development of alternative water sources.  However, at this time it is uncertain as to the source of funding to secure this additional water.