Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation (MSRF) and partners are conducting a Reach Assessment of the Lower Methow River from the mouth of the river at Pateros  at River Mile (RM) 0 to RM 28 at the town of Carlton.  All Upper Columbia River (UCR) spring Chinook salmon and UCR steelhead entering and exiting the Methow River use the 28 mile reach of the Lower Methow for adult migration and holding and for juvenile rearing and emigration.  The reach is a minor spawning area for steelhead, and also provides foraging, migration, and overwinter habitat for Columbia River (CR) bull trout.

The purpose of the Lower Methow Reach Assessment is to describe geofluvial processes; historic, current, and potential future habitat conditions; and fish use in order to assist stakeholders in identifying and prioritizing projects necessary to assist with habitat improvements for ESA listed fish species.

This contract represents Phase I of the effort, and will focus on the compilation and direct collection of physical and biological data and completion of preliminary modeling in conjunction with BPA prioritization methodology for the Lower Methow reach.  These data and results will  be incorporated into Phase 2 for modeling, analysis, and reporting.

The contractor MSRF, its designated agents, sub-consultants and project stakeholders will be available, responsive and collaboratively address contract related issues during the term of the contract. Contract issues include but are not limited to technical, policy, regulatory, project management and associated elements related to the project. Successful execution of this contract is contingent on alignment of the preceding contract issues with the BPI and BPA contracting processes, project management plans, design review protocols (including but not limited to BPA, UCSRB, & RRT design review, review, input, comments, integration, stakeholder congruence with proposed actions and decisions rendered by 1) the project executive team (BPA, UCSRB, MSRF). Arbitration and dispute resolution will occur relative to the following two tier escalation ladder: 1) conference with the project Executive Team and 2) Direct consultation between program managers.