CCR-40709:

Through this contract change request, the COR will add funding to implement the project.  The COR will also extend the contract period.  This has pre-approval by the CO and with EWB.  The reason for this change request is as follows:

1) Extend specific WE end dates (for work elements B, C, D, E, F, and H);
2) Add necessary funding to implement project; and
3) Adjust appropriate WE budgets.

The reason for the contract amendment is to fund the perennial side channel connection alternative and allow for construction during the driest time of year (September - October).  Site restoration (planting) will follow completion of earthwork in October.  Preparation of the as-built and contract close-out will be completed in November.

The Nason Creek RM 2.3 side channel connection project will improve fish access to a  floodplain side channel. The existing floodplain side channel is a relict oxbow that is not connected to surface water flows in Nason Creek until the 25 year event.  The goal of this project is to use limited excavation and placement of large wood to improve the duration and frequency of floodplain connection to Nason Creek. This will improve fish access to off-channel habitat providing high and low flow rearing areas. This project will construct a side channel re-connection near RM 2.3 on Nason Creek.  The site contains a relic oxbow and will require minimal excavation at the downstream end to provide a perennial connection to Nason Creek.  This restoration project will increase the frequency of floodplain inundation and provide over 2 acres of juvenile off-channel rearing habitat.

The project has four objectives which include the metrics:

1. Reconnect a .36 mile long high flow channel to the mainstem through excavation of a small berm or plug near the downstream end of the existing side channel.
2. Increase activation frequency and duration at the upstream end of the side channel either through narrow, shallow excavation and/ or through placement of two in-stream log jams that direct flows towards the inlet.
3. Improve fish access to 2 acres of floodplain side channel.
4. Evaluate ditches on site to determine whether modification can improve fish habitat, wetland habitat, and/or side channel function.

Nason creek has been identified as the highest priority watershed for restoration actions in the Wenatchee watershed. Re-connection of peripheral and transitional habitats has been identified as the highest priority action in Nason Creek by the Upper Columbia spring Chinook and Steelhead Recovery plan (in the Biological Strategy Appendix).  This project was selected for funding by BPA through a targeted solicitation process as part of the Upper Columbia Habitat Project.  This contract will fund Chelan County Natural Resources Department (CCNRD) staff to secure permit authorizations, construct this project, and coordinate these efforts with landowners and stakeholders.  Project partners include Bonneville Power Administration as funder and Chelan Douglas Land Trust as the landowner.  This project will be constructed in summer 2018.

The contractor Chelan County Natural resource Department (CCNRD), 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 RRT design review, Technical and Design Team guidance, review, input, comments, integration, stakeholder congruence with proposed actions and decisions rendered by 1) the project executive team (BPA, UCSRB, CCNRD). 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.