In the Upper Columbia region numerous salmonid-focused habitat restoration projects have been implemented in the past decade to address habitat limiting factors and improve the survival of ESA-listed salmonids. Pacific Lamprey (and Western Brook lamprey) are present in many of these project areas, but little information exists to determine whether or not these salmonid-focused projects are benefitting lamprey through the creation and/or enhancement of larval rearing habitat and its use by larval lamprey.
Project Goals:
1) Quantify the availability and condition of lamprey rearing habitat at 40 salmonid-focused habitat restoration projects in the Methow and Entiat Subbasins.
2) Quantify the use of this available habitat by larval lamprey.
3) Assess salmonid-focused project types and features that promote development of (or enhance existing) larval rearing habitat.

Project results will be disseminated through the Pacific Lamprey Conservation Initiative and Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board Watershed Action Teams. Results will inform the on-going salmon-focused habitat restoration efforts in order to increase their effectiveness at providing habitat benefits to imperiled lampreys.