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Project Summary

Project 1995-001-00 - Kalispel Tribe Resident Fish Program
Project Number:
1995-001-00
Title:
Kalispel Tribe Resident Fish Program
Summary:
Habitat degradation/alteration and widespread stocking of non-native species have resulted in fish assemblages in the Pend Oreille subbasin that are drastically different from pre-development native communities. Native fish have been displaced throughout much of their historic habitat by non-natives. Dams on the Pend Oreille River have created habitat suitable for warm-water species. The objectives of this project focus on implementing measures incorporated into the Council's 1995 Program: 1) restoring tributary populations of native cutthroat and bull trout, and 2) enhancing the largemouth bass population to provide a quality sport and subsistence fishery in the reservoir. Stream habitat and fish assessments were initiated in 1995. Based on recommendations from these assessments, tributary restoration projects started in 1996. In 2002, overall fish densities in the restored tributary sites increased 47%; however, non-native species accounted for much of the increase. Therefore, tributary restoration efforts were more focused on non-native species removals. Non-native brook trout removal has been conducted in the upper West Branch LeClerc Creek watershed since 2002. From 2002 to 2006, over 12,000 brook trout have been removed from 10.2 Km of stream in the upper West Branch LeClerc Creek watershed. In 1997, artificial structures were placed in four reservoir sloughs to provide overwinter cover for juvenile largemouth bass. Largemouth bass habitat enhancement has resulted in a significant increase in juvenile relative abundance. Therefore, additional largemouth bass habitat enhancement structures will be placed in sloughs in 2007.

In summary, the Kalispel Natural Resource Department's plan for recovering native salmonid populations is:

1. Perform baseline stream habitat and fish population assessments to determine current distribution and abundance and identify core watersheds where recovery efforts will be focused.
2. Work to protect existing native populations and good habitat through participation in regional policy setting groups and consultation with area land, fish, and wildlife management agencies.
3. Pursue funding from various sources and participate jointly with other agencies in watershed restoration projects.
4. Implement instream and riparian restoration in identified recovery areas.
5. In recovery areas with non-native populations, relocate native species, treat streams to remove non-native species, and translocate genetically identical or similar native fish from sister watersheds.
6. Monitor restoration and adapt management plans if needed.

This project, a primary component to implementing the native salmonid recovery plan, has the following objectives:


1. Conduct habitat and fisheries assessments in tributaries of the Pend Oreille River watershed that are third order or larger.

2. Develop recommendations for and implement additional enhancement.

3. Monitor and evaluate habitat enhancement projects.

4. Maintain habitat enhancement structures

5. Reduce competition between non-native and native salmonids
Proposer:
None
Proponent Orgs:
Kalispel Tribe (Tribe)
Starting FY:
1995
Ending FY:
2034
Stage:
Implementation - Project Status Report
Area:
Province Subbasin %
Intermountain Pend Oreille 100.00%
Purpose:
Habitat
Emphasis:
Restoration/Protection
Focal Species:
All Anadromous Fish
Bass, Largemouth
Cutthroat Trout, Westslope
Cutthroat Trout, Yellowstone
Kokanee
Trout, Brook
Trout, Brown
Trout, Bull
Trout, Rainbow
Wildlife
Species Benefit:
Anadromous: 0.0%   Resident: 100.0%   Wildlife: 0.0%
Special:
None
BiOp Association:
None

Description: Page: 8 Figure 1: Barrier at Flat Creek at Fish Station 228

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 336 x 448

Description: Page: 10 Figure 2: 2010 Fish Sampling Sites Overview

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 637 x 825

Description: Page: 12 Figure 4: Barrier on Kalispell Creek at Fish Station 240

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 374 x 498

Description: Page: 15 Figure 6: Kalispell Creek Westslope Cutthroat

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 483 x 362

Description: Page: 15 Figure 7: Diamond Creek Cutthroat

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 484 x 363

Description: Page: 17 Figure 8: Big Meadow Construction

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 388 x 291

Description: Page: 17 Figure 9: Big Meadow Construction

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 761 x 570

Description: Page: 18 Figure 10: Potted Plants in Nursery

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 433 x 324

Description: Page: 18 Figure 11: Potted Plants in Nursery

Project(s): 1995-001-00

Document: P122860

Dimensions: 790 x 592


Summary of Budgets

To view all expenditures for all fiscal years, click "Project Exp. by FY"

To see more detailed project budget information, please visit the "Project Budget" page

Decided Budget Transfers  (FY2024 - FY2026)

Acct FY Acct Type Amount Fund Budget Decision Date
FY2024 Expense $783,078 From: Fish Accord - Kalispel Kalispel Tribe (KT) 2023-2025 Accord Extension 09/30/2022
FY2024 Expense $57,184 From: Fish Accord - Kalispel Accord Transfers (Kalispel - part 2) 11/17/2022 11/18/2022
FY2025 Expense $802,655 From: Fish Accord - Kalispel Kalispel Tribe (KT) 2023-2025 Accord Extension 09/30/2022
FY2025 Expense $37,607 From: Fish Accord - Kalispel Accord Transfers (Kalispel - part 2) 11/17/2022 11/18/2022
FY2025 Expense $840,262 To: Fish Accord - Kalispel Kalispel Tribe FY 2025 Duplicate MOA Budget 11/5/2024 11/05/2024
FY2025 Expense $450,000 From: Fish Accord - Kalispel Kalispel Tribe 2025-2034 MOA Initial Budget 11/06/2024
FY2026 Expense $611,250 From: Fish Accord - Kalispel Kalispel Tribe 2025-2034 MOA Initial Budget 11/06/2024

Pending Budget Decision?  No


Actual Project Cost Share

Current Fiscal Year — 2025   DRAFT
Cost Share Partner Total Proposed Contribution Total Confirmed Contribution
There are no project cost share contributions to show.
Previous Fiscal Years
Fiscal Year Total Contributions % of Budget
2024 $80,000 9%
2023 $60,000 6%
2022 $60,000 7%
2021 $60,000 7%
2020 $464,065 41%
2019 $103,900 13%
2018 $6,500 1%
2017 $2,300 0%
2016 $4,560 0%
2015 $5,553 1%
2014 $12,531 2%
2013 $38,738 8%
2012 $222,983 27%
2011 $423,000 42%
2010 $23,678 4%
2009 $27,384 5%
2008 $103,129 16%
2007 $95,282 15%

Contracts

The table below contains contracts with the following statuses: Active, Closed, Complete, History, Issued.
* "Total Contracted Amount" column includes contracted amount from both capital and expense components of the contract.
Expense Contracts:
Number Contractor Name Title Status Total Contracted Amount Dates
4097 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 KALISPEL BASS HATCHERY OPERATION & MAINTENANCE History $879,356 12/19/1996 - 2/28/2005
4574 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT History $885,306 1/30/1997 - 2/28/2005
429 REL 21 SOW Fishpro, Inc. 1995-001-02 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES History $26,725 4/1/2002 - 3/1/2003
22013 SOW Kalispel Tribe PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 95-01-02 HATCHERY O/M Closed $176,604 2/28/2005 - 2/1/2006
21643 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 KALISPEL TRIBE HABITAT History $250,125 3/1/2005 - 2/28/2006
26236 SOW Kalispel Tribe PROJECT NO. 1995-001-00 -- KALISPEL TRIBE HATCHERY O&M Closed $184,392 2/2/2006 - 2/28/2007
26361 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 KALISPEL TRIBE FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT History $274,454 3/1/2006 - 2/28/2007
31689 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 KALISPEL TRIBE HATCHERY O&M Closed $164,652 2/2/2007 - 2/1/2008
31564 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 KALISPEL TRIBE FISHERIES HABITAT IMPROVEMENT History $330,043 3/1/2007 - 2/29/2008
36936 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL TRIBE LARGEMOUTH BASS HATCHERY Closed $191,000 2/2/2008 - 2/1/2009
36937 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL TRIBE RESIDENT FISH HABITAT History $342,687 3/1/2008 - 2/28/2009
41217 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH PROGRAM Closed $184,699 2/2/2009 - 2/1/2010
41368 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL TRIBE RESIDENT FISH HABITAT History $373,707 3/1/2009 - 2/28/2010
46611 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY Closed $191,000 2/2/2010 - 2/1/2011
46220 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL TRIBE RESIDENT FISH HABITAT History $379,639 3/1/2010 - 2/28/2011
52381 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY Closed $194,534 2/2/2011 - 2/1/2012
51833 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL TRIBE RESIDENT FISH HABITAT History $396,416 3/1/2011 - 2/29/2012
55975 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY Closed $196,819 2/2/2012 - 2/1/2013
56153 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL TRIBE RESIDENT FISH HABITAT History $400,718 3/1/2012 - 2/28/2013
60119 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY Closed $201,000 2/2/2013 - 2/1/2014
60519 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT Closed $263,626 3/1/2013 - 2/28/2014
64000 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY Closed $210,000 2/2/2014 - 2/1/2015
64059 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT Closed $474,640 3/1/2014 - 2/28/2015
68051 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY Closed $206,000 2/2/2015 - 2/1/2016
68231 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT Closed $493,164 3/1/2015 - 2/29/2016
71919 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY Closed $738,000 2/2/2016 - 2/1/2017
71747 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT PROGRAM Closed $418,856 3/1/2016 - 2/28/2017
74975 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH PROGRAM HATCHERY Closed $739,127 2/2/2017 - 2/1/2018
75252 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH PROGRAM HABITAT Closed $443,491 3/1/2017 - 2/28/2018
74488 REL 2 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL HATCHERY CONTRACT Closed $306,430 2/2/2018 - 2/1/2019
74488 REL 6 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT Closed $461,301 3/1/2018 - 2/28/2019
74488 REL 12 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL HATCHERY RESIDENT FISH PROGRAM Closed $311,956 2/1/2019 - 1/31/2020
74488 REL 15 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL HABITAT RESIDENT FISH PROGRAM Closed $407,377 3/1/2019 - 2/29/2020
74488 REL 22 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY CONTRACT Closed $296,241 2/1/2020 - 1/31/2021
74488 REL 25 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT CONTRACT Closed $371,701 3/1/2020 - 2/28/2021
84069 REL 2 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY CONTRACT Closed $321,729 2/1/2021 - 1/31/2022
84069 REL 6 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT CONTRACT Closed $466,433 3/1/2021 - 2/28/2022
84069 REL 12 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY CONTRACT Closed $321,688 2/1/2022 - 1/31/2023
84069 REL 14 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT CONTRACT Closed $468,000 3/1/2022 - 2/28/2023
84069 REL 22 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY CONTRACT Closed $372,262 2/1/2023 - 1/31/2024
84069 REL 25 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT AWARD Closed $503,000 3/1/2023 - 2/29/2024
84069 REL 33 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY PROGRAM Issued $273,088 2/1/2024 - 1/31/2025
84069 REL 39 SOW Kalispel Tribe 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT PROGRAM Issued $510,816 4/1/2024 - 3/31/2026



Annual Progress Reports
Expected (since FY2004):42
Completed:30
On time:30
Status Reports
Completed:159
On time:111
Avg Days Late:7

                Count of Contract Deliverables
Earliest Contract Subsequent Contracts Title Contractor Earliest Start Latest End Latest Status Accepted Reports Complete Green Yellow Red Total % Green and Complete Canceled
4097 22013, 26236, 31689, 36936, 41217, 46611, 52381, 55975, 60119, 64000, 68051, 71919, 74975, 74488 REL 2, 74488 REL 12, 74488 REL 22, 84069 REL 2, 84069 REL 12, 84069 REL 22, 84069 REL 33 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HATCHERY PROGRAM Kalispel Tribe 12/19/1996 01/31/2025 Issued 81 125 10 0 37 172 78.49% 1
4574 21643, 26361, 31564, 36937, 41368, 46220, 51833, 56153, 60519, 64059, 68231, 71747, 75252, 74488 REL 6, 74488 REL 15, 74488 REL 25, 84069 REL 6, 84069 REL 14, 84069 REL 25, 84069 REL 39 1995-001-00 EXP KALISPEL RESIDENT FISH HABITAT PROGRAM Kalispel Tribe 01/30/1997 03/31/2026 Issued 78 210 8 0 14 232 93.97% 0
Project Totals 159 335 18 0 51 404 87.38% 1


The table content is updated frequently and thus contains more recent information than what was in the original proposal reviewed by ISRP and Council.

Review: 2020 Resident Fish and Sturgeon Project Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 1995-001-00-NPCC-20210317
Project: 1995-001-00 - Kalispel Tribe Resident Fish Program
Review: 2020 Resident Fish and Sturgeon Project Review
Approved Date: 10/27/2020
Recommendation: Implement
Comments: Supported as reviewed. Bonneville and Manager review ISRP programmatic comments and incorporate where possible.

[Background: See https:/www.nwcouncil.org/fw/reviews/2019RFS]

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 1995-001-00-ISRP-20210319
Project: 1995-001-00 - Kalispel Tribe Resident Fish Program
Review: 2020 Resident Fish and Sturgeon Project Review
Completed Date: None
Documentation Links:
Review: Resident Fish, Regional Coordination, and Data Management Category Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 1995-001-00-NPCC-20120307
Project: 1995-001-00 - Kalispel Tribe Resident Fish Program
Review: Resident Fish, Regional Coordination, and Data Management Category Review
Proposal: RESCAT-1995-001-00
Proposal State: Pending BPA Response
Approved Date: 2/26/2014
Recommendation: Implement with Conditions
Comments: Implement with conditions through FY2017. Prior to reintroduction, Sponsors to develop monitoring plan for reintroduction of westslope cutthroat trout to Goose Creek for ISRP review. Prior to FY2015, progress report on bass production and fishery to be submitted to the ISRP for review.

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 1995-001-00-ISRP-20120215
Project: 1995-001-00 - Kalispel Tribe Resident Fish Program
Review: Resident Fish, Regional Coordination, and Data Management Category Review
Proposal Number: RESCAT-1995-001-00
Completed Date: 4/13/2012
Final Round ISRP Date: 4/3/2012
Final Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria (Qualified)
Final Round ISRP Comment:

The sponsors’ response to the ISRP’s questions concerning the Goose Creek habitat restoration project was satisfactory. They presented what appears to be a carefully planned, exceptionally well designed, and scientifically sound monitoring program for instream and riparian habitat and floodplain recovery for Goose Creek. The sponsors have selected appropriate indicators and performance criteria for monitoring channel and floodplain changes which should allow them to determine whether the restoration objectives are being met. The monitoring plan for westslope cutthroat trout is currently not well developed. The sponsors discussed the rationale and to some extent the procedures that will be used to reintroduce cutthroat to Goose Creek, but details of a monitoring plan for the cutthroat population after reintroduction were not provided. This is, perhaps, understandable because reintroduction of trout into Goose Creek will not take place for several years. Nevertheless, the sponsors should submit a detailed monitoring plan for cutthroat prior to implementation of the plan.

The sponsors for the most part provided a satisfactory response to the ISRP’s questions about the project to develop a largemouth bass subsistence fishery in a small slough off Box Canyon Reservoir. This fishery is a highly artificial situation where largemouth bass will be stocked as fry and fed worms and brook trout while in the slough rather than having to forage naturally. It is uncertain at this point whether artificial feeding will be able to sustain the bass population over the long run. After two production years a progress report on this project should be reviewed by the ISRP.

In their request for a response the ISRP asked if the sponsors had plans to monitor fish/bass tissue for possible mercury contamination. The sponsors responded, "At this time there is no plan for monitoring mercury levels in bass within the slough, however KNRD management along with hatchery staff are exploring options for testing and monitoring." As this is a subsistence fishery, the ISRP recommends that some level of monitoring for mercury be implemented.

Qualification #1 - Qualification #1 - develop a detailed plan for monitoring westslope cutthroat trout
Goose Creek Habitat Restoration: The sponsors should develop a detailed plan for monitoring westslope cutthroat trout after their reintroduction to Goose Creek. The plan should be reviewed by the ISRP prior to its implementation.
Qualification #2 - Qualification #2 - review a progress report in two years
Largemouth Bass Production and Fishery: The ISRP would like to review a progress report in two years on how the largemouth bass program is working. As proposed, the potential benefits and success are uncertain. This report should also include an evaluation of how the screening is working. The ISRP also recommends that the sponsors pursue their plans for monitoring mercury in bass tissue as this is a subsistence fishery.
First Round ISRP Date: 2/8/2012
First Round ISRP Rating: Response Requested
First Round ISRP Comment:

There are two separate components to this proposal. One component is directed at recovery of native westslope cutthroat trout in Goose Creek, which flows through a land parcel purchased by the Kalispel Tribe. It involves eradication of brook trout, habitat restoration, and installation of a weir to prevent return of brook trout into Goose Creek following their eradication. The other component is a resident fish substitution project to enhance a largemouth bass fishery in a slough in Box Canyon Reservoir slough on the Pend Oreille River.

The ISRP has a number of questions regarding elements within each of these components and requests a response regarding the issues described below.

Goose Creek Habitat Restoration

The first objective is to restore habitat for westslope cutthroat trout in of 3.65 km of Goose Creek, which flows through a land parcel purchased by the Kalispell Tribe. Non-native brook trout will be eradicated in this steam and prevented from recolonizing by construction of a barrier at the downstream end of the parcel. Native westslope cutthroat trout will then be translocated to the restored part of Goose Creek to re-establish a population. This Objective is technically justified, but the ISRP requests a response to the following in order to complete our evaluation of the proposal.

  1. Clarify differences between Deliverables 2 and 4, and between Deliverables 1, 3, and 7.
  2. Discuss the plans for reintroduction of westslope cutthroat trout to Goose Creek and indicate when the reintroduction will occur relative to habitat recovery.
  3. Explain the RM&E plan for Goose Creek.

Largemouth Bass Production and Fishery

Objective 2 is intended to establish a subsistence fishery for largemouth bass in a slough of Box Canyon Reservoir located on the Kalispell Reservation. Largemouth bass will be reared in a hatchery and stocked as fingerlings in the slough. The sponsors intend to place a screen at the mouth of the slough to prevent emigration of bass out of the slough and immigration of northern pike into it. The ISRP has a number of questions below regarding the development of a subsistence fishery for largemouth bass in the slough. Addressing these questions will help the ISRP complete their evaluation of the proposal.

  1. What will be the estimated abundance and size structure of bass in the slough?
  2. What is the estimated carrying capacity?
  3. Will abundance of forage fish in the slough, other than added brook trout, be sufficient to support a viable bass population?
  4. Will northern pike and other undesirable fish be removed or suppressed in the slough and how will this be done?
  5. More information on the screening operation is needed. What types of screens will be installed and will they be sufficient to prevent movement of fish into and out of the slough under seasonal and annual changes in reservoir elevation.
  6. Can the issue of mercury contamination of bass tissue be resolved, especially if mercury is bio-accumulating through consumption of forage fish. Is there a plan for monitoring mercury levels in bass and other fishes in the slough?
  7. Explain the RM&E plan for the largemouth bass fishery.

1. Purpose: Significance to Regional Programs, Technical Background, and Objectives

This project addresses multiple objectives of the Fish and Wildlife Program, strategies and objectives of the Pend Oreille Subbasin Plan, and the Bull Trout Draft Recovery Plan 2002. The technical background is very well done, although the two unrelated objectives make a case for two separate proposals. The Objectives are adequate when linked with Deliverables which have specific target habitat features and target production numbers for largemouth bass.

2. History: Accomplishments, Results, and Adaptive Management (ISRP Review of Results)

The native fish component lists a series of bulleted accomplishments ranging from installing habitat structures, fencing, brook trout removal, and population/habitat surveys. It would be helpful to include some response levels and indicators of progress for habitat and westslope cutthroat trout recovery.

The largemouth bass component has a number of changes since the last ISRP review of this project including increased production of bass fry and improved post-release survival. Some indication of the level of demand, total catch, and efficiency is warranted.

Adaptive Management: The project has undergone a number of changes based in part on ISRP recommendations, past results in attempting to establish a reservoir-wide bass fishery, and impacts of the invasion of northern pike. The goal of the project is now to establish a subsistence bass fishery in a small slough of Box Canyon reservoir through outplanting fry reared in the tribal hatchery. This is a good management strategy as long as the screen placed at the mouth of the slough is effective in preventing movement of bass out of the slough and pike into it. This is a good example of adaptive management.

3. Project Relationships, Emerging Limiting Factors, and Tailored Questions for Type of Work (hatchery, RME, tagging)

The proposal cites relationships with several other projects including: the Albeni Falls Wetlands Wildlife Mitigation Project #199206102, the Intermountain Province/Pend Oreille Subbasin Data Management Project #201102000, and the Non-Native Fish Suppression Project #200714900. All Resident Fish Project data was used for the WDFW 2009 Westslope Cutthroat Trout Status Update in 2009. In 2010, all project data was used for NetMap coverage and analysis in conjunction with the SRFB WRIA 62 Strategy update.

An important limiting factor for the largemouth bass is the increase in northern pike in Box Canyon Reservoir over the past few years. This has led to some modifications of the project such as slough screening and targeted removal of pike. Climate change and increased temperatures are also recognized as emerging limiting factors, and the plan to improve riparian shading along Goose Creek is a good response to these factors.

The sponsors state that there are no RM&E plans for this project. This is a perplexing statement. They need to monitor and evaluate the progress of their work. RM&E plans for both the Goose Creek and the largemouth bass hatchery project need to be developed. The response should discuss these plans.

4. Deliverables, Work Elements, Metrics, and Methods

For the most part the Deliverables are straightforward and present a logical approach to accomplishing the objectives of the project. A few Deliverables need clarification. Deliverables 2 and 4 appear very similar. The sponsors need to explain how they are different. The same can be said for Deliverables 1, 3, and 7. Deliverables 10-14 pertain to fingerling bass production in the hatchery. Justification for these Deliverables is contingent on a satisfactory response to the previously posed questions.

During the site visit, reed canary grass appeared to be widespread on the Goose Creek floodplain. Will there be an attempt to control this plant and how will it be done?

The sponsors should discuss their plans for reintroducing westslope cutthroat trout to Goose Creek. Will the reintroduction occur after the habitat has sufficiently recovered?

4a. Specific comments on protocols and methods described in MonitoringMethods.org

Protocols and methods specific to the project were not found in MonitoringMethods.org.

Modified by Dal Marsters on 4/13/2012 1:49:22 PM.
Documentation Links:
  • Proponent Response (3/7/2012)
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review

Council Recommendation

Assessment Number: 1995-001-00-NPCC-20090924
Project: 1995-001-00 - Kalispel Tribe Resident Fish Program
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Approved Date: 10/23/2006
Recommendation: Fund
Comments: ISRP fund in part: ISRP recommended not funding rearing and release of bass, the Council has reviewed this same issue in the past and decided to accept the risks of going forward. The Council is not going to change that conclusion at this time.

Independent Scientific Review Panel Assessment

Assessment Number: 1995-001-00-ISRP-20060831
Project: 1995-001-00 - Kalispel Tribe Resident Fish Program
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 8/31/2006
Final Round ISRP Date: None
Final Round ISRP Rating: Meets Scientific Review Criteria - In Part
Final Round ISRP Comment:
The project has three major components: coordinate bull trout restoration, manage trout habitat and non-native trout in tributaries, and propagate largemouth bass. Based on the proposal, the ISRP felt in its preliminary review that all components either were producing no benefits or were showing evidence of failure, and should not receive future funding. However, material furnished in the response satisfactorily addressed many of those concerns, and the ISRP recommends Fundable for the trout components (Objectives 1, 3, and 4) and Fundable in Part for the largemouth bass component (Objective 2) to monitor and evaluate the bass already reared and released. The ISRP does not recommend further rearing and release of largemouth bass.

The primary basis for the recommended reduction of the project is the serious potential for deleterious interactions between the stocked largemouth bass and native aquatic species. This potential is not restricted to this location, but exists throughout the Columbia River Basin, as a result of natural migration and angler-assisted translocations. Secondary considerations are the inconsistent goals of improving habitat for native trout and removal of non-native brook trout while simultaneously stocking large-mouth bass, and a lack of evidence supplied in the proposal or response, that the bass stocking is efficacious.

The ISRP has reviewed the largemouth bass supplementation for FY 98, 99, 00, the Provincial Review (01), and a Three-Step Review. The initial reviews (FY 98, 99, and 00) found the proposal inadequate (98) or recommended no bass stocking (99), emphasizing the problem of conflicting program goals - stocking bass while removing non-native trout and attempting to restore native trout habitat. In the Provincial (01 - 03) and Three Step reviews the ISRP focused on the lack of evidence that a bass hatchery could be successful and the need for a strong experimental design. This FY 07-9 recommendation is consistent with the earliest ISRP reviews, and with the ISRP's understanding of the guidance for fish substitution in the Council's program. The current panel understands that this recommendation is more conservative than the Provincial and Three-Step Review.

In reaching its conclusion, the ISRP gave consideration to the preexisting introduced species in the Pend Oreille River system, but concluded in the end that the action is inherently in conflict with not only other Fish and Wildlife Program goals and guidance, but also with good conservation principles in general.

Reviews evaluating aquatic biodiversity issues have concluded that interactions with exotic species are perhaps even more of a cause of the loss of diversity than habitat alteration (degradation). Largemouth bass have been introduced in various places in the Columbia River Basin and have established reproducing populations. These introductions would likely not pass scrutiny at this time, and would not now form a basis for actively engaging in the rearing and release of exotic species into open waters. There is increasing awareness throughout the western U.S. and around the world of the negative impact of largemouth bass outside their native range. Projects such as this pose risks well beyond their immediate areas, as bass are particularly good at living in buckets while being moved for 50 miles. Largemouth bass are adapting to cooler temperatures; once thought to become inactive below 50 degrees F, they have recently been found to actively travel and feed in ice-covered water bodies.

In response to the ISRP request for information on the success of the largemouth bass stocking, the response argues that more time is needed: "the hatchery went through a Three-Step review process in 2002 for the construction of 3 rearing ponds. Until these ponds were built, the hatchery program was unable to achieve the goals of the hatchery (produce 100,000 largemouth bass). In 2003, the ponds were first used, which has dramatically increased the numbers of bass produced and helped to address program goals. Unfortunately, these fish will not be recruited into the fishery for several more years." Reviewers believe this period of time is easily long enough for bass (now 3+years old) to have reached the creel. There should be information available. In any case, stocking additional largemouth bass is not needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the initial stocking program, and continued stocking may in fact help establish an unwanted non-native species.

Regarding the trout and trout habitat activities, fencing to exclude livestock is continuing and engineered large woody structures are being placed. In the plan for revised and improved M&E on the habitat work, the intent is to make population estimates in three randomly selected 50-meter sections of stream and in one 100-m section. The amount of sampling should probably be more intense in order to get valid results. There should be more sections sampled, and each section should be at least 100 m long. The plan includes dividing the stream into 50-m reference sections, which is probably a very good idea for physical monitoring. For the electrofishing, adjacent 50-m sections can be combined. The sponsors should obtain the advice of a biostatistician in further designing the M&E data collection and analysis.

The response material was clear and focused in regard to Objective 3 (manage nonnative fish species). Reviewers agree the brook trout suppression by electrofishing should proceed, but on a strict experimental basis while results are evaluated over the next three years, e.g., the cutthroat trout response to the completed partial brook trout removal by electrofishing in Mineral and Saucon creeks. Reviewers anticipate the surviving brook trout will increase in numbers much faster than will cutthroat trout, but hope they are incorrect. The sponsors should plan to publish results in a scientific journal.
Documentation Links:

Legal Assessment (In-Lieu)

Assessment Number: 1995-001-00-INLIEU-20090521
Project Number: 1995-001-00
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 10/6/2006
In Lieu Rating: Problems Exist
Cost Share Rating: None
Comment: Resident fish program; portion appears to include specific mitigation for Box Canyon dam, a non FCRPS dam; need cost share (Pend Oreille PUD?) or other remedy.

Capital Assessment

Assessment Number: 1995-001-00-CAPITAL-20090618
Project Number: 1995-001-00
Review: FY07-09 Solicitation Review
Completed Date: 2/27/2007
Capital Rating: Does Not Qualify for Capital Funding
Capital Asset Category: None
Comment: None

Project Relationships: This project Split To 1995-001-01 effective on 3/7/2024
Relationship Description: Effective 3/7/24, the hatchery portion (1995-001-01) is split from the Project 1995-001-00 (will retain habitat portion.) This was discussed between Kalispel Tribe and BPA.


Name Role Organization
Joe Maroney Interested Party Kalispel Tribe
Carmel Melton Interested Party Kalispel Tribe
Jolene Seymour Administrative Contact Kalispel Tribe
Jason Olson Project Lead Kalispel Tribe
Nick Bean Technical Contact Kalispel Tribe
Eric Berntsen Project Lead Kalispel Tribe
Jason Connor Technical Contact Kalispel Tribe
Virgil Watts III Project Manager Bonneville Power Administration
David Kaplowe Supervisor Bonneville Power Administration
Thomas Delorenzo Env. Compliance Lead Bonneville Power Administration