Important Activities By Year:

1993- BPA provided nearly $500,000 for a cost share with CRFDP on the new Idaho shop and office faclities in Salmon, Idaho.  The new 8,500 square foot facility was completed in December 1993.  An intensive effort was started to evaluate existing fish screens in the basin.  Battelle Labs began evaluations on existing Idaho fish screens and provided recommendations for improving the screening program.  The Battelle work was funded by BPA.  A diversion inventory was started and all main stem diversions were rated based on diversion characteristics, known entrainment data, mechanical condition of existing fish screens, and proximity to spawning areas.  All diversions were measured several times per irrigation season to begin the assessment of potential fish screen capacity needs.  The first steel modular fish screen was installed on an unscreened diversion at SNF-02A.  

1994- New industrial and specialized fabrication shop tooling was acquired with BPA funding. The program began an intensive program of replacing aged fish screens in anadromous migration corridors. Nineteen gravity diversions were treated, fifteen old screens were replaced with new screens meeting current NOAA fish screen criteria, one diversion and an old style fish screen was eliminated by ditch consolidation, three screens were installed on previously unscreened diversions, and two new control structures were installed. A spring on lower Hayden Creek, a tributary to the Lemhi River was reconnected by consolidation of ditches. The lower ditch involved in the consolidation had intercepted and diverted the spring channel. Funding provided contract services for engineering topographic surveys and engineered designs. An easement specialist was hired to negotiate maximum diverted flows for all fish screen installations. Office and staff support was also funded.  BPA purchased twenty steel modular fish screens from Washington Department of Fisheries for use in Idaho.  These screens were placed in the Idaho inventory and deployed throughout the next several years as site conditions and screen sizes were matched to the screens in inventory. In October, the first 22-1/2 degree drum screen was installed at LHC-01 and was evaluated by Department Engineers, NOAA Engineers, and Battelle Labs.  These screens passed critique by Battelle Labs and the Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife Authority’s Fish Screen Oversight Committee (FSOC).  This design reduced cost by nearly one third per cfs screened and established increased sweeping velocity to the bypass, resulting in a substantial decrease in migration delay at fish screens. Management decided to contract all future concrete civil works projects rather than increase staff levels to accelerate fish screen installations. 

1995- Progress was substantial toward replacing existing aged fish screens on the main stem migration corridors.  Forty two diversions were treated in 1995, twenty nine were fish screen replacements, six were new screens on previously unscreened diversions.  Seven diversions were eliminated by consolidation of ditches.  Many fish screen replacements were funded by Mitchell Act, but all ditch consolidation projects and many screen installations on previously unscreened diversions were funded by BPA.  A pump intake inventory was initiated on the Lemhi River and the Salmon River near Salmon, Idaho.  Materials and supplies for head gate control structures, bifurcation structures used in ditch consolidations, and diversion structures were purchased in bulk quantity and placed in inventory.  These materials were used over the next several years as projects were implemented.  Diversion inventory work continued throughout the basin.  A preliminary survey of all diversions on the main stem Middle Fork Salmon River was completed in May 1995.  The program provided support and participated in laboratory testing of a comparison of submerged orifice and overflow weir bypass systems in a rotary drum screen. The test compared injury and movement rates for three life stages of spring Chinook salmon.  The research was conducted at Pacific Northwest National Labs during 1994 through 1995 (C. S. Abernethy et. al. 1996).  Funding provided contract services for engineering topographic surveys and engineered designs.

1996- Screen replacements continued in 1996 on the Lemhi River and the Salmon River and major tributaries along migration corridors.  Twenty seven existing fish screens were replaced, seven unscreened diversions were screened, and four pump intake screens were installed.   BPA funded the consolidation of multiple ditches, resulting in the elimination of eight diversions.  Two additional Salmon River diversions, S-34 and S-36 were converted from gravity diversions to wells.  Two diversions dams were improved for fish passage by installing step pools below the diversion wing dam.  The first solar powered fish screen was installed at L-31B.  Staff initiated and participated in the completion of a conservation easement including a ditch elimination on the Jenkins property near North Fork, Idaho.  Planning for screen replacements in the upper Salmon River basin was well underway in 1996.  Stream inventory work was initiated on many tributaries to the Salmon River near the headwaters.  Coordination with the SNRA led to streamlined procedures for implementing fish screen and passage projects within the SNRA.  Cultural survey work was first funded by BPA rather than Mitchell Act on program projects.  Funding was also provided to enable contract services for engineering topographic surveys and engineered designs.  

1997- Major diversions in the upper Salmon River basin were completed, near Stanley, Idaho adjacent to Chinook salmon spawning areas.  Some of these new screens were directly downstream of the release site for Chinook salmon at Sawtooth Fish Hatchery.  Two major diversion screen projects were completed immediately downstream of Redfish Lake Creek, the outlet of Redfish Lake and the only Sockeye salmon population in the Salmon River basin.  Eighteen existing aged fish screens were replaced with NOAA Criteria units, four fish screens were constructed on previously unscreened diversions.  Four gravity diversions were eliminated as were four pump intakes.  Twenty two pump intakes were screened to NOAA Fisheries criteria.  Coordination with BPA environmental compliance staff led to the utilization of the BPA Watershed Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for the first time.  This streamlined approach to environmental compliance assisted SNRA with their responsibilities under the Ditch Bill Act when confronted with fish screen and passage projects presented by this program.  Funding was provided to contract services for engineering topographic surveys and engineered designs.

1998-  Stream investigations were conducted in Goat and Iron Creeks, tributaries to Valley Creek, located in the SNRA.  Preliminary surveys were also conducted on Alturas Lake, Beaver, Champion, Fisher, Fourth of July, Gold, Smiley, Warm, and Williams Creeks, tributaries to the Salmon River upstream of Stanley, Idaho.  Twelve existing aged fish screens were replaced, one previously unscreened diversion was screened.  Twenty seven pump intake screens were installed on previously unscreened pump intakes.  Four fish screens were eliminated through consolidations.  Six diversion dams were eliminated and one diversion dam was substantially improved for fish passage.  Funding was provided to contract services for engineering topographic surveys and engineered designs.

1999- Fisheries improvement plans incorporating landowner agreements, screen installations, water conservation measures, and fish passage improvements were finalized for several tributaries to the Salmon River in the SNRA.    

Laboratory testing of a scale model vee drum screen was conducted in Albrook Hydraulic Lab at Washington State University.  The tests were conducted to verify hydraulics of the sweeping velocity, approach velocity, bypass velocity, and velocity acceleration into the bypass.  Specific testing was performed to identify hydraulic characteristics of the bypass system and whether or not the design would conform to NOAA Juvenile Fish Screen Criteria.  Lab tests verified the design was adequate and also gave important results pertaining to flow patterns of a submerged orifice.

Twelve aged existing fish screen were replaced with new criteria screens.  Four screens were installed on previously unscreened diversions.  One ditch was eliminated by purchasing water rights.  Three ditch consolidation projects were completed, eliminating four diversions. A sixth diversion was eliminated by transferring the gravity diversion to a well.  Thirty five pump intake screens were installed, mostly in the lower Salmon River and Clearwater River basins. 

2000- Laboratory testing was conducted on paddlewheel designs at the Albrook Hydraulic Lab at Washington State University.  The large screens being reconstructed near Challis, Idaho on the S-28 and S-32 canals needed a very large paddlewheel to operate the drums.  Three concerns were identified; safety of personal, safety of design limits on power train components, and the depth and flow characteristics of the canal.  Scale model testing was performed to verify a new blade design and the expected operating parameters of the design in high and low tail water conditions. Other information was extrapolated relating to expected performance with additional design features such as approach ramps and radial blade positioning (Hightree 2006).   

Seven aged fish screens were replaced with new NOAA criteria fish screens.  Four previously unscreened diversions were screened.  Five diversions were eliminated by consolidation.   The five screens eliminated were part of the two largest consolidation efforts ever completed.  Seven canals were consolidated into two, leaving only one canal on each side of the Salmon River in the Round Valley near Challis, Idaho.  The concrete civil works was funded by BPA through the Custer Soil & Water Conservation District.  The drum screens and all drive system and other appurtenances were funded by Mitchell Act.  This program provided all engineering, contract management, and inspections.   

2001- Preliminary stream and diversion inventories were conducted on the lower Lemhi River tributaries.  Bohannon Creek was identified as a potential watershed project area.  Adult steelhead were located spawning in the lower reaches of that stream.  Water diversion inventories were conducted on the Middle Fork Salmon River to complete the inventory work started in 1995.  Cultural surveys were conducted by an archaeologist at six sites upon lands administered by the SNRA.  The sites were located on Elk, Goat, and Iron Creeks, all tributaries to Valley Creek, a tributary to the Salmon River.  Three additional sites were surveyed on Champion Creek.     

Seven aged fish screens were replaced with new NOAA criteria models.  Sixteen previously unscreened diversions were screened.  Two diversions were eliminated by consolidation of canals.  Eighty six pump intake screens were installed, mostly located in the Clearwater and lower Salmon River basins.         

2002- Three engineering consultant firms were hired to accelerate stream investigative and design work.  Montgomery-Watson-Harza (MWH) and Quadrant Consulting were each assigned a complete tributary to explore.  MWH inventoried all diversions, provided surveys and documented water flow in Challis Creek (MWH 2003).  Options for enhancements, screening, and fish passage improvements were presented to irrigators.  The Boise office of CH₂M Hill was assigned tasks to provide engineering services on large pump intake screen systems.  Bohannon Creek, a Lemhi River tributary, was investigated and options for enhancements were presented in the Bohannon Creek Fish Screening and Passage Plan (Quadrant 2003).           

The program hired a full time biologist to conduct activities specific to monitoring and evaluating projects completed by the program.  The biologist established procedures and protocols for field investigations, fish screen performance evaluations, and post project implementation evaluations.  Field investigations were conducted on Mill Creek, Eddy Creek, Bear Creek, and Mosquito Flat Reservoir in Challis Creek watershed to determine species present, habitat availability, and fish passage conditions.  Similar stream investigations were conducted on Bohannon Creek and Wimpey Creek in the Lemhi River basin as well as Morgan Creek, Panther Creek and Moyer Creek, tributaries to the Salmon River.  A fishery survey was conducted on Fourth of July Creek near Stanley as part of consultation with USFWS on in-stream diversion work, ditch flows, water rights, and usage by water-users on Fourth of July Creek-03 diversion.  A survey of all water diversions between Corn Creek and Vinegar Creek was conducted along the Salmon River including tributaries (Cooper 2002).         

Four capital construction projects involving consolidation of ditches to reduce total water consumption and lower fish screen installation costs were completed.  Five fish screens were installed, three were replacements.  Four other projects were completed to eliminate push-up gravity diversions.  Two diversions were eliminated by conversion to a well and installing additional sprinkler system components.  One sprinkler system was installed with a pump from an adjacent ditch to allow the elimination of one diversion. Another diversion was eliminated by purchasing and retiring the water rights.  The fourth diversion was replaced with a fish friendly diversion with step pools.  A ditch measuring flume was installed on a large canal. Nearly 6,500 feet total of pipe was installed on two projects for water conservation.  Three velocity barriers were installed on ditch tail water channels.  Further details are available in annual reports.  Funding was limited to BPA responsibility under RPA 149 of the FCRPS BiOp 

2003- Two consultant firms were hired to accelerate investigative and design work.  Quadrant Consulting Inc., Boise, Idaho was assigned fish screen design work for all diversions on Squaw Creek and all diversions from the mouth of Challis Creek upstream to SChaC-08 diversion known as the Highline Canal. Additionally, Quadrant Consulting was hired to produce topographic surveys for fifteen sites throughout the upper Salmon River basin.  An archaeologist was hired to provide cultural surveys and monitor mitigation requirements during construction excavation.   Cultural resource studies were conducted at three sites on Challis Creek, three sites on Iron Creek, four sites on Squaw Creek, and provided supplemental work at two sites in the SNRA following design changes that exceeded the limits of previous surveys.        

The fisheries crew conducted fisheries surveys and irrigation inventories in the Beaver Creek, Big Eightmile Creek, Big Timber Creek, Kenney Creek, and Squaw Creek watersheds.  Beaver Creek and Squaw Creek are tributaries to the Salmon River near Stanley, Idaho.  Big Eightmile Creek and Big Timber Creek are tributaries to the Lemhi River near its headwaters.  Kenney Creek is a tributary to the Lemhi River near Tendoy, Idaho.  These initial watershed inventories provided baseline data for monitoring and evaluation assessments of future fisheries improvement projects.  The surveys documented the presence of fish species and life histories in the watershed and will determine management directions for improving irrigation practices for fisheries benefits.  Irrigation improvements may include improving fish passage, identifying fish screening opportunities, diversion consolidation, diversion elimination, decreasing irrigation conveyance losses, and producing water-savings for increasing in-stream flow.        

Fisheries staff utilized four Biomark Inc., Destron-Fearing FS2001 FR/ISO PIT-tag reading stations on bypass pipes to monitor entrainment of PIT tagged salmonids and develop diversion habitat inventories of L-3, L-3A, L-8A, and L-9.  Staff utilized the PTAGIS database and analyzed data for PIT tagged Chinook salmon and steelhead diverted through the monitored diversions and the associated screens.  Total tags interrogated at these four sites during the irrigation season of 2003 were 804 individual reads (Murphy 2003).        

Staff conducted bull trout redd surveys in the middle reaches of Fourth of July Creek near Stanley in late summer 2003 to determine if fish were using the fish passage structure at the S4thJC-03 diversion.  Several redds were found, signifying the fish are readily using the recently renovated diversion structure.        

Six capital construction projects were completed during this contract period.  Two projects were extensive requiring considerable planning and design.  A consolidation of two ditches on Champion Creek near Stanley, Idaho included a reconnection of a spring and small stream increasing the availability of approximately ½ mile of habitat.  The largest canal on Challis Creek was screened and its associated diversion dam was removed and replaced with a new structure utilizing a fishway.  Two small modular fish screens were installed on previously unscreened diversions.  In Morgan Creek, a tributary to the Salmon River, a diversion was eliminated by adding additional mainline to an existing pump and sprinkler system in the Salmon River.  Four project sites, two completed in previous contracts, were rehabilitated by planting trees, shrubs, sedges, and native plants.  Native willows were planted at all four sites where the fish bypass pipes penetrate the stream bank.  Further details are available in annual reports. Funding was limited to BPA responsibility under RPA 149 of the FCRPS BiOp.

2004- Three consultant firms were hired to assist with stream investigative and design work.  Quadrant Consulting, Inc., Boise, Idaho was hired to produce topographic surveys for several sites throughout the upper Salmon River basin.  They also provided additional engineering design work on some fish screen projects.  Laurie Mauser, M.A., dba  Archaeological and Historical Resource Consulting of Boise, Idaho was hired to provide archaeological surveys on Challis Creek, East Fork Salmon River, and to monitor mitigation requirements during construction excavation.  Jeanne Pepalis, M.A., R.P.A., dba Timeline Archaeology of Boise, Idaho conducted cultural resource studies at four sites on Bohannon Creek, three sites on Kenney Creek, and provided monitoring during excavation on the SChaC-01 project.            

The fisheries crew conducted intensive fisheries stream investigation surveys on Agency Creek, Champion Creek, Goat Creek, Iron Creek, and Thompson Creek during the summer of 2004.  Meadow Creek was not surveyed due to an uncooperative landowner who would not allow access.  These stream surveys included diversion inventories as well as fishery species identification, distribution and density determinations.  Due to not being able to complete a survey in Meadow Creek, a complete drainage survey was conducted in Bayhorse Creek.  Bayhorse Creek is a RPA 149 high priority watershed identified in the SHIPUSS prioritization document.        

Staff conducted redd counts on Fourth of July Creek in the upper Salmon River basin in September to evaluate fishery improvements on the drainage following recently completed intensive fish screen and fish passage projects.  Redd counts have nearly doubled since the project was completed.  Three diversions were screened and all diversion dams were improved to enhance fish passage.  The stream has now been fully connected with the Salmon River for three seasons.  Fisheries staff inspected every new screen structure funded by BPA with an underwater video camera to inspect the seals.  They also measured the velocities for conformance to NOAA criteria.           

Staff installed four Biomark manufactured, Destron-Fearing FS2001 FR/ISO PIT-tag reading stations to monitor fish passage through bypass pipes on Lemhi River fish screens L-03, L-03A, L-08A, and L-09 for the irrigation season from April  through October (Murphy et. al. 2004).  This is part of a long term project to evaluate fish screens and diversion impact on smolt migration.  Data was downloaded every two weeks from the four Biomark PIT-tag reading stations devices.  These devices were set up to monitor the downstream migration of PIT-tagged juvenile Chinook salmon through the bypass pipes and to evaluate the effectiveness of the screening projects.  These devices are very useful in demonstrating the usefulness of the program and for maintaining a minimum flow in the Lemhi River to provide passage to migrating fish.        

Fisheries staff investigated post-project implementation and monitoring at Ellis Creek for reconnection and habitat improvement in that watershed.  The program eliminated the only diversion on Ellis Creek in 2001 by transferring the water rights to a pump in the Salmon River.  A review of photos demonstrated vegetation regeneration in the riparian following the reconnection and subsequent fence project funded by BPA and installed by USBWP.         

Fourteen capital construction projects were completed during this contract period.  Additionally, two other projects were materially changed and partially completed.  Twelve fish screens were constructed, one measuring flume was installed on the largest canal on Challis Creek, a control structure was installed on a multiple year consolidation project, and a river pump diversion was removed by transferring the water source to a well.  One consolidation project resulted in separate screens being designed.  One screen was installed as part of that project.  Further details are available in annual reports.  Funding was limited to BPA responsibility under RPA 149 of the FCRPS BiOp.

2005- The fisheries crew conducted intensive fisheries stream investigation surveys on Big Casino, Haynes, Hawley, Lee, Little Eightmile, and Mill Creeks during the summer of 2005.  Preliminary surveys were conducted in sites of interest on Texas and Canyon Creeks.  All streams surveyed with the exception of Big Casino are tributaries to the Lemhi River.  Big Casino is a tributary to the Salmon River.        

Cultural surveys were completed at thirteen sites on Wimpey Creek, a tributary to the Lemhi River.  An archaeologist also provided site monitoring during the installation of the SChaC-01 project as required by ISHPO.  Cultural surveys on Bayhorse Creek near Clayton, Idaho were performed.  Another archaeologist was contracted to provide cultural surveys at one site on Thompson Creek, one site on Smiley Creek, two sites on Beaver Creek, and two sites on Meadow Creek.  All sites surveyed are tributaries to the Salmon River near Stanley, Idaho.        

Staff inspected every new screen structure completed in the previous year with an underwater video camera to inspect the seals.  They also measured the velocities for conformance to NOAA criteria.          

Nine screens were installed on previously unscreened diversions, two aged screens were replaced with NOAA criteria screens.  Two diversions were improved for fish passage. Further details are available in annual reports.  Funding was limited to BPA responsibility under RPA 149 of the FCRPS BiOp.        

2006- Three consultant firms were hired to assist with project investigative and design work.  Quadrant Consulting, Inc., Boise, Idaho was hired to produce topographic surveys for several sites throughout the upper Salmon River basin.  They also provided additional engineering design work on some fish screen projects.  The firm completed topographical surveys at thirteen sites on Wimpey Creek, a tributary to the Lemhi River, and several sites on Goat and Meadow Creeks in the Stanley Basin.  An archaeologist was hired to perform cultural surveys at several sites within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA).  Timeline Archaeology of Boise, Idaho conducted cultural resource studies at thirteen sites on Wimpey Creek, three sites on Goat Creek, and three sites on Meadow Creek.  Goat and Meadow Creeks are in the Stanley Basin.   

Seventeen construction projects were completed during this contract period. Additionally, several other projects were partially completed.  Eight fish screens were constructed, ten fish passage projects were completed at diversion dams, and seven control structures were fabricated and installed.  Three of the control structures were installed by the irrigators.  One of the fish screens installed will be operated and maintained by the irrigator.  Most of the materials and supplies were fabricated and purchased for one consolidation project on Champion Creek, a tributary to the Salmon River near Stanley, Idaho.

2007- The three consultant firms hired in 2006 to assist with project investigative and design work continued their appraisals and preliminary designs.  Quadrant Consulting, Inc., Boise, Idaho was hired to produce topographic surveys for several proposed project sites throughout the upper Salmon River basin.  They also provided additional engineering design work on some projects, including the PBSC-03A, PBSC-09, and SSmC-01 fish screens.  Claudia Walsworth M.A., of Ketchum, Idaho was hired to complete a previously initiated cultural survey at two sites on Knapp Creek within the Salmon-Challis National Forest.  Laurie Mauser, M.A., of Bayview, Idaho was retained to conduct cultural resource studies at several fish screen and diversion sites on Bayhorse Creek, two fish screen sites on Big Springs Creek, one pump intake screen and pipe site on the Pahsimeroi River, and one fish screen site at SEF-14, a diversion on the East Fork Salmon River.     

Staff met with and discussed project possibilities with two separate large landowners in the Pahsimeroi valley.  Staff evaluated potential fish screening and passage projects on the Beartooth Capital property, formerly the Cutler Ranch.  Beartooth Capital is working cooperatively with this program and other agencies to do conservation work.  This ranch is a very important ranch with significant potential to increase anadromous and resident fish production.  Staff  worked to identify potential new projects which include the reconnection of two spring tributaries by removing ditch intercepts and installing a siphon, removal of a significant diversion barrier to Patterson Big Springs Creek, and working towards a conservation agreement with multiple habitat protection covenants.   Similar evaluations were conducted on a large land holding near Sulphur Creek in the middle Pahsimeroi Valley. 

Multiple agencies met to coordinate and discuss projects in the Pahsimeroi River Basin.   Partners CSWCD, BoR, and NRCS discussed the options for finishing the P-09 Elimination Project by filling in the physical Cross Ditch and removing the head-gate control structure on Patterson Big Springs Creek.   Additional work was identified for improving fish passage above the Dowton Lane up to the Hooper Lane.  Long term improvements were discussed at subsequent meetings.  Preliminary planning was done pertaining to potential projects above Hooper Lane.

Fishery personnel surveyed three prioritized streams to determine the presence, densities and distribution of fish species throughout their watersheds and to identify diversions and fish passage related issues.  These stream surveys included Patterson Big Springs Creek, McKim Creek, and Tower Creek.  Patterson Big Springs Creek is a tributary to the Pahsimeroi River.  McKim Creek is a tributary to the Salmon River near Ellis, Idaho.  Tower Creek is also a tributary to the Salmon River downstream of Salmon, Idaho.  

In coordination with regional Department staff, seven weirs for trapping upstream migrating steelhead were installed on Cow Creek, Iron Creek, Carmen Creek, Tower Creek, Fourth of July Creek, Hughes Creek, and Indian Creek.  All are tributaries to the Salmon River.  The objective was to determine if adult steelhead are successfully entering and utilizing these streams for spawning.  The Iron Creek weir study is a continuation of the monitoring conducted in the last two years, which is within a part of the watershed that is currently undergoing changes to save water and install fish screens on diversions. 

Nine capital projects were completed under this contract.  Seven fish screens were constructed for gravity irrigation ditches.  Three screens were replacements for existing structures that did not meet the FSOC/NOAA juvenile fish screen criteria.  Two screens were located on Knapp Creek, a tributary to the Middle Fork Salmon River and one screen is located on the East Fork Salmon River. The remaining four screens were new screens on previously unscreened diversions.   Three were installed on Wimpey Creek, a tributary to the Lemhi River.  One screen was installed on Smiley Creek, tributary to the Salmon River near Stanley, Idaho. Two ditch elimination projects were also completed.  The SCHaC-07 canal on Challis Creek was eliminated by consolidating the ditch with the SChaC-08 canal.  The primary water user on the SChaC-07 ditch used a gravity diversion to feed a pump station and pivot irrigation system.  In order to prevent pump cavitation, extra water was diverted and spilled below the pump.  A new penstock and bifurcation structure was installed in the SChaC-08 canal.  Several hundred feed of penstock pipeline was buried from the bifurcation structure to the pump station.  Excess water is no longer required to ensure loss of pressure.  The SChaC-07 canal was filled in along the pipeline route. The second ditch elimination was a multiple agency endeavor.  Several pivot sprinkler systems were installed by Custer Soil & Water Conservation District (CSWCD) on lands irrigated by the P-09 canal in the Pahsimeroi River drainage.  Some of the water supplying the pivots was taken from other currently screened ditches.  This project completed a portion of the P-09 elimination project including the installation of a new point of diversion fish screen and a new pipeline buried from the screen to the pump sump on the Moen Ranch.  That screen and pipeline feeds multiple pivots and wheel line irrigation systems.     

2008- Project 1994-015-00 was separated into two projects.   A new project 2007-399-00 was established in FY2007 for implementation of capital projects that are proposed and developed under Project 1994-015-00. Only preliminary planning, coordination, and feasibility design work is accomplished in this project from this time forward.    

Quadrant Consulting Inc., Boise, Idaho was retained to provide all topographic surveys on proposed project sites.  During this contract period, Quadrant surveyed ten proposed project sites, provided feasibility elevation verification at three sites, and completed pre-design drawings for all sites surveyed.

Archaeological surveys were performed with the assistance of North Wind, Inc., Idaho Falls, Idaho to complete cultural resource compliance on all proposed project sites.   North Wind completed nine field surveys and provided detailed reports that were submitted to the Idaho State Historical Society for concurrence. 

Preliminary planning and feasibility meetings were held with stakeholders in several drainages culminating in project proposals for future capital contracts.  Follow up meetings were concluded with individual landowners and irrigators to finalize easements and agreements.  Preliminary designs were reviewed with pertinent parties. 

Monitoring and evaluations of past projects continued.  Personnel conducted underwater video monitoring, flow measurement velocities, and screen seal integrity of select screen sites.  Staff installed and monitored PIT tag detectors on several fish screen bypass pipes to gather passage data used to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of those screens previously funded and installed.  Biological staff provided fish salvage on all implementation projects.      

Staff provided oversight on two major ditch consolidation projects that eliminated three diversions.  Support and contract management was provided for a Public Works contract that included the installation of seven fish screens.   Staff coordinated and provided input to complete one stream tributary reconnection project was completed as a joint agency project.  

The Clearwater Region biologist met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Latah County Soil and Water Conservation district, Soil Conservation Commission, IDEQ, NRCS, Nature Conservancy, Potlatch Corporation etc.   The Clearwater Region biologist developed proposals for the East Fork Potlatch Riparian Enhancement Project (IDEQ 319 grant), the Pine Creek Project (PCSRF funding), the Upper Potlatch Restoration Project (PCSRF funding), and the Fry Meadow Restoration Project (PCSRF funding).  The biologist also oversaw the continued development of the previously funded East fork Potlatch Large Wood Project (PCSRF funding).

The Salmon Region biologist met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Lemhi County Soil and Water Conservation District, Custer County Soil and Water Conservation District, USFS, BLM, Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Lemhi Regional Land Trust, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, etc.  The biologist attended the Tech Team meetings.  The Salmon Region biologist identified six projects and pursued funding for five of them.  Three proposals were developed during this contract (12-Mile Side Channel Project, Fish Screen Maintenance, and the Wallace Creek Project).  The biologist was also involved with implementing six previously funded projects in the Lemhi River drainage.

2009- Quadrant Consulting Inc., Boise, Idaho was retained to provide all topographic surveys on proposed project sites.  During this contract period, Quadrant surveyed ten proposed project sites, provided feasibility elevation verification at three sites, and completed pre-design drawings for all sites surveyed.

North Wind Environmental completed nine field surveys and provided detailed reports that were submitted to the Idaho State Historical Society for concurrence. 

Two fish habitat biologists, one for the Clearwater Region and one for the Salmon Region worked on identifying, prioritizing, designing, and implementing habitat restoration projects. Because the majority of the funding for these projects comes from federal or private sources, the habitat biologists are also responsible for securing funding for these projects. One hundred percent of their time is dedicated towards restoration efforts.

The Clearwater Habitat Biologist met with 70 or more members of the public, including landowners to discuss fish habitat and fish habitat restoration.  The Biologist also met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Latah County Soil and Water Conservation district, Soil Conservation Commission, IDEQ, NRCS, Nature Conservancy, Potlatch Corporation etc.  The biologist has consistently attended Tech Team meetings.   The Clearwater region biologist received funding for the Pine Creek and East Fork Riparian Enhancement projects and worked on designs for those projects as well as the permitting for the East fork Potlatch Large Wood Project.  The Clearwater Region biologist developed and submitted a funding proposal for the Fry Meadow Restoration Project (PCSRF funding) and worked on a proposal for the Shea Meadows Project.

The Salmon Region Habitat Biologist met with 70 or more members of the general public, including landowners to discuss fish habitat and fish habitat restoration.  The Biologist also met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Lemhi County Soil and Water Conservation District, Custer County Soil and Water Conservation District, USFS, BLM, Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Lemhi Regional Land Trust, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, etc.  The biologist has consistently attended Tech Team meetings.   The Salmon Biologist received PCSRF funding for the 12-Mile Side Channel Project, and the Canyon Creek Reconnect Project and continued to work on implementing the six previously funded projects in the Lemhi River drainage. Other projects were developed including the Duck Creek Restoration Project (PCSRF funding) and the Wallace Creek Easement and Culvert Replacement Project (PCSRF funding).  Proposals were submitted for funding. Projects have been identified for future funding in the Pahsimeroi River drainage.

Preliminary planning and feasibility meetings were held with stakeholders in ten drainages culminating in project proposals for future capital contracts.  Follow up meetings were concluded with individual landowners and irrigators to finalize easements and agreements.  Preliminary designs were completed for five potential projects on Hughes Creek, tributary to the North Fork Salmon River.  Three preliminary designs were completed to replace diversion dams on Patterson Big Springs Creek at the PBSC-01, PBSC-3, and PBSC-07/08.  Preliminary designs were reviewed with pertinent parties.  Planning continued on the Big Timber Creek Reconnect Project.   Staff worked to complete specifications and a project manual for boring the Big Timber Reconnect Project sprinkler pipeline under State Highway 28.  Materials list for pipe and fittings was obtained from NRCS.  Bids were solicited for the pipe and fittings.  Late in the project, a design change required additional pipe.   Surplus pipe was obtained from CSWCD.   Numerous flow agreements were obtained to assist in design work.  Staff completed nearly twenty agreements that allowed contractors and staff to enter private property to perform topographical surveys, cultural surveys, site inspections, and construction access.  

Numerous meetings were held with stakeholders on a consolidation proposal.  Other meetings were held concerning a proposal to eliminate a ditch on lower Carmen Creek and allow the flow to stay in-stream.  Agency coordination was conducted with other partners working in the basin.

Staff prepared biological assessments for ESA Section 7 consultations for significant in-stream work associated with fish screen and passage projects in the Lemhi River, Big Timber Creek, Bayhorse Creek, and Big Springs Creek in the Pahsimeroi River subbasin. 

Monitoring and evaluations of past projects continue.  Personnel conducted underwater video monitoring, flow measurement velocities, and screen seal integrity of select screen sites.  Staff installed and monitored PIT tag detectors on several fish screen bypass pipes to gather passage data used to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of those screens previously funded and installed.  Staff performed fish salvage on several implementation projects.   

Stream investigations were conducted on four streams, Lyon Creek, Owl Creek, Sulphur creek, and West Pass Creek.  Lyon and Owl Creeks are tributaries to the Salmon River, Sulphur Creek is a tributary to the Pahsimeroi River, and West Pass Creek is a tributary to the East Fork Salmon River.  Weirs were installed on several streams.  Large percentage of wild/natural steelhead stocks were discovered on two streams, Carmen Creek and the North Fork Salmon River.

The only project implemented under this contract was the removal of the Cross Ditch head gate on Patterson Big Springs Creek in the Pahsimeroi River drainage.  The Cross Ditch was closed under a former multi-agency project the P-09 Elimination project.   All other projects were implemented under Project 2007-399-00 with any Public Works project being administered, program oversight provided, and capital contract project implementation management performed with funding in this contract.   Five new concrete structures were constructed under the capital project.   

2010- During this contract period many sites were surveyed both topographical and cultural in anticipation of future implementation.   Twelve proposed project sites were topographically surveyed, provided feasibility elevation verification at three sites, and completed pre-design drawings for all sites surveyed.  North Wind Environmental completed eight field surveys and provided detailed reports that were submitted to the Idaho State Historical Society for concurrence. 

There were not any projects implemented under this contract.  All projects were implemented under project 2007-399-00 in a separate capital contract #44098.  Public Works projects were administered, program oversight was provided, and capital contract project implementation management was performed with funding in this contract.   One major project keep staff busy for a two month period inspecting and managing an Idaho Public Works project that involved replacement of several diversions on Patterson Big Springs Creek, a tributary to the Pahsimeroi River.

Preliminary planning and feasibility meetings were held with stakeholders in eleven drainages culminating in project proposals for future capital contracts.  A major ditch consolidation and elimination project was negotiated on the East Fork Salmon River between irrigators and the USFS.  The project will eliminate three ditches and ensure fish passage in the lower section of West Pass Creek, a tributary to the East Fork Salmon River.  Eighteen follow up meetings were concluded with individual landowners and irrigators on several proposed projects to finalize easements and agreements.  Preliminary designs were reviewed with all pertinent parties.   

Cordination meetings were held with all entities working on restoration projects in the basin.  Screen Program staff met with members of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), BoR, CSWCD, and NRCS to coordinate and discuss projects in the Pahsimeroi River Basin.  The Screen Program is engaged in discussions to perhaps siphon the water of the PBSC-03 ditch under Mayrick Creek and reconnect it to Patterson Big Springs Creek.  One project identified was a potential project involves eliminating both the PBSC-03A and PBSC-09 diversions entirely.  Information regarding fisheries surveys was conveyed to the group.  The group discussed water rights, potential projects and landowner interest.  Four culverts are to be replaced on the Hooper Lane in The Pahsimeroi Valley.

The Clearwater Habitat Biologist met with 50 or more members of the public, including landowners to discuss fish habitat and fish habitat restoration.  The Biologist also met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Latah County Soil and Water Conservation district, Soil Conservation Commission, IDEQ, NRCS, Nature Conservancy, Potlatch Corporation etc.  The biologist has consistently attended Tech Team meetings.  The Clearwater Biologist oversaw the completion of the East Fork Potlatch Large Wood Project (PCSRF funding) where a total of 44 large wood structures using over 150 individual pieces of wood were installed in a mile long reach of the East Fork Potlatch River.   Clearwater Biologist oversaw the installation of bank stabilization treatments in the EF Potlatch River (PCSRF funding).  These include erosion control matting, tree revetments, willow fascines, and brush mattresses.  Willow poles, red osier dogwood poles, and evergreen trees were planted and the areas were seeded with a native grass seed mix.  Other projects continued to be developed, including the EF Potlatch fence (DEQ 319 grant), Pine Creek Bridge (PCSRF & BPA Accord funding), and the Shea Meadow Project (PCSRF and BPA Accord funding).

The Salmon Region Habitat Biologist met with 70 or more members of the general public, including landowners to discuss fish habitat and fish habitat restoration.  The Biologist also met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Lemhi County Soil and Water Conservation District, Custer County Soil and Water Conservation District, USFS, BLM, Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Lemhi Regional Land Trust, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, etc.  The biologist has consistently attended Tech Team meetings.  The Salmon Biologist oversaw the construction of the Eagle Valley Spring Restoration Project (PCSRF funding) and the Wallace Creek Easement and Culvert Replacement Design Project (PCSRF funding).  Other projects continued to be developed including the Duck Creek Restoration Project (PCSRF funding) and the 12-Mile Side Channel Project (PCSRF funding). New projects were being developed in the Pahsimeroi, North Fork Salmon, and Wallace Creek.

2011, opening several more miles of stream on Patterson Big Springs Creek, a tributary to the Pahsimeroi River.  Several follow up meetings were held, some by teleconference calls, to identify responsibilities and complete tasks that further the process.  Staff sent screen designs to NRCS for inclusion in the Mayrick Creek pump station design.   This program also agreed to perform all the hydro-seeding on the Mayrick Creek and Hooper Lane projects.  Biological staff met numerous times with landowners/irrigators and other agency staff working on conservation agreements.  Staff looked at proposals for water transfers, ditch elimination, habitat restoration and a host of other fisheries related projects that could be accomplished on a particular parcel of land.  Many of these actions will be funded by BPA through other programs and agreements.  Program staff are highly regarded and often sought out for technical assistance from other agencies and Non Governmental Organizations for project development and coordination to improve flows and fish passage in the upper Lemhi River.  Projects involved transferring water rights, removing diversions, installing siphons, and riparian fencing.

Monitoring and evaluations of past projects continue.  Personnel conducted underwater video monitoring, flow measurement velocities, and screen seal integrity of select screen sites.  Staff installed and monitored PIT tag detectors on several fish screen bypass pipes to gather passage data used to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of those screens previously funded and installed with BPA funding.    Staff provided fish salvage on all BPA funded projects.  

Stream investigations were conducted on four streams, Lyon Creek, Owl Creek, Sulphur creek, and West Pass Creek.  Lyon and Owl Creeks are tributaries to the Salmon River, Sulphur Creek is a tributary to the Pahsimeroi River, and West Pass Creek is a tributary to the East Fork Salmon River.  Weirs were installed on several streams.  Large percentage of wild/natural steelhead stocks were discovered on two streams, Carmen Creek and the North Fork Salmon River.

The Clearwater Habitat Biologist met with 70 or more members of the public, including landowners to discuss fish habitat and fish habitat restoration.  The Biologist also met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Latah County Soil and Water Conservation district, Soil Conservation Commission, IDEQ, NRCS, Nature Conservancy, Potlatch Corporation etc.  The biologist has consistently attended Tech Team meetings.   The Clearwater Biologist oversaw the completion of the East Fork Potlatch Fence (DEQ 319 grant) where 2.5 miles of fence was installed to protect a mile long reach of the East Fork Potlatch River. Other projects continued to be developed, including the Pine Creek Bridge (PCSRF & BPA Accord funding), Fry Meadow (PCSRF and BPA Accord funding), and the Shea Meadow Project (PCSRF and BPA Accord funding).

The Salmon Region Habitat Biologist met with 70 or more members of the general public, including landowners to discuss fish habitat and fish habitat restoration.  The Biologist also met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Lemhi County Soil and Water Conservation District, Custer County Soil and Water Conservation District, USFS, BLM, Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Lemhi Regional Land Trust, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, etc.  The biologist has consistently attended Tech Team meetings.   The Salmon Biologist oversaw the completion of the fence and revegetation of the Eagle Valley Spring Restoration Project (PCSRF funding) and the construction on the Duck Creek Restoration project (PCSRF funding).  Other projects continued to be developed including the 12-Mile Side Channel Project (PCSRF and BPA funding) and the Pahsimeroi Hatchery diversion Screens project (BPA Accord funding).

2011- Quadrant Consulting Inc., Boise, Idaho was retained to provide all topographic surveys on proposed project sites.  During this contract period, Quadrant surveyed twelve proposed project sites, provided feasibility elevation verification at three sites, and completed pre-design drawings for all sites surveyed.

Archaeological surveys were performed with the assistance of North Wind, Inc., Idaho Falls, Idaho to complete cultural resource compliance on all proposed project sites.   North Wind completed field surveys on four separate drainages and provided detailed reports that were submitted to the Idaho State Historical Society for concurrence. 

There were not any projects implemented under this contract during this year.  All projects were implemented under project 2007-399-00 under capital contract numbers 44098 and 49515.  However, three Idaho Public Works projects were administered, program oversight was provided, and capital contract project implementation management was performed with funding in this contract.  The oversight involved the completion of a 3,000 foot pipeline, a pump station and sprinkler system installation, and a contract to construct fish screens.  Staff performed hydro-seeding at three additional projects funded by BPA but implemented by partners.

Preliminary planning and feasibility meetings were held with stakeholders in fourteen drainages culminating in project proposals for future capital contracts.  Follow up meetings were concluded with individual landowners and irrigators to finalize easements and agreements.  Preliminary designs were reviewed with pertinent parties.  Agreements were negotiated to eliminate two diversions in the Pahsimeroi River and to transfer water to eliminate two additional diversions.   Work with partners continued on tributary reconnections, water conservation, passage improvements, and screening.

Monitoring and evaluations of past projects continue.  Personnel conducted underwater video monitoring, flow measurement velocities, and screen seal integrity of select screen sites.  Staff installed and monitored PIT tag detectors on several fish screen bypass pipes to gather passage data used to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of those screens previously funded and installed with BPA funding.   Staff provided all fish salvage at all implementation projects requiring de-watering regardless of funding source.   

Stream investigations were conducted on three streams, Castle Creek, Middle Pahsimeroi River, and Phillips Slough.  The Pahsimeroi River and the Phillips Slough are tributaries to the Salmon River, Castle Creek is a tributary to Camas Creek, tributary to the Middle Fork Salmon River.  Alder Creek is the official name for the stream known locally as Phillips Slough. 

The Clearwater Habitat Biologist met with 70 or more members of the public, including landowners to discuss fish habitat and fish habitat restoration.  The Biologist also met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Latah County Soil and Water Conservation district, Soil Conservation Commission, IDEQ, NRCS, Nature Conservancy, Potlatch Corporation etc.  The biologist has consistently attended Tech Team meetings.  The Clearwater Biologist oversaw the completion of the Pine Creek Bridge Project (PCSRF and BPA Accord funding).   Other projects continued to be developed, including the Meadow (PCSRF and BPA Accord funding), and the Shea Meadow Project (PCSRF and BPA Accord funding).

The Salmon Region Habitat Biologist met with 70 or more members of the general public, including landowners to discuss fish habitat and fish habitat restoration.  The Biologist also met with numerous agencies and NGOs to discuss and develop projects as well as coordinate project activities.  These include NOAA, USFWS, Lemhi County Soil and Water Conservation District, Custer County Soil and Water Conservation District, USFS, BLM, Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Lemhi Regional Land Trust, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, etc. The biologist has consistently attended Tech Team meetings.  The Salmon Biologist oversaw the completion and revegetation of 12-Mile Side Channel Project (PCSRF and BPA funding).  Other projects continued to be developed including the Pahsimeroi Hatchery Diversion Screens Project (BPA Accord funding).  An assessment of fish passage and alternative conceptual designs was completed and presented to the landowner (Idaho Power Company).  Idaho Power has decided to proceed with design and implementation of fish passage structures at these two sites and will fund and oversee the work. IDFG will remain involved through review of fish passage designs. New projects are being developed in Sulphur Creek and elsewhere in the Pahsimeroi drainage.

2012- During this contract period nine proposed project sites were surveyed, feasibility and elevation verification were performed at a site, and pre-design drawings for all sites surveyed were completed.

Archaeological surveys were performed with the assistance of North Wind, Inc., Idaho Falls, Idaho to complete cultural resource compliance on all proposed project sites.  North Wind completed field surveys on seven separate drainages and provided detailed reports that were submitted to the Idaho State Historical Society for concurrence.  Specialized monitoring was performed at Cow Creek on the Cow Creek-02/3 consolidation and water enhancement project.  The Idaho State Historical Society had recommended monitoring the site during all construction excavation activities.  

Preliminary planning and feasibility meetings were held with stakeholders in thirteen separate  drainages culminating in project proposals for future capital contracts.  Follow up meetings were concluded with individual landowners and irrigators to finalize easements and agreements.  Preliminary designs were reviewed with pertinent parties.    Numerous coordination meetings were held with partners working in the Pahsimeroi Valley on water conservation projects.   Several meetings were held with other entities regarding tributary reconnections on the Lemhi River.   Biologists working in the Clearwater River area held numerous meeting, coordinated with other agencies, and conducted stakeholder meetings to advocate for habitat projects.  

Monitoring and evaluations of past projects continued.  Personnel conducted underwater video monitoring, flow measurement velocities, and screen seal integrity of select screen sites.  Staff installed and monitored PIT tag detectors on several fish screen bypass pipes to gather passage data used to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of those screens previously funded and installed.  Stream investigations were conducted on streams previously surveyed in order to determine impact of project implementation.  Biological staff provided fish salvage operations on every resource project in the Salmon River basin regardless of funding source or affiliation.  Other work included performing hydro-seeding operations at all sites with ground disturbing activities that were funded under other BPA projects..    

The Hayden Creek LHC-08A/8B Consolidation Pipeline Project was completed.  The project entailed funding a portion of a pipeline and bifurcation structure allowing one diversion to be removed from Hayden Creek, a tributary to the Lemhi River.   All other projects were implemented under Project 2007-399-00 within separate capital contract numbers 49515 and 54777. 

Staff provided construction management on three Idaho Public Works projects funded under Project 2007-399-00.  One project entailed the completion and closeout of a sprinkler installation on Bayhorse Creek near Challis, Idaho.  The second project included the construction of four new fish screens, two on Carmen Creek, a tributary to the salmon River near Salmon, Idaho and two on Bohannon Creek a tributary to the lower Lemhi River.   

Objectives and Summary of Accomplishments:

 1.  To provide protection of anadromous fish from loss in water diversions.

     Since 1991, 257 fish screens have been installed or replaced within anadromous waters in the State of Idaho. Main river system migration corridors were mostly screened by 2007. These fish screens all meet or exceed NOAA and FSOC criteria.  Random inspections are performed in addition to general O&M. These inspections ensure the screens are continuing to meet criteria. Additionally, there are PIT tag detectors installed at select fish screens to interrogate downstream migrates that have been tagged by other parties. The detectors provide data relevant to the efficacy of the fish screens. A recent collaborative study between the IDFG Anadromous Fish Screen Program and the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center quantified the cumulative entrainment effects of water withdrawal on juvenile Chinook salmon in the Lemhi River. Utilizing fish screen bypass data collected from 2003-2008 on the Lemhi River it was estimated that 71.1% of migrating smolts were entrained and safely bypassed at the 41 lowermost screens under median streamflow conditions (Walters et al. 2012). These PIT tag readers recorded bypassing an adult steelhead that had originally been tagged as a downstream migrating kelt the previous year at Lower Granite Dam.  The screen installation process includes consolidation of diversions to eliminate diversions and their potential for entrainment. Since 1994, 63 diversion dams have been eliminated. Each diversion had been an avenue of entrainment.

 2. To improve fish passage at diversions for juvenile and adult anadromous fish.

    Since 1994, 63 diversion dams were eliminated and 51 were improved for fish passage under this project. The work involved installation of native materials where practical. In some instances, step pools were created to allow juveniles to migrate upstream with due consideration to their swimming strength. All diversion treatments were in accordance with NOAA Juvenile Fish Passage Criteria. Details are available in annual reports from the years 1994-2012.     

 3. To improve stream flow conditions where possible.

   Efforts undertaken by this program have resulted in improved in-stream conditions in many streams. Numerous streams have been reconnected to major river systems through a variety of water conservation efforts.  Some of the work was through partnerships with Custer Soil & Water Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project, National Resource Conservation Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Flow enhancement was realized on many tributaries and fish now utilize entire streams or stream segments previously unavailable. Streams that were effectively reconnected and now provide habitat for both juvenile and adult fish include Carmen Creek, Twelvemile Creek, Iron Creek, Cow Creek, Patterson Big Springs Creek, Ellis Creek, Morgan Creek, Challis Creek, Bayhorse Creek, Fourth of July Creek, Champion Creek, Alturus Lake Creek, and Smiley Creek.  All streams listed except Patterson Big Springs Creek are tributaries to the main stem Salmon River. Patterson Big Springs Creek is a tributary to the Pahsimeroi River. Lemhi River tributaries reconnected include Bohannon Creek, Kenney Creek, Wimpey Creek, Canyon Creek and Big Timber Creek. These streams were all flow limited and supported some life stages of fish. Five small secondary tributaries were flow enhanced by conservation measures. Those five streams are Goat, Iron, and Elk Creeks, tributaries to Valley Creek, tributary to the Salmon River, and Muddy Springs and Duck Creeks, both tributaries to the Pahsimeroi River.    

Installation of diversion control structures and adherence to adjudicated water rights. Another effective tool was the manipulation of water rights to leverage in-stream flow. Moving points of diversion and consolidating diversions have removed passage barriers and improved stream conditions. The installation of fish screens has protected juvenile fish and adult resident fluvial fish. This program has implemented fisheries and habitat surveys to determine the effectiveness of some of the programs recent conservation projects.  The four project summaries listed below are typical of the implementation type of work performed in Project 1994-015-00 prior to 2007. Many similar projects have been completed. Further documentation can be found in Project 1994-015-00 annual progress reports.     

Fourth of July Creek Project:

Fourth of July Creek is a tributary to the section of the Salmon River that flows through the upper valley of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Fourth of July Creek falls within the known range of distribution of Snake River Spring/Summer Run Chinook Salmon, Snake River Steelhead, Snake River Sockeye Salmon, and bull trout; all listed under the Endangered Species Act with protected status. Upper Salmon River tributaries may provide habitat for any of these species at various life history stages, including spawning and early rearing habitat. Habitat within the lower reaches of Fourth of July Creek was compromised for several decades due to its utilization as a source of irrigation water from its lower reaches, which dewatered the stream channel during the peak of the irrigation season (Photo 1).  

Photo 1.   Fourth of July Creek was seasonally de-watered in the lower reaches.

All three diversions on this stream were unscreened. None of the diversions had any manner of flow control and subsequently all three diversions exceeded both claimed water rights and ditch capacity. Fish passage after spring runoff was functionally non-existent. This program worked with the diverters to install control structures, fish screens, and to improve in-stream flow. In 2001, a control structure and fish friendly rock diversion was installed on the first diversion upstream from the confluence. After the ditch could be shut down, a new rotary drum fish screen was installed.  A new fish screen was installed on the third and uppermost diversion in the summer of 2001. Negotiations for a pipeline to reduce conveyance losses on the three mile long S4thJuly-03 ditch failed to be concluded, so a new diversion dam and step-up pool system was designed to assist fish passage. The design flow had to incorporate the larger flow necessary without the pipeline water conservation project. For many years a barrier had existed as a result of head cutting below the diversion dam. In late October 2002, the program work crew installed the new head gate and step-up pools at the third diversion. Earlier in 2002, a new control structure and fish screen was installed on the middle diversion.  This completed all screen and passage structure work on Fourth of July Creek.  In-stream flow improved considerably with the installation of the control structures. However, the limited in-stream flow during late summer was still problematic.     

In an effort to improve habitat and connectivity to the Salmon River for native fish species, in 2003, the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) negotiated a one-year minimum flow agreement with the lowest diverter on Fourth of July Creek (FJC-01). The agreement secured 4.1 cfs in Fourth of July Creek between June 1 and October 31. In 2004, the Board negotiated a two-year lease that secured 2.97 cfs in Fourth of July Creek from the second Fourth of July Creek diversion (FJC2). That lease was renewed in 2006 for 2 years, 2008 for 1 year, and again in 2009 for 20 years. Total costs of the transactions to date are $28,115. Funding for these transactions is through the Columbia River Basin Water Transaction Program (CBWTP), which is a Bonneville Power Administration-funded program whose mission is to support innovative, voluntary, grassroots water transactions that improve flows to tributary streams and rivers in the communities of the Columbia River Basin.

Fishery surveys conducted in Fourth of July Creek since 2003 include an annual bull trout redd count and an electrofishing survey done in 2004 and 2011. Fourth of July Creek falls within the Upper Salmon River core bull trout recovery area, which is part of the Salmon River Recovery Unit, as listed in the Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus) Draft Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2002). Bull trout following a fluvial life history make up a large component of the population within this core area. A fluvial life history in this part of the watershed requires tributary flows sufficient enough in mid to late summer to allow fish approaching 30 inches in length to move upstream through the stream channel to pass irrigation diversions and enter into the spawning areas. The annual bull trout redd count is conducted on a 5.8 km (3.6 mi) section of Fourth of July Creek with the lower boundary of the transect reach beginning at the third diversion from the bottom. Results of this survey indicated an increasing trend in the total number of bull trout redds observed from sixteen in 2003 to seventy-one in 2007 (Figure 2). The number of redds annually counted fluctuated from twenty-nine and fifty-six between the years 2008 and 2012 (IDFG 2012). This decrease may be from the effects of a forest fire that burned through a large section of the watershed in 2005.

Photo 2  Fluvial bull trout from Fourth of July Creek.

Electrofishing surveys have documented the presence of a small number of juvenile steelhead/rainbow trout and good densities of juvenile Chinook salmon within the lower reaches on intermittent years. It is not likely that lower Fourth of July Creek provides spawning habitat for adult Chinook Salmon, but it is being utilized for early rearing habitat with the current level of protection being provided by the CBWTP and the presence of fish screens to prevent entrainment losses. Other species documented to be present in Fourth of July Creek include westslope cutthroat trout, sculpin species, and nonnative brook trout in low densities.

Challis Creek Passage and Screening Project: Within the Challis Creek drainage there are roughly 20 diversions that withdraw water from the mainstem and tributaries for irrigation use. Before 2003 there were no screened diversions within the Challis Creek Drainage. Having unscreened diversions increases the probability of entraining downstream migrating smolt and pre-smolt salmonids. Many of the diversion structures built to divert water also created fish barriers for upstream migrating fish. Numerous diversions had no controllable head gate structure. Starting in the winter of 2003, this program began construction of several screens and diversion structures on the mainstem of Challis Creek to remedy these potential problems for migrating fish. Eventually, thirteen diversions would be screened and passage would be afforded at those diversions. In-stream flows would be enhanced by performing conservation measures and consolidating ditches.    

The major diversion within the Challis Creek drainage is the Highline Canal, also known as the SChaC-08 diversion.  The canal takes as much as 52 cfs of water. This diversion was the major issue within the drainage for fish passage. The structure used to divert water into this ditch was essentially a dam created from stacked 3 x 12 boards.

Photo 3   Highline Canal Diversion Dam was a fish passage barrier.

Usually, when a diversion dam creates a passage barrier, one tool often used is to move the point of diversion (POD) upstream to eliminate head differential. At this site, a house was just upstream and the stream was constricted between the house and the Challis Creek Road, precluding moving the POD upstream. In order to resolve the fish passage problems on this diversion structure an Obermeyer Weir structure with an Alaskan Steep-pass Ladder was installed in the winter of 2003-2004. This structure allows the water to be dammed in order for water to flow down the ditch while the steep-pass ladder allows fish to move above the diversion structure. The rubber bladders can be deflated to allow bedload movement. A second small diversion on the north side of the stream was consolidated by diverting water from behind the new Obermeyer weir. This structure was finished and went into operation the spring of 2004. The program constructed a new screen structure for the Highline Canal in the spring 2004.

A study was conducted in 2006 to determine the effectiveness of the Alaska Steeppass ladder for providing passage to upstream migrating fish within the Challis Creek drainage.  A temporary upstream migration fish trap was installed approximately 50 yards upstream of the ladder for 37 days from March 23 until April 28, 2006.  A total of 73 adult steelhead were captured in the trap, seven of which were unclipped fish that appeared to be of wild/natural origin.  The rest had an adipose clip indicating that they were fish that had been released from a hatchery as age 1 smolts. The fish were carefully examined for injury.  No descaling or other injury was noted on any fish that had successfully negotiated the ladder. The results of the study indicate that steelhead do successfully return to Challis Creek as adult fish to spawn, and that the ladder installed did not hinder upstream passage to those fish.

Photo 4   The new Highline Canal diversion and Alaska Steeppass ladder.

The SChaC-08 diversion was also selected to receive the first large 14 degree rotary drum screen. The SChaC-08A diversion was one of the first to use a new cylinder drum screen design also developed through the R&D program. These screens were all developed after careful study of smaller prototypes. Silt accumulations in screen fore bays have always been a maintenance concern. Engineers determined the silt accumulation was a function of screen angle to the ditch flow. A newer design was developed for a 14 degree screen and a prototype was installed in 2002. Two more were installed in 2003. Evidence was immediately noted with silt accumulations dropping by nearly 70%. The mechanical design was improved with less moving parts. The SChaC-08 and SChaC-08A fish screens were tested in the first month of operation for conformance to NOAA/FSOC criteria. There were no anomalies recorded. The new design allows fish to locate the bypass system faster and thus speeds downstream passage.

Photo 5  The SCHaC-08 fish screen is a 14 degree rotary drum screen developed in Idaho in 2002-2004.

In 2008, the Lowline Canal on Challis Creek was consolidated into the Highline Canal. The SChaC-07 or Lowline Canal diversion provided water to irrigate a small acreage and also fed a pump used to operate a sprinkler pivot system. Excess water was diverted in order to feed the pump and ensure there were no cavitation issues. This project eliminated the SCHaC-07 diversion dam from Challis Creek. That diversion had been a fish passage barrier at low stream flows in late summer. A second benefit was a reduction in water withdrawal from Challis Creek. The project involved installing a bifurcation structure in the Highline Canal and feeding the pump with a penstock. The penstock supplies the pump demand rather than over supplying water. The bifurcation structure installed in the Highline Canal has a splitter fitting in order to supply the minor amount of water needed to irrigate the acreage outside the limits of the sprinkler pivot. At some point in the future, the landowner could install a second half pivot or wheel lines to reduce water consumption on that portion of the acreage under flood irrigation. The project involved obtaining approval from 52 water users in order to consolidate this ditch into the Highline Canal. The Highline Canal diversion was designed in 2004 to accommodate the Lowline Canal, so no modification was necessary to the Highline Diversion dam.

Photo 6  The bifurcation structure and penstock for the SChaC-07 Consolidation project.

To date, thirteen diversions have been treated on Challis Creek.  All of the treated diversions have included new control structures and fish friendly diversion dams in addition to new fish screens. Two fish passage barriers were eliminated entirely. The fisheries benefits to Challis Creek from these related projects include increased in-stream flow, improved fish passage to several miles of spawning and rearing habitat for juveniles and adults, reduced water temperatures, and elimination of entrainment by the application of fish screens.       

Smiley Creek Project:

Smiley Creek is a headwater tributary to the Salmon River where adult Chinook salmon annually spawn. This section of the Salmon River is the uppermost reach of the subbasin where Chinook salmon are known to spawn. Smiley Creek has been suspected to provide early rearing habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon, but none were found to be present during a survey of the watershed in 2004 (Warren et al. 2005). At the time of the initial survey, a diversion just upstream of the confluence was dewatering the stream. There was no control structure at the point of diversion.  The diversion dam was constructed of rock, plastic, and other man made materials. Upstream fish passage was determined to be minimal at moderate flow and a full barrier to both adult and juveniles during late season low flow conditions. Conservation measures implemented in Smiley Creek began with the installation of a control structure. The irrigator was given advice on improving his diversion for fish passage. He removed imperious materials and used a rock step pool check structure to improve upstream passage.  A new fish screen was constructed following negotiations of a flow agreement with the irrigator. The flow agreement was signed prior to the final adjudication of water rights in the basin. The agreement provided a substantial amount of water in the streambed downstream of the diversion. A subsequent fishery survey conducted in 2012 found juvenile Chinook salmon within a segment of Smiley Creek upstream of this newly screened diversion. Following the adjudication, the amount of water diverted was reduced to reflect the adjudicated water rights.

The fisheries benefits to Smiley Creek from these related projects include increased in-stream flow, improved fish passage to several miles of spawning and rearing habitat for juveniles and adults, reduced water temperatures, and elimination of entrainment by the application of fish screens.       

Fish Screening Projects:

Since 1991, 257 NOAA/FSOC criteria fish screens have been installed on gravity diversions in anadromous waters of the State of Idaho. From 1993 through 1995 an intensive effort was started to evaluate existing fish screens in the Salmon River basin. Battelle Labs scientists C. Scott Abernethy (pers. comm.) and Duane Nietzel performed evaluations on existing Idaho fish screens and provided recommendations for improving the Idaho fish screening efforts. The study results revealed Idaho screen designs were below standards consistent within the remaining Columbia River basin. Fish screen approach velocities were excessive, fish bypass configurations were substandard, bypass pipes were a source of concern, bypass outfalls were not fish friendly, and the mechanical systems were prone to failure. The evidence all indicated Idaho needed newer better fish screen designs. Newer 45 degree fish screens had been installed since 1991, but those designs suffered several faults. The six inch bypass pipes were prone to plugging, silt accumulated at alarming rates in the screen fore bays, and the paddlewheel drives were inefficient and under high tail water conditions would stall allowing the screens to become clogged with debris. By late 1994, a new design was finished. It was a 22-1/2 degree screen and had no provision for bypassing flow around the drum screen. The 22-1/2 degree drum screen prototype was installed at LHC-01 on Hayden Creek, a tributary to the Lemhi River. It was evaluated by Department engineers and Battelle Labs. The screen passed critique by Battelle Labs and the Fish Screen Oversight Committee (FSOC). This design reduced cost by nearly one third per cfs screened and established increased sweeping velocity to the bypass, resulting in a substantial decrease in migration delay at fish screens. Other refinements soon followed. The program provided support and participated in laboratory testing of a comparison of submerged orifice and overflow weir bypass systems in a rotary drum screen. The test compared injury and movement rates for three life stages of spring Chinook salmon. The research was conducted at Pacific Northwest National Labs during 1994 through 1995 (C. S. Abernethy et. al.). The first solar powered fish screen was installed at L-31B in 1996. 

A R&D Program was established in 1997 to test new screen designs and modifications to existing designs. The R&D Program was a huge success. Many minor improvements were made to drive trains, materials, fabrication technique, bypass systems and appurtenances. However, newer better methodology was always being sought. A proposed design was put forward for a large capacity vee drum screen. Laboratory testing of a scale model vee drum screen was conducted in Albrook Hydraulic Lab at Washington State University (WSU). The tests were conducted to verify hydraulics of the sweeping velocity, approach velocity, bypass velocity, and velocity acceleration into the bypass. Specific testing was performed to identify hydraulic characteristics of the bypass system and whether or not the design would conform to NOAA Juvenile Fish Screen Criteria. Lab tests verified the design was adequate and also gave important results pertaining to flow patterns of a submerged orifice. Other laboratory testing was conducted on paddlewheel designs at the Albrook Hydraulic Lab at WSU . Silt accumulations in screen forebays have always been a maintenance concern. Engineers determined the silt accumulation was a function of screen angle to the ditch flow.  A newer design was developed for a 14 degree screen and a prototype was installed in 2002. Two more were installed in 2003. Evidence was immediately noted with silt accumulations dropping by nearly 70%. Tributary reconnection often hinged on keeping water in stream for passage. If a rotary drum screen was deployed in certain places, the bypass systems required would actually result in the stream being dewatered. A new point of diversion (POD) screen without the need for a bypass system had to be designed. Several designs were deployed, but the most successful POD screen has been the cylinder brush screen.

Photo 7.  A cylinder point of diversion screen uses a brush cleaning system.

In the late 1990s, as new designs and improvements were being made to fish screens, it was evident biological testing needed to be performed to ascertain the efficacy of the new screens. In 2002, the program hired a full time biologist to conduct activities specific to monitoring and evaluating projects completed by the program. The biologist established procedures and protocols for field investigations, fish screen performance evaluations, and post project implementation evaluations. Four Biomark Inc., Destron-Fearing FS2001 FR/ISO PIT-tag reading stations were purchased and deployed on bypass pipes to monitor entrainment of PIT tagged salmonids and develop diversion habitat inventories. Staff utilized the PTAGIS database and analyzed data for PIT tagged Chinook salmon and steelhead diverted through the monitored diversions and the associated screens. Submerged camera operations revealed screen seal problems that were not apparent from ground level. From this work a new random inspection program was developed to sample a percentage of fish screens each year so fish screen effectiveness would remain high.

The main stem of the Lemhi River has 72 screened gravity fed irrigation diversions and an additional 32 screens on Lemhi River tributaries. A monitoring program utilizing passive integrated transponser (PIT) tag technology was implemented in 2003 and continues to this day to track tagged fish as they move around the Lemhi River watershed and through selected fish screen bypasses. The results of his study conclude that approximately 71% of downstream migrating Chinook salmon smolts are entrained and bypassed by Lemhi River fish screens during median May flow conditions (Walters et al. 2012). This monitoring program has also found that some downstream migrating fish are entrained and bypassed numerous times, and that some juvenile steelhead will be entrained numerous times as they move about the watershed before then migrate downstream as smolts. Tracking studies have also found that adult steelhead tagged as outmigrating kelts have been detected to be bypassed at monitored fish screens as second time returning adult spawners. This more recent study focused only on the spring smolt out-migration, whereas the fall parr outmigration comprises a large component of the juvenile Chinook salmon population that is also susceptible to entrainment. This study alone suggests that entrainment losses into irrigation diversions is a major limiting factor and can significantly effect this species at the population level. Maintenance of existing fish screen structures is paramount to increasing fry to smolt survival. A NOAA/FSOC criteria fish screen is only operating within the criteria parameters when it is being properly maintained.

Idaho Department of Fish & Game

BPA Project 1994-015-00

All Idaho Anadromous Waters

1994-2012¹

1.  Data is calendar based and may not match all BPA annual contracts.  Contract periods were modified following contract extensions.  Work noted includes Mitchell Act cost share funded projects. 

Quantifiable biological and physical habitat objectives of the Fish and Wildlife Program were met with the installation of fish screens.  Of the 257 fish screens constructed since 1991, BPA has either funded them in whole or provided funding support critical to their effectiveness. The biological necessity for quality fish screens on water diversions has been clearly documented by the M&E work this program has conducted. Without fish screens, entrainment would severely limit any opportunity for ESA listed species recovery.

Photo 8   Testing a PIT tag detector at the S-32 fish screen bypass pipe on the Salmon River.