D2018-1 D2018-2 D2018-FWS-1 D2018-3 D2018-C1 D2018-C2
D2018-1 Top of Page
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| 1. SOR Request |
OBJECTIVE To maintain fish protection measures and provide an alternate passage route (i.e., nonturbine, non-powerhouse) for hatchery and wild Chinook and steelhead at Lower Granite Dam during ESBS screen installation and early period of operation and testing of new Juvenile Bypass System. SPECIFICATIONS Provide RSW spill at Lower Granite Dam from March 25, 2018 (0001) to April 3 (0000). Spring spill will commence on April 3, 2018 (0001), as specified in the 2018 Spring Fish Operations Plan. JUSTIFICATION Section 2.3.1.2.vii of the Fish Passage Plan (LGR) states that ESBSs will be installed in at least 4 turbine units (all 6 if possible) by March 24 and remaining screens will be installed by April 1. Recent issues with the emergency bypass hatch lifting system of the new JBS will result in a delay in the installation of ESBS screens. Due the delay in screen installation, the postconstruction evaluation of the new JBS will not occur until all ESBS’s have been deployed and the JBS is fully operational. These tests are expected to take approximately one week. Therefore, it is unlikely that the JBS will be demonstrated to be in proper working order until after the spring spill season has started. Because of the continued Unit 3 outage at Dworshak Dam and resulting high spill levels, Chinook and steelhead at Dworshak NFH are experiencing elevated levels of total dissolved gas (TDG) that threaten their health and survival. To minimize further risks, Dworshak NFH is planning to release approximately 1.65 million yearling spring Chinook and approximately 1.17 million steelhead into the Clearwater River Basin, beginning March 28th to April 2nd (Table 1). In addition, approximately 3.65 million yearling hatchery spring/summer Chinook smolts from Kooskia NFH, the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery, and Clearwater Hatchery are planned for release into the Clearwater River Basin between March 12th and March 30th (Table 1). The new release dates were chosen to balance risk of TDG exposure while minimizing the number of fish reaching Lower Granite Dam (LGR) prior to screen deployment, testing of the new Juvenile Bypass System (JBS), and the start of spring spill on April 3rd. The installation of the ESBS screens and testing of the new JBS system at LGR are delayed. In addition, operational constraints at DWOR, and resulting high TDG, are necessitating adjustments to in-hatchery rearing and releases. For these reasons, the salmon managers request RSW spill at LGR to provide an alternative passage route (i.e., non-turbine, non-powerhouse) and maintain fish protection measures for hatchery and wild fish passing LGR prior to the start of spring spill. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | National Marine Fisheries Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Nez Perce Tribe, Colville Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
March 21, 2018, TMT Meeting. NOAA, presented this request on behalf of the Salmon Managers. It asks the Action Agencies to provide RSW spill at Lower Granite Dam from March 25 through April 3 when spring spill starts on the Snake River. Signatories to the SOR include USFWS, NOAA, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, the Nez Perce Tribe, Colville Tribe, and CRITFC. There are two justifications for the SOR: 1. Installation of fish screens in the juvenile bypass system was to be completed by March 24 per the Fish Passage Plan, but has been delayed by problems with the emergency bypass hatch lifting system. Operating the RSW would compensate for the lack of screens and JBS. 2. The second justification is the early release of Dworshak hatchery fish prior to spill season due to high TDG levels in the raceways. Opening the RSW would give these fish an alternative to turbine or untested JBS passage. COE Walla Walla, asked why mitigation is needed before April 3 if the screens are installed by the end of March. It’s needed to accommodate the early release of fish from Dworshak Hatchery, as well as other fish migrating in the basin, NOAA Fisheries said. Also, the upgraded JBS system won’t be tested in time for the start of spill season, USFWS said. Until the screens are in place, there’s no way to know how well the upgraded JBS is performing. USFWS clarified that the spring Chinook and steelhead in systems 2 and 3 will be released on March 29-30, and steelhead still on station will be released on April 2. The COE clarified that condition sampling of the JBS will start the day after screens are installed in the turbines. The latest update indicates screens will be installed on March 28, not March 26, which means condition sampling will start on March 29. BPA asked, what about closing the RSW after the JBS is operational until the hatchery releases show up? We tried to come up with a fish abundance trigger and it doesn’t work, Umatilla said. Wild fish will also be passing Lower Granite prior to screening the turbines, USFWS said. Hatchery fish are headed to Lower Granite from other areas in the basin, the Nez Perce added. Alternative passage is needed until the JBS has been confirmed as a safe route. It makes sense to provide an alternative for hatchery fish that have already been stressed by high levels of TDG, WDFW said. BPA asked why the SOR requests RSW spill starting March 25 if the Dworshak fish won’t have arrived yet. Wild fish are already showing up, WDFW said. The COE will coordinate with project staff on whether it would be possible to implement the SOR, the COE said. The Action Agencies will report back to TMT on this before the end of the week. |
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| 4. AA Decision | The Action Agencies will implement the operation described in the SOR. | ||||
| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Corps put the RSW in operation on March 25 as requested in SOR 2018-1. | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
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| 1. SOR Request |
OBJECTIVE To maintain fish protection measures and provide an alternate passage route (i.e., non- turbine, non-powerhouse) for hatchery and wild salmon and steelhead juveniles at Lower Granite Dam during ESBS screen installation and prior to the initiation of the 2018 spring Fish Operations Plan spill. SPECIFICATIONS Flows through the Lower Granite Dam powerhouse should not exceed the capacity of the screened units. As soon as reasonably possible, spill all flows in excess of screened units through April 3 (0000). Spring spill to the 120/115% Gas Cap will commence on April 3, 2018 (0001), as specified in the 2018 Spring Fish Operations Plan. JUSTIFICATION Section 2.3.1.2.vii of the Fish Passage Plan (LGR) states that ESBSs will be installed in at least 4 turbine units (all 6 if possible) by March 24 and remaining screens will be installed by April 1. Recent issues with the emergency bypass hatch lifting system of the new JBS has resulted in a delay in the installation of ESBS screens. According to the latest coordination from the COE, installation of ESBS screens at LGR is not expected to be completed in all operational units after April 1st. Without an operational JBS or ESBS screens in place, wild and hatchery salmon and steelhead juveniles entering the powerhouse may experience delay in the gatewells or will be forced to pass through the turbines. For this reason, the salmon managers request spill of all flows in excess of screened units at LGR to provide an alternative non-powerhouse passage route and maintain fish protection measures for hatchery and wild fish passing LGR prior to the start of the 2018 spring Fish Operations Plan spill. The spill pattern during this operation should follow what is specified in Table LWG-7 of the 2018 Fish Passage Plan. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | NOAA Fisheries, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Colville Tribes, and the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
March 28, 2018, TMT Meeting. On March 27, the Salmon Managers submitted this SOR to the Action Agencies asking for spill in excess of the screened units at Lower Granite Dam to provide an alternative route for hatchery and wild fish prior to the April 3 start of spill on the Snake. The Action Agencies have not yet had time to respond and will provide an update via email tomorrow, March 29, informing TMT members of progress on the screens and JBS at Lower Granite, Wright reported. If no screens are operable tomorrow, the SOR will be implemented. Minimum generation restrictions and a TDG limit of 110% are in effect until April 1. |
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| 4. AA Decision | The Action Agencies decided to implment SOR 2018-2 and notified the TMT in an email send from the Corps to the TMT on Thursday, March 29. | ||||
| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Corps implemented SOR effective March 29. | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS
Based on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) February 2006 Biological Opinion (2006 BO) on operations of Libby Dam, and the May final April-August volume runoff forecast of 7.35 million acre-feet (MAF), we are within a Tier 4 operations year for Kootenai River white sturgeon. The minimum recommended release volume for sturgeon conservation in a Tier 4 year is 1.2 MAF and we recommend the following procedures for discharge of at least this minimum volume from Libby Dam: The precise means that will be utilized to meet these objectives are largely dependent on real-time conditions and in-season management. It is not possible to develop a single definitive recommendation for a sturgeon operation at this time due to the uncertainties in the forecast, and shape and volume of inflow. Given these uncertainties, the Service has developed the following guidelines for sturgeon operations in 2018: • The 2018 sturgeon operations at Libby Dam will consist of one period of ramp- up/pre-peak/ascending limb flows, one period of peak flow (~20,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) or higher to provide a minimum flow of ~32,000 cfs at Bonners Ferry), and one period of ramp-down/post-peak/receding limb flows. The ramp-up and ramp-down will occur within 2006 BO ramping rates. • Selective withdrawal gates at Libby Dam above elevation 2,326 mean sea level will be installed gradually prior to, and during, the augmentation operations, with the objective of passing the warmest water available in the forebay as it becomes available. Minimum submergence of selective withdrawal gates at Libby Dam is 30 feet, and gates will be installed to keep withdrawal elevations within 30-40 feet until all gates are installed. • Release of the warmest water possible from Libby Dam, in combination with lower volume of release, will allow the Kootenai River temperature to increase to appropriate spawning temperatures at Bonners Ferry (8-10°C) during the receding limb of the hydrograph. • Based on the Service’s 2006 BO on operations of Libby Dam, and the May final April-August volume runoff forecast of 7.35 MAF, we are within a Tier 4 operations year for Kootenai River white sturgeon. The minimum recommended release volume for sturgeon conservation in a Tier 4 year is 1.2 MAF, and we recommend the following procedures for discharge of at least this minimum volume: o Increase discharge from Libby Dam to ~20,000 (peak) cubic feet per second (cfs) over a 7-day period (pre-peak flows) when the Regional Team of Biologists determines that high elevation tributary run-off is peaking. o Maintain peak discharge (~20,000 cfs, depending on head of the forebay and river stage at Bonners Ferry) for as long as possible (~ 25 days of peak flows), taking into account the shape and volume of the ascending and descending limbs of the hydrograph and the total sturgeon flow augmentation volume available (i.e. 1.2 MAF). Although ~20,000 cfs is requested for sturgeon operations, under current conditions dam managers may need to increase outflows from Libby Dam to full powerhouse for flood risk management purposes. o After peak flows, gradually decrease discharge at Libby Dam (post-peak), adhering to ramping rates in the 2006 BO, and exhaust the total sturgeon volume to maintain a river flow that will result in a gradually receding stage at Bonners Ferry (Figure 3). o After the sturgeon flow augmentation volume has been exhausted, continue to decrease discharge at Libby Dam towards stable summer flows, to no less than bull trout minimum flows (9,000 cfs in Tier 4). o Total number of days at peak discharge will depend on real time conditions and the shape of the inflow hydrographs. o Current modeling indicates that the intended flow objective at Bonners Ferry of 30+kcfs will be sustained for approximately 33 days. As always, flood risk reduction operations supersede sturgeon flow augmentation, and dam managers will coordinate operations with regional sturgeon managers. Sturgeon augmentation discharge may be extended for additional days if the Corps elects to provide volume in excess of the minimum volume requirement in the 2006 BO and to control the refill rate of Libby Dam. Provide stable or gradually declining discharge through the end of September following ramping rates and minimum flow guidelines in the 2006 BO for bull trout and white sturgeon. Additional recommendations may be provided as water supply forecasts are updated. JUSTIFICATION The objective of the 2018 sturgeon augmentation operation described in this SOR is to provide, and maximize the duration of, peak river stages/flows during the spring run-off period. Preliminary analysis of sturgeon telemetry data by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game indicates that the number of days at or above 30,000 cfs at Bonners Ferry plays a role in increasing the likelihood that spawning sturgeon will migrate upsteam of Bonners Ferry. Overall, the goal of this operation is to provide conditions that will enable sturgeon to migrate to, and spawn over, rocky substrates that exist upstream of Bonners Ferry. The operating parameters outlined in this SOR are intended to provide some guidance on how to achieve the attributes listed in Table 1 of the 2006 BO, given the current water supply forecast. Previous years operations have shown that conditions at Libby Dam and in the Kootenai River basin can change rapidly. Recognizing this, the start date and exact shape of the operation will need to be developed and modified in-season as more is known. The in-season coordination will occur in the sturgeon technical team and with a final recommendation coordinated through the action agencies and the Technical Management Team. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Gregory Hughes, State Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office. | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
May 9, 2018, TMT Meeting. The USFWS informed TMT about the second System Operation Request, to provide a pulse from Libby dam to aid sturgeon migration and spawning. Based on the runoff forecast of 7.3 maf, this is a Tier 4 year. In earlier years, the SOR provided for a double pulse. However, after reviewing telemetry data, the request this year is to change the shape to provide a single pulse. The timing and magnitude of the pulse would be condition-dependent, with guidelines described in the document on the TMT web site. The ramping up of Libby flows to 20 kcfs will provide 30 kcfs of warmer water at Bonners Ferry for approximately 40 days to assist white sturgeon migration and spawning activity. ACTION: The facilitator polled all TMT members and those who voted approved the SOR. The State of Oregon abstained. Montana and NOAA had previously given their approval, and the Corps will confirm this after the meeting. Hearing no objections the Corps plans to implement the SOR. |
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| 4. AA Decision | The Action Agencies decided to implment SOR 2018-FWS-1 as coordinated during the May 9, 2018, TMT meeting. | ||||
| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation |
This year’s sturgeon operation involved a single peak of Libby Dam outflows. The sturgeon pulse began on May 15 when
Libby outflows of 10 kcfs were increased to 12 kcfs. Outflows continued to increase from May 15 until outflows reached
20 kcfs of May 22. Outflows of 20 kcfs occurred from May 22 to May 31. Libby Dam outflows increased to 22 kcfs on June 1.
Libby Dam outflows peaked at 23 kcfs between the dates of June 3 through June 8. On June 9 Libby Dam outflow was reduced
to 20 kcfs and continued through June 13. June 14 through 17 Libby Dam outflows were reduced to 17 kcfs. June 18 Libby Dam
outflows were reduced down to 16 kcfs. Libby Dam continued to reduce outflows down to 10 kcfs that marked the end of the sturgeon
pulse that occurred on June 28. A summary of Libby outflows during the sturgeon pulse are included below. May 11 through 14: Prior to the sturgeon pulse outflow was 10 kcfs May 15: 12 kcfs (initiation of the sturgeon pulse) May 16 to May 17: 13 kcfs May 18: 15 kcfs May 19 to May 21: 17 kcfs May 22 to May 31: 20 kcfs June 1: 22 kcfs June 2 to June 8: 23 kcfs (peak of the sturgeon pulse) June 9 to June 13: 20 kcfs June 14 to June 17: 17 kcfs June 18: 16 kcfs June 19 to June 21: 15 kcfs June 22 to June 25: 13 kcfs June 28: 10 kcfs (end of the sturgeon pulse) |
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| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS
Release 6,000 cfs or less from Libby Dam during September through the first week of November, 2018. Provide gradually declining discharge to the target flow following ramping rate guidelines in the 2006 USFWS BiOp for bull trout and white sturgeon. JUSTIFICATION Low flows in the Kootenai River during September through the first week of November, 2018 are requested to allow the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s contractor to implement in-water work associated with the Kootenai River Habitat Restoration Program - Lower Meander Project during September through first week of November, 2018. The purpose of restoration activities in the Lower Meander Project area is to improve habitat conditions in the Kootenai River to help adult sturgeon migrate upstream, improve spawning habitat, increase juvenile rearing habitat, and improve overall ecosystem function. The strategy for this area includes: establishing a longitudinal sequence of high quality, deeper pools to support migration of Kootenai river white sturgeon to upstream habitats in the Braided and Canyon reaches; adding fill and plantings to existing islands to promote riparian development and provide food web support; grading and planting eroding banks to establish sustainable riparian buffers; installing bank structures to promote bank stability and to maintain pools; and installing woody debris structures in side channels and along bank margins to improve habitat complexity. Implementation of the Lower Meander Project was divided into two construction periods (Phase 1 and Phase 2). Phase 1 was completed in 2017 and Phase 2 of the project is scheduled for construction during 2018. The proposed operation will ensure Action Agency compliance with the USFWS Biological Opinion regarding the Effects of Libby Dam Operations on the Kootenai River White Sturgeon, Bull Trout, and Kootenai Sturgeon Critical Habitat (1901F0279R) as clarified (2008). Action 2.1 under RPA Component 2 (Management of Sturgeon Habitat) calls for Action Agency cooperation in implementing the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s Kootenai River Restoration Project Master Plan. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Kootenai Tribe of Idaho; Sue Ireland, Fish and Wildlife Department Director. | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
May 9, 2018, TMT Meeting. KTOI described the proposed System Operation Request to continue habitat restoration work to benefit the ESA-listed white sturgeon population, burbot and other species. This work began in 2011, with Phase 2 started in 2017. It is designed to increase the number of pools and improve the overall ecosystem of the Kootenai River. The request is to limit outflows from Libby Dam to 6 kcfs from September to the first week in November. The November portion of this operation will require close communication with BPA and the Corps regarding anticipated November flood control and power needs. The Corps noted that snotels in the basin currently show much snow, though recent warm temperatures have dropped the lower elevation snowpack rapidly. Current runoff volume is the third highest on record, with high June inflows also predicted. The reservoir target elevation is 2449 ft. at the end of August, and 2448-50 at the end of September. There is a good chance of refill this year. ACTION: The facilitator polled all TMT members and all approved the SOR. Montana and NOAA had previously given their approval, and The Corps will confirm this after the meeting. Fish managers expressed appreciation for the effort to help this project move forward. Hearing no objections the Corps plans to implement the SOR. |
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| 4. AA Decision | The Action Agencies decided to implment SOR 2018-3 as coordinated during the May 9, 2018, TMT meeting. | ||||
| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Libby Dam, August 31, 2018, midnight forebay elevation was 2444 feet. Libby Dam outfow August 1 through 31 was 9 kcfs. Libby Dam September 30, midnight forebay elevation was 2442 feet. Libby Dam outflows for the month of September were the following: 1) September 1 and 2 outflows of 8 kcfs, and 2) September 3 through 30 outflows of 6 kcfs. | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS
Implement the following pool operations: 6 am, Monday, June 18, 2018, through 6 pm, Friday, June 22, 2018 6 am, Monday, June 25, 2018, through 6 pm, Friday, June 29, 2018 Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles: Operate the pool within a 1.5-foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5-foot band during the treaty fishing period. JUSTIFICATION The 2018 summer treaty fishing season is of critical importance to CRITFC's member tribes. The run sizes (Columbia River at Bonneville Dam) of an estimated 64,900 (near average) adult summer Upper Columbia chinook and 98,800 sockeye (below average) will create harvest opportunities for tribal fishers who will exercise their treaty rights by participating in this harvest using platform and gillnet fishing methods. This harvest will provide for the cultural, religious, and economic needs of the treaty tribes. CRITFC will sponsor net flights each week to count the set-nets in each Zone 6 pool. The survey data will be shared with COE-RCC staff by early afternoon of the flight day. Achieving good river conditions through managed river operations during the treaty fishery has been the basis of past litigation that have been supported by federal courts and are consistent with the trust and fiduciary responsibilities that the federal operators have with respect to CRITFC's member tribes. In past meetings with Corps officials, tribal fishers have explained that a pool fluctuation of more than 1.5 feet disrupts fishery operations. Specific problems include: (1) increased local currents that sweep debris into fishing nets, (2) rapid water level drops lead to entanglement of nets or change local currents that affect fishing success, (3) boat access problems, and (4) Nets and gear are costly to replace and may become lost or torn from their anchors if pools are raised after nets are set. Delays or disruptions to tribal fishing operations caused by the excessive pool fluctuations in Zone 6 can negatively impact tribal incomes, food resources and cultural practices. For many tribal fishers' much of their annual income and food is generated during the brief treaty fishing season. The fishers have expressed to Corps officials that the loss of fishing opportunity during the extremely limited treaty fishery period cannot be replaced. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Jaime A. Pinkham, Executive Director, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
June 13 2018, TMT Meeting. CRITFC, provided an overview of the Treaty Fishing SOR (SOR C-1) on behalf of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission tribes. SOR 2018-C1 requests a 1.5-foot band for the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day pools during the treaty fishing periods: June 18-22 and June 25-29. He noted that the tribes are forecasting approximately 64,900 fish in the summer Chinook run and 98,800 in the sockeye run (which is below average for sockeye). CRITFC indicated that, based on the run sizes, it is likely that the summer fishing season will be four weeks. CRITFC will update their fish counts on June 25th and Kyle will provide an update to the TMT at the June 27th TMT meeting. Kyle shared that if people are interested in buying fish from the tribal fisher people, the CRITFC website provides details on where to buy fish. The Corps, appreciated CRITFC’s advance notice for planning purposes, and stated that the Action Agencies will implement SOR C-1. The Action Agencies will operate the BON, TDA, and JDA pools within a 1.5-ft band from June 18-22 and June 25-29. |
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| 4. AA Decision | The Action Agencies decided to implment SOR 2018-C1 as coordinated during the June 13, 2018, TMT meeting. | ||||
| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Corps implemented the SOR in coordination with the CRITFC and the TMT. Specific hourly data regarding these operations may be found on the following website. http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/dd/common/dataquery/www/ | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||
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| 1. SOR Request |
SPECIFICATIONS
Implement the following pool operations: Monday, August 27, 2018, 6 am, through Thursday, August 30, 2018, 6 pm Monday, September 3, 2018, 6 am, through Friday, September 7, 2018, 6 pm Bonneville: Operate the pool within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing period. The Dalles: Operate the pool within a 1.5-foot band during the treaty fishing period. John Day: Operate the pool within a 1.5-foot band during the treaty fishing period. JUSTIFICATION The 2018 fall treaty fishing season is of critical importance to CRITFC’s member tribes. The run sizes (Columbia River at Bonneville Dam) of an estimated 253,000 (below 10 year average) adult fall chinook, 110,300 A and B-Index steelhead (below 10 year average), and 51,800 coho (below 10 year average) will create harvest opportunities for tribal fishers who will exercise their treaty rights by participating in this harvest using platform and gillnet fishing methods. This harvest will provide for the cultural, religious, and economic needs of the treaty tribes. CRITFC will sponsor net flights each week to count the set-nets in each Zone 6 pool. The survey data will be shared with COE-RCC staff by early afternoon of the flight day. Achieving good river conditions through managed river operations during the treaty fishery has been the basis of past litigation that have been supported by federal courts and are consistent with the trust and fiduciary responsibilities that the federal operators have with respect to CRITFC's member tribes. In past meetings with Corps officials, tribal fishers have explained that a pool fluctuation of more than 1.5 feet disrupts fishery operations. Specific problems include: (1) increased local currents that sweep debris into fishing nets, (2) rapid water level drops lead to entanglement of nets or change local currents that affect fishing success, (3) boat access problems, and (4) Nets and gear are costly to replace and may become lost or torn from their anchors if pools are raised after nets are set. Delays or disruptions to tribal fishing operations caused by the excessive pool fluctuations in Zone 6 can negatively impact tribal incomes, food resources and cultural practices. For many tribal fishers' much of their annual income and food is generated during the brief treaty fishing season. The fishers have expressed to Corps officials that the loss of fishing opportunity during the extremely limited treaty fishery period cannot be replaced. |
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| 2. Requester(s) | Jaime A. Pinkham, Executive Director, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. | ||||
| 3. TMT Recommendation |
August 22, 2018, TMT Meeting. CRITFC, updated TMT on the recently submitted SOR 2018 C-2, which requests that the Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day pools be operated within a 1.5 foot band during the treaty fishing periods. They are looking for an initial two-week season, to include: Monday, August 27, 2018, from 6 am, through Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 6 pm and Monday, September 3, 2018, from 6 am, through Friday, September 7, 2018, at 6 pm. CRITFC noted that the initial start is later this season because the tribes want to avoid accidently overfishing the early part of the run. Current fish forecast at Bonneville is 253,000 adult fall Chinook, 110,000 steelhead, both A-runand B-run, and almost 52,000 coho; all of which are below the 10-year average. Kyle reported that CRITFC will sponsor a series of net survey flights and share the data with the Corps once it comes in. The Corps, confirmed that the Corps has received the SOR and will implement as requested. The Corps will hold the Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day pools within a 1.5 foot band for Monday, August 27, 2018, from 6 am, through Thursday, August 30, 2018, at 6 pm and Monday, September 3, 2018, from 6 am, through Friday, September 7, 2018, at 6 pm. |
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| 4. AA Decision | The Action Agencies decided to implment SOR 2018-C1 as coordinated during the August 22, 2018, TMT meeting. | ||||
| 5. IT Recommendation | |||||
| 6. AA decision (post IT) | |||||
| 7. Actual Implemented Operation | The Corps implemented the SOR in coordination with the CRITFC and the TMT. Specific hourly data regarding these operations may be found on the following website. http://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/dd/common/dataquery/www/ | ||||
| 8. If different from AA decision, why? | |||||