Tributary Barrier Confirmation and Removal Planning. Tributary barriers identified in the Tributary Barrier Analysis report (DES 2000b) will be reassessed for depth, velocity, and gradient and re-prioritized if necessary. Two methodologies that may be used are: 1) using the Forest Practices Board Emergency Rule and “Oregon Method” used in the 2000 report; or 2) developing a more simplistic method based on the principles of the 2000 methodology to use as a more rapid assessment tool. The USDA Forest Service supports the latter option. As tributary barriers are documented as either remaining or eliminated, the LCFF will update the tributary barrier removal priority list included in the 2000 report. Once the tributary barrier removal priority list is updated, the LCFF will work with Chelan PUD to implement Lake Chelan Settlement Agreement License Article 6(c) for tributary barrier removal work, such as investigating barrier removal methods, stream channel rehabilitation design at tributary mouths, contractor selection to conduct work, etc. Actual on-the-ground tributary barrier removal efforts will commence in early 2011, depending upon runoff volume and associated lake elevation. Tributary barrier removal efforts were scheduled originally to begin in 2009. However, the scheduled was revised due to the following events: delay in selecting a design contractor; need by the design contractor to view tributary mouths in 2009 to observe barriers present and discuss with the consulting team and LCFF potential preliminary design features; time required to secure necessary permits; and time required to secure a construction contractor. The LCFF conducted a boat tour of tributary mouths in March 2008, touring both the north and south shores from Twenty-five-Mile Creek uplake to Fish Creek. During the tour, LCFF members took numerous photographs of the tributary mouths to initiate photo-documentation of existing tributary mouth conditions and barriers to upstream fish passage. Photographs were posted on the Chelan PUD Lake Chelan Implementation Website. After the conclusion of the tour, Forum members reached consensus that virtually all tributaries observed had barriers, either water depth, water velocity, or gradient, to upstream fish passage at the lake elevation of approximately 1083.0 feet that occurred during the site visit. The LCFF met again on June 17, 2008 to review Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) submitted by potential tributary barrier removal design consultants, select and consultant, and proceed with implementing the Tributary Barrier Removal Project (TBRP). A design consultant, the Fairbanks Environmental Team, was selected by consensus of the LCFF. The LCFF reviewed pertinent information regarding watershed conditions of tributaries to Lake Chelan, such as the USDA Forest Service Regional Assistance Teams (RATs) assessment report, USDA Forest Service Lake Chelan Basin fire map of areas burned since 1998, and tributary mouth photographs taken in March 2008. Based on this information, the priority tributaries selected by the LCFF at the June 17, 2008 meeting were Safety Harbor, Xxxxxxxx, Grade, and Gold creeks. However, even with the selection of priority tributaries, the LCFF members discussed proceeding cautiously with tributary barrier removal efforts due to the following considerations: 1. Based on the data illustrated by the Lake Chelan basin fire map and recommendations from the Regional Stream Restoration Assistance Team (RATs), significant watershed instability has been documented in most tributaries to Lake Chelan due to recent fires. The instability of the upper watersheds will likely result in high bedload movements for a number of years during high runoff events, which may thwart barrier removal and stream reconfiguration efforts until the watersheds have time to stabilize to a greater extent; 2. The RATs also recommended giving the new lake level operating regime more time to be in affect that may allow tributaries to carve out alluvial deposits on their own due to high flow events occurring when the lake level will lower than historical elevations during major high runoff events, particularly in the fall and winter; and 3. Allow the WDFW Westslope cutthroat trout restoration program additional time to increase tributary WSCT populations, thereby producing more spawning age adults that could contribute to natural reproduction in the tributaries. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2009 in order to avoid further delay will include the following: 1. Conduct a site visit to primary tributaries by the design consultant and LCFF in late march or early April to document existing conditions and discuss concepts for barrier removal and stream mouth restoration; 2. Continue photo documentation of tributary mouth existing conditions; 3. Conduct initial designs of barrier removal and stream mouth restoration; and 4. Initiate acquisition of all required permits to conduct barrier removal and stream mouth restoration efforts.
Appears in 2 contracts
Samples: Annual Work Plan, Lake Chelan Fishery Forum Annual Work Plan
Tributary Barrier Confirmation and Removal Planning. Tributary barriers identified in the Tributary Barrier Analysis report (DES 2000b) will be reassessed for depth, velocity, and gradient and re-prioritized if necessary. Two methodologies that may be used are: 1) using the Forest Practices Board Emergency Rule and “Oregon Method” used in the 2000 report; or 2) developing a more simplistic method based on the principles of the 2000 methodology to use as a more rapid assessment tool. The USDA Forest Service supports the latter option. As tributary barriers are documented as either remaining or eliminated, the LCFF will update the tributary barrier removal priority list included in the 2000 report. Once the tributary barrier removal priority list is updated, the LCFF will work with Chelan PUD to implement Lake Chelan Settlement Agreement License Article 6(c) for tributary barrier removal work, such as investigating barrier removal methods, stream channel rehabilitation design at tributary mouths, contractor selection to conduct work, etc. Actual on-the-ground tributary barrier removal efforts will commence in early 2011, depending upon runoff volume and associated lake elevation. Tributary barrier removal efforts were scheduled originally to begin in 2009. However, the scheduled schedule was revised due to the following events: delay in selecting a design contractor; need by the design contractor to view tributary mouths in 2009 to observe barriers present and discuss with the consulting team and LCFF potential preliminary design features; time required to secure necessary permits; and time required to secure a construction contractor. The LCFF conducted a boat tour of tributary mouths in March 2008, touring both the north and south shores from Twenty-five-five Mile Creek uplake to Fish Creek. During the tour, LCFF members took numerous photographs of the tributary mouths to initiate photo-documentation of existing tributary mouth conditions and barriers to upstream fish passage. Photographs were posted on the Chelan PUD Lake Chelan Implementation Website. After the conclusion of the tour, Forum members reached consensus that virtually all tributaries observed had barriers, either water depth, water velocity, or gradient, to upstream fish passage at the lake elevation of approximately 1083.0 feet that occurred during the site visit. The LCFF met again on June 17, 2008 to review Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) submitted by potential tributary barrier removal design consultants, select and a consultant, and proceed with implementing the Tributary Barrier Removal Project (TBRP). A design consultant, the Fairbanks Environmental Team, was selected by consensus of the LCFF. The LCFF reviewed pertinent information regarding watershed conditions of tributaries to Lake Chelan, such as the USDA Forest Service Regional Assistance Teams (RATs) assessment report, USDA Forest Service Lake Chelan Basin fire map of areas burned since 1998, and tributary mouth photographs taken in March 2008. Based on this information, the priority tributaries selected by the LCFF at the June 17, 2008 meeting were Safety Harbor, Xxxxxxxx, Grade, and Gold creeks. However, even with the selection of priority tributaries, the LCFF members discussed proceeding cautiously with tributary barrier removal efforts due to the following considerations:.
1. Based on the data illustrated by the Lake Chelan basin fire map and recommendations from the Regional Stream Restoration Assistance Team (RATs), significant watershed instability has been documented in most tributaries to Lake Chelan due to recent fires. The instability of the upper watersheds will likely result in high bedload movements for a number of years during high runoff events, which may thwart barrier removal and stream reconfiguration efforts until the watersheds have time to stabilize to a greater extent;
2. The RATs also recommended giving the new lake level operating regime more time to be in affect that may allow tributaries to carve out alluvial deposits on their own due to high flow events occurring when the lake level will lower than historical elevations during major high runoff events, particularly in the fall and winter; and
3. Allow the WDFW Westslope westslope cutthroat trout restoration program additional time to increase tributary WSCT WCT populations, thereby producing more spawning age adults that could contribute to natural reproduction in the tributaries. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2009 in order to avoid further delay will include 2011 included the following:
1. Conduct a site visit Chelan PUD staff planned to primary tributaries have the Lake Chelan elevation in 2011 at or below 1086 feet (MSL) by the design consultant no later than mid-February and LCFF in late march or remain below 1086 feet through March and, potentially, into early April in order to document existing conditions and discuss concepts for barrier conduct construction activities in-the-dry.
2. Barrier removal and stream mouth restoration;
2. Continue photo documentation reconstruction activities were conducted in Xxxxxxxx and Gold creeks, simultaneously, beginning the week of tributary mouth existing conditions;February 7, 2011 and completed on February 24, 2011.
3. Conduct initial designs Photographs were taken of barrier removal Prince, Fish, and stream mouth restoration; and
4Safety Harbor creek mouths on May 25, 2011 at Lake Chelan elevation 1087.48. Initiate acquisition The intent of the photographs was to document that no barriers to upstream fish passage were present. Presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in these creeks had been documented in previous years. The plausible explanation for these creeks ability to “repair themselves” is that the lake level operation contained in the new license draws the lake down sooner in the fall. The drawdown allowed the energy of the streams during winter freshets to scour out sediment at the tributary mouths to prevent formation of barriers to upstream adult fish passage, No further mechanical treatment is planned for any Lake Chelan tributary at this time. Monitoring will continue in future years to document passage ability for trout between elevations 1086 ft. and 1100 ft. Efforts to monitor the presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2013 included photo-documentation of existing conditions at the mouths of First, Twenty-five Mile, Gold, Xxxxxxxx, Safety Harbor, Fish, and Prince creeks in March during lake drawdown. Mechanical treatment was employed at Gold and Xxxxxxxx xxxxxx in 2011. Monitoring trips verified that access from Lake Chelan to spawning habitat was maintained in all required permits to conduct barrier removal and stream mouth restoration efforts.creeks surveyed. Photographs of tributary mouths can be found at the following link of the Lake Chelan Implementation webpage under Projects, Tributary Barriers. xxxx://xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx/lc-Resource-Documents-LCFF.cfm?year=All
Appears in 2 contracts
Samples: Annual Work Plan, Annual Work Plan
Tributary Barrier Confirmation and Removal Planning. Tributary barriers identified in the Tributary Barrier Analysis report (DES 2000b) will be reassessed for depth, velocity, and gradient and re-prioritized if necessary. Two methodologies that may be used are: 1) using the Forest Practices Board Emergency Rule and “Oregon Method” used in the 2000 report; or 2) developing a more simplistic method based on the principles of the 2000 methodology to use as a more rapid assessment tool. The USDA Forest Service supports the latter option. As tributary barriers are documented as either remaining or eliminated, the LCFF will update the tributary barrier removal priority list included in the 2000 report. Once the tributary barrier removal priority list is updated, the LCFF will work with Chelan PUD to implement Lake Chelan Settlement Agreement License Article 6(c) for tributary barrier removal work, such as investigating barrier removal methods, stream channel rehabilitation design at tributary mouths, contractor selection to conduct work, etc. Actual on-the-ground tributary barrier removal efforts will commence in early 2011, depending upon runoff volume and associated lake elevation. Tributary barrier removal efforts were scheduled originally to begin in 2009. However, the scheduled schedule was revised due to the following events: delay in selecting a design contractor; need by the design contractor to view tributary mouths in 2009 to observe barriers present and discuss with the consulting team and LCFF potential preliminary design features; time required to secure necessary permits; and time required to secure a construction contractor. The LCFF conducted a boat tour of tributary mouths in March 2008, touring both the north and south shores from Twenty-five-five Mile Creek uplake up lake to Fish Creek. During the tour, LCFF members took numerous photographs of the tributary mouths to initiate photo-documentation of existing tributary mouth conditions and barriers to upstream fish passage. Photographs were posted on the Chelan PUD Lake Chelan Implementation Website. After the conclusion of the tour, Forum members reached consensus that virtually all tributaries observed had barriers, either water depth, water velocity, or gradient, to upstream fish passage at the lake elevation of approximately 1083.0 feet that occurred during the site visit. The LCFF met again on June 17, 2008 to review Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) submitted by potential tributary barrier removal design consultants, select and a consultant, and proceed with implementing the Tributary Barrier Removal Project (TBRP). A design consultant, the Fairbanks Environmental Team, was selected by consensus of the LCFF. The LCFF reviewed pertinent information regarding watershed conditions of tributaries to Lake Chelan, such as the USDA Forest Service Regional Assistance Teams (RATs) assessment report, USDA Forest Service Lake Chelan Basin fire map of areas burned since 1998, and tributary mouth photographs taken in March 2008. Based on this information, the priority tributaries selected by the LCFF at the June 17, 2008 meeting were Safety Harbor, Xxxxxxxx, Grade, and Gold creeks. However, even with the selection of priority tributaries, the LCFF members discussed proceeding cautiously with tributary barrier removal efforts due to the following considerations:
1. Based on the data illustrated by the Lake Chelan basin fire map and recommendations from the Regional Stream Restoration Assistance Team (RATs), significant watershed instability has been documented in most tributaries to Lake Chelan due to recent fires. The instability of the upper watersheds will likely result in high bedload bed load movements for a number of years during high runoff events, which may thwart barrier removal and stream reconfiguration efforts until the watersheds have time to stabilize to a greater extent;
2. The RATs also recommended giving the new lake level operating regime more time to be in affect that may allow tributaries to carve out alluvial deposits on their own due to high flow events occurring when the lake level will lower than historical elevations during major high runoff events, particularly in the fall and winter; and
3. Allow the WDFW Westslope cutthroat trout WCT restoration program additional time to increase tributary WSCT WCT populations, thereby producing more spawning age adults that could contribute to natural reproduction in the tributaries. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2009 in order to avoid further delay will include 2011 included the following:
1. Conduct a site visit Chelan PUD staff planned to primary tributaries have the Lake Chelan elevation in 2011 at or below 1086 feet (MSL) by the design consultant no later than mid-February and LCFF in late march or remain below 1086 feet through March and, potentially, into early April in order to document existing conditions and discuss concepts for barrier conduct construction activities in-the-dry.
2. Barrier removal and stream mouth restoration;
2. Continue photo documentation reconstruction activities were conducted in Xxxxxxxx and Gold creeks, simultaneously, beginning the week of tributary mouth existing conditions;February 7, 2011 and completed on February 24, 2011.
3. Conduct initial designs Photographs were taken of barrier removal Prince, Fish, and stream mouth restoration; and
4Safety Harbor creek mouths on May 25, 2011 at Lake Chelan elevation 1087.48. Initiate acquisition The intent of the photographs was to document that no barriers to upstream fish passage were present. Presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in these creeks had been documented in previous years. The plausible explanation for these creeks ability to “repair themselves” is that the lake level operation contained in the new license draws the lake down sooner in the fall. The drawdown allowed the energy of the streams during winter freshets to scour out sediment at the tributary mouths to prevent formation of barriers to upstream adult fish passage, No further mechanical treatment is planned for any Lake Chelan tributary at this time. Monitoring will continue in future years to document passage ability for trout between elevations 1086 ft. and 1100 ft. Efforts to monitor the presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2016 included photo-documentation of existing conditions at the mouths of First, Twenty-five Mile, Gold, Safety Harbor, Fish, and Prince creeks in March during lake drawdown. Photographs of Xxxxxxxx Creek were not taken in 2016 due to inclement weather conditions. Mechanical treatment of upstream passage barriers was employed at Gold and Xxxxxxxx xxxxxx in 2011. Monitoring trips in 2014, 2015, and 2016 verified that access from Lake Chelan to spawning habitat was maintained in all required permits to conduct barrier removal and stream mouth restoration effortscreeks surveyed. Photographs of tributary mouths can be found in Tributary Barriers Photographs, 2008- 2017 (Chelan PUD 2017).
Appears in 1 contract
Tributary Barrier Confirmation and Removal Planning. Tributary barriers identified in the Tributary Barrier Analysis report (DES 2000b) will be reassessed for depth, velocity, and gradient and re-prioritized if necessary. Two methodologies that may be used are: 1) using the Forest Practices Board Emergency Rule and “Oregon Method” used in the 2000 report; or 2) developing a more simplistic method based on the principles of the 2000 methodology to use as a more rapid assessment tool. The USDA Forest Service supports the latter option. As tributary barriers are documented as either remaining or eliminated, the LCFF will update the tributary barrier removal priority list included in the 2000 report. Once the tributary barrier removal priority list is updated, the LCFF will work with Chelan PUD to implement Lake Chelan Settlement Agreement License Article 6(c) for tributary barrier removal work, such as investigating barrier removal methods, stream channel rehabilitation design at tributary mouths, contractor selection to conduct work, etc. Actual on-the-ground tributary barrier removal efforts will commence in early 2011, depending upon runoff volume and associated lake elevation. Tributary barrier removal efforts were scheduled originally to begin in 2009. However, the scheduled schedule was revised due to the following events: delay in selecting a design contractor; need by the design contractor to view tributary mouths in 2009 to observe barriers present and discuss with the consulting team and LCFF potential preliminary design features; time required to secure necessary permits; and time required to secure a construction contractor. The LCFF conducted a boat tour of tributary mouths in March 2008, touring both the north and south shores from Twenty-five-five Mile Creek uplake up lake to Fish Creek. During the tour, LCFF members took numerous photographs of the tributary mouths to initiate photo-documentation of existing tributary mouth conditions and barriers to upstream fish passage. Photographs were posted on the Chelan PUD Lake Chelan Implementation Website. After the conclusion of the tour, Forum members reached consensus that virtually all tributaries observed had barriers, either water depth, water velocity, or gradient, to upstream fish passage at the lake elevation of approximately 1083.0 feet that occurred during the site visit. The LCFF met again on June 17, 2008 to review Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) submitted by potential tributary barrier removal design consultants, select and a consultant, and proceed with implementing the Tributary Barrier Removal Project (TBRP). A design consultant, the Fairbanks Environmental Team, was selected by consensus of the LCFF. The LCFF reviewed pertinent information regarding watershed conditions of tributaries to Lake Chelan, such as the USDA Forest Service Regional Assistance Teams (RATs) assessment report, USDA Forest Service Lake Chelan Basin fire map of areas burned since 1998, and tributary mouth photographs taken in March 2008. Based on this information, the priority tributaries selected by the LCFF at the June 17, 2008 meeting were Safety Harbor, Xxxxxxxx, Grade, and Gold creeks. However, even with the selection of priority tributaries, the LCFF members discussed proceeding cautiously with tributary barrier removal efforts due to the following considerations:.
1. Based on the data illustrated by the Lake Chelan basin fire map and recommendations from the Regional Stream Restoration Assistance Team (RATs), significant watershed instability has been documented in most tributaries to Lake Chelan due to recent fires. The instability of the upper watersheds will likely result in high bedload movements for a number of years during high runoff events, which may thwart barrier removal and stream reconfiguration efforts until the watersheds have time to stabilize to a greater extent;
2. The RATs also recommended giving the new lake level operating regime more time to be in affect that may allow tributaries to carve out alluvial deposits on their own due to high flow events occurring when the lake level will lower than historical elevations during major high runoff events, particularly in the fall and winter; and
3. Allow the WDFW Westslope cutthroat trout WCT restoration program additional time to increase tributary WSCT WCT populations, thereby producing more spawning age adults that could contribute to natural reproduction in the tributaries. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2009 in order to avoid further delay will include 2011 included the following:
1. Conduct a site visit Chelan PUD staff planned to primary tributaries have the Lake Chelan elevation in 2011 at or below 1086 feet (MSL) by the design consultant no later than mid-February and LCFF in late march or remain below 1086 feet through March and, potentially, into early April in order to document existing conditions and discuss concepts for barrier conduct construction activities in-the-dry.
2. Barrier removal and stream mouth restoration;
2. Continue photo documentation reconstruction activities were conducted in Xxxxxxxx and Gold creeks, simultaneously, beginning the week of tributary mouth existing conditions;February 7, 2011 and completed on February 24, 2011.
3. Conduct initial designs Photographs were taken of barrier removal Prince, Fish, and stream mouth restoration; and
4Safety Harbor creek mouths on May 25, 2011 at Lake Chelan elevation 1087.48. Initiate acquisition The intent of the photographs was to document that no barriers to upstream fish passage were present. Presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in these creeks had been documented in previous years. The plausible explanation for these creeks ability to “repair themselves” is that the lake level operation contained in the new license draws the lake down sooner in the fall. The drawdown allowed the energy of the streams during winter freshets to scour out sediment at the tributary mouths to prevent formation of barriers to upstream adult fish passage, No further mechanical treatment is planned for any Lake Chelan tributary at this time. Monitoring will continue in future years to document passage ability for trout between elevations 1086 ft. and 1100 ft. Efforts to monitor the presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2014 and 2015 included photo-documentation of existing conditions at the mouths of First, Twenty-five Mile, Gold, Xxxxxxxx, Safety Harbor, Fish, and Prince creeks in March during lake drawdown. Mechanical treatment was employed at Gold and Xxxxxxxx xxxxxx in 2011. Monitoring trips in 2014 and 2015 verified that access from Lake Chelan to spawning habitat was maintained in all required permits to conduct barrier removal and stream mouth restoration effortscreeks surveyed. Photographs of tributary mouths can be found in Tributary Barriers Photographs, 2008-2016 (Chelan PUD 2016).
Appears in 1 contract
Tributary Barrier Confirmation and Removal Planning. Tributary barriers identified in the Tributary Barrier Analysis report (DES 2000b) will be reassessed for depth, velocity, and gradient and re-prioritized if necessary. Two methodologies that may be used are: 1) using the Forest Practices Board Emergency Rule and “Oregon Method” used in the 2000 report; or 2) developing a more simplistic method based on the principles of the 2000 methodology to use as a more rapid assessment tool. The USDA Forest Service supports the latter option. As tributary barriers are documented as either remaining or eliminated, the LCFF will update the tributary barrier removal priority list included in the 2000 report. Once the tributary barrier removal priority list is updated, the LCFF will work with Chelan PUD to implement Lake Chelan Settlement Agreement License Article 6(c) for tributary barrier removal work, such as investigating barrier removal methods, stream channel rehabilitation design at tributary mouths, contractor selection to conduct work, etc. Actual on-the-ground tributary barrier removal efforts will commence in early 2011, depending upon runoff volume and associated lake elevation. Tributary barrier removal efforts were scheduled originally to begin in 2009. However, the scheduled schedule was revised due to the following events: delay in selecting a design contractor; need by the design contractor to view tributary mouths in 2009 to observe barriers present and discuss with the consulting team and LCFF potential preliminary design features; time required to secure necessary permits; and time required to secure a construction contractor. The LCFF conducted a boat tour of tributary mouths in March 2008, touring both the north and south shores from Twenty-five-five Mile Creek uplake to Fish Creek. During the tour, LCFF members took numerous photographs of the tributary mouths to initiate photo-documentation of existing tributary mouth conditions and barriers to upstream fish passage. Photographs were posted on the Chelan PUD Lake Chelan Implementation Website. After the conclusion of the tour, Forum members reached consensus that virtually all tributaries observed had barriers, either water depth, water velocity, or gradient, to upstream fish passage at the lake elevation of approximately 1083.0 feet that occurred during the site visit. The LCFF met again on June 17, 2008 to review Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) submitted by potential tributary barrier removal design consultants, select and a consultant, and proceed with implementing the Tributary Barrier Removal Project (TBRP). A design consultant, the Fairbanks Environmental Team, was selected by consensus of the LCFF. The LCFF reviewed pertinent information regarding watershed conditions of tributaries to Lake Chelan, such as the USDA Forest Service Regional Assistance Teams (RATs) assessment report, USDA Forest Service Lake Chelan Basin fire map of areas burned since 1998, and tributary mouth photographs taken in March 2008. Based on this information, the priority tributaries selected by the LCFF at the June 17, 2008 meeting were Safety Harbor, Xxxxxxxx, Grade, and Gold creeks. However, even with the selection of priority tributaries, the LCFF members discussed proceeding cautiously with tributary barrier removal efforts due to the following considerations:.
1. Based on the data illustrated by the Lake Chelan basin fire map and recommendations from the Regional Stream Restoration Assistance Team (RATs), significant watershed instability has been documented in most tributaries to Lake Chelan due to recent fires. The instability of the upper watersheds will likely result in high bedload movements for a number of years during high runoff events, which may thwart barrier removal and stream reconfiguration efforts until the watersheds have time to stabilize to a greater extent;
2. The RATs also recommended giving the new lake level operating regime more time to be in affect that may allow tributaries to carve out alluvial deposits on their own due to high flow events occurring when the lake level will lower than historical elevations during major high runoff events, particularly in the fall and winter; and
3. Allow the WDFW Westslope westslope cutthroat trout restoration program additional time to increase tributary WSCT populations, thereby producing more spawning age adults that could contribute to natural reproduction in the tributaries. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2009 in order to avoid further delay will include included the following:
1. Conduct A photographic reconnaissance of the main tributaries in February 2009. The new lake level operating regime for the Lake Chelan Project has been in effect since September 2007. The intent of the new regime was to draft the lake lower in the fall in order to allow winter freshets to carve out sediment at the mouths of tributaries to prevent formation of barriers (depth, velocity, gradient) to upstream adult fish passage, primarily westslope cutthroat trout, in the spring for spawning. Changes in tributary mouths were noted, particularly at Fish, Prince, and Safety Harbor Creeks. Obvious barriers to upstream passage were documented in March 2008. These barriers appear to have been removed in Fish, Prince and Safety Harbor Creeks by freshets that occurred during the winter of 2008-2009. Other tributaries appear also to be “healing themselves,” with better fish passage conditions documented in the February 2009 photographs. A storm event occurred the first week in January 2009 that raised the discharge from the Stehekin River significantly. It is expected that the tributaries to the lake followed a similar pattern. This event, and preceding ones during winter 2008-2009, may be responsible for the changes noted in the 2009 photographs. These data are preliminary, but give an indication that the new lake level operating regime may be providing the desired benefits of preventing tributary mouth barrier formation and removing existing barriers to upstream adult fish passage.
2. As planned, a site visit was conducted on April 2, 2009 when the lake surface elevation was approximately 1,086 feet relative to primary mean sea level, near the annual low operating level and when the stream discharge was low. Attending were members of the Fisheries Forum with consultant team members Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, fisheries biologist, Xxxxx Xxxxxx, fluvial geomorphologist, and Xxx Xxxxxx, fisheries engineer. The objectives of the site visit were to make a qualitative determination of the extent and nature of upstream fish passage barriers at each of the four creeks and to explore alternatives for enhancing or creating upstream fish passage. The four tributaries by included: Xxxxxxxx, Gold, Grade, and Safety Harbor creeks. Excerpts from field notes (complete field notes and photos can be viewed at xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx/xx-Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxxxxxx-XXXX.xxx velocity that could be improved with rock weirs. Rock weirs would create step pools which would reduce the overall grade and water velocity. The step pools would also provide resting stations for upstream migrating fish. Additional parameters that were discussed to reach consensus include: tributaries should be passable above lake elevation of 1,086 feet to ensure upstream passage for spring spawners; design consultant criteria should target 8-10 inch westslope cutthroat and LCFF in late march or early April to document existing conditions and discuss concepts rainbow trout.
3. Initial designs for barrier removal were submitted to CPUD by the consultant team on 6/26/2009 and stream mouth restoration;
2reviewed and discussed by the LCFF on 7/14/2009. Continue photo documentation of tributary mouth existing conditions;
3The LCFF reached consensus on proceeding with modified designs for Xxxxxxxx and Gold Creeks. Conduct initial Final designs of barrier removal were submitted to CPUD on 8/20/2009 and stream mouth restoration; andagreed to by the LCFF.
4. Initiate Chelan PUD initiated acquisition of all required permits and contract bid package to conduct barrier removal and stream mouth restoration effortsprojects in Xxxxxxxx and Gold Creeks in 2011. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2010 included the following:
1. Permit packages for both Xxxxxxxx and Gold creeks were submitted by Chelan PUD to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (XXX), approved by the XXX, and received by Chelan PUD, allowing for proceeding with barrier removal and stream channel restoration activities in 2011.
2. A construction contractor (Xxxxxxxx Construction) was secured by Chelan PUD to conduct work at both Xxxxxxxx and Gold creeks. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2011 included the following:
1. Chelan PUD staff planned to have the Lake Chelan elevation in 2011 at or below 1086 feet (MSL) by no later than mid-February and remain below 1086 feet through March and, potentially, into early April in order to conduct construction activities in-the-dry.
2. Barrier removal and stream reconstruction activities were conducted in Xxxxxxxx and Gold creeks, simultaneously, beginning the week of February 7, 2011 and completed on February 24, 2011.
3. Photographs were taken of Prince, Fish, and Safety Harbor creek mouths on May 25, 2011 at Lake Chelan elevation 1087.48. The intent of the photographs was to document that no barriers to upstream fish passage were present. Presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in these creeks had been documented in previous years. The plausible explanation for these creeks ability to “repair themselves” is that the lake level operation contained in the new license draws the lake down sooner in the fall. The drawdown allowed the energy of the streams during winter freshets to scour out sediment at the tributary mouths to prevent formation of barriers to upstream adult fish passage, No further mechanical treatment is planned for any Lake Chelan tributary at this time. Monitoring will continue in future years to document passage ability for trout between elevations 1086 ft. and 1100 ft. Efforts to monitor the presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2012 included photo-documentation of existing conditions at the mouths of First, Twenty-five Mile, Gold, Xxxxxxxx, Safety Harbor, Fish, Prince, and Railroad creeks in March during lake drawdown. Mechanical treatment was employed at Gold and Xxxxxxxx xxxxxx. Monitoring trips verified that connectivity was maintained in all creeks surveyed. Photographs of tributary mouths can be found at the following link of the Lake Chelan Implementation webpage under Projects, Tributary Barriers. xxxx://xxx.xxxxxxxxx.xxx/lc-Resource-Documents-LCFF.cfm
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Annual Work Plan
Tributary Barrier Confirmation and Removal Planning. Tributary barriers identified in the Tributary Barrier Analysis report (DES 2000b) will be reassessed for depth, velocity, and gradient and re-prioritized if necessary. Two methodologies that may be used are: 1) using the Forest Practices Board Emergency Rule and “Oregon Method” used in the 2000 report; or 2) developing a more simplistic method based on the principles of the 2000 methodology to use as a more rapid assessment tool. The USDA Forest Service supports the latter option. As tributary barriers are documented as either remaining or eliminated, the LCFF will update the tributary barrier removal priority list included in the 2000 report. Once the tributary barrier removal priority list is updated, the LCFF will work with Chelan PUD to implement Lake Chelan Settlement Agreement License Article 6(c) for tributary barrier removal work, such as investigating barrier removal methods, stream channel rehabilitation design at tributary mouths, contractor selection to conduct work, etc. Actual on-the-ground tributary barrier removal efforts will commence in early 2011, depending upon runoff volume and associated lake elevation. Tributary barrier removal efforts were scheduled originally to begin in 2009. However, the scheduled schedule was revised due to the following events: delay in selecting a design contractor; need by the design contractor to view tributary mouths in 2009 to observe barriers present and discuss with the consulting team and LCFF potential preliminary design features; time required to secure necessary permits; and time required to secure a construction contractor. The LCFF conducted a boat tour of tributary mouths in March 2008, touring both the north and south shores from Twenty-five-five Mile Creek uplake to Fish Creek. During the tour, LCFF members took numerous photographs of the tributary mouths to initiate photo-documentation of existing tributary mouth conditions and barriers to upstream fish passage. Photographs were posted on the Chelan PUD Lake Chelan Implementation Website. After the conclusion of the tour, Forum members reached consensus that virtually all tributaries observed had barriers, either water depth, water velocity, or gradient, to upstream fish passage at the lake elevation of approximately 1083.0 feet that occurred during the site visit. The LCFF met again on June 17, 2008 to review Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) submitted by potential tributary barrier removal design consultants, select and a consultant, and proceed with implementing the Tributary Barrier Removal Project (TBRP). A design consultant, the Fairbanks Environmental Team, was selected by consensus of the LCFF. The LCFF reviewed pertinent information regarding watershed conditions of tributaries to Lake Chelan, such as the USDA Forest Service Regional Assistance Teams (RATs) assessment report, USDA Forest Service Lake Chelan Basin fire map of areas burned since 1998, and tributary mouth photographs taken in March 2008. Based on this information, the priority tributaries selected by the LCFF at the June 17, 2008 meeting were Safety Harbor, Xxxxxxxx, Grade, and Gold creeks. However, even with the selection of priority tributaries, the LCFF members discussed proceeding cautiously with tributary barrier removal efforts due to the following considerations:.
1. Based on the data illustrated by the Lake Chelan basin fire map and recommendations from the Regional Stream Restoration Assistance Team (RATs), significant watershed instability has been documented in most tributaries to Lake Chelan due to recent fires. The instability of the upper watersheds will likely result in high bedload movements for a number of years during high runoff events, which may thwart barrier removal and stream reconfiguration efforts until the watersheds have time to stabilize to a greater extent;
2. The RATs also recommended giving the new lake level operating regime more time to be in affect that may allow tributaries to carve out alluvial deposits on their own due to high flow events occurring when the lake level will lower than historical elevations during major high runoff events, particularly in the fall and winter; and
3. Allow the WDFW Westslope westslope cutthroat trout restoration program additional time to increase tributary WSCT WCT populations, thereby producing more spawning age adults that could contribute to natural reproduction in the tributaries. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2009 in order to avoid further delay will include 2011 included the following:
1. Conduct a site visit Chelan PUD staff planned to primary tributaries have the Lake Chelan elevation in 2011 at or below 1086 feet (MSL) by the design consultant no later than mid-February and LCFF in late march or remain below 1086 feet through March and, potentially, into early April in order to document existing conditions and discuss concepts for barrier conduct construction activities in-the-dry.
2. Barrier removal and stream mouth restoration;
2. Continue photo documentation reconstruction activities were conducted in Mitchell and Gold creeks, simultaneously, beginning the week of tributary mouth existing conditions;February 7, 2011 and completed on February 24, 2011.
3. Conduct initial designs Photographs were taken of barrier removal Prince, Fish, and stream mouth restoration; and
4Safety Harbor creek mouths on May 25, 2011 at Lake Chelan elevation 1087.48. Initiate acquisition The intent of the photographs was to document that no barriers to upstream fish passage were present. Presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in these creeks had been documented in previous years. The plausible explanation for these creeks ability to “repair themselves” is that the lake level operation contained in the new license draws the lake down sooner in the fall. The drawdown allowed the energy of the streams during winter freshets to scour out sediment at the tributary mouths to prevent formation of barriers to upstream adult fish passage, No further mechanical treatment is planned for any Lake Chelan tributary at this time. Monitoring will continue in future years to document passage ability for trout between elevations 1086 ft. and 1100 ft. Efforts to monitor the presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2014 included photo-documentation of existing conditions at the mouths of First, Twenty-five Mile, Gold, Mitchell, Safety Harbor, Fish, and Prince creeks in March during lake drawdown. Mechanical treatment was employed at Gold and Xxxxxxxx xxxxxx in 2011. Monitoring trips in 2014 verified that access from Lake Chelan to spawning habitat was maintained in all required permits to conduct barrier removal and stream mouth restoration effortscreeks surveyed. Photographs of tributary mouths can be found at the following link of the Lake Chelan Implementation webpage under Projects, Tributary Barriers.
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Annual Work Plan
Tributary Barrier Confirmation and Removal Planning. Tributary barriers identified in the Tributary Barrier Analysis report (DES 2000b) will be reassessed for depth, velocity, and gradient and re-prioritized if necessary. Two methodologies that may be used are: 1) using the Forest Practices Board Emergency Rule and “Oregon Method” used in the 2000 report; or 2) developing a more simplistic method based on the principles of the 2000 methodology to use as a more rapid assessment tool. The USDA Forest Service supports the latter option. As tributary barriers are documented as either remaining or eliminated, the LCFF will update the tributary barrier removal priority list included in the 2000 report. Once the tributary barrier removal priority list is updated, the LCFF will work with Chelan PUD to implement Lake Chelan Settlement Agreement License Article 6(c) for tributary barrier removal work, such as investigating barrier removal methods, stream channel rehabilitation design at tributary mouths, contractor selection to conduct work, etc. Actual on-the-ground tributary barrier removal efforts will commence in early 2011, depending upon runoff volume and associated lake elevation. Tributary barrier removal efforts were scheduled originally to begin in 2009. However, the scheduled schedule was revised due to the following events: delay in selecting a design contractor; need by the design contractor to view tributary mouths in 2009 to observe barriers present and discuss with the consulting team and LCFF potential preliminary design features; time required to secure necessary permits; and time required to secure a construction contractor. The LCFF conducted a boat tour of tributary mouths in March 2008, touring both the north and south shores from Twenty-five-five Mile Creek uplake up lake to Fish Creek. During the tour, LCFF members took numerous photographs of the tributary mouths to initiate photo-documentation of existing tributary mouth conditions and barriers to upstream fish passage. Photographs were posted on the Chelan PUD Lake Chelan Implementation Website. After the conclusion of the tour, Forum members reached consensus that virtually all tributaries observed had barriers, either water depth, water velocity, or gradient, to upstream fish passage at the lake elevation of approximately 1083.0 feet that occurred during the site visit. The LCFF met again on June 17, 2008 to review Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) submitted by potential tributary barrier removal design consultants, select and a consultant, and proceed with implementing the Tributary Barrier Removal Project (TBRP). A design consultant, the Fairbanks Environmental Team, was selected by consensus of the LCFF. The LCFF reviewed pertinent information regarding watershed conditions of tributaries to Lake Chelan, such as the USDA Forest Service Regional Assistance Teams (RATs) assessment report, USDA Forest Service Lake Chelan Basin fire map of areas burned since 1998, and tributary mouth photographs taken in March 2008. Based on this information, the priority tributaries selected by the LCFF at the June 17, 2008 meeting were Safety Harbor, Xxxxxxxx, Grade, and Gold creeks. However, even with the selection of priority tributaries, the LCFF members discussed proceeding cautiously with tributary barrier removal efforts due to the following considerations:
1. Based on the data illustrated by the Lake Chelan basin fire map and recommendations from the Regional Stream Restoration Assistance Team (RATs), significant watershed instability has been documented in most tributaries to Lake Chelan due to recent fires. The instability of the upper watersheds will likely result in high bedload bed load movements for a number of years during high runoff events, which may thwart barrier removal and stream reconfiguration efforts until the watersheds have time to stabilize to a greater extent;
2. The RATs also recommended giving the new lake level operating regime more time to be in affect that may allow tributaries to carve out alluvial deposits on their own due to high flow events occurring when the lake level will lower than historical elevations during major high runoff events, particularly in the fall and winter; and
3. Allow the WDFW Westslope cutthroat trout WCT restoration program additional time to increase tributary WSCT WCT populations, thereby producing more spawning age adults that could contribute to natural reproduction in the tributaries. Efforts to implement barrier removal in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2009 in order to avoid further delay will include 2011 included the following:
1. Conduct a site visit Chelan PUD staff planned to primary tributaries have the Lake Chelan elevation in 2011 at or below 1086 feet (MSL) by the design consultant no later than mid-February and LCFF in late march or remain below 1086 feet through March and, potentially, into early April in order to document existing conditions and discuss concepts for barrier conduct construction activities in-the-dry.
2. Barrier removal and stream mouth restoration;
2. Continue photo documentation reconstruction activities were conducted in Xxxxxxxx and Gold creeks, simultaneously, beginning the week of tributary mouth existing conditions;February 7, 2011 and completed on February 24, 2011.
3. Conduct initial designs Photographs were taken of barrier removal Prince, Fish, and stream mouth restoration; and
4Safety Harbor creek mouths on May 25, 2011 at Lake Chelan elevation 1087.48. Initiate acquisition The intent of the photographs was to document that no barriers to upstream fish passage were present. Presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in these creeks had been documented in previous years. The plausible explanation for these creeks ability to “repair themselves” is that the lake level operation contained in the new license draws the lake down sooner in the fall. The drawdown allowed the energy of the streams during winter freshets to scour out sediment at the tributary mouths to prevent formation of barriers to upstream adult fish passage, No further mechanical treatment is planned for any Lake Chelan tributary at this time. Monitoring will continue in future years to document passage ability for trout between elevations 1086 ft. and 1100 ft. Efforts to monitor the presence of barriers to upstream fish passage in Lake Chelan tributaries in 2016 included photo-documentation of existing conditions at the mouths of First, Twenty-five Mile, Gold, Safety Harbor, Fish, and Prince creeks in March during lake drawdown. Photographs of Xxxxxxxx Creek were not taken in 2016 due to inclement weather conditions. Mechanical treatment of upstream passage barriers was employed at Gold and Xxxxxxxx xxxxxx in 2011. Monitoring trips in 2014, 2015, and 2016 verified that access from Lake Chelan to spawning habitat was maintained in all required permits to conduct barrier removal and stream mouth restoration effortscreeks surveyed. Photographs of tributary mouths can be found in Tributary Barriers Photographs, 2008- 2017 (Chelan PUD 2017).
Appears in 1 contract
Samples: Annual Work Plan
