Template – Draft - July 25, 2006

Draft Habitat Strategies and Actions for Recovery of ____ Population

Part 1- Tributary Actions

Strategy 4 – Minimize, reduce or eliminate threats from land use activities
Management Action / Limiting Factor/Threat Code / Specific Threats Addressed / VSP Parameters Addressed / Species/Life Stages Affected / Comments
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / 7a / Fine sediment inputs from variety of sources / All / All species: Eggs and alevins / Percent fine sediment in riffles generally exceeds desired levels relative to ODFW Habitat Benchmarks. Recent inventories in stream reaches on state forest land also indicate presence of excessive fine sediments in gravel when compared to reference reaches within the basin (Kavanaugh et al. 2006). Anlauf et al. (2006) determined that 43% of the surveyed length of streams in the coastal strata were rated as poor relative to levels of fine sediment present in the gravel.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Lower Columbia Wadeable Stream Report (Mulvey and Borisenko, 2006) shows that excess fine sediment was the second most extensive stressor in the Lower Columbia, impairing about a third of the stream miles. Excess fine sediment was also the leading stressor that was measured in a ranking based onimpairment extent and relative risk to the biota. Streams within the Young’s Bay basin that were surveyed by ODEQ include the Lewis and Clark and South Fork Klaskanine rivers; however, results of this study are only meaningful at larger spatial scales (i.e. ESU).
The Mainstem Lower Columbia River and Columbia River Estuary Subbasin Plan, Western Oregon TributariesReport(2004)provides additional assessment regarding this threat
The Young’s Bay Watershed Assessment(Bischoff et al. 2000b) identifies run-off from forest and rural roads as primary source. The Skipanon Watershed Assessment(Bischoff et al. 2000a)identifiesslope instability, road instability, and rural road runoff as the most significant sediment sources. However, the Planning Team has been unable to locate anyempiricalon-the-ground sediment source analyses specific to the Young’s Bay population that verifies these assumptions. If there are no existing analyses on sediment sources, a priority RME project would be to have a sediment source survey conducted in priority areas.
B. Improve habitat complexity and off channel habitat availability, particularly in areas with high intrinsic potential for high quality habitat / 8a / Past and current land use practices that have impaired the quality of instream physical habitat by reducing habitat complexity including availability of off-channel habitat / All / Coho - fry and winter parr; fall Chinook - fry; steelhead - winter parr / The Young’s Bay Watershed Assessment(Bischoff et al. 2000b), and ODFW Aquatic Inventory reports (Anlauf et al. (2006); Kavanaugh et al. 2006)indicate most reaches surveyed were moderate to undesirable for attributes such as large wood and pool frequency. AquaticInventory coverage of the population area appears to be adequate to characterize habitat conditions with the exception of the Skipanon sub-basin where physical habitat data is lacking perSkipanon Watershed Assessment(Bischoff et al. 2000a)
The local watershed councils (Young’s Bay, Skipanon, and Nicolai-Wickiup) have developed a generalized action plan (May 2003) that begins to address this threat; although few specific projects were identified. More recently,Boswell (2005) has identified priority reaches for large wood placement and riparian enhancement in the Young’s Bay sub-basin.
High Intrinsic Potential (HIP) reaches for coho were recently identified in (Kavanaugh et al. 2006). The Lower Columbia Guide to Project Selection (Barber et al. 1995) identifies specific restoration opportunities within the Young’s Bay Watershed.
The Mainstem Lower Columbia River and Columbia River Estuary Sub-basin Plan, Western Oregon Tributaries Report (2004) provides additional assessment regarding this threat
C. Improve summer water temperature in stream reaches that fail DEQ criteria for water temperature standards for salmonids due to anthropogenic causes. / 9a / Past and current land use practices that have increased stream temperatures and lead to decreased survival of juvenile coho / All / Coho - summer parr / Sections of Young’s River and Lewis and Clark River are on DEQ’s 303(d) list for water quality impairment due to excessive temperature. The Skipanon River is not currently on the 303(d) list; however, the Skipanon Watershed Assessment(Bischoff et al. 2000a) suggests that the mainstem Skipanon may be significantly temperature impaired. It is likelythat there are additional stream reaches that are temperature impaired that have yet to be identified.
Most temperature data collection efforts have focused on mainstem stream reaches. It is uncertain to what extent individual tributaries are contributing to temperature impairment. The primary source of temperature impairment is lack of riparian vegetation; although water withdrawals and channel widening are other likely contributors (North Coast TMDL). Analyses of riparian conditions have been conducted by both the Young’s Bay and Skipanon River watershed councils. These analyses will help to identify stream reaches where riparian conditions can be improved to promote stream shading.
The Mainstem Lower Columbia River and Columbia River Estuary Subbasin Plan, Western Oregon Tributaries Report (2004) provides additional assessment regarding this threat
Discussion (NMFS): Suggest adding D.O. as component of sub-strategy. This has not been identified as LF.
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D. Improve (summer) flows in Lewis and ClarkRiver / 2f, 10e / Dewatering of portions of Lewis and ClarkRiver due to City of Warrenton water withdrawals. / All / Steelhead fry and summer parr. / The Lewis and Clark River exhibits a high potential for dewatering Young’s Bay Watershed Assessment(Bischoff et al. 2000b). It is the primary source of water for the city of Warrenton; withthree of its tributaries (Big South Fork, Little South Fork, and Camp C Creek) serving assecondary sources (Woodward-Clyde 1997). Water is typically diverted from the mainstemLewis & Clark River (25 cfs appropriated) from July 1 to October 1. After the first of October the three secondary sources supply enough water to meet existing demand. Big and Little SouthForks have 5 cfs of water appropriated for municipal water supply, while only 2 cfs areappropriated for Camp C Creek. Young’s Bay Watershed Assessment(Bischoff et al. 2000b).
Pacific Coast Seafood is the largest water user with approximately one third of the summer use. Water meters installed for all users beginning 8 years ago. This decreased peak demand by approximately 50%. Average summer water use is now approximately 3 million gallons per day (includes City of Gearhart). Water demand is approaching system capacity.
The affect of reduced summer instream flows on juvenile steelhead, or other species, has not been emperically quantified.
Discussion: Should this be a secondary limiting factor for coho. Inhibits temperature dependent migration.
Discussion (NMFS): Suggest adding coho winter fry and summer parr to life stage affected.
E. Improve access to high quality spawning and rearing areas / 2d / Impaired passage at road crossings and other land use related passage impediments in tributary streams (Note: tidegates are considered in the estuarine section) / All / Chum returning adults / Current information suggests that access to chum spawning habitats may be a problem Young’s Bay Watershed Assessment(Bischoff et al. 2000b; ODFW 1995); However, the extent to which access to chum spawning and rearing areas are blocked within stream reaches above tidewater remains uncertain. It is also unclear the extent to which chum historically were present in the Skipanon Watershed.
Need layer showing chum barriers for Young’s Bay population boundaries. Based on the NMFS Habitat Atlas the lower Walluski was historically chum salmon spawning habitat. (Citation?)
The Mainstem Lower Columbia River and Columbia River Estuary Subbasin Plan, Western Oregon Tributaries Report (2004) provides additional assessment regarding this threat
Discussion: Should this be a limiting factor?? There are virtually no chum and the best habitat spawning habitat is likely below any barriers. Sediment in spawning gravel is likely a bigger issue for any chum that do return.
Discussion (NMFS): Suggest adding chf and coho adults and juvenile, as well as chum fry to life stage affected.
Management Action / Priority Locations
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / Dependant upon sediment source analyses but likely focus on forest and rural roads within Young’s Bay population boundaries.
B. Improve habitat complexity and off channel habitat availability, particularly in areas with high intrinsic potential for high quality habitat / HIP reaches within Young's Bay population boundaries, particularly for coho. Lowland stream, shallow water habitat, and tidal reaches of Lewis and Clark, Klaskanine (NF and SF), and Walluski, particularly for fall Chinook. Basin-wide for winter steelhead.
C. Improve summer water temperature in stream reaches that fail DEQ criteria for water temperature standards for salmonids due to anthropogenic causes. / All impaired riparian reaches particularly in Lewis and Clark River and possibly Skipanon River.
D. Improve (summer) flows in Lewis and Clark River / Lewis and Clark below municipal diversions - also look at future municipal uses (i.e. City of Astoria);
E. Improve access to high quality spawning and rearing areas / Road crossings within chum range, tidegates in estuary.
Key Programs
(existing programs, past programs for which results are not yet realized, or planned programs which may or may not be funded)
Management Action / Agency/ Organization / Program Name / Sufficient?* (Yes, No, Uncertain) / 1. Description of program as it relates to the management action
2. Legal or statutory guidance
3. Rational for sufficiency characterization
4. Program modifications needed to achieve sufficiency
5. Logistical constraints (funding, technique, land ownership, etc.)
6. Spatial extent
7. Timeline for implementation and effectiveness
8. Supporting documents
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / ODFW / Aquatic Inventories Project / Uncertain / 1. Description -The aquatic inventory project is designed to provide quantitative information on habitat condition for streams throughout Oregon. This information is used to provide basic information for biologists and land managers, to establish monitoring programs, and to direct or focus habitat restoration efforts. Aquatic inventories will assist in identifying reaches within Young’s Bay population boundaries that have excessive fine sediments in gravel.
2.Guidance – Existing ODFW Aquatic Habitat Inventory Protocol.
3.Rationale –Existing stream survey information appears to be adequate to characterize the extent of the fine sediment problem in the Young’s Bay population. Some additional surveys may be needed in conjunction with the need for a sediment source analysis. Unclear if this can be accomplished with existing funds and staff.
4. Modifications Needed-Uncertain
5. Constraints –May need funding for personnel to conduct surveys and analyze data.
6. Spatial Extent –Statewide including Young’s Bay population boundary within range of Chinook, coho, chum, and steelhead
7. Timeline - Not currently identified.
8. Supporting Documents – ODFW Aquatic Inventory reports (Anlauf et al. (2006); Kavanaugh et al. 2006)
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / ODFW / North Coast Watershed Council Liaison / No / 1. Description -The ODFW Watershed Council Liaison position provides technical support to watershed councils involved in assessing watershed conditions and conducting restoration projects designed to address watershed needs. Among those projects are actions that specifically address conditions contributing to excessive fine sediments in streams.
2.Guidance – ODFW Policies and Procedures
3.Rationale – There is only one Watershed Council Liaison for the entire North Coast. There is limited time available to provide technical assistance to the Young’s Bay and Skipanon Watershed councils to help them identify, secure funding, and implement projects relative to this threat. Funding is tenuous and is based upon biennial approval. This position is currently funded with federal salmon recovery dollars via OWEB.
4. Modifications Needed–Stable funding, additional FTE.
5. Constraints –Limited staff time available to provide technical support
6. Spatial Extent –North Coast Basin
7. Timeline –This position is funded biennially.
8. Supporting Documents –Oregon Aquatic Habitat Restoration Guidelines
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / ODFW / Conservation Strategy for Oregon / Uncertain / 1. Description -Previously called the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, the Conservation Strategy for Oregon provides a non-regulatory, statewide approach to species and habitat conservation. It synthesizes existing plans, scientific data, and local knowledge into a broad vision and conceptual framework for long-term conservation of Oregon’s native fish, wildlife and habitats. Conservation of instream and upland habitats will promote watershed health and may reduce inputs of fine sediments.
2.Guidance – OAR’s for Conservation Strategy for Oregon
3.Rationale – The Oregon Conservation Strategy is a new voluntary program. As such it is difficult to predict how effectively it will be utilized.
4. Modifications Needed- Uncertain
5. Constraints –Voluntary measures – no assurance that it will be implemented.
6. Spatial Extent –Statewide
7. Timeline - Not currently identified.
8. Supporting Documents –Conservation Strategy for Oregon.
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / ODFW / Wildlife Division Lands Resources Program / Uncertain / 1. Description -The Wildlife Division Land Resources Program helps guide land-use activities in Oregon that affect fish and wildlife habitats. The program offers tax incentives, grants and technical assistance to private and public landowners, businesses and governments to promote conservation of fish and wildlife habitats, and to ensure environmental protection standards are met. Programs goals promote healthy riparian and wetland corridors – decreasing bank erosion and filtering run-off.
2.Guidance – OAR’s for Landowner Incentive Program (LIP), Access and Habitat Program,Bird Stamp Program, and Riparian Lands Tax Incentive Program) can be found at
3.Rationale –Uncertain of funding status or participation by Clatsop County (i.e. Riparian Lands Tax Incentive Program). Use of available programs has been limited in Clatsop County to date.
4. Modifications Needed–Need further promotion of existing programs in the area by I and E, Wildlife Division, and District staff.
5. Constraints – Funding and staff time
6. Spatial Extent – Statewide
7. Timeline -Ongoing
8. Supporting Documents –Additional information on Wildlife Division Land Resources Program, including grant applications can be found at
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / ODFW / Western Oregon Stream Restoration Project / No / 1. Description -The Western Oregon Stream Restoration Program (WOSRP) provides direct technical support to Watershed Councils and private landowners in western Oregon to implement Oregon Plan measures directing the restoration and enhancement of Oregon's salmonid habitats in the region. Among these activities are riparian enhancement projects that stabilize stream banks and filter run-off from upslope areas.
2.Guidance – Measure 66 allocates dedicated funding for protection and enhancement activities.
3.Rationale – One ODFW restoration biologist for North Coast. Projects are currently back-logged two years.
4. Modifications Needed–Additional 1 FTE.
5. Constraints –Funding
6. Spatial Extent –Western Oregon
7. Timeline - .Ongoing but subject to biennial approval
8. Supporting Documents –
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / ODFW / Habitat Protection Biologist / Uncertain / 1. Description - This position functions as a technical consultant to: (1) other state and federal agencies that issue permits or permission for activities that may affect fish and wildlife, or their habitat; (2) local governments that regulate land use; and (3) landowners and other individuals who seek guidance for actions to maintain, protect, enhance, or restore habitat. This position directly identifies actions to minimize, mitigate, or eliminate negative impacts to water quality including excessive fine sediment.
2.Guidance – ODFW Habitat Mitigation Policy –OAR’s 635-415-0000 through -0025;Stat. Auth.: ORS 496.012, ORS 496.138, ORS 496.171, ORS 506.109 & ORS 506.119
3.Rationale –Funding for this position has been tenuous in the past and there is no assurance of future funding.
4. Modifications Needed–Stable funding
5. Constraints –funding
6. Spatial Extent –North Coast Basin
7. Timeline - .Ongoing dependent upon funding
8. Supporting Documents –ODFW Habitat Mitigation Policy
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / ODFW / Restoration and Enhancement Program / Uncertain / 1. Description – Among other goals, the Restoration and Enhancement Program provides funding that directly or rapidly benefits fish by addressing items such as limiting factors, which include fish carcass placement, fish passage, and habitat restoration activities, including those that decrease fine sediment in streams.
2.Guidance – OAR’s 635-009-0200 through -0240; Stat. Auth.: ORS 512
3.Rationale –Funding for this program is through a surcharge imposed on all sport fishing licenses and commercial salmon fishing licenses and poundage fees. As such, funding is a subject to annual variations in fish abundance, harvest rates, and license sales.
4. Modifications Needed- Uncertain
5. Constraints –Stable Funding
6. Spatial Extent – Statewide
7. Timeline - .Ongoing
8. Supporting Documents – Restoration and Enhancement Program
A. Reduce fine sediment inputs that adversely impact incubating eggs and alevins / ODFW / Salmon Trout Enhancement Program / No / 1. Description –The Salmon Trout Enhancement Program (1) educates the public aboutOregon’s salmon and trout resources and the habitats they depend on, (2) inventories and monitors fish populations and their habitat, (3) enhances, restores and protects habitat for native stocksof salmon, steelhead, and trout, and (4) produces fish to supplement natural fish production, augmentfisheries, or, in the case of the classroom egg incubation program, provideeducational opportunities. Habitat monitoring and enhancement function under STEP, could be used to address this limiting factor.