Scope Deschutes River Comprehensive Biological Recovery ...blogs.nwifc.org/psp/files/2015/07/Deschutes-River...Scope of Work for Deschutes Comprehensive Biological Recovery Plan March

March 11, 2015 Page 1

Scope of Work for the

Deschutes River Comprehensive Biological Recovery Plan

INTRODUCTION

Confluence Environmental Company (Confluence) will complete this scope of work to prepare a

Comprehensive Biological Recovery Plan (Plan) for Coho Salmon in the Deschutes River Watershed.

The Plan will identify the restoration priorities in the watershed and estimate the costs of completing

the necessary actions to recover the coho salmon runs in the river. The Plan should get to a level of

specificity that will guide restoration practitioners to the locations, types, and scale of actions needed.

The project approach builds upon the 2008 coho salmon population modeling Confluence biologists

conducted in the Deschutes River watershed (Anchor 2008). The salmon population modeling work

completed to date will provide important information on the coho population response that can be

expected from different types and scales of recovery actions. The project approach also maximizes the

use of the recently collected juvenile coho rearing study and the instream flow habitat analysis, as well

as relevant information from Ecology’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies in the watershed.

SCOPE OF WORK

Task 1. Data Compilation, Field Reconnaissance, and Identification of Analysis Units

Existing information on coho salmon distributions, habitat conditions, water quantity/quality, and

watershed characteristics will be compiled. Confluence has many, if not all, of the data sets and reports

available before 2008, so much of this compilation effort will be on the more recent studies. Of

particular interest will be the results of the coho salmon rearing study and the instream flow study

conducted recently by the Squaxin Island Tribe, as well as relevant elements of Ecology’s TMDL studies.

Additional efforts will be made to identify other recent studies in the watershed, such as by

Weyerhaeuser.

There is a great deal of information available for the Deschutes Watershed and an important part of this

initial data compilation and review will be to assess whether some of the older datasets are sufficiently

representative of existing conditions. To support this review, a field reconnaissance will be conducted

at multiple locations along the river.

Using the compiled information and additional observations from the field reconnaissance, analysis

reaches will be identified. Reaches will be identified for mainstem sections of the river, as well as key

tributaries. It is anticipated that reaches may range between <1 mile to several miles depending on

location in watershed and river conditions. Important considerations in the identification of reaches

include: 1) geomorphically and biologically relevant, 2) availability of existing data to characterize

Scope of Work for Deschutes Comprehensive Biological Recovery Plan


conditions in each reach, and 3) at a scale that will support the Squaxin Island Tribe’s desired level of

spatial specificity in Plan recommendations.

The reach breaks used in previous studies (e.g., Cramer 1997, ATEC 2001, Anchor Environmental 2008,

and Thurston County 2011) will be reviewed for utility as the reach layout in this analysis. In addition,

geomorphological (e.g., LIDAR, confinement, Raines bank erosion, historic channel meandering, off‐

channel inventory) and biological information (e.g., coho rearing study and WDFW fish distributions)

will be incorporated in the delineation of the assessment units. Confluence will provide a draft

recommendation of reaches to the Squaxin Island Tribe for review and input.

Throughout this task, Confluence will keep the Squaxin Island Tribe informed of progress and findings.

Confluence will work with the Squaxin Island Tribe on arrangements for the field reconnaissance,

particularly for the communications with Weyerhaeuser to see upper watershed areas.

Deliverables

Draft and final reach layout for the analysis

Meetings

One kick‐off meeting with the Squaxin Island Tribe and invited stakeholders in the

watershed to introduce the project and identify additional data sources

Field reconnaissance of the river

If needed, one meeting with the Squaxin Island Tribe to discuss data compilation and

assessment units for the analysis

Task 2. Spatial Analysis of Processes, Habitats, and Fish Distributions

This task will focus on applying the available spatial data to the assessment units and establishing the

technical foundation for the analysis. Latest information on coho salmon distributions in the Deschutes

and supplemented with habitat associations from other watersheds will be used to document the

working understanding of where coho are distributed in the basin during different life stages and their

habitat requirements during those life stages. The recent coho rearing study will provide important

new information to our understanding of coho rearing in the watershed.

The analysis of river and tributary conditions will be conducted in two ways. First, available spatial data

on habitats in and along the river will be assigned to each of the reaches. All spatial analysis will be

conducted using ArcGIS. This analysis will examine instream habitat and contributing wetlands, springs

and cool water sources. This analysis will use the habitat data from the Cramer (1997) reach analysis

and supplement it with available more recent information (e.g., Thurston County 2011 Watershed

Characterization, Ecology TMDL riparian analysis, and Squaxin Island Tribe 1999 off‐channel

inventory).



Second, Confluence will prepare a high level summary analysis of the geomorphic conditions in the

watershed. This analysis will synthesize previous geomorphic studies in the basin and supplement that

with observations made during the field reconnaissance and additional analysis of aerial imagery and

GIS datasets. This geomorphic analysis will be specifically geared towards documenting a conceptual

model of how changes in the watershed affect riverine processes that create or sustain habitats utilized

by coho salmon.

The coho freshwater life history model developed in this task will be coupled with the habitat and

geomorphologic information to update the 1999 habitat limiting factors analysis by Haring and

Konovsky. The update will be a concise summary of the limiting factors for coho production in the

watershed and the spatial extents of the limitations.

Deliverables

The deliverables in this task will be prepared as memos (2‐10 pages) that will be folded into the

Plan as contributing sections. These memos will incorporate the latest available information

and provide the technical foundation for the subsequent analysis and identification of

watershed priorities. Draft memos will be prepared in this task and comments will be

incorporated in the Task 6 preparation of the entire Plan.

Draft memo of conceptual model of coho life history and distribution in the watershed.

Draft memo of geomorphology synthesis

Draft memo of updated habitat limiting factors

Memos will include maps displaying spatial layout of findings

Meetings

One meeting with the Squaxin Island Tribe to discuss the preliminary findings prior to

preparing the draft memos

Task 3. Evaluation of Water Quantity Effects on Water Temperature

Information will be compiled and presented on the relationship between river flows and water

temperature. Available data in the Deschutes River on stream flows and water temperatures during

summer months will be analyzed. Air temperature will be factored into the analysis. Relevant literature

documenting the relationship between stream flows and water temperature will also be included in the

discussion.

Deliverables

Draft memo of the relationship between stream flows and water temperature. Comments

to draft memo will be incorporated into the Task 6 preparation of the entire Plan



Meetings

None

Task 4. Establish a Recovery Goal and Identify Priority Reaches

Based on the information and analysis conducted in Task 2, a recovery goal will be established. This is

anticipated to be a statement of what recovery of the coho salmon population in the watershed means.

Depending on the desire of the Squaxin Island Tribe and the information developed or compiled in the

project, the recovery goal can be qualitative or quantitative. The salmon population modeling analysis

in Anchor (2008), as well as other information from WDFW can be used to inform population size

targets and the associated habitat availability requirements to support populations of that size.

Explicitly identifying and stating what recovery entails is a necessary step to establish a threshold of

necessary conditions and characterize current status relative to those necessary conditions.

Once the recovery goal is established, an analysis framework will be developed to expand upon the

habitat limiting factors analysis and add specificity to the location of priorities for coho salmon recovery

in the Deschutes. The framework is anticipated to be a spreadsheet analysis characterizing fish use,

habitat, geomorphic, and watershed conditions. No scoring is anticipated, rather the framework inputs

may be binned categories based on quantitative data. An example to demonstrate the analysis

framework concept is presented in Table 1. The example includes possible input categories based on

the type of information

Table 1. Example of Potential Analytical Framework Components

Each reach will be assigned to a priority ranking tier (e.g., highest, high, moderate). The ranking will

also identify for each reach whether the primary recovery strategy is restoration, conservation, or

enhancement. The highest priority tier or tiers will include enough reaches to achieve the recovery goal

requirements for the coho salmon population. In assigning priority rankings, general rules will be

established for interpreting the analysis framework inputs, but ranking flexibility will be maintained in

order to allow for adjustment based on landscape scale or other considerations. Confluence envisions

each tier including reaches that provide for each component of the coho salmon life history. This

balance among life history stages is intended to avoid habitat availability bottlenecks.

Reach

Coho Life History Condition of Habitat Limiting Factors Landscape Context Priority Ranking Spawn Rear Migr.

Fine Sediment Inputs

Large Wood

Cool water Sources

etc Condition of Adjacent Reaches

Land Use in Contributing Watershed

101 No Mainstem No Fair Good Excellent Fair Good

102 Limited Tributary No Fair Fair None Good Fair

103 Primary Tributary No Good Excellent None Fair‐Poor Fair

104 No Mainstem Yes Poor Poor Poor Good Poor



Deliverables

Preliminary analysis framework table and map displaying assigned priority rankings by

reach

Draft memo describing methods and results for the identification of priority reaches.

Comments received on draft memo will be applied to the document in the Task 5

preparation of the entire Plan.

Meetings

One meeting with the Squaxin Island Tribe to discuss the analysis framework and

preliminary reach rankings prior to preparing the draft memo

Task 5. Identify Strategic Actions in Each Reach and Estimate Implementation Costs

Each reach will be investigated to identify strategic actions to address the habitat limiting factors and

impairments of the reach. This task will identify specific types of action (e.g., restore fish passage to

tributary, plant riparian corridor, conserve cool water source) and specific locations within the reach

where the action is recommended. It is anticipated that more specificity will be provided for the highest

priority reaches. Actions will be identified with input from the Squaxin Island Tribe, restoration experts

in the basin (e.g., SPSSEG), existing documents, aerial imagery examination, and site reconnaissance.

Previous work on fine sediment inputs and water rights in the watershed will inform this task. The

intent is to provide s pecific recommendations on what work is needed where in the watershed, while

also allowing some flexibility so that other strategic opportunities that develop during Plan

implementation are supported.

One day of on‐the‐ground site reconnaissance will be conducted to visit sites identified as potential

strategic priorities. The site reconnaissance will help inform the selections of appropriate strategic

locations to address the reach priorities. This will add to the interpretation possible from aerial

photography and previous reports.

Eight hours of effort is dedicated to contacting/ meeting with groups familiar with restoration/

conservation opportunities in the watershed. This dialogue will help inform the siting of strategic

actions by adding information on site conditions or ownership constraints. While the lack of a willing

landowner is not anticipated to remove a strategic action from the priority list, the information can be

helpful in developing a strategic action list that includes at least some actions that can be advanced in

the short‐term.



For each of the high priority reaches, map layouts will be prepared to display the recommended work

areas and types of action. The content and layout of the maps can be finalized through discussion with

the Squaxin Island Tribe, but is anticipated to include a map of the reach, text to describe existing

conditions, limiting factors, and coho recovery priorities. In addition, photos and callouts showing the

location and type of strategic action will be presented. The intent of these maps will be to provide a

visual presentation of the conditions in a reach and the priorities for restoring conditions in the reach.

Example maps of the potential type of map layout are provided in Attachment A. For all reaches,

ArcGIS shapefiles and associated attribute tables will be provided to indicate the recommended

restoration/conservation locations and actions.

Conceptual ranges of costs will be estimated for the strategic actions. Estimated costs of the actions

identified in each priority ranking tier will be summed to provide an overall estimate of cost to

implement the recommended recovery actions.

Deliverables

Draft map portfolio of highest priority reaches (up to 6 11x17 maps) showing the

recommended work locations and types of action.

Draft memo describing the identification of strategic actions. Tables will be included that

identify the recommended locations and types of actions in all reaches. Conceptual range

of cost estimates will be provided for actions and summed for each priority ranking tier.

Comments received on draft memo will be applied to the document in the Task 6

preparation of the entire Plan.

Meetings

Site reconnaissance of a subset of the recommended restoration locations in the highest

priority reaches to assess suitability and feasibility

If needed, one meeting with the Squaxin Island Tribe to discuss the strategic actions

identified

Task 6. Preparation of the Comprehensive Biological Recovery Plan

The contributing analysis and memos completed in earlier tasks will be pulled together into the Plan.

Additional information will be added to summarily describe the analysis, findings, and

recommendations in a cohesive document. The map portfolio prepared in Task 4 to display the

recommended work locations and types of action in each of the highest priority reaches will be included

in the Plan.

Deliverables

Draft and Final Plan. One round of comments on Draft Plan is anticipated.



ArcGIS shapefile and attribute table with reach information

Meetings

One meeting with the Squaxin Island Tribe and invited stakeholders in the watershed to

present the findings and recommendations in the Plan

Task 7. Project Management

Monthly invoices will be prepared and submitted. Project management activities will include internal

team coordination and communications with the Squaxin Island Tribe.

BUDGET

Task Budget


$10,000


$16,000


$3,050


$9,550


$24,800


$10,200

Task 7. Project Management $1,400

Total $75,000



SCHEDULE

Task End Date

Notice to Proceed March 16, 2015


April 7, 2015


May 15, 2015


May 15, 2015


June 22, 2015


July 31, 2015


Draft – August 31, 2015 Final – September 30, 2015

Task 7. Project Management September 30, 2015

Attachment A

Example Map Layouts of Strategic

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Attachment B

Detailed Cost Estimate

3/11/2015 9:19 AM

Confluence Environmental CompanySquaxin Island Tribe Prepared by & date PTS 3/11/2015

Deschutes River Comprehensive Biological Recovery Plan

Task 1 Data Compilation, Field Reconnaissance, and Identification of Analysis UnitsTask 2 Spatial Analysis of Processes, Habitats, and Fish DistributionsTask 3 Evaluation of Water Quantity Effects on Water TemperatureTask 4 Establish Recovery Goal and Identify Priority ReachesTask 5 Identify Strategic Actions in Each Reach and Estimate Implementation CostsTask 6 Preparation of the Comprehensive Biological Recovery PlanTask 7 Project Management

Project Name Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5 Task 6 Task 7 TotalStaff/Item Rate Units Cost Units Cost Units Cost Units Cost Units Cost Units Cost Units Cost Units Cost

Confluence staff:

Paul Schlenger, Principal Fisheries Biologist 180.00$ 16 $2,880 24 $4,320 8 $1,440 20 $3,600 62 $11,160 24 $4,320 4 $720 158 $28,440.00Mike McDowell, Principal Fisheries Biologist 190.00$ 10 $1,900 4 $760 0 $0 8 $1,520 4 $760 4 $760 0 $0 30 $5,700.00Shane Cherry, Principal Geomorphologist 190.00$ 16 $3,040 24 $4,560 0 $0 8 $1,520 14 $2,660 8 $1,520 0 $0 70 $13,300.00Christina Merten, Senior Restoration Engineer 165.00$ 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 16 $2,640 0 $0 0 $0 16 $2,640.00Ruth Park, Project Biologist/GIS 95.00$ 16 $1,520 60 $5,700 17 $1,615 24 $2,280 72 $6,840 26 $2,470 0 $0 215 $20,425.00Lauren Odle, Staff Scientist/GIS 70.00$ 8 $560 8 $560 0 $0 8 $560 8 $560 10 $700 0 $0 42 $2,940.00Nora Burton, Accounting Specialist 85.00$ 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 8 $680 8 $680.00Kathy Sitchin, Editor 85.00$ 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 4 $340 0 $0 4 $340.00

Total Confluence staff 66 $9,900 120 $15,900 25 $3,055 68 $9,480 176 $24,620 76 $10,110 12 $1,400 543 $74,465

Reimburseable ExpensesDirect ExpensesSurvey Level and Rod $50 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0 $0.00Expendable Fish Survey supplies (recovery buckets, nets, field fo $10 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0 $0.00Regular GPS System (SX pad only - 2-5 ft accuracy) $70 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0 $0.00Mileage (Federal rate) $0.575 155 $89 155 $89 $0 155 $89 310 $178 155 $89 $0 930 $534.75Total other direct costs $89 $89 $0 $89 $178 $89 $0 $535

Grand totals $9,989 $15,989 $3,055 $9,569 $24,798 $10,199 $1,400 $75,000

Rounded $10,000 $16,000 $3,050 $9,550 $24,800 $10,200 $1,400 $75,000

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