Comment on proposed FY 2006 budget

The project sponsor is confirming our desire to renew the project for Fiscal Year 2006. We are also confirming that the Council staff Fiscal Year 2006 budget identified for this project is consistent with our expectations. Additionally, the proposed FY2006 scope and approach are consistent with the NWPCC, ISRP, CBFWA, and BPA recommendations and approval for the Mountain Columbia Provincial Review.

Accomplishments since the last review

The project has accomplished the following since 2002: Contributed to productivity, kokanee, and ecosystem restoration in the lower Kootenai/y and Arrow Lakes ecosystems using nutrient restoration techniques. Monitored nutrient levels and productivity metrics before, during and after experimental nutrient addition in South Arm Kootenay Lake and Arrow Lakes Reservoir. Mitigated costs and assisted in coordinated implementation of ecologically restorative nutrient addition in the Kootenai River ecosystem (South Arm Kootenay Lake) and Arrow Lakes Reservoir. Evaluated ecological and logistical feasibility of experimental nutrient restoration in the Kootenai River. Performed, evaluated and reported results from replicated in-river controlled nutrient addition (mesocosm) experiments in the Kootenai River. Submitted findings to peer-review journals. Characterized distinct geomorphological reaches of the Kootenai River (canyon, braided, meandering) in terms of potential nutrient limitation(N, P, or co-limitation) and ecological status (autotrophic, heterotrophic). Identified, assessed and began protection and rehabilitation of critical stream segments within tributaries of high importance relative to lower Kootenai River ecosystem restoration. Implemented a multitrophic level and water quality biomonitoring program (14 standard field sites in BC, ID, and MT) to characterize pre-and post nutrient addition characteristics of primary, secondary, and tertiary production. Completed all preparations for a controlled, large-scale nutrient enhancement effort in the mainstem Kootenai River, downstream of Montana-Idaho border. Completed all NEPA and various permitting activities for experimental nutrient restoration in Kootenai River. Convened with multiple agencies and institution personnel to exchange information, coordinate complementary program implementation for the Kootenai river ecosystem. Submitted Report of Research Findings(2004).

FY 2006 goals and anticipated accomplishments

The following project activities are planned for FY 2006: Coordination, oversight, and organization of 2005 International Kootenay River Ecosystem rehabilitation Team (IKERT) Meeting Prepare and provide a 2005 IKERT Meeting Proceedings CD, and a document including abstracts for a meeting proceedings document Complete the project Biomonitoring Manual that summarizes and integrates aspects of the project’s biomonitoring program Prepare project annual and status reports, publications, and other documents as needed Implement large-scale, Nutrient Restoration Experiment on mainstem Kootenai River Do annual Biomonitoring of Water Quality, Algae, macroinvertebrates, and the fish community Perform a Kootenai River Contamination Study on Heavy Metals, Organochlorines, Pesticides & PCB compounds in critical sturgeon spawning and rearing areas, and examine heavy metals accumulation in macroinverts and sediments downriver of the Kootenai River Nutrient Restoration Experiment Continue Tributary Evaluation, Monitoring and Rehabilitation Continue Kootenay Lake Nutrient Restoration and monitoring; perform Arrow Lake Monitoring Continue Development and refinement of Kootenai River Ecosystem Project DataBase Perform Statistical Analyses of Trophic & Water Chemistry Data Perform Kootenai River and Lake Kokanee Genetic Analyses and submit report of findings Perform intensive Biomonitoring of Water Quality and Algae parameters at 11 sites downriver of the Kootenai River Nutrient Restoration Experiment Continue Biomonitoring of Littorial Zone Productivity at 2 sites in the meander reach, downriver of the Nutrient Restoration Experiment.

Subbasin planning

How is this project consistent with subbasin plans?

This project addresses the following Urgent and High Priority aquatic biological objectives for Bull Trout (BT), Redband Trout (RBT) Westslope Cutthroat (WCT), Kokanee (KOK), white sturgeon (WST), and Burbot (BUR). Page numbers for the objectives are listed in parentheses. Restore productivity and nutrients – BT5 (47), KOK1 (56), BUR1 (65), and WST1 (60) Restore and maintain population size – BT2 (43), RBT2 (49), WCT2 (53), KOK3 (58), WST3 (63), and BUR4 (70) Restore natural recruitment – WST2 (62), BUR3 (68) Rehabilitate native community composition – KOK2 (58), BUR2 (67) Maintain or increase number of local populations – BT1 (41), RBT1 (48), WCT1 (52) This project also addresses the following high priority Harvest Objective (HAR1 – page 72) – Maintain or increase harvestable sport fish while protecting native species and the following Administrative/Programmatic Objectives (AP2 –page 90, AP3 – page 91, and AP5 – page 92) – Develop and maintain adequate regional and international coordination, pursue independent peer-review and qualified scientific counsel, and improve distribution of information required to successfully implement the Subbasin Plan.

How do goals match subbasin plan priorities?

This project addresses the Urgent and High Priority objectives of the Kootenai Subbasin Management Plan listed in the section above and also listed in the Table 10.5 on page 123. The objectives address restoration of habitats and focal species. This project meets all Tier 1 criteria and the following Tier II criteria (1,3,5,6,7,8,9, and 10) found in Section 10.5 (starting on Page 125) of the Kootenai Subbasin Plan. Additionally, it is stated in the Subbasin Plan that "after applying and meeting Tier I criteria, ongoing projects that address urgent objectives will be afforded the highest priority for funding" (Page 126 - paragraph after Tier I criteria). This project falls in the above- mentioned category.

Other comments

This project is coordinated through the International Kootenai River Ecosystem Recovery Team (IKERT). Implementation is guided by the Adaptive Management Framework outlined on page 94 of the Kootenai Subbasin Management Plan. The project is also reflective of and integrated with ESA recovery goals for the white sturgeon outlined in the 1999 USFWS Recovery Plan and the 2000 Biological Opinion for White Sturgeon and is also consistent with and complements the TMDL Implementation Plan that is being developed for the Idaho portion of the Kootenai basin.