Comment on proposed FY 2006 budget

Proposed Fy2006 budget ($114,889) confirmed: we desire to renew ur project for fiscal year 2006. The Fy2006 budget identified for project is consistent with our expectations. The rising costs of fuel and other materials will cause us to modify our plans somewhat, but we can deal with it. Our method of operation will remain consistent. Costs of fish food through the WDFW Co-op could increase significantly due to cost of delivery. In the future, we will have to face the problem of replacing our work truck, but can go one more year.

Accomplishments since the last review

2002—constructed 8 new net pens of mylar plastic 2002—constructed 4 new net pens of PVC 2002—attached donated winch to new dock 2003—poured 4 cement anchors of 1100 pounds each 2003—constructed 8 net pens of mtlar plastic 2003—attached donated 4 ton winches to docks 2004—constructed net pens frame for strobe light experiment at Grand Coulee Dam 2004—decked 250’ of dock 2004—re-anchored Hall Creek pens The annual work schedule includes rearing and releasing 500,000 rainbow—50% diploid, 50% triploid. These fish are transferred to the net pens from the Spokane Tribal Hatchery and the WDFW Hatchery at Sherman Creek in September, October, and November. They are released in late May. Volunteers assist in work project activity and feeding the fish.

FY 2006 goals and anticipated accomplishments

Fall/spring—rear and release 500,000 net pen rainbow Fall 2005—build 3 new net pen docks at Kettle Falls Fall 2005—re-anchor net pen dock at Seven Bays Fall 2005—transfer 500,000 fingerling rainbow to 45 net pens at 7 sites Fall 2005—replace damaged net pen at Keller Ferry Winter 2006—feed fish, maintain pens, re-locate docks Spring 2006—release fish Spring 2006—improve methods of pulling nets, washing nets Spring/Summer 2006—recruit volunteers, repair and maintain pens and docks 2006—improve methods of operation to deal with draw down issues as they relate to anchoring and/or re-locating pens to more secure locations

Subbasin planning

How is this project consistent with subbasin plans?

The volunteer net pen program on Lake Roosevelt serves primarily to provide an artificial production of rainbow to supplement wild populations of native fish. This program is consistent with the councils 2000 Fish and Wildlife Program. 34.3.1 which states “There is an obligation to provide fish and wildlife mitigation where habitat has been permanently lost due to hydroelectric development. Artificial production of fish may be used to replace capacity, bolster production and alleviate harvest pressure on weak naturally spawning resident and anadromous fish populations” (third priority). Subbasin Objective 1A5 recommends restoring resident fish stock using artificial production (priority 4). Strategy A – Maintain and improve existing artificial production programs/net pens operations. 34-15 Subbasin Objective 2C1: artificially produce enough fish to supplement consistent harvest to meet state and tribal management objectives (priority 6). Strategy B—Preserve and enhance net pen operations. 34-18 Objective 4 (priority level). Strategy A—Maintain and improve existing artificial production programs/net pen operations. The net pen program works closely with the Spokane Tribal Hatchery and the WDFW Sherman Creek Hatchery to coordinate the rearing and transfer of fish to the pens for additional rearing for approximately 8 more months. The Lake Roosevelt Fishery Enhancement Program monitor and evaluate the fishery.

How do goals match subbasin plan priorities?

The Subbasin plan prioritizes the production of net pen rainbows as a support fishery in Lake Roosevelt. The goals represent the accomplishments required to efficiently raise fish in 45 net pens located at seven sites over 94 miles of river. The priorities are discussed in the consistency portion of the response narrative. They are: Subbasin Objective 1A5 (Priority 4) 34-15 Subbasin Objective 2C1 (Priority6) 34-18 Subbasin Objective 4 (Priority) 34.3.1. Power Planning Council Quote (Priority 3)

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