200755400 - Using advanced technologies to help reduce the impacts of global warming on anadromous and resident fish populations in the Columbia Basin

Sponsor: US Forest Service - Rocky Mt Research Station

Short description: This proposal examines effects of global warming on critical habitats for salmonid fishes, develops and applies innovative management tools to lessen the effects of climate change, and provides training to facilitate tool adoption.

Location: None Selected province, Systemwide subbasin

Budgets: FY08: $187,466 | FY09: $106,836

Primary species:
Anadromous: Sockeye: Okanogan River ESU
 Resident: Bull Trout
 Resident: Rainbow Trout
 Resident: Interior Redband Trout

Objectives

ObjectiveDescriptionSubbasin planStrategies
1 Study scoping and management input Lead investigators and local managers meet to review analytical approaches, identify key management concerns, and outline forms of technology transfer. OKANAGAN: All strategies affecting mainstem Okanagan River and its tributaries, and in particular the strategies for Canadian assessment units sockeye management plan. BOISE:Strategies pertaining to habitat connectivity, water quality, and riparian zones
2 Compile climate scenarios Acquire standardized set of downscaled hydrology and air temperature predictions from Global Circulation Models for use in stream habitat simulations. OKANAGAN: Climate change is briefly discussed, but is not quantitatively integrated into the plan's strategies.
3A Quantify risks to Okanagan salmonids Use the Fish & Wildlife Management Tool to describe future effects of global warming on Sockeye salmon assuming current trends in human population growth and water use. Okanogan All strategies affecting mainstem Okanagan River and its tributaries, and in particular the strategies for Canadian assessment units sockeye management plan.
3B Quantify risks to Boise salmonids Use stream temperature models and satellite imagery to describe future effects of global warming on the distribution of suitable thermal habitats across a headwater river network. Boise/Payette/Weiser Strategies pertaining to habitat connectivity, water quality, and riparian management, as well as restoration and maintenance of bull trout and redband trout populations.
4A Simulate mitigation strategies for Okanagan Assess the effectiveness of increasing water storage, better water conservation, reducing water demand, manipulating riparian, channel or lacustrine habitats to mitigate climate effects on water temperature and flow. Okanogan All strategies affecting mainstem Okanagan River and its tributaries, and in particular the strategies for Canadian assessment units sockeye management plan.
4B Simulate mitigation strategies for Boise Assess the effectiveness of using riparian management to mitigate global warming effects on thermal habitat networks. Boise/Payette/Weiser Strategies pertaining to habitat connectivity, water quality, and riparian management, as well as restoration and maintenance of bull trout and redband trout.
5A Implications for Okanagan restoration Describe how global warming may constrain the scope of salmon restoration activities related to streamflow and temperature management. Okanogan All strategies affecting mainstem Okanagan River and its tributaries, and in particular the strategies for Canadian assessment units sockeye management plan.
5B Implications for Boise restoration activities Describe how global warming and limitations associated with riparian management may constrain the scope of salmonid restoration activities described in subbasin plans. Boise/Payette/Weiser Strategies pertaining to habitat connectivity, water quality, and riparian management, as well as restoration and maintenance of bull trout and redband trout.
6 Disseminate results and methods Enact a comprehensive technology transfer strategy that includes workshops, tool development, training materials, and peer-reviewed journal articles. While centered on the Okanagan and Boise subbasins, this technology transfer work element will have benefits to ALL subbasins in the Columbia Basin, and will be focused on managers from multiple subbasins.

Narrative

Recommendations

  • ISRP: Innovative, Research-Oriented, Highly Justified
  • Council: Not fundable
  • BPA: Not fundable