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F I N A L ME M O R A N D U M To: Wells, Rocky Reach, and Rock Island HCPs

Coordinating Committees Date: October 28, 2014

From: Michael Schiewe, Chair Cc: Kristi Geris

Re: Final Minutes of the September 23, 2014 HCPs Coordinating Committees Conference Call

The Wells, Rocky Reach, and Rock Island Hydroelectric Projects Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) Coordinating Committees met by conference call, on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Attendees are listed in Attachment A of these meeting minutes.

ACTION ITEM SUMMARY

• Tom Kahler will provide Cory Kamphaus (Yakama Nation [YN]) with excerpts from the Coordinating Committees January 28, 2014 meeting minutes regarding the YN’s original proposal to extend Coho trapping activities at Wells Dam, and Bob Rose will review with Kamphaus the Coordinating Committees’ approval and contingencies for approval of the YN Coho trapping request (Item I-C). (Note: Kahler provided Kamphaus with these excerpts following the meeting on September 23, 2014.)

• Tom Kahler will contact Cory Kamphaus to remind him that the Coordinating Committees’ approval of extended Coho trapping at Wells Dam stipulated that the YN would monitor detection times of steelhead and fall Chinook salmon at Rocky Reach Dam and Wells Dam. Kahler will also confirm that Kamphaus is aware that both summer and fall Chinook salmon that were passive integrated transponder (PIT)-tagged in the Wells Reservoir will be reported in the PIT-Tag Information System (PTAGIS) as summer Chinook salmon only (Item I-C). (Note: Kahler notified Kamphaus of this information via email following the meeting on September 23, 2014.)

• Scott Carlon will discuss internally with NMFS the delegation of approval of the annual Broodstock Collection Protocols to their HCP Coordinating Committees representative (Item I-D).

HCP Coordinating Committees Meeting Date: September 23, 2014 Document Date: October 28, 2014

• Coordinating Committees representatives will submit comments, or an email confirming “no comments,” on the Bailey Douglas PUD Land Use Permit Application to Tom Kahler no later than November 5, 2014 (Item II-B).

• Chelan PUD will develop a memorandum summarizing Rock Island Dam and Rocky Reach Dam 2014 summer bypass operations, specifically the extended operations in September, for discussion at the Coordinating Committees meeting on October 28, 2014 (Item III-A).

• Tom Kahler will provide HCP Coordinating Committees Chair position documents to Kristi Geris for distribution to the Coordinating Committees (Item V-A). (Note: Kahler provided a list of qualifications, Scope of Work, and potential candidate résumés and curriculum vitaes [CVs] to Geris following the meeting on September 23, 2014, which Geris distributed to the Coordinating Committees representatives and alternates that same day.)

• Coordinating Committees representatives will review the HCP Coordinating Committees Chair position documents and will: 1) contact qualified candidates to gauge interest in the position; 2) have interested candidates contact Mike Schiewe to discuss the responsibilities of the position; and 3) provide a résumé or CV from interested candidates to Tom Kahler, Lance Keller, and Kristi Geris (Item V-A).

DECISION SUMMARY

• There were no decisions approved during today’s meeting.

AGREEMENTS

• There were no agreements discussed during today’s conference call.

REVIEW ITEMS

• Kristi Geris sent an email to the Coordinating Committees on September 4, 2014, notifying them that the Bailey Douglas PUD Land Use Permit Application is out for a 60-day review period, with comments due to Tom Kahler no later than Wednesday, November 5, 2014 (Item II-B).


• Kristi Geris sent an email to the Coordinating Committees on September 19, 2014, notifying them that the HCP Hatchery Committees approved Broodstock Collection Protocol Statement of Agreement (SOA) is out for review. Approval of this SOA will be requested at the Coordinating Committees meeting on October 28, 2014 (Item I-C).

DOCUMENTS FINALIZED

• There are no documents that have been recently finalized.

I. Welcome A. Review Agenda (Mike Schiewe)

Mike Schiewe welcomed the Coordinating Committees and asked for any additions or other changes to the agenda. Tom Kahler added a discussion on the HCP Chair position. B. Meeting Minutes Approval (Mike Schiewe)

The Coordinating Committees reviewed the revised draft August 26, 2014 meeting minutes. Kristi Geris said that all comments and revisions received from members of the Coordinating Committees were incorporated into the revised minutes, and there were no outstanding edits or questions to discuss. Coordinating Committees members present approved the August 26, 2014 meeting minutes, as revised. Geris will finalize the minutes and distribute them to the Coordinating Committees. C. Last Meeting’s Action Items (Mike Schiewe)

Action items from the Coordinating Committees conference call on August 26, 2014, and follow-up discussions were as follows: (Note: italicized item numbers below correspond to agenda items from the August 26, 2014 meeting.)

• Tom Kahler will review past Coordinating Committees meeting minutes regarding the YN’s original proposal to extend Coho trapping activities at Wells Dam and will coordinate with the YN and Kirk Truscott to verify that the Colville Confederated Tribes’ (CCT’s) concerns have been addressed (Item II-A).


Kahler said that following review of the Coordinating Committees January 28, 2014 meeting minutes, it was realized that Jeff Korth—not Truscott—was the one who suggested that the YN monitor PIT-tags and travel times at Rocky Reach Dam and Wells Dam with regard to extended Coho trapping at Wells Dam. Kahler added that the suggestion was to monitor while the modified trapping schedule is being implemented, which he noted that Cory Kamphaus was already planning to do. Kahler said, therefore, he believes that this action item has been addressed. He then asked if there was interest in Kamphaus reviewing data from previous years and recalled that, as discussed during the Coordinating Committees meeting on August 26, 2014, Kamphaus said that there were ample PIT-tagged steelhead to perform an analysis but not enough PIT-tagged fall Chinook salmon. Kahler added that Kamphaus indicated that he found nothing of concern based on available data. Kahler said that, regarding Korth’s request to monitor moving forward, Douglas PUD PIT-tagged some fall Chinook salmon but most were summer Chinook salmon. Mike Schiewe asked if Kamphaus’ plan to monitor this year meets the intent of the agreement reached in January or if there is something more that the Coordinating Committees want to request regarding previous data. Kahler recalled the agreement reached in January, as follows: “The Coordinating Committees representatives present supported the YN’s proposal to extend Coho trapping activities at Wells Dam from the traditional 3 days per week, 16 hours per day, to a modified 5 days per week, 9 hours per day, beginning September 27, 2014, and ending October 10, 2014, contingent upon: 1) ongoing monitoring of detection times of steelhead and fall Chinook salmon at Rocky Reach Dam and Wells Dam; 2) an annual re-evaluation by the Coordinating Committees of the modified trapping operations during the initial years of implementation; and 3) the YN providing a report to the Coordinating Committees summarizing trapping efforts with the modified operations.” Truscott said that he thought there was also discussion about previous trapping efforts at Wells Dam and whether there were any impacts to steelhead and summer and fall Chinook salmon. He said, however, because this was not incorporated in the agreement as reflected in the meeting minutes, he agrees this action item has been


addressed. Schiewe suggested reviewing available steelhead and summer and fall Chinook salmon data following this monitoring effort and Truscott agreed. Kahler said that he will provide Kamphaus with excerpts from the Coordinating Committees January 28, 2014 meeting minutes regarding the YN’s original proposal to extend Coho trapping activities at Wells Dam, and Bob Rose will review with Kamphaus the Coordinating Committees approval and contingencies for approval of the YN Coho trapping request. (Note: Kahler provided Kamphaus with these excerpts following the meeting on September 23, 2014.) Kahler said that he will also contact Kamphaus to remind him that the Coordinating Committees’ approval of extended Coho trapping at Wells Dam stipulated that the YN would monitor detection times of steelhead and fall Chinook salmon at Rocky Reach Dam and Wells Dam and that he will also confirm that Kamphaus is aware that both summer and fall Chinook salmon that were PIT-tagged in the Wells Reservoir will be reported in PTAGIS as summer Chinook salmon only. (Note: Kahler notified Kamphaus of this information via email following the meeting on September 23, 2014.)

• Tom Kahler will ask Bryan Nordlund to provide a brief history summarizing the operation and decommissioning of the low-level side entrance at Wells Dam, including fish use of the entrance and behavior in the area around the entrance (Item III-A). Kahler provided an email from Nordlund to Kristi Geris on September 12, 2014, which Geris distributed to the Coordinating Committees that same day. Kahler said that Nordlund could not recall the timing when the low level entrances were closed. Mike Schiewe noted that the Aquatic Settlement Work Group (SWG) has not yet made a decision to request reopening those entrances. Kahler said that Douglas PUD has contracted divers to reattach chains to hoist the gates on those entrances in preparation for reopening the entrances, if requested by the Aquatic SWG and approved by the Coordinating Committees. He added that Douglas PUD is still discussing reopening the entrances with Nordlund and other engineers. Kahler said that Nordlund does not want salmonids using the entrances—only lamprey. Kahler explained that Nordlund’s concern with reopening these entrances was about


potentially recreating conditions that were present prior to closing the entrances. Auxiliary water supply (AWS) flow required to achieve the required head differential between the collection gallery and the tailrace was greater with multiple fishway entrances open, which increased pressure and exacerbated debris loading on the wall and floor diffusers, resulting in: 1) diffuser grating failures that allowed fish into the AWS chambers; and 2) delays to fish passage because during low flow periods, fish in the collection gallery jumped at water cascading from the debris-fouled wall diffusers, rather than ascending the ladder. Schiewe said that if the Aquatic SWG requests approval to reopen the low level entrances, the Coordinating Committees will need to review information pertinent to these concerns.

• Ritchie Graves (NMFS) will internally discuss NMFS’ willingness to delegate approval of the annual Broodstock Collection Protocols to their HCP Hatchery Committees and Coordinating Committees representatives (Item III-D). This will be discussed further during today’s conference call.

• Cory Kamphaus will provide Dr. John Skalski and Dr. Richard Townsend’s memorandum on the comparison of juvenile survivals of spring Chinook salmon, Coho, and steelhead released from Winthrop National Fish Hatchery (NFH) to Kristi Geris for distribution to the Coordinating Committees (Item III-E). Kamphaus provided this memorandum to Geris following the meeting on August 26, 2014, which Geris distributed to the Coordinating Committees that same day.

• Douglas PUD will develop a draft SOA seeking approval of designating Coho as a Plan Species meeting the Phase III (Standard Achieved) for passage at Wells Dam based on similar survival of studied yearling spring migrants consistent with the assumption of similarity in Section 8.4.5.1 of the Wells HCP and the results of survival comparisons performed by Skalski and Townsend; Douglas PUD will request Coordinating Committees approval of this SOA during the Coordinating Committees meeting on September 23, 2014 (Item III-E). This will be discussed further during today’s conference call.

• Chelan PUD will provide a status update on the Rock Island Dam right bank adult fishway PIT-tag detection system during the Coordinating Committees meeting on September 23, 2014 (Item IV-E).


This will be discussed further during today’s conference call. D. HCP Hatchery Committees Approved Broodstock Collection Protocols SOA (Mike Schiewe,

Scott Carlon, and Tom Kahler)

Mike Schiewe said that the Broodstock Collection Protocols that are prepared annually by WDFW and submitted to NMFS by April 15 have become more complicated over the years. He said that the HCP Hatchery Committees have been discussing streamlining the process, making the protocols an HCP Hatchery Committees approval document and also down-sizing the document to be more useful. He said that Lynn Hatcher (NMFS HCP Hatchery Committees Representative) developed a draft Broodstock Collection Protocols SOA, which was ultimately revised into a simpler document. Schiewe said that the final SOA also incorporates a footnote that addresses a clause in the Wells HCP, which states that the annual protocols are submitted to the Wells HCP Coordinating Committee and NMFS Hydro Program for annual approval prior to trapping at Wells Dam. Schiewe noted that the NMFS Hydro Program no longer exists; however, the clause still requires NMFS and Wells HCP Coordinating Committee approval in some form. He added that, interestingly, the same requirement was not included in the Rock Island and Rocky Reach HCPs, so the footnote is specific to the Wells Project at this time. Schiewe said that the HCP Hatchery Committees approved Broodstock Collection Protocols SOA was distributed to the Coordinating Committees by Kristi Geris on September 19, 2014. Schiewe noted that the SOA indicates that the annual protocols will be approved by the HCP Hatchery Committees, will be submitted to NMFS by April 15, and outline a review and approval timeline beginning in February. He said that the SOA also stipulates that rather than burdening only WDFW, it also holds Permit Holders accountable to develop these protocols. He said that Mike Tonseth (WDFW HCP Hatchery Committees Representative) is coordinating with NMFS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to determine how the annual protocols can be streamlined into a shorter, more concise document. Schiewe said that this might also be an opportunity for NMFS to delegate approval of the protocols to their HCP Hatchery Committees and Coordinating Committees representatives (i.e., participation and approval in the respective Committees would constitute NMFS approval of the document). Schiewe said that Hatcher already indicated


that Bob Turner (Northwest Region Salmon Management Division) has approved the delegation for the HCP Hatchery Committees Representative. Schiewe asked Scott Carlon if he knew if these same discussions have taken place regarding the NMFS Coordinating Committees representative. Carlon said that he is not aware of Ritchie Graves discussing this with Craig Busack, and he added that he will discuss internally with NMFS the delegation of approval of the annual Broodstock Collection Protocols to their HCP Coordinating Committees representative. Schiewe said that Coordinating Committees approval of this SOA is required; however, he noted that there is no urgency. He suggested carrying this item forward to the next Coordinating Committees meeting on October 28, 2014, if needed, and asked if there are comments on the SOA at this time. Kirk Truscott noted that the footnote in the SOA, as revised, addresses a comment that he made during the HCP Hatchery Committees meeting. He explained that the footnote, as formerly written, seemed to limit Coordinating Committees approval of the SOA to the Wells Coordinating Committee. He said that the revised language clarifies that Coordinating Committees approval satisfies the Wells HCP—it does not limit approval to the Wells Coordinating Committee. Schiewe asked if language should be added to the SOA that explicitly requires Coordinating Committees review and approval for all trapping operations. Jeff Korth suggested that the Coordinating Committees just address certain actions, as needed, and Truscott said that no additional language is needed on his behalf. Schiewe said that the SOA, as distributed to the Coordinating Committees by Geris on September 19, 2014, will be considered for approval at the Coordinating Committees meeting on October 28, 2014.

II. Douglas PUD A. DECISION: Phase Designation for Methow Coho at Wells Dam (Tom Kahler)

Tom Kahler said that he intended to have a draft SOA available for Coordinating Committees review; however, the draft is still in internal review. Kahler said that for now, he will provide background and an overview of the SOA so that any issues may be addressed now.


Kahler explained that because Coho reintroduction was still in a feasibility phase when the HCP was originally negotiated, language was included in the HCPs deferring until 2006 a decision on whether hatchery compensation was required for Coho. He said that in 2007, following review of progress of the Coho reintroduction, the HCP Committees decided that Douglas PUD must provide NNI hatchery compensation for Methow River Coho. He said at that point, Douglas PUD and the YN negotiated an agreement for mitigating for Coho in the Methow in the form of a lump sum payment for infrastructure needs in lieu of supplemental fish production through early 2018. He added that when it was originally agreed Coho required hatchery compensation, the Coordinating Committees accepted the assumption in Wells HCP Section 8.4.5.1 that Coho likely survived passage at Wells Dam similar to other yearling spring migrants; therefore, it was agreed Coho would be initially designated as Phase III (Additional Juvenile Studies). He said that, in anticipation of the need in 2018 for a new multi-year agreement between Douglas PUD and the YN for Coho hatchery compensation, Douglas PUD wanted to determine whether the surrogacy assumption made in the original HCP was valid; therefore, Douglas PUD asked Drs. John Skalski and Richard Townsend to conduct an analysis comparing hydrosystem survival of juvenile spring Chinook salmon, Coho, and steelhead from the same release location. Kahler said that, as reported in Drs. Skalski and Townsend’s memorandum that was distributed to the Coordinating Committees by Kristi Geris on August 26, 2014, the analysis concluded that survival rates for Coho were statistically comparable to spring Chinook and steelhead in all but 1 of the 4 years evaluated, which validated the assumption of equivalent survival among yearling spring migrants. Kahler said that the draft SOA seeks Coordinating Committees approval that, through the life of the HCP, Coho survive at rates statistically similar to the current 4-year average Juvenile Project Survival value measured for yearling Chinook salmon and steelhead, which would be subject to review and adjustment every 10 years. He added that an extension of that surrogacy would apply to phase designation, as well. Kirk Truscott asked what “through the life of the HCP” means. He asked if on 10-year intervals, would Coho be included in additional verification studies or would yearling


Chinook salmon and steelhead continue to be used as surrogates. Kahler said that once a species is designated as Phase III (Standard Achieved), the Coordinating Committees must decide which species will be used in each subsequent verification study that would apply to all Plan Species within Phase III (Standard Achieved) per Section 4.2.5.1 of the Wells HCP. He added that any species in that phase designation can be selected by the Coordinating Committees for a verification study, so Coho could be selected for a verification study. Truscott asked if “through the life of the HCP” does not mean that the current 3.7% average Juvenile Project Survival value is standard for the life of the HCP. Kahler replied no, and said that every 10 years there will be a survival study to verify phase designation and that survival value will be included in the new average value; just as the 2010 survival verification study added a fourth year to the previous 3-year average survival value, the 2020 survival verification study would result in a new 5-year average. He added that all species would have hatchery compensation values adjusted as necessary. Kahler asked if there are any issues or comments at this time. No issues or comments were expressed by the Coordinating Committees representatives present. Mike Schiewe said that this will be on the agenda for approval at the next Coordinating Committees meeting on October 28, 2014. B. Request for Comments on Pending Land-Use Decision—Replacement Dock on Wells

Reservoir (Tom Kahler)

Tom Kahler said that Kristi Geris sent an email to the Coordinating Committees on September 4, 2014, notifying them that the Bailey Douglas PUD Land Use Permit Application is out for a 60-day review period, with comments due to him no later than Wednesday, November 5, 2014. Kahler explained that in 2010, Douglas PUD offered owners of existing, dilapidated docks within the Wells Project a one-time opportunity to remove their dilapidated structures and apply for permits to install a conforming dock, and Mrs. Bailey was the only dock owner to pursue this opportunity. Kahler said that Section 5 of the Wells HCP requires Coordinating Committees review of this application. Scott Carlon asked if all other necessary permits have been cleared, and Kahler replied that they have been. Coordinating Committees representatives agreed to submit comments, or an


email confirming “no comments,” on the Bailey Douglas PUD Land Use Permit Application to Kahler no later than November 5, 2014.

III. Chelan PUD A. Rocky Reach and Rock Island September 2014 Juvenile Bypass Operations Results

(Lance Keller)

Lance Keller said that Rocky Reach and Rock Island Coordinating Committees representatives approved Chelan PUD’s request via email to end juvenile bypass operations at both the Rocky Reach and Rock Island juvenile bypasses on September 15, 2014, at midnight, as follows: USFWS, the YN, and WDFW approved the request on September 12, 2014, and the CCT, NMFS, and Chelan PUD approved the request on September 15, 2014, as distributed to the Coordinating Committees by Kristi Geris that same day. Keller thanked the Coordinating Committees for their prompt responses and coordination to end juvenile bypass operations at Rocky Reach and Rock Island dams. Keller summarized that from September 1 to 15, 2014, a total of 76 summer Chinook salmon were collected at Rocky Reach Dam, which compared to the overall cumulative index as of August 31, 2014, was equal to 0.36% of the total run. He said that, per the language in the Rocky Reach HCP, there does not appear to be a significant component (greater than 5%) of the juvenile emigration present outside the normal bypass operating period. Keller summarized that from September 1 to 15, 2014, a total of 227 juvenile subyearling Chinook salmon were collected at Rock Island Dam. He recalled that at Rock Island Dam, subyearling counts are only representative of Powerhouse 2 flows and that the Columbia River Data Access in Real Time (DART) database applies an expansion algorithm to include total project flow experienced for that sampling period. He said that through the DART algorithm, 227 Chinook salmon expanded to 474 subyearling Chinook salmon, which compared to the overall cumulative index as of August 31, 2014 (i.e., 34,165 subyearlings), equals 1.39% of the total run. He said that once again, per the language in the Rock Island HCP, there does not appear to be a significant component (greater than 5%) of the juvenile emigration present outside the normal bypass operating period.


Keller said that Kirk Truscott had asked, considering the low river flow due to the Wanapum drawdown, how September river flow this year compared to last year. Keller said that from September 1 to 11 the average daily river flow in 2013 and 2014 was 71,900 cubic feet per second (71.9 thousand cubic feet per second [kcfs]) and 67.7 kcfs, respectively, so they were quite comparable. Keller said that Chelan PUD will develop a memorandum summarizing Rock Island Dam and Rocky Reach Dam 2014 summer bypass operations, specifically the extended operations in September, for discussion at the Coordinating Committees meeting on October 28, 2014. B. Wanapum Drawdown Update (Lance Keller)

Lance Keller said that the last Wanapum briefing was held yesterday, September 22, 2014. He said that a second call was convened with the Rock Island Coordinating Committee where Rock Island Coordinating Committee representatives approved Chelan PUD’s request to modify one of the middle adult fishway side entrances at Rock Island Dam to provide an additional fish passage route into the middle fishway at low tailwater elevations. Keller thanked the Rock Island Coordinating Committee for their prompt responses and coordination, and he added that the approved modifications should be complete by early next week. Jeff Korth said that he missed yesterday’s Wanapum briefing, and he asked if the denils have been operating as expected. Keller replied that they have been. He explained that Rock Island Dam is currently operating in periods of generation and non-generation configurations, and a minimum spill of 45 kcfs is being managed to maintain a tailwater elevation to keep the denil structures in operation (the invert of the denil structures was designed for 38 kcfs). He said that additional spill is also being routed to provide more flow through the Powerhouse 2 tailrace so that approaching fish will be drawn to the right bank entrance and pass via the denils. He said that once the modifications are complete on the middle ladder, Rock Island operators will also investigate options for increasing attraction flow through the newly modified middle entrance.


Lastly, Keller said that Chelan PUD will file the monthly Rock Island Interim Fish Passage Plan Report for September 2014 with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on October 1, 2014. C. Rock Island Dam Right Bank Adult Fishway PIT-Tag Detection System Update (Lance Keller)

Lance Keller said that the temporary half-duplex PIT-tag antenna array is installed upstream of the count window, about 5 feet from the fishway exit, and that the new combination half- and full-duplex PIT-tag antenna array will be installed during the 2014/2015 winter maintenance period at Rock Island Dam. Keller said that the source of the noise has not yet been determined; however, one possible source could be related to a wild fire that was started by lightning striking a power pole, which shut down power to the right bank side of the dam. He said that the date and time of the wild fire and beginning of the noise coincide, but there is still uncertainty about the exact cause; the noise is still continuing.

IV. Hatchery and Tributary Committees Update (Mike Schiewe)

Mike Schiewe updated the Coordinating Committees on the following actions and discussions that occurred at the last HCP Tributary Committees meeting on September 11, 2014:

• Silver Protection Project: The Tributary Committees are considering a conservation easement on the Methow River. Part of the easement will allow limited livestock grazing on a portion of the property, which raised concerns about maintaining the appropriate amount of fencing to keep livestock from grazing in sensitive areas. Acquisition is also being explored, but if not possible, the Tributary Committees may include stewardship money as part of the conservation easement to help maintain the fence. Tom Kahler noted the range of this project; it has been ongoing since 2011.

• Small Projects Program Application: Post-Fire Landowner Assistance/Habitat Protection in Beaver and Frazer Creeks: The Rock Island Tributary Committee approved a request from the Methow Salmon Recovery Foundation for $57,328 from HCP Tributary Funds to repair damages associated to wild fires in Beaver and Frazer creeks. Proposed actions include removing woody materials, mud, and debris, as well as other actions. The total cost of the project was $100,000.


• Okanagan Project Tours: The Tributary Committees October 2014 meeting will be a tour of habitat restoration projects in Canada and will occur on October 8 and 9, 2014. The tour will include Okanagan River Restoration Initiatives 1 and 2, Vertical Drop Structure 13, McIntyre Dam, Shuttleworth Creek, Skaha Dam, Shingle Creek Dam, the Penticton Channel, and Trout Creek.

• Plan Species Account Auditing: The Wells Plan Species account is now under full control of Douglas PUD, as requested by the State Auditor. The account will be audited annually by the State Auditor, so the Wells Committee will not need to conduct independent audits every 5 years. Douglas PUD Board of Commissioners’ approval of the annual contributions to the account will constitute approval of the Tributary Committee’s discretion in the use of the account. The Tributary Committees will see no changes in the way the Tributary Committees do business. The State Auditor will ask for the same changes by Chelan PUD regarding the Rock Island and Rocky Reach accounts.

• Upper White Pine Presentation: The Chelan County Natural Resources Department and Bureau of Reclamation (sponsors) provided a presentation on the Upper White Pine Project. Tom Kahler explained that the project involves an old section of floodplain on Nason Creek, located near a point where Nason Creek moves from a constrained reach into an unconstrained reach. Kahler said that, a long time ago, a large section of this floodplain was cut off by a levee and railroad tracks constructed by Burlington Northern. He said the project proposes removing the levee, while keeping the railroad tracks, so that the river can access the cut off section of floodplain. He said that based on studies, a channel would also need to be designed to keep the river from moving back into its straight line course. He said that this channel design would also need to be completed in such a way as to not disturb existing wetland and resources. He said the project also proposed to relocate a Chelan PUD power line. He said that this is a big project with high potential for benefits to Plan Species.

• Next Steps: The next Tributary Committees meeting will be held on November 13, 2014.


Schiewe said that the HCP Hatchery Committees convened at the Grant PUD office in Wenatchee, Washington, and a Priest Rapids Coordinating Committee Habitat Sub-Committee (PRCC HSC) meeting followed directly after, which included an Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) update. Schiewe updated the Coordinating Committees on the following actions and discussions that occurred at the last HCP Hatchery Committees meeting on September 17, 2014:

• DECISION: Revised Draft 2015 Chelan PUD Hatchery M&E Implementation Plan: The Rocky Reach and Rock Island Hatchery Committees approved the 2015 Chelan PUD Hatchery M&E Implementation Plan, as revised.

• DECISION: Hatchery M&E Plan Objective 12 (Formerly Objective 10) Non-Target Taxa of Concern (NTTOC) SOA: The Hatchery Committees approved the SOA finalizing the NTTOC Objective (Hatchery M&E Plan Objective 12 [Formerly Objective 10]), as revised, which memorialized the completion of this task that began in 2009. The task involved a risk model and selecting a suite of not-target species and evaluating whether they would be affected by hatchery species. Greg Mackey (Douglas PUD HCP Hatchery Committees Representative) developed a final report, which indicated that in general, the risk of hatchery fish on NTTOC was low. The approved SOA also included an acknowledgment that further NTTOC evaluations may be conducted via a different approach if additional data become available.

• DECISION: Broodstock Collection Protocols SOA: The Hatchery Committees approved the Broodstock Collection Protocols SOA, as revised, as discussed earlier.

• Draft 2013 Wells and Methow Hatchery M&E Report for Hatchery Committees Review: The draft Douglas PUD 2013 Hatchery M&E Annual Report is available for a 60-day review period, with comments due to Greg Mackey no later than November 3, 2014.

• Draft 2015 Douglas PUD Hatchery M&E Implementation Plan: The draft 2015 Douglas PUD Hatchery M&E Implementation Plan is available for a 60-day review period, with comments due to Greg Mackey no later than November 24, 2014.

• Methow River Conditions and Implications for Populations and Hatchery Program Management: Greg Mackey raised the issue that the large mudslide that occurred near Carlton on the Methow River following this summer’s wild fires could have significant consequences during runoff this winter in terms of mobilizing sediment


loads. He questioned whether there are management actions that should be taken to help mitigate possible effects. Mackey and Catherine Willard (Chelan PUD HCP Hatchery Committees Alternate) offered to collect additional information for further discussion.

• Columnaris Outbreak at Chief Joseph Hatchery (CJH): Kirk Truscott reported a loss of Leavenworth spring Chinook salmon adult broodstock to a Columnaris outbreak at CJH. He said that the loss was reported to cost share partners and the HCP Hatchery Committees. He said that the fish were transferred in late June 2014, and prior to August 2014, only five fish died. He said, however, that ultimately, about 65% of the broodstock was lost, including more than 70% of the females. He said that the CCT contacted USFWS as soon as mortalities started increasing, and through monitoring and assessment, USFWS identified the bacterium Columnaris as the cause of gill infection (external—not internal). He said that bath and drip treatments with chloramine-T did not stop the mortalities. He noted that the same rearing and holding protocols were used that were implemented the previous year when there were close to zero mortalities. He added that the summer Chinook salmon on station showed no signs of Columnaris and that they were on the same water source. He said that the CCT are discussing internally how to minimize risk in future years. He added that Leavenworth NFH may have additional spring Chinook salmon eggs to help the CCT reach production goals despite the loss to the outbreak.

• HCP Hatchery Committees Chair Position: The HCP Hatchery Committees discussed the HCP Chair position, as discussed today.

• ONA Update: An ONA update was provided, which addresses projects that are co-founded by Grant PUD and Chelan PUD to meet No Net Impact production for sockeye mitigation. Douglas PUD also contributes funds to the Fish and Water Management Tool, which is used by fish and water managers to manage redd scouring and desiccation of salmon redds.

V. HCP Committees Administration A. HCP Chair Position (Mike Schiewe and Tom Kahler)

Mike Schiewe said that last month, he conveyed to Chelan PUD and Douglas PUD his plans to retire at the end of April 2015, and the PUDs have now started discussing selecting new


chairs for the HCP Committees and Douglas PUD Aquatic SWG. Schiewe noted that the last time this process was completed was when the HCPs were signed in 2004. Tom Kahler said that Douglas PUD and Chelan PUD have reviewed how this process was originally completed in 2004. He said that the process was quite lengthy but also noted how pleased the Committees have been under Schiewe’s leadership. Kahler said that the PUDs have already begun considering possible candidates to fill the HCP Chair positions and also the timeline going forward. He said that ideally, the new HCP Chair(s) will be under contract by January 2015, in order to start shadowing Schiewe by February 2015. Kahler said that Ritchie Graves, Shane Bickford, and Bryan Nordlund all participated in the original hiring process; however, the remaining current HCP Committees representatives and alternates did not. Kahler said that a list of qualifications and the Scope of Work that were used during the original process in 2004 will be modified as necessary and used for this hiring process. He noted that the two documents have been modified to make them current. He said that a list of selected potential candidates has also been compiled, including résumés and CVs. Kahler said that he will provide these HCP Coordinating Committees Chair position documents to Kristi Geris for distribution to the Coordinating Committees). (Note: Kahler provided a list of qualifications [Attachment B], Scope of Work [Attachment C], and potential candidate résumés and CVs [Attachments D, E, F and G] to Geris following the meeting on September 23, 2014, which Geris distributed to the Coordinating Committees representatives and alternates that same day.) Kahler said that in 2004, the Mid-Columbia Coordinating Committee, chaired by Denny Rohr (DRohr and Associates), and the HCP Policy Committees participated in the HCP Chair selection. Kahler said that it made sense to have the same group participate in this selection process, since the HCPs specify that “The Parties” choose the committee chairs, so the PUDs asked Schiewe to convene an HCP Policy Committees meeting via conference call, which is being arranged now, to be held in October 2014. Kahler said that because Schiewe’s experience and background has worked well for the HCP Chair position, he would advocate hiring a Chair with similar experience and background (i.e., having experience in the Mid-Columbia hydrosystem, experience as a


neutral facilitator, and a technical background). Kahler also suggested that, considering the nature of the work, the Chair be a consultant or retired from agency work. He briefly reviewed the current candidates, including Dr. John Ferguson (Anchor QEA, and formerly NMFS), Geoffrey McMichael (Mainstem Fish Research, and formerly Battelle), Bill Muir (retired NMFS), and Bryan Nordlund (NMFS). Kahler said that the PUDs would also be interested in considering additional qualified candidates. Lance Keller agreed and added that Chelan PUD and Douglas PUD have been in communication regarding the HCP Chair position and that they are both in agreement on the process proposed thus far. Kahler said that this same information was presented to the HCP Hatchery Committees last week, only their list of candidates is slightly different than the Coordinating Committees list. He added that the PUDs see value in having the same Chair for both the Hatchery and Coordinating Committees; however, this would not be a requirement. Schiewe suggested that Coordinating Committees representatives consider additional candidates, and he added that he is willing to discuss the position with any candidates. He added that candidates should also be aware that the Chair position is much larger than facilitating monthly meetings—it also includes the associated administrative responsibilities. He said that although it is possible for a Chair to handle all the responsibilities of the position, it really is important to have a strong support team. He added that when he started, he did not realize how much work the position entailed, and he was fortune enough to have a strong support team. Kahler said that he has discussed and understands the amount of time that Schiewe, Geris, and the rest of the Anchor QEA team dedicates to maintain the administrative record, and he has conveyed this to the possible candidates. He added that he has also assured each candidate that the contract can support this need. Bob Rose asked if Geris will continue as technical and administrative support for the HCPs. Schiewe indicated that Geris supports the Chair, and her continued work with the Committees would depend on whether a new Chair(s) is an Anchor QEA employee. Kirk Truscott noted that Grant PUD has voiced interest in coordinating the PRCC HSC and HCP Hatchery Committees Chair selections. Kahler said that he spoke with Todd Pearsons (Grant PUD); however, Grant PUD cannot participate in the selection of the HCP Chairs


because they are separate agreements and contracts. Kahler added that he is aware of Grant PUDs interests, but their process and ultimate selection is independent of the HCP Chair selection process. Schiewe said that he is currently working toward scheduling an HCP Policy Committees meeting, as requested by the PUDs. He said that Coordinating Committees representatives will also be included on the meeting invite, which is tentatively set for some time in October 2014. He said that he is in the process of tracking down each signatory’s HCP Policy Representative. Kahler said that one additional item that Douglas PUD has requested is regarding documentation of this process. He said that documentation of the process in 2004 was not very complete and thought it would be beneficial for Schiewe and Geris to shepherd the process similar to regular HCP meetings in order to develop a detailed track record for future reference. Coordinating Committees representatives agreed to review the HCP Coordinating Committees Chair position documents and will: 1) contact qualified candidates to gauge interest in the position; 2) have interested candidates contact Schiewe to discuss the responsibilities of the position; and 3) provide a résumé or CV from interested candidates to Kahler, Keller, and Geris. B. Next Meetings (Mike Schiewe)

Mike Schiewe said that the next scheduled Coordinating Committees meeting is October 28, 2014, to be held by conference call. The November 25 and December 23, 2014, meetings will be held either by conference call or in person at the Radisson Hotel in SeaTac, Washington, as is yet to be determined.

List of Attachments

Attachment A List of Attendees Attachment B Position Qualifications for the HCP Chairs Attachment C Scope of Work for Selection of the HCP Chair


Attachment D Bryan Nordlund CV Attachment E John Ferguson résumé Attachment F Geoffrey McMichael résumé Attachment G William Muir CV

Attachment A List of Attendees

Note: * = Denotes Coordinating Committees member or alternate

Name Organization

Mike Schiewe Anchor QEA, LLC Kristi Geris Anchor QEA, LLC

Lance Keller* Chelan PUD Tom Kahler* Douglas PUD Scott Carlon* National Marine Fisheries Service

Jeff Korth* Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Kirk Truscott* Colville Confederated Tribes

Bob Rose* Yakama Nation

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