Feasibility Study of Anadromous Reintroductions in the Malheur Subbasin

The protocol developed through the FY2009 project funds was implemented in the North Fork Malheur. Using FY2010 project funds, dissolved oxygen, hourly temperature, pH and turbidity were monitored in situ during the 2011 field season. Regulatory agencies developed a list of concerns to be addressed in future years of project funding, with respect to incipient release of adult Chinook salmon. Project support from the BLM and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife was secured at the regional level. A series of stakeholder outreach efforts were conducted during 2011 and landowner concerns summarized. BPT completed analysis of data during late fall 2011 to identify potential limiting factors at each life history stage and in anticipation of preliminary release of adults and future reintroduction scenarios. All long and short term goals were presented to the Malheur River Bull Trout Working Group to solicit local and regional feedback and to identify looming concerns from fisheries and land management agencies.

Feasibility of reintroductions in the North Fork Malheur, lower mainstem Malheur and Bully Creek watersheds will be analyzed based on water quality, stream temperature and flow data collected. RM&E habitat variables like migration barriers, thermal barriers and potentially other abiotic water quality parameters, if proven relevant following analysis, will be mapped in the above mentioned watersheds. Outreach and Collaboration will allow BPT to work with the various entities that have a role in potential reintroductions, and it will help to build public support locally for the project.