Evaluation Tools for Habitat Recovery Projects II

The project was completed as originally proposed, along with the addition of a new task with remaining funds. Specifically, the accomplishments were (1) We enhanced our current tool for web-based access to information of limiting factors and PCSRF projects and their locations by installing and configuring an interactive mapping component to our website, and using it to develop a pair of applications to deliver this information to public users. These applications are online and accessible at http://maps.critfc.org/. Users may view their area of interest and then show limiting factors to salmon and steelhead that were identified during subbasin planning, and may also view and query PCSRF-funded tribal restoration projects; (2) We performed an assessment of past Tribal PCSRF projects to compare them to limiting factors identified during subbasin planning. This assessment identified some of the challenges that exist in using automated approaches to link habitat actions and limiting factors, including the issue of differing results dependent on geographic scale. The report is available online at the CRITFC website technical reports page (http://www.critfc.org/tech/tech_rep.html); (3) We added a third task to design and implement an introductory GIS (Geographic Information Systems) course for CRITFC staff during the Winter of 2010. We conducted an orientation session with 12 particpants, and a set of following on-computer sessions for these participants to learn GIS basics. The course was helpful in orienting our staff on how to use GIS to view, analyze, and manage geographic information about salmon and their environment.

The target species are Spring Chinook, Summer Chinook, Fall Chinook, Coho, Winter Steelhead, and Summer Steelhead. Development of information on habitat improvements and evaluation of progress through past projects will help evaluate and direct future efforts to recover fish populations.