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pdfOLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Elwha River Restoration
Project
Bull Trout Protection and Restoration Plan
Patrick Crain and Sam Brenkman
12/13/2010
This document outlines a strategy to protect bull trout during the removal of the two Elwha River dams,
a project scheduled to begin in September, 2011. This is a watershed scale plan which identifies specific
actions to be implemented for identified reaches of the Elwha River. This plan fulfills the requirements
of RPM 1 of the USFWS 2000 Biological Opinion for the Elwha River Restoration Project.
Table of Contents
I.
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 4
Elwha Project Description ........................................................................................................................ 4
II.
Bull Trout Populations in the Elwha River ............................................................................ 9
Current distributions and life histories ...................................................................................................... 9
Abundance and Productivity ................................................................................................................... 12
Genetic diversity and relationship to adjacent populations ..................................................................... 14
III.
Plan Goals and Objectives...................................................................................................... 16
Challenges to Implementation ............................................................................................................... 19
IV.
Action Plan .............................................................................................................................. 21
General Approach .................................................................................................................................. 21
Headwaters and Upper River ......................................................................................................... 21
Lake Mills ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Middle River .................................................................................................................................. 24
Lower River ................................................................................................................................... 25
Appendix A – Lake Mills Translocation Plan .................................................................................. 28
Capture and Holding ...................................................................................................................... 28
Helicopter Transport ...................................................................................................................... 30
Monitoring ..................................................................................................................................... 31
Staffing........................................................................................................................................... 32
Appendix B – References .................................................................................................................... 33
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Figures and Tables
Figures
Figure 1. Elwha Watershed ....................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2. Modeled Lake Mills surface elevations Elwha River discharge, and suspended sediment ....... 7
Figure 3. Elwha River drawdown schedule with fish windows ................................................................ 8
Figure 4. Distribution of Radiotagged bull trout ..................................................................................... 10
Figure 5. Movements of selected bull trout in the Elwha River ............................................................. 10
Figure 6. Movements of Elwha bull trout passed Glines Canyon and Elwha Dams ............................. 11
Figure 7. Relative abundances of salmonids in the Elwha Watershed.................................................... 12
Figure 8. Elwha River and Hoh River bull trout ..................................................................................... 13
Figure 9. Elwha bull trout genotypes ...................................................................................................... 15
Figure 10. Consensus neighbor-joining tree ........................................................................................... 15
Figure 11. Bank erosion on Lake Mills delta during 1994 drawdown.................................................... 20
Figure A - 1. Proposed flight line and 5 possible release locations ........................................................ 31
Tables
Table 1. Goals and Objectives ................................................................................................................ 17
Table 2. Elwha Bull Trout Action Plan ................................................................................................... 26
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Elwha River Restoration Project
Bull Trout Protection and Restoration Plan
December 2, 2010
I.
Introduction
Two dams on the Elwha River, Washington, (Figure 1) are scheduled for removal beginning in
2011 and continuing through 2013. Known as the Elwha River Restoration Project, or ―Elwha
Project‖, removal of the dams will restore anadromous fish passage to the Elwha River
watershed and represents a major step in recovery efforts for a variety of fish stocks listed under
the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including Puget Sound/Coastal bull trout (Salvilinus
confluentus) (USFWS, 2004). The purpose of this paper is to describe the Elwha Project’s plan
to protect bull trout during dam removal. Specifically, this plan fulfills the requirement of the
US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Biological Opinion (BiOp) for the Elwha Project
(USFWS, 2000): ―RPM 1. Develop and implement a bull trout rescue/removal plan that is acceptable
to the FWS.‖
The USFWS completed the initial BiOp for the Project in 1996, covering bald eagle (Haliaeetus
leucocephalus), marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), peregrine falcon (Falco
peregrines), and spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). On February 24, 2000, the USFWS
issued a revised BiOp which addressed potential impacts of the project on bull trout (Salvelinus
confluentus), which was listed as a threatened species in 1999. The revised BiOp was based
upon information provided in a number of documents, including the project’s environmental
impact statements (EIS) (DOI, 1996a; DOI, 1996b), the USFWS’s Biological Assessment
(USFWS, 1996) and other relevant information. Olympic National Park (OLYM) reinitiated
Section 7 consultation with the USFWS in 2006 based upon changes in actions which were
evaluated in a supplemental EIS (DOI, 2005), but the USFWS determined that the changes in the
project did not require an update in the original BiOp.
Elwha project description
The Elwha Dam, located at rkm 7.9, has blocked upstream fish passage for 100 years. Since
1910, when construction of the dam began, more than 110 km of mainstem and tributary habitat
in the watershed (DOI et al. 1994) have been inaccessible to anadromous fish. In 1927 the Glines
Canyon Dam was constructed 13.7 km upstream of the Elwha Dam. Like the Elwha Dam, the
Glines Canyon Dam was built without fish passage capability. In combination, the two dams
disrupt the migrational pathways for the resident, migratory, and anadromous fish populations of
the Elwha River.
The two Elwha River dams not only block passage of fish but also have interrupted the natural
function of the river ecosystem. Nearly 14 million cubic meters of sediment have been captured
in the two reservoirs (DOI et al 1995), altering spawning habitat and channel morphology in the
lower river system, as well as the estuary and nearshore environment to the east and west of the
river mouth—an area that extends from Ediz Hook to Crescent Bay (Clallam County MRC
2004). The recruitment of large woody debris (LWD) from the upper watershed has been
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
4
Final - December 2, 2010
virtually eliminated and the two reservoirs serve as ―heat sinks‖ during the summer, dramatically
increasing water temperature. Consequently, the cumulative effects of the two dams leave the
freshwater and marine habitat available to salmon below the Elwha Dam severely degraded. The
presence of these two dams has been identified as the single largest factor limiting Elwha River
salmon production (WSCC 2000), including Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and bull trout,
which are all listed as threatened under the ESA.
Figure 1. Elwha Watershed.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Removal of both dams is scheduled to begin in 2011. Demolition of both structures will occur
simultaneously over a two to three year period, although the strategy for removal will differ for
each site. The Elwha River will be routed around the Elwha Dam through a diversion channel so
that the dam structure, facilities, and rubble upstream of the dam can be removed ―in the dry‖.
Flow will be returned to the original channel once dam removal is completed. Conversely, the
Glines Canyon Dam will be removed in sections, with stream flow allowed to pass over the dam.
The reservoir will be drained approximately 25 meters through the existing penstock and the
upper 25 meters of the structure will be removed. Then, the dam will be sequentially notched
using either a diamond saw or controlled explosives. With each notch, the reservoir will drain to
the elevation of the notch, resulting in a pulse of increased flow.
As the two reservoirs drain, delta materials at the head of the reservoirs will be eroded by the
river. Fine sediments in the delta will be suspended and moved through the reservoir while the
courser materials will be eroded and then redeposited along the lake floor. It is anticipated that
the remnant Lake Mills reservoir will be fully filled with sediment when about 10 meters of the
Glines Canyon Dam structure is remaining. This courser sediment may be released in a single
event when the structure is fully removed.
During the period of delta erosion, it is anticipated that turbidity will exceed 1,000 parts per
million (ppm) for extended periods of time and will periodically exceed 10,000 ppm (Figure 2).
Following dam removal, turbidity may exceed 30,000 ppm for short durations (BOR 1996),
although most of the finer material will be flushed out of the system after the first high flow.
At relatively low levels of suspended sediment loading (50 – 100 ppm) which occur naturally in
the Elwha River, fish may stop feeding, suffer from gill abrasion, and suffer a loss of fitness due
to stress (Cook-Tabor, 1995). At higher levels of turbidity more serious affects on fish health are
observed, including mortality directly associated with turbidity levels higher than 1,000 ppm for
extended periods of time (Cook-Tabor, 1995). For planning purposes, it has been assumed that
most fish rearing in the mainstem Elwha River below Glines Canyon Dam may die due to
exposure to extreme levels of turbidity. Therefore, a high priority has been placed on
maintaining access to high quality tributary and off-channel habitat which can serve as refugia.
In addition to refugia habitat, the demolition schedule for the two dams has built-in ―fish
windows‖ when construction will stop (Ward et al, 2008). During these periods, the river will
clear to near background levels, facilitating natural migration, spawning, and collection of
broodstock in the lower river. These fish windows will occur at least three times each year: 1
November to 31 December for coho and chum salmon entry timing, 1 May to 30 June for
hatchery reared juvenile emigration and native steelhead entry timing, and 1 August to 14
September for Chinook and pink salmon entry (Figure 3). Additionally, construction may be
periodically halted at higher flows for safety reasons.
Courser sediment will move downstream for a period of years, with elevated bedloads
anticipated for up to 10 years (BOR 1996). Significant aggradation is expected in some areas,
with permanent increases of up to 1 meter in bed elevation in lower gradient areas. The river
channel in some reaches below the dam may destabilize during this time, resulting in temporary
decreases in the quality of natural fish habitat.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Figure 2. Modeled Lake Mills surface elevations, Elwha River discharge, and suspended
sediment concentrations: 1968–1971 flow scenario (BOR 1996).
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Figure 3. Elwha River drawdown schedule with fish windows.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
II.
Bull Trout Populations in the Elwha River
Current distributions and life histories
Bull trout are distributed in the Elwha River from the mouth to approximately rkm 69, near the
headwaters (Glasgow, 2000). Bull trout have also been observed in 12 tributaries to the river
(Brenkman et al, 2008) and may be present in others. Elwha River bull trout exhibit fluvial and
adfluvial life history strategies and may be anadromous below Elwha Dam. At least one bull
trout has been captured in the estuary at the mouth of the Elwha (Anne Shaeffer, pers. com.).
There also appears to be a resident population comprised of small sized bull trout in the
headwaters above Carlson Canyon (DeHaan et al, 2010).
From 2005 to 2008, OLYM tagged 53 adult (>400 mm) and 46 sub-adult bull trout (<400 mm)
in the Elwha watershed with Lotek radio tags. Fish were tagged in a number of locations in the
watershed, including areas above Grand Canyon, between Rica Canyon and Grand Canyon, Lake
Mills, the area of the river between the dams, and below Elwha Dam (Figure 4). Fish movement
was tracked using a combination of fixed telemetry stations, aerial surveys, and foot surveys.
Tagged fish exhibited a diversity of migration patterns, depending upon their location in the
watershed (Figure 5). A few tagged fish located above Grand Canyon and between the two dams
tended to display a fluvial migration, moving upstream in the fall in an apparent spawning
migration. Fish located in Lake Mills displayed a clear adfluvial migration, moving out of the
lake and into the lower reaches of Rica Canyon to spawn in the fall. These fish then moved back
down into the lake to rear. Several fish tagged above Rica Canyon were observed to move
downstream through the canyon and into the lake, but did not appear to migrate back upstream.
A total of 23 (of 96) bull trout were observed to pass over a dam. Thirteen adult and seven subadults were observed to pass over the Glines Canyon Dam while 1 adult and two sub-adults
passed over Elwha Dam (Figure 6). One sub-adult fish was observed to pass over both dams.
Movement over the dams corresponded with high winter flow events. Fish below Elwha Dam
moved short distances in the lower river.
No upstream movements of bull trout through Rica Canyon, Grand Canyon, or Carlson Canyon
were observed, although habitat assessments conducted in 1987 (Hosey and Associates, 1988)
did not identify the canyons as barriers to salmonid migrations. Radio tagged adult summer
steelhead were observed to move upstream through both Rica Canyon and Grand Canyon
(Wampler, 1984). However, none of the steelhead tagged in that study were observed to move
upstream through Carlson Canyon.
Four adult bull trout were captured in early September (2007) below Glines Canyon Dam and
relocated into Lake Mills. All of the relocated fish appeared to stay in Lake Mills into the
spawning season (October). Two fish then fell back over the dam while the other two remained
in the Rica Canyon area.
One spawning area in the main stem Elwha River was identified. This spawning aggregation is
located in the lower reaches of Rica Canyon, immediately upstream from Lake Mills based on
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
redd surveys. A second presumed spawning location may be located near the confluence of
Hayes River. Spawning has not actually been observed near Hayes River, but an individual
radio-tagged fish was observed to make two upstream migrations to the area during the spawning
season (October) in successive years. Bull trout are known to spawn in the Hughes Creek, a
tributary between the Glines Canyon Dam and Lake Aldwell, while young-of-the-year bull trout
have been observed in Boulder Creek (Lake Mills tributary), and juveniles have been seen in Cat
Creek (Lake Mills tributary) and Griff Creek (middle river tributary) (Brenkman et al, 2008).
Distribution of Radiotagged Bull Trout n=99
Adult n=53
Lower River n=2
Range:
400-654 mm
0.4-2.5 kg
Middle River n=18*
Mean:
463 mm
0.9 kg
(4 transported to Lake Mills)
Upper River n=33
Subadult n=46
Lower River n=1
Middle River n=20
Range:
234-399 mm
0.1-0.5 kg
Upper River n=25
Mean:
332 mm
0.3 kg
Figure 4. Distribution of Radiotagged Bull Trout.
Grand
Canyon
Rica
Canyon
Carlson
Canyon
Figure 5. Movements of selected bull trout in the Elwha River (image by Steve Corbett).
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
32
30
adult bull trout (> 400 mm)
sub-adult bull trout (< 400 mm)
28
Rica Canyon
(rkm 26.1 to 27.3)
26
24
Glines Canyon
Dam (rkm 21.6)
22
27
20
77
43
60 74
58
71
23
downstream movement
25
87
RKm
30
59
18
16
17
28
47
57
24
14
88
160
16
12
10
Elwha Dam (rkm 7.9)
8
6
142
20
191
4
Figure 6. Movements of Elwha bull trout passed Glines Canyon and Elwha Dams.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Abundance and Productivity
Detailed riverscape snorkel surveys were conducted in the entire main stem river from the
headwaters to the mouth for two successive years (2007 and 2008). More than 20 fisheries
biologists participated in the surveys each year. These surveys occurred during a one week
period in the late summer, and therefore represent a snapshot in time of relative abundance and
distribution of fish. Divers did not survey Lake Mills and Lake Aldwell, and were unable to
survey Rica and Grand Canyons in 2007 and 2008. Additionally, in 2008, we did not sample
two sections (rkm 40 and 44-47) due to safety concerns and poor water visibility.
The snorkel surveys confirmed that bull trout were found throughout the watershed, though they
were relatively sparse (215 fish in 2007; 118 bull trout in 2008). From a riverscape perspective,
rainbow/cutthroat trout were the dominant fish and comprised 89% and 88% of the total fish
assemblage in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Bull trout comprised 3% of the fish assemblage in
both years (Figure 7).
The highest abundances of bull trout were observed immediately upstream of Lake Mills and
near the headwaters of the river in both years (Figure 7). Of the total numbers of bull trout
observed in 2007 and 2008, 60% and 69% respectively were observed from Rica Canyon
downstream to the river mouth in the area that will be influenced by dam removal. We believe
that a number of fish also reside in Lake Mills and Lake Aldwell.
Figure 7. Relative abundances of salmonids in the Elwha watershed – 2007 and 2008 (image by
Ethan Welty).
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Hydroacoustic surveys were conducted in Lake Mills and Lake Aldwell in the summer, 2010 in
an attempt to enumerate fish abundances in the two reservoirs. Unfortunately, the large amount
of standing timber remaining in the two reservoirs interfered with the ability of the acoustic gear
and associated software to distinguish individual targets (personal communication, Jeff Duda,
USGS). Abundance estimates for Lake Mills ranged from a low of 62 fish (>25 cm) to a high of
711 fish (>25 cm) while estimates from Lake Aldwell ranged from 42 to 365 fish (>25 cm)
(Provisional Data from the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center, provided by Jeff Duda,
11/3/2010). This information was further complicated by the inherent inability of acoustic gear
to differentiate between species. Hook-and-line sampling in Lake Mills conducted in
conjunction with the acoustic surveys collected 5 bull trout and 29 rainbow trout in 13.75 angler
hours, so one might conclude a 6:1 ratio of rainbow to bull trout. It is unknown if catchability
coefficients for the two species are equivalent in the lake.
Both the snorkel surveys and the radio telemetry project provided an opportunity to observe size
characteristics of the Elwha bull trout population. The headwaters population had a noticeably
reduced body size in relationship to the rest of the river, and may represent a ―resident‖
population. Throughout the watershed, Elwha River bull trout were found to be of poor fitness,
being uniformly lighter at any given length than populations found in other river systems (Figure
8). This poor fitness is likely the result of a limited food supply due to the elimination of
anadromous salmonids from the watershed.
Figure 8. Top – Elwha River bull trout. Bottom – Hoh River bull trout.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
It has been difficult to assess the reproductive success of bull trout in the Elwha River, as
juvenile bull trout tend to be difficult to detect. Systematic snorkel surveys conducted in 2009
(Dunham et al, 2009) identified small bull trout in only 1 of 41 sites (2%). Juvenile bull trout
were collected in higher numbers via electro-fishing (22% of the sampled sites) and yet larger
bull trout were observed in 34% of the snorkel sites. Brenkman et al (2008) documented youngof-the-year bull trout in only two tributaries below Rica Canyon (Hughes Creek and Boulder
Creek) while juveniles (50-200 mm) were reported in Hughes, Griff, Boulder, Cat, Long, Stony,
Godkin and Buckinghorse Creeks and Lake Mills.
Genetic diversity and relationship to adjacent populations
Tissue samples from Elwha River bull trout have been analyzed by the Conservation Genetics
Lab at the USFWS Abernathy Fish Technology Center to determine the genetic relationship of
fish within the watershed as well as the relationship of Elwha fish to the Dungeness River. Fish
collected from the upper river (Lake Mills to Hayes River) (n=25), middle river between the two
dams (n = 36), and lower river (n=21; excluding headwater fish) were genetically
indistinguishable from each other (DeHaan et al, 2010).
Analysis of tissue samples (n=17) collected from the char which inhabit the headwaters
confirmed that they were bull trout and not the closely related Dolly Varden. However, it was
found that the headwater fish, though similar to the remainder of the basin, were identifiable as a
discrete sub-population (DeHaan et al, 2010).
There was no evidence of depressed allelic richness or gene diversity (Winans et al, 2008).
Evidence from the radio-telemetry study suggested that current genetic exchange between
different sub-areas of the river may be a ―one-way street‖, as no migration was observed
upstream through several canyons or, obviously, over the two dams. This is largely supported by
the genetic data, although it does appear that some upstream gene flow through Carlson Canyon
does occur. Six of 17 fish collected in the Elwha headwaters were more similar to fish from the
lower river than they were to the headwaters (DeHaan et al, 2010) (Figure 9).
Elwha River bull trout were compared to Dungeness River bull trout, as well as other bull trout
populations in western Washington State, and found to be genetically distinct (Figure 10)
(Winans et al, 2008; DeHaan, 2010). There had been some disagreement as to whether methods
used to analyze tissue samples from the two basins were compatible. Tissue samples from the
Dungeness River were collected by the USFS (Larry Ogg) and analyzed by Paul Spruell. Elwha
River tissues samples were collected by OLYM and analyzed by Pat DeHaan (USFWS).
Replicate sampling by the USFWS Abernathy Lab confirmed the initial finding (DeHaan, 2010).
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Headwaters
Upper River
Middle River
Lower River
Figure 9. Elwha Bull Trout Genotypes. Each vertical bar represents an individual fish. Colors
represent portion of each individual’s genotype that originated from each of two population
clusters. (Copied with permission from DeHaan et al, 2010.)
Figure 10. (Copied with permission from Winans et al, 2008). Consensus neighbor-joining tree
of CSE chord distances between bull trout collections based on 6 mSAT variability. Bootstrap
values at the nodes are not available. FST values (x 1000) for select comparisons against the
principle Elwha collection are statistically significant.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
III.
Plan Goals and Objectives
Goals and objectives have been identified to minimize ESA take of bull trout during dam
removal, and to facilitate restoration. The goals and objectives are targeted to discrete sections of
the river based upon our understanding of the river’s bull trout population, the relative impact of
dam removal on each section, and the long term restoration objective for bull trout (Table1).
For the purposes of this plan, goals are defined as specific, measurable, time-targeted aims to be
achieved by the actions described. Objectives are positive strategic actions which, if
implemented, will lead to the achievement of the identified goals. These objectives generally
address anticipated threats associated with dam removal, including (in order of importance):
1) Mortality associated with increased turbidity from Lake Mills to the mouth during and
shortly following dam removal;
2) Mortality associated with entrainment at each dam site;
3) Stranding of multiple life history stages during reservoir draw down;
4) Loss of current bull trout spawning and rearing habitat in impacted reaches;
5) Threats associated with recolonization of hatchery and wild Pacific salmonids (e.g.
introduction of pathogens, predation, competition, etc.);
6) Risk of barriers/loss of connectivity upstream of Lake Mills during reservoir drawdown;
7) Mortality following dam removal associated with redistribution of course sediment below
Glines Canyon Dam (stranding or mechanical grinding of eggs).
8) Genetic introgression with non-native Eastern brook trout;
This plan considers the Elwha River as five discrete sections: the Headwaters (Carlson Canyon
upstream to the headwaters); the Upper River (Above Rica Canyon upstream to Carlson
Canyon), the Lake Mills area (Rica Canyon downstream to Glines Canyon Dam), the Middle
River (Glines Canyon Dam downstream to the Elwha Dam), and the Lower River (Elwha Dam
downstream to the mouth). Approximately 40% of the Elwha River bull trout population resides
above Rica Canyon excluding the reservoirs and canyon reaches. The highest concentration
(>25% of the total population) of bull trout is found upstream of the Lake Mills inlet and in Rica
Canyon based on riverscape snorkel surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008. This area additionally
encompasses the largest identified spawning aggregation in the watershed.
There will be a shift in bull trout life history strategies associated with removal of the two Elwha
River dams. Most importantly, the loss of the two reservoirs will immediately eliminate the
prominent, although not historical, adfluvial strategy in the Lake Mills and Middle River areas,
except as may be provided by Lake Sutherland after dam removal.
Bull trout are known to exhibit anadromous behavior on the Olympic Peninsula (Brenkman and
Corbett 2005; Brenkman et al., 2007). Although anadromy has not been specifically observed in
the Elwha River, it is believed that such a life history strategy will be expressed/re-expressed
when regular access to saltwater is provided. Multiple radio-tagged bull trout were observed to
pass over the Elwha Dam or Glines Canyon Dam, and at least one fish passed over both dams,
indicating that significant downstream migration still occurs in the river. One bull trout has been
captured in a beach seine sampling in the estuary (Shaffer, pers. com.).
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Table 1. Goals and Objectives
River Section
Risk
Goals
Objectives
Headwaters
1. Genetic
introgression with
downriver bull trout
2. Interaction with
out-planted
hatchery fish
1. Maintain or increase current
abundance and distribution
of the headwater population
of bull trout.
2. Maintain the genetic
integrity of the headwater
population of bull trout.
1. Prevent introduction of bull
trout from other areas.
2. Minimize or prevent
mortality associated with
stocking of hatchery salmon
in the watershed.
Upper River
1. Genetic
introgression with
non-local
populations
2. Interaction with
out-planted
hatchery fish
1. Maintain or increase current
abundance and distribution
of the Elwha River bull trout
population.
2. Maintain the genetic
integrity of Elwha River bull
trout.
1.
1. Elevated turbidity
2. Stranding on Lake
Mills delta
3. Barriers to
migration
4. Interaction with
out-planted
hatchery fish.
1. Maintain the genetic
integrity of Elwha River bull
trout.
2. Protect access to clean water
refugia in Lake Mills area.
3. Minimize direct take, to the
extent possible.
1.
Lake Mills
2.
2.
3.
4.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
17
Action
1. Refrain from relocating any
bull trout to the headwaters.
2. Closely adhere to hatchery fish
health strategy.
3. Carefully consider hatchery
stocking strategy, particularly
with regards to Chinook
salmon.
Prevent introduction of non- 1. Refrain from relocating Lower
local populations of bull
River bull trout to the Upper
trout (e.g. Dungeness).
River.
Minimize or prevent
2. Closely adhere to hatchery fish
mortality associated with
health strategy
stocking of hatchery salmon 3. Carefully factor in bull trout
in the watershed.
status with respect to hatchery
stocking strategy
Minimize mortality
1. Relocate ~100 bull trout (~30
associated with high levels
adults minimum) to the Upper
of turbidity.
River, prior to final drawdown.
Minimize stranding during
2. Monitor for stranding and
reservoir drawdown and
development of barriers during
delta manipulation.
drawdown and delta work.
Ensure upstream passage
3. Relocate stranded fish to lower
into Rica Canyon, Cat Creek,
Rica Canyon or Cat Creek.
and Boulder Creek.
4. Correct barriers that develop as
Protect spawning habitat in
a result of dam removal, to the
Rica Canyon from scour
extent feasible.
from October to June, to the 5. Relocate stranded fish to
extent possible.
Elwha Hatchery/Lower River
(option).
6. Carefully factor in bull trout
status with respect to hatchery
stocking strategy/fish health.
Final - December 2, 2010
Table 1 (cont.). Goals and Objectives
River Section
Risk
Goals
Objectives
Action
Middle River
1. Elevated turbidity
2. Barriers to
migration into
tributaries
3. Stranding on Lake
Aldwell delta
4. Barriers to
migration on Lake
Aldwell delta
5. Interaction with
out-planted
hatchery
6. Genetic
introgression with
brook trout.
1. Maintain the genetic
integrity of Elwha River bull
trout.
2. Protect access to clean water
refugia in the Middle River
area.
3. Minimize direct take, to the
extent possible.
1. Ensure upstream access into
tributaries.
2. Ensure upstream access
from Lake Aldwell into the
Middle River.
3. Minimize stranding during
reservoir drawdown.
Lower River
1. Elevated turbidity
2. Barriers to
migration into offchannel and
estuary habitat
3. Interaction with
out-planted
hatchery fish.
4. Genetic
introgression with
brook trout.
1. Maintain the genetic
integrity of Elwha River
bull trout.
2. Protect access to clean
water refugia in the Lower
River.
3. Protect access to salt water
refugium.
4. Minimize direct take, to the
extent possible.
1. Ensure access to offchannel freshwater habitat
to serve as clean water
refugia.
2. Ensure access to saltwater
to serve as clean water
refugia.
3. Prevent mortality during
brood stock collection
activities for other salmonid
species.
1. Monitor bull trout use of
tributary habitat.
2. Monitor passage through
culverts
3. Monitor for stranding and
development of barriers on Lake
Aldwell delta.
4. Relocate stranded fish to Little
River.
5. Control brook trout in Elwha
Campground tributary and
consider options for other areas.
6. Correct barriers that develop as
a result of dam removal to the
extent feasible.
7. Carefully factor in bull trout
status with respect to hatchery
stocking strategy/fish health.
1. Monitor bull trout use of offchannel and estuary habitat.
2. Monitor access to off-channel
and estuary habitat
3. Monitor bull trout presence at
weir.
4. Correct barriers to off-channel
habitat, if feasible.
5. Carefully factor in bull trout
status with respect to hatchery
stocking strategy/fish health.
6. Consider options for controlling
brook trout in the Lower River.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
18
Final - December 2, 2010
Challenges to Implementation
The Elwha Project is the largest dam removal project ever undertaken in the United States.
Conceptual, computer, and physical models have been developed to predict delta erosion,
sediment transport, sediment deposition, and suspended sediment concentrations during and
following dam removal. However, it is unlikely that actual conditions during and following dam
removal will exactly match modeled conditions. Careful monitoring of delta erosion and
suspended sediment loading will be conducted which will inform the dam removal process as
well as operation of the water treatment facilities below the Elwha Dam site. Decisions to
proceed with dam removal will be made on a weekly basis. Any efforts to protect bull trout
during dam removal will need to be coordinated with dam removal activities.
The Lake Mills and Lake Aldwell deltas have been found to support a proportionally higher
abundance of bull trout than other areas of the river. The act of dam removal will cause
relatively rapid changes to both the lake and the delta, ultimately resulting in the complete loss of
these two habitat types. As lake levels recede, the lake and delta areas will become
progressively more difficult to reach. Lake Mills is accessible by road at its north end, but the
delta area is only accessible by boat or trail. The use of motorized vessels on both lakes may
become unfeasible and/or unsafe relatively early in the removal process.
Capture, holding, and transport of bull trout from the delta area will be difficult once the deltas
begin to erode. Drawdown studies conducted during the fall of 2010, 2001, and 1994 showed
that the river channel on the delta was extremely unstable, avulsing across the nose of the delta in
the matter of just days or hours. As the deltas erode, turbidity will increase while the distance to
clean water refugia (e.g. Cat Creek, Rica Canyon, Boulder Creek, and Little River) will also
increase.
During drawdown, visibility may be very poor, limiting options for monitoring bull trout
response to changes in the deltas. The USGS found suspended sediment concentrations on the
delta to be as high as 6,100 mg/l during the 1994 drawdown (USGS, 1999), although concurrent
concentrations in Lake Mills and below Glines Canyon Dam were considerably lower (~100
mg/l and ~20 mg/l respectively). The 1994 drawdown study also found that that the channel
incised 20 feet or more, making foot access from upland areas hazardous.
Rapid erosion of the lake delta is an important aspect of the dam removal process. If the deltas
do not naturally erode as expected, mechanical manipulation of the channel and delta with heavy
equipment may be required. Access to the deltas may be limited at times for safety purposes.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
19
Final - December 2, 2010
Figure 11. Bank Erosion on Lake Mills delta during 1994 drawdown.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
20
Final - December 2, 2010
IV. Action Plan
General Approach
The policies for the National Park Service (NPS, 2006) direct that natural resources be managed
―to preserve fundamental physical and biological processes‖ (Section 4.1). In general, this is
interpreted to mean utilizing the least invasive methods for achieving any given management
objective. The 2006 NPS Management Policies also direct that the service shall act proactively to
―conserve [ESA] listed species and prevent detrimental effects to these species‖. To the extent
possible, we rely on natural processes in this plan to protect Elwha River bull trout during dam
removal. We recognize that it will be necessary to intervene on occasion to minimize direct take
addressed under the BiOp for the Elwha Project. Table 2 summarizes actions which will be taken
to conserve and protect Elwha River bull trout during dam removal.
Nearly 37 km of the main stem Elwha River and its associated tributaries above Lake Mills will
remain unaffected by dam removal (>60% of the available fish habitat). This area supports
approximately 40% of the river’s bull trout population, including representatives of both the
headwaters and the main river genetic units. Additionally, over 18 km of accessible high quality
tributary habitat, known to support bull trout, are located in the middle reaches of the river. We
believe that even in the event of the catastrophic loss of all bull trout residing in the Elwha River
from Lake Mills to the river mouth, recovery of the population following dam removal would
occur through natural recolonization from the upper river and tributary refugia.
OLYM will hire a full time/term fisheries biologist who will be dedicated entirely to this action
plan. Although we believe that it is possible to rely upon the unimpaired upper river and
tributary areas to preserve bull trout during dam removal, it is incumbent upon the NPS to
minimize direct take when and where feasible. The new fisheries biologist and a small seasonal
field crew will be available to implement the targeted monitoring activities identified below,
participate in the relocation of fish from areas at risk, and potentially control non-native brook
trout in selected areas of the river. Other OLYM staff will also be periodically available, and it
may be possible to employ park volunteers or personnel from other agencies on occasion.
This Action Plan is dynamic, requiring decisions regarding the disposition of fish to be made on
the ground. To the extent possible, USFWS staff will be involved in the decision making
process. However, final decisions will rest with the Chief Fisheries Biologists for the park and
will be implemented by the OLYM fisheries staff.
Headwaters and Upper River
We do not anticipate that bull trout residing in the headwaters and upper river areas of the Elwha
River will be directly affected by dam removal. However, secondary activities associated with
the Elwha Project could risk the genetic integrity or viability of these relatively small
aggregations.
The Elwha Fish Restoration Plan (Ward et al, 2008) considers the release of hatchery origin
Chinook salmon smolts into the headwater and upper river areas through helicopter outplanting
in order to facilitate recolonization of the watershed. It is not the intent of this bull trout plan to
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
21
Final - December 2, 2010
evaluate the potential effects of this action, as the Elwha Fish Restoration Plan was considered in
the BiOps for the Elwha Project. However, care should be taken to avoid introduction of
pathogens into the headwater area in the course of any outplanting activities. This can be
facilitated through strict adherence to the fish health policies of Washington State and the
Hatchery Genetic Management Plan for the Elwha Channel. Additionally, any releases should be
timed to avoid potential predation of young-of-the-year bull trout by stocked Chinook to the
extent possible (i.e short residency period and consider outplanting size). In the case of the
headwaters area, careful consideration should be given to not releasing hatchery fish at all in this
location.
The conservation strategy for the Lake Mills area (below) considers removal of bull trout from
Lake Mills and relocating these fish upstream of Grand Canyon (see Lake Mills discussion
below). The headwater population of bull trout appears to be reproductively isolated above
Carlson Canyon (~rkm 53), either due to migrational barriers in the canyon or the behavioral
characteristics of a resident population. Any fish relocated from Lake Mills must be released
below Carlson Canyon to prevent introduction of the lower river bull trout population into the
headwater area.
Lake Mills
The largest single aggregation of bull trout in the Elwha watershed is found around Lake Mills.
These fish exhibit an adfluvial life history, spending a large portion of the year in the lake before
migrating upstream into Rica Canyon to spawn in the early fall (September/October). Adult and
juvenile bull trout have also been observed in two other tributaries to the lake - Cat Creek and
Boulder Creek. It is believed that juvenile bull trout move into the lake to rear at a relatively
young age. However, no information exists to verify this assumption.
The removal of Glines Canyon Dam will eliminate Lake Mills. The reservoir will be slowly
drained over a period of two to three years. During the reservoir drawdown, delta materials will
be reworked and advanced downstream into the remaining reservoir. Drawdown studies
conducted several years ago displayed a relatively rapid reworking of the delta materials, with
the main channel of the river migrating from one valley wall to the other over a period of a day
or two.
In addition to a dynamic river channel on the delta, increases in turbidity in the lake above
background levels are anticipated1. We propose to capture and hold approximately 100 bull trout
of various age classes from Lake Mills for relocation into the upper watershed prior to reservoir
drawdown. As adult fish have a higher likelihood than juveniles of contributing to subsequent
generations, effort will be made to capture and translocate at least 30 adults to the upper
1
The drawdown described in this plan is associated with the final physical removal of the two dams. The Lake
Mills delta was deforested, a new channel was excavated, and the reservoir was drawn down 18 feet during the
fall of 2010. Protective measures were described during a separate consultation associated with that specific
project and with actions taken during the removal of trees and realignment of flow into the new channel to ensure
fish were not stranded by those activities. Additionally, monitoring of the delta was conducted to ensure headcutting did not proceed upstream into Rica Canyon where bull trout spawning has occurred. No additional
measures were deemed necessary as the lateral channel migration expected with this limited draw down were not
expected to increase affects to bull trout above those occurring during full pool conditions.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
22
Final - December 2, 2010
watershed. However, it is recognized that capture of fish in Lake Mills may be difficult and
limited by the amount of time fish can be safely held in captivity prior to transfer. Conversely, all
bull trout captured will be transferred to the upper watershed even if the 100 fish target is slightly
exceeded. If the 100 fish target is substantially exceeded (i.e. >120 fish captured) then
consideration will be given to relocating excess fish below the Elwha Dam where they will have
access to marine refugia.
Capture would be conducted through hook-and-line fishing, boat or backpack electrofishing, or
seining. Fish will be held in live cages within Lake Mills until an adequate number are in hand to
justify helicopter transport to the upper watershed. In no case will fish be held longer than 2
weeks, even if this requires that the targeted numbers for transfer (30 adults, 100 fish total) are
not achieved. Fish will be released in the vicinity of the Elkhorn Ranger Station. A detailed plan
for relocation (including justification for transfer number, method of capture, holding facilities,
and method of relocation) of bull trout from Lake Mills is found in Appendix A of this plan.
The rapid dewatering of channels may result in the stranding of any bull trout residing in the
delta area. We propose a monitoring program to identify any stranding of fish or the
development of any barriers to migration. Monitoring will be conducted by park fisheries staff
and will be coordinated with drawdown activities, in order to target periods when stranding is
most likely to occur. Monitoring activities will be conducted a minimum of 2 days/week during
active reservoir drawdown as long as the delta area can be accessed safely. It is anticipated that
channel incision on the delta will make access difficult, with unsafe working conditions, within
the first few months of initial reservoir drawdown.
Stranded fish will be collected by dip net, backpack electrofishing, seining, or by hand. We
intend to stage equipment (e.g. electrofishing gear, nets, buckets, live cages, etc.) near the Lake
Mills delta for use in fish rescue activities. The fish will then be transported to release sites in
Cat Creek or Rica Canyon via bucket or river bag (depending upon numbers and size of the fish).
Consideration will also be given to temporarily holding fish at the Elwha Tribal Hatchery or
moving these fish below Elwha Dam where they would have access to salt water. Such actions
would be acceptable if it is determined by OLYM staff that survival of relocated fish will be at
least as high as survival of fish transferred to Cat Creek or Rica Canyon.
OLYM fisheries staff has considerable experience with the successful transport of both bull trout
and rainbow trout over the short distances involved. The movement of the bucket or bag during
transport provides adequate oxygenation of the water. It is not anticipated that fish will be held
for longer than one hour.
We do not propose to relocate any stranded fish above Rica Canyon, as it would require
helicopter assistance to move fish from the delta to the upper watershed. It is not feasible to
have a helicopter on standby for the relatively few fish which we anticipate will be stranded.
Further, by relocating up to 100 bull trout (~30 adult min.) to the upper watershed prior to
reservoir drawdown, we believe we will limit the number of fish which will be affected. We
considered the option of temporarily transferring stranded fish to the Elwha Tribe fish hatchery
until a helicopter could be secured. The Elwha Tribe indicates that their facility will have the
capacity to temporarily hold fish (Larry Ward, pers. com.). While this option can be held in
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
23
Final - December 2, 2010
reserve, it must be noted that as lake levels recede, the ability to transport fish to the tribal
hatchery will become more difficult and may become infeasible due to safety and logistics
associated with access to the reservoir surface.
If barriers to migration are identified, that information will be forwarded to the Elwha Project
manager. Any suspected barrier will be evaluated by the NPS hydrologist to determine if the
barrier will resolve itself relatively quickly through natural erosion of delta materials or will
remain stable for an extended period of time. If the barrier appears stable, consideration will be
given to mechanical manipulation of the delta material or river channel if heavy equipment is
available. Alternatively, options will be considered to improve passage through the use of hand
tools or other measures.
Middle River
The primary effect of dam removal in the middle area of the river will be elevated levels of
turbidity. No direct activities are planned for this area of the river to rescue/protect bull trout.
Griff Creek, Hughes Creek, Little River, and Indian Creek (along with other smaller tributaries)
will provide clean water refugium for bull trout when conditions in the main stem river are poor.
Fish surveys in these tributaries will be conducted periodically to evaluate abundance of bull
trout. Surveys will be conducted by NPS staff once every 14 - 21 days during periods of high
turbidity in the main stem. Snorkel surveys will be the primary method employed but other
options may be considered if visibility is poor (e.g. electrofishing).
Culverts in Griff Creek, Madison Creek and Indian Creek will be periodically surveyed to ensure
that they remain passable to bull trout. If barriers develop, the Elwha Project manager will be
notified and the culverts will be inspected by the NPS hydrologist, fisheries biologist, and civil
engineer and appropriate measures will be taken to reestablish connectivity.
The Lake Aldwell delta is much smaller than the Lake Mills delta, but there is the potential for
stranding and/or development of barriers to migration during the early phases of the removal of
the Elwha Dam. A monitoring program similar to Lake Mills will be implemented and
coordinated with dam removal activities. Stranded fish will be relocated to Little River. This
transfer may require the use of a truck and transfer tank (1-ton tote with aeration system or
similar) depending upon the distance fish will be moved. Consideration will also be given to
temporarily holding fish at the Elwha Tribal Hatchery or moving these fish below Elwha Dam
where they would have access to salt water. Such actions would be acceptable if it is determined
by OLYM staff that survival of relocated fish will be at least as high as survival of fish
transferred to Little River.
Non-native brook trout are present in the middle river, with the highest abundances appearing to
be found in Indian Creek and a small ground water fed channel which passes through the Elwha
Campground within OLYM. It will not be possible to eradicate brook trout from the Elwha
watershed, but it may be possible to control isolated populations. In particular, repeated pass
electrofishing in the Elwha campground tributary will be conducted to remove brook trout. This
will have the direct benefit of reducing the possibility for genetic introgression with bull trout
and may enhance the possibility that the channel will provide an additional clean water refugium
in the middle river.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
24
Final - December 2, 2010
Lower River
Like the middle river, the primary effect of dam removal in the lower river will be elevated
turbidity. Off channel, ground water fed habitat will provide limited freshwater refugium in the
lower river. The estuary slough on the east bank of the river near the mouth is also currently
utilized by bull trout and will be accessible. Some bull trout populations on the Olympic
Peninsula are known to be anadromous (Brenkman and Corbett, 2006), so saltwater may also be
utilized during periods of high turbidity.
No direct activities are planned for this area of the river to rescue/protect bull trout. Fish surveys
will be conducted periodically in the off-channel areas to evaluate abundance of bull trout.
Surveys will be conducted in off-channel areas by NPS staff once every 14 - 21 days during
periods of high turbidity in the main stem. Snorkel surveys will be the method employed. At this
time, surveys for potential barriers into off-channel habitat will also be evaluated. If present,
barriers will be reported to the Elwha Project lead and methods to correct barriers will be
considered and implemented if feasible.
In addition to snorkel surveys in the off-channel areas, it will be possible to monitor bull trout via
the weir which will be installed in the lower river during the spring or summer of 2010. The weir
is operated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Any bull trout captured will be
measured and then passed over the weir in the direction of travel. It is not anticipated at this time
that bull trout captured at the weir would be relocated higher within the watershed, although that
option could be reconsidered in the event that a number of bull trout were being captured at the
weir.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
25
Final - December 2, 2010
Table 2. Elwha Bull Trout Action Plan.
River
Section
Headwaters
Upper River
Lake Mills
Action
Supplies Needed
1. Refrain from relocating any bull trout to the
headwaters.
2. Closely adhere to hatchery fish health strategy.
3. Carefully consider hatchery stocking strategy,
particularly with regards to Chinook salmon
1. Refrain from relocating Lower River bull trout to the
Upper River.
2. Closely adhere to hatchery fish health strategy
3. Carefully factor in bull trout status with respect to
hatchery stocking strategy
1. Relocate ~ 100 bull trout (~30 adult min.) to the Upper
River prior to final drawdown.
2. Monitor for stranding and development of barriers
during final draw down and delta manipulation.
3. Relocate stranded fish to lower Rica Canyon or Cat
Creek
4. Correct barriers that develop as a result of dam
removal, to the extent feasible.
5. Relocate stranded fish to Elwha Hatchery and/or lower
river (option)
6. Carefully factor in bull trout status with respect to
hatchery stocking strategy (including fish health
policy).
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
26
Staffing Needed
None
1. Participation of all parties
involved with hatchery
stocking plan.
None
1. Participation of all parties
involved with hatchery
stocking plan.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Electrofishing gear
Seine, dip nets
Buckets
River bags
Live cages
Knack box
Boat
Waders
Snorkel gear
Helicopter
Truck, 1-ton tote,
aerator
Term project biologist
Supervisory biologist
Seasonal technicians (up to 6)
Boat shocker crew (2)
Heli-techs (up to 3)
Volunteers (optional)
NPS Hydrologist
Elwha Project Lead
Final - December 2, 2010
Table 2 (cont.). Elwha Bull Trout Action Plan.
River
Section
Middle
River
Lower River
Action
Supplies Needed
1. Monitor bull trout use of tributary habitat.
2. Monitor passage through culverts
3. Monitor for stranding and development of barriers on
Lake Aldwell delta.
4. Relocate stranded fish to Little River.
7. Relocate stranded fish to Elwha Hatchery and/or lower
river (option)
5. Control of brook trout in Elwha Campground tributary
and consider options for other areas.
6. Correct barriers that develop as a result of dam
removal, to the extent feasible.
7. Carefully consider bull trout status with respect to
hatchery stocking strategy (including fish health
policy).
1. Monitor bull trout use of off-channel and estuary
habitat.
2. Monitor access to off-channel and estuary habitat
3. Monitoring bull trout presence at weir.
4. Correct barriers to off-channel habitat if feasible.
5. Carefully consider bull trout status with respect to
hatchery stocking strategy (including fish health
policy).
6. Consider options for controlling brook trout in the
lower river
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
27
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Electrofishing gear
Seine
Dip nets
Buckets
River bags
Live cages
Waders
Snorkel gear
Truck, 1-ton tote,
aerator
1. Snorkel gear
2. Waders
Staffing Needed
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Term project biologist
Supervisory biologist
Seasonal techs (up to 3)
Volunteers (optional)
NPS Hydrologist
OLYM civil engineer
Elwha Project Lead
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Term project biologist
Supervisory biologist
Seasonal techs (up to 3)
Volunteers
NPS Hydrologist
Elwha Project Lead
Final - December 2, 2010
Appendix A
Lake Mills Translocation Plan
To minimize take of bull trout during the drawdown of Lake Mills and removal of Glines
Canyon Dam, we will translocate bull trout from Lake Mills and the Lake Mills delta to the
upper river prior to commencement of the final reservoir drawdown in the late-spring/earlysummer of 2011 (June target). Monitoring of radio tagged bull trout that were relocated from
the middle river to Lake Mills indicated that a portion of the bull trout relocated are likely to
move back downstream relatively quickly. However, we believe that a significant number will
remain in the vicinity of their release location for an extended period of time, thus avoiding the
period of initial reservoir drawdown when conditions in the reservoir will still be conducive for
fish rearing.
Precise estimates of abundance of bull trout in the Elwha watershed are not available. Riverscape
snorkel surveys of the Elwha River conducted in September 2007 and September 2008
enumerated 215 and 118 bull trout respectively, from the headwaters to the river mouth. This
information excluded canyon habitat and the two reservoirs so is an underestimate of the total
population. Adams et al (1996) provided an estimate of 559 +/- 316 fish upstream of Lake Mills.
Snorkel surveys conducted in the lower 2 km of Rica Canyon during the spawning season of
2009 identified over 200 bull trout, while hydro acoustic surveys of Lake Mills conducted in the
summer of 2010 were unable to provide a conclusive estimate of bull trout abundance in the
reservoir.
Given that the total abundance of bull trout is not well understood, there is no definitive basis for
determining the number of fish which should be removed from Lake Mills prior to reservoir
drawdown. Lacking such information, we intend to attempt to capture and translocate to the
vicinity the Elkhorn Ranger Station (rkm 43) up to 100 bull trout of multiple age classes (~30
adult min.) from Lake Mills. This number is believed to be feasible based upon our experience
capturing bull trout in Lake Mills using a variety of methods. Additionally, it is a reasonable
number to justify use of a helicopter to transport fish to the upper watershed. Coincidently, this
number also represents about 50% of the observed spawner abundance in 2009.
Adult fish have a higher likelihood than juveniles of contributing to subsequent generations.
Effort will be made to capture and translocate at least 30 adults to the upper watershed, although
it is recognized that capture of fish in Lake Mills may be difficult and limited by the amount of
time fish can be safely held prior to transfer. All bull trout captured will be transferred to the
upper watershed even if the 100 fish target is slightly exceeded. If the 100 fish target is
substantially exceeded (i.e. >120 fish captured) then consideration will be given to relocating
excess fish below the Elwha Dam where they will have access to marine refugia.
Capture and Holding
Fish will be captured by OLYM fisheries staff and collaborating federal agencies during full
reservoir conditions utilizing hook-and-line, boat electroshocker (Lake Mills) or backpack
electroshocker (Lake Mills delta). Following capture, fish will be temporarily held in live cages
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
28
Final - December 2, 2010
for a period of up to two weeks, or until the targeted number of fish are captured, which ever
occurs first.
Single point barbless hooks will be utilized for hook-and-line captures. Fish will be transported
from the point of capture to live cages via a 3.8 cubic foot backpack river bag. Handling of fish
will be minimized. Aeration will be provided through agitation of the bags. Generally, fish will
be transported to the live cages immediately upon transfer. Time between capture and transfer to
the live cages located at various locations along the shoreline should not exceed 15 minutes.
Capture utilizing a boat electrofisher will be conducted in cooperation with the USGS (Pat
Connolly). Electrofishing gear will be operated according to USGS protocols. Two vessels will
be employed for this operation. The first vessel will operate the electrofishing equipment while
the second vessel will facilitate transfer of fish to live cages. Transfer will be accomplished as
described above for hook-and-line capture except that it may be necessary to limit the number of
fish held in a single river bag. No more than 50 fry (3 - 5 inches), 20 juveniles (5 - 8 inches), 5
small adults (8 - 14 inches), or one large adult (>14 inches) will be transferred in a single
container. Size categories may be mixed, so long as the total fish weight transferred
approximates the values provided above.
In wadeable habitat on the Lake Mills delta, bull trout will be captured via backpack
electrofisher. A crew of two or three will be involved with collection, with one crew member
operating the electrofishing equipment and the other crew members using dip nets to collect
stunned fish. Fish will be transferred to live cages as described above for the boat-based
operation. The electrofisher settings will be 60 Hz -6 ms (I-5on a Smith-Groot electrofisher),
and 400- 600 v. These settings have been found by OLYM staff to safely collect bull trout in the
Elwha watershed. Based upon the experience of the operator, these settings can be adjusted to fit
the conditions present at the time of collection.
Captured fish will be held in a variety of live cages, with the type of cage utilized depending
upon the number and size of fish being held, the location of the cage, and the duration of time the
fish are expected to be held. In no case will a fish be held longer than 2 weeks.
For holding a relatively small number of fish (e.g 2-3 fish >14 inches) for short periods of time
(up to 3 days), a rectangular cage (15‖x20‖x30‖) will be utilized. The cage shall be placed in
flowing water in a secure manner which prevents loss or damage of the cage. Mesh size on the
cage will be small enough to ensure that the smallest fish captured will not be susceptible to
gilling (1-2 mm). Cages will be closely monitored to ensure that they are secure and do not
become fouled with debris.
When holding fish for a longer period of time, or for larger fish, a larger floating cage will be
employed. These cages may be either circular or rectangular, but will have an approximate
volume of 64 cubic feet. Mesh size may be variable, but will be sized appropriately for the fish
being held. Cages will be located in Lake Mills near the mouth of the Elwha River, in a depth
adequate to fully suspend the cages. Cages will be securely anchored to prevent loss. Fish may
be held for up to 14 days in the floating cages. In no case will fish be held longer than 2 weeks,
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
29
Final - December 2, 2010
even if this requires that the targeted numbers for transfer (30 adults, 100 fish total) are not
achieved.
Helicopter Transport
Translocation will be facilitated through the use of a Hughes 500 or Bell Jet Ranger helicopter.
Use of such helicopters for fish planting in the upper Elwha watershed has already been
reviewed and approved by the USFWS.
Staging for transport will occur on the Lake Mills delta. Fish will be transferred from live cages
to a 120 gallon (Bambi 1012 or similar design) fire bucket. The bucket would be filled with
approximately 80 gallons of water and aerated utilizing a small oxygen tank set at a flow rate of
4 L/min. Wunderlich et al (1993) found that this configuration could safely transport up to 36 kg
of Chinook salmon fingerlings to the upper Elwha watershed. We do not propose this same
loading density, and will transport no more than 12 kg of fish in a single load.
Fish will be released either by the dump valve in the bottom of the fire bucket or by manual
tipping of the bucket with the assistance of a ground crew, depending upon the size of the fish
(largest fish may not fit through the dump valve opening). In either case, the bucket will be in
contact (or nearly so) with the surface of the river at time of release.
Release locations will be associated with open canopy areas in the vicinity of the Elkhorn ranger
station. The helicopter will fly along the river corridor at an elevation of more than 500 feet until
approaching the area of release. All flight requirements described in the USFWS consultation
for the Elwha Project will be followed.
To the extent possible, glide-type habitat will be selected for release areas. It is expected that
fish will rapidly disperse from the release location. Efforts will be made to spread the release of
fish over a 3 km reach of the river to avoid overpopulating any one area (Figure A-1).
Riverscape surveys conducted by OLYM in 2007 and 2008 found that this area of the river had
relatively few bull trout but high numbers of rainbow trout (Figure 7).
In order to minimize costs and impacts to avian populations, transfers will be made in a single
day utilizing as few numbers of flights as possible. Assuming a maximum of 10 kg/flight and
assuming an average fish size of 0.56 kg/fish (OLYM data from radio telemetry surveys), 100
fish could be translocated to the Elkhorn area in as few as 5 flights. A second day will be held in
reserve, in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
30
Final - December 2, 2010
Possible release
location
Elkhorn Ranger
Station
Proposed flight
line
Lost River
Figure A-1. Proposed flight line and 5 possible release locations in the vicinity of the Elkhorn
Ranger Station.
Monitoring
Live cages will be monitored 3 times per day when holding fish, to ensure no mortality of
captured fish. If mortality is observed, efforts will be made to identify and correct the condition
resulting in mortality. If the condition cannot be corrected or identified, all fish remaining in the
affected cage will be transferred to another holding cage or translocated to Cat Creek
approximately 1 km upstream from the Elwha River confluence. Fish will not be released
directly back into Lake Mills.
A fisheries biologist will be stationed in the upper river to ensure the safe release of fish during
the airlift operation. If injury or mortality is observed, the helicopter operation will stand down
until the condition causing mortality can be identified and corrected. If the condition cannot be
corrected or identified, a determination will be made as to the relative risk of injury and mortality
associated with the relocation relative to risk associated with relocating the remaining fish to Cat
Creek. That is, if it is anticipated that mortality will be low for the remaining transfers, then the
flight operations will continue. However, if a high percentage of fish are expected to be injured,
then remaining fish will be relocated to Cat Creek.
No monitoring effort is planned to determine the number of fish that might return to their
location of capture following release. However, a snorkel survey of the release reach may be
conducted in the late summer following release to determine the relative abundance of bull trout
in the area in comparison to the 2007 and 2008 riverscape surveys.
Based on previously conducted radio-telemetry surveys in the Elwha River, it is anticipated that
some of the relocated fish will move back down stream following release, potentially returning
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
31
Final - December 2, 2010
to the Lake Mills area. For this reason, reservoir draw down should begin shortly after the
relocation effort in an attempt to deter fish from exiting Rica Canyon and returning to Lake
Mills.
Radio-telemetry, floy tags, or PIT tagging could be utilized to determine the level of fall back to
Lake Mills and/or redistribution of translocated fish throughout the upper watershed. It is
proposed that any such work be conducted as a research project independent of this effort, as the
findings would not alter the proposed approach to this project.
Staffing
The capture of bull trout in Lake Mills and their subsequent transfer to the upper river will be a
short-term but labor intensive project. Capture will require a minimum of two boats (one for
boat shocker and one to transfer fish to holding areas) and related crews as well as additional
staff engaged in capture of fish using alternative methods. The helicopter operation will require
at least 2 and possibly 3 heli-tech. staff to supervise the loading of fish from the Lake Mills delta
and release of fish in the upper watershed. Fisheries technical staff will also be required for this
operation. Heli-tech and fisheries staff located in the upper watershed will need to be stationed in
the back country for a minimum of 3 days (2 travel days and 1 day for the translocation
operation) and up to 5 days total. Additional lead time will be required for planning and training
prior to the operation. In total, we anticipate that as many as 14 OLYM and USGS staff
members will be involved in the planning and implementation of the operation.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
32
Final - December 2, 2010
Appendix B
References
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Cooperative Agreement No. CA-9000-8-0007. 23pp.
BOR (Bureau of Reclamation). 1996. Sediment analysis and modeling of the river erosion
alternative. Elwha Technical Series PN-95-9, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of
Reclamation, Technical Service Center, Denver, CO.
Brenkman, Samuel J. and Stephen C. Corbett. 2005. Extent of anadromy in bull trout and
implications for conservation of a threatened species. North American Journal of Fisheries
Management. 25: 1073 – 1081.
Brenkman, Samual J., Stephen C. Corbett, and Eric C. Volk. 2007. Use of otolith chemistry and
radiotelemetry to determine age-specific migratory patterns of anadromous bull trout in the
Hoh River, Washington. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 136: 1- 11.
Brenkman, S. J., G. R. Pess, C. Torgersen, K. K. Kloehn, J. J. Duda, and S. C. Corbett. 2008.
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salmonids in response to dam removal in the Elwha River, Washington State, USA.
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Cook-Tabor, Carrie. 1995. A literature review of the Effects of Suspended Sediments on
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Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
33
Final - December 2, 2010
DOI, 1996a. Elwha River ecosystem restoration implementation, draft environmental impact
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fishes in wadeable streams- Chapter 8 In Bonar, S., Hubert, W., Willis, D., eds., Standard
Methods for Sampling North American Freshwater Fishes: Bethesda, MD, American
Fisheries Society, p. 119-138.
Glasgow, Jamie. 2000. Upper extent of fish distribution and fish habitat in two relatively pristine
Western Washington Watersheds. Prepared for CMER Committee and WDNR, Forest
Practices Division. USFWS Agreement #13410-1121-10BT.
Hosey & Associates (Hosey & Associates Engineering Company). 1988. Response to request for
additional information of May 28, 1987, Volume 3 of 4, Elwha Project and Glines Project,
James River II, Inc. Unpublished report on file at Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA.
NPS, 2006. Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, Elwha River Ecosystem
Restoration. Olympic National Park. Port Angeles, WA.
ONP (Olympic National Park). 1995. Final Environmental Impact Statement, Elwha River
Ecosystem Restoration, Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA.
USFWS, 1996. Biological Assessment – Elwha River restoration project, Clallam County, WA.
Olympia, WA.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2000. Appendix B: Final biological opinion for the
Elwha River restoration project (FWS Ref: 1-3-00-F-0606). Memorandum to Superintendent,
Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA.
USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). 2004. Draft Recovery Plan for Coastal-Puget Sound
Distinct Population Segment of Bull Trout (Salvelinus confluentus). Volume II (of II):
Olympic Peninsula Management Unit. Portland, Oregon.
USGS, 1999. Hydrologic data collected during the 1994 Lake Mills drawdown experiment,
Elwha River, Washington. USGS Water-Resources Investigation Report 99-4215.
Prepared in cooperation with BOR, NPS, and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
Wampler, Philip L. 1984. Radio telemetry assessment of adult summer run steelhead behavior
following release in the upper Elwha River. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Fisheries
Assistance Office, Olympia, WA. 60p.
Ward, L., P. Crain, B. Freymond, M. McHenry, D. Morrill, G. Pess, R. Peters, J.A. Shaffer, B.
Winter, and B. Wunderlich. 2008. Elwha River Fish Restoration Plan–Developed pursuant to
the Elwha River Ecosystem and Fisheries Restoration Act, Public Law 102-495. U.S.
Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical. Memo. NMFS-NWFSC-90, 168 p.
Winans, Gary A., M.L. McHenry, J. Baker, A. Elz, A. Goodbla, E. Iwamoto, D. Kuligowski, K.
M. Miller, M.P. Small, P. Spruell, and D. Van Doornik. 2008. Genetic inventory of
anadromous Pacific salmonids of the Elwha River prior to dam removal. Northwest Science
82 (Special Issue): 128 – 141.
WSCC (Washington State Conservation Commission). 2000. Salmon and Steelhead Habitat
Limiting Factors – Water Resource Inventory Area 18, Dungeness/Elwha Watershed.
Olympia, Washington.
Wunderlich, Robert C., S.J. Dilley, and S.R. Hager, 1993. A low-cost fish-delivery method for
planting fish via helicopter. The Progressive Fish-Culturist 55:289-291.
Elwha River Bull Trout Plan
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Final - December 2, 2010
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Elwha River Restoration Project |
| Subject | Bull Trout Protection and Restoration Plan |
| Author | Patrick Crain and Sam Brenkman |
| File Modified | 2011-06-28 |
| File Created | 2011-06-28 |