Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

and site conditions. However, the duration and magnitude of short-term effects to coho salmon
critical habitat associated with implementation of individual restoration projects will be
minimized due to the multiple proposed avoidance and minimization measures.
Implementing individual restoration projects during the summer low-flow period will
significantly minimize exposure to emigrating coho salmon smolts and coho salmon adults at all
habitat restoration project sites. The total number and location of restoration projects funded
annually will vary from year to year depending on various factors, including project costs,
funding and scheduling. Assuming the number of restoration activities is similar to PacifiCorp’s
$500,000 coho enhancement fund (PacifiCorp 2013), Reclamation’s $500,000 restoration fund
will likely result in four to six restoration projects being implemented each year.
Except for riparian habitat restoration and streamflow augmentation, all proposed restoration
types may result in short-term adverse and long-term beneficial effects to coho salmon critical
habitat. Despite the different scope, size, intensity, and location of these proposed restoration
actions, the potential short-term adverse effects to coho salmon all result from dewatering and
increased sediment. The effects from increased sediment mobilization into streams are usually
indirect effects to critical habitat because they are reasonably certain to occur and are later in
time.
11.4.2.1 Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Of the proposed restoration project types, several are expected to have only beneficial effects to
coho salmon critical habitat. Some of the water conservation projects occur beyond a diversion
point (barrier to fish); therefore, the projects are not likely to adversely affect fish or their habitat
and provide benefits by increasing instream water availability. Riparian habitat restoration
actions occur outside of the wetted channel, and likely have only wholly beneficial effects to
coho salmon and their habitat. Water conservation projects, such as water storage tanks and
piping ditches, can restore rearing and spawning habitats, as well as improves access to these
habitats when stream flows are diverted less as a result of the water delivery efficiencies. The
specific effects of these restoration types are discussed below.
1. Riparian Habitat Restoration
Riparian habitat restoration techniques as outlined in the CDFW’s California Salmonid Stream
Habitat Restoration Manual (Restoration Manual; Flosi et al. 2010) are not likely to adversely
affect listed salmonids or their habitat. All vegetation planting or removal (in the case of exotic
species) will likely occur on stream banks and floodplains adjacent to the wetted channel and not
in flowing water. Since the majority of work will occur during the summer growing season (a
few container plants require winter planting), riparian plantings should be sufficiently established
prior to the following winter storm season. Thus, project-related erosion following the initial
planting season is unlikely since established plants will help anchor the restoration worksite.
The long-term benefit from riparian restoration will be the establishment of a vibrant, functional
riparian corridor providing juvenile and adult fish with abundant food and cover. By restoring
degraded riparian systems, listed salmonids will be more likely to survive and recover in the
future.
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