Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

salmon; however, data exists to support coho salmon analyses as well. NMFS expects that a
version of the S 3 model developed specifically for coho salmon using the initial physical habitat
framework will enhance capabilities to evaluate the effects of Reclamation’s actions on the key
physical and biological factors influencing coho salmon survival and fitness in the mainstem
Klamath River. Over the next five years, Reclamation will provide funds, to the extent
necessary, to USFWS and USGS to support the development of a coho salmon-specific S 3 life
cycle model. If within the next five years, funding levels are not available in sufficient amounts
for USFWS and USGS to complete the S 3 life cycle model, Reclamation will coordinate with
NMFS, and other appropriate entities, to identify available funding for coho research activities
and prioritize funds to support completion of the model.
T&C 2c. Ensure accurate monitoring of hydrologic accretions.
Accretions upstream of Iron Gate Dam are an integral component of the expected flows in which
NMFS analyzed the effects of Reclamation’s Proposed Action. In our analysis, NMFS assumes
under the proposed action period, accretion timing, magnitude and volume from Link River Dam
to IGD will be consistent with those modeled for the period of record. NMFS also assumes that
in the proposed action period, accretions from Link River Dam to IGD will be routed through
PacifiCorp’s hydroelectric reach in a manner that is consistent with the proposed action modeled
results for the period of record. Ensuring accurate monitoring of accretions will provide
validation for accretion estimates used in calculation of IGD flows and result in a more accurate
and efficient IGD flow scheduling process. These data will also provide verification for NMFS
that accretions are representative of the period of record and within the bounds of what NMFS
analyzed. Better estimates and measurements of accretion data will allow the opportunity to
optimize EWA by utilizing accretions to meet important flow thresholds.
Reclamation will coordinate with PacifiCorp within 6 months to collect and assemble all relevant
available hydrologic accretion data between Link River Dam and IGD. Reclamation will also
provide the available accretion data to NMFS by November 1, 2013 to help verify that flows at
IGD are consistent with what NMFS expects to occur under the proposed action.
Terms and Conditions Implementation Agreement
To implement the above Terms and Conditions, Reclamation shall develop an “Implementation
Agreement” in consultation with the Services describing how Reclamation intends to implement
the above listed requirements. The formal Implementation Agreement shall describe the process
Reclamation will follow to ensure necessary resources are allocated to implement the Terms and
Conditions and to complete required monitoring and reporting by the due dates.
We understand that this BiOp contains multiple requirements for deliverables and that it might
be infeasible for Reclamation to have all of them prepared by the stated due dates because of
staffing and funding limitations; therefore, we will work with Reclamation to develop an
acceptable implementation schedule. The draft Implementation Agreement shall be developed in
consultation with the Services and provided to us for review by August 1, 2013, and a final
agreement formally delivered to the Services by October 1, 2013, or at a date agreeable to the
Services.
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