Biological Opinions - Bureau of Reclamation

etter coordination and collaboration on sucker related activities that are not specifically
identified in the Plan, such as requirements of ESA consultations.
Beginning in 2013, Reclamation intends to work with the USFWS toward achieving the goals
and objectives of the Plan, which would include dedication of resources determined in
coordination between Reclamation and the USFWS and participation on the RIT.
4.4.4 Capture and Transport of LRS and SNS in Lake Ewauna to UKL
Reclamation proposes to coordinate with the USFWS immediately upon receipt of the BiOp to
develop a plan to implement a 3-year effort to capture LRS and SNS in Lake Ewauna and release
them into UKL. The plan components would include, but are not limited to, timing of efforts,
techniques, release locations and associated monitoring efforts, and contingency plans in the case
of mortality and would not be implemented until approved by the USFWS. Subsequent years of
effort may be needed depending on the number of suckers caught and a determination of the
effectiveness of the effort. This determination will be made by the USFWS in coordination with
Reclamation.
4.4.5 Investigation of Reduction of Flows at Link River Dam
Reclamation proposes to work with the USFWS, PacifiCorp, and the EWA manager to
investigate a reduction of flows at Link River Dam (e.g., investigating the timing and volume
and flows, utilizing Tammy Wood’s model to predict larval arrival, using real-time data from
Fish Evaluation Station [FES] monitoring to index densities of young suckers, etc.) to determine
if there are feasible management options to minimize effects of entrainment at Link River Dam
on larvae and juvenile LRS and SNS at key times when peak numbers of larvae and/or juvenile
are present at the south end of UKL. This conservation measure is not a study or research
proposal, but rather an investigation into a water management strategy which will minimize take
of the LRS and SNS and Link River Dam. Reclamation will coordinate with the USFWS to
develop the methodology for investigating water management strategies related to reducing
flows at Link River Dam and obtain approval from the USFWS before implementing this water
management strategy.
4.4.6 Klamath River Restoration
In recent years Reclamation has funded efforts to conserve and protect SONCC coho salmon and
other anadromous salmonids in the Klamath River Basin. Reclamation provided funding at
various levels from 2004 through 2010 under the Klamath Basin Restoration Program (formerly
known as the Conservation Implementation Program). Reclamation recognizes there are adverse
effects associated with Reclamation’s proposed action on the SONCC coho salmon ESU and its
designated critical habitat. In an effort to minimize the adverse effects of the proposed action,
Reclamation proposes to provide $500,000 annually, subject to the availability of future funding
and annual appropriations (Reclamation 2013b) over the period of this proposed action (May
2013 through March 2023), to support restoration activities for SONCC coho salmon and its
critical habitat. Restoration will be focused on activities that provide benefits to SONCC coho
salmon and their designated critical habitat in the Klamath River Basin that are most likely to be
affected by Reclamation’s proposed action. The function of such restoration activities will be to
promote survival and recovery of the SONCC coho salmon that are adversely affected as a result
of the proposed action. Upon receipt of a final BiOp from the NMFS, Reclamation will
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