columbia river basin fish and wildlife program annual ...

7.117.11 ONGOING STUDIES IN MONTANA(Continue Cooperative Studies; Present Results to Council.Submit Recommendations by October 1, 1990.)903 [Abstract] The measures referenced in the Action Item areconcerned with the operations of Hungry Horse and Kerr dams andhow their operations affect the game fish populations in theFlathead Basin. They also concern the reservoir levels ofHungry Horse and Libby and how these levels affect the game fishpopulation in the reservoirs themselves. Operation proceduresare to be recommended and mitigation levels for fish lossesdetermined for effects of the hydroelectric system.ACTION ITEM ACTIVITY SUMMARY:Objectives:To determine the effects of reservoir drawdown and flows on residentfish in the Flathead River Basin in order to determine how variousreservoir levels affect the fish in Libby and Hungry Horse Reservoirs.Background and Progress to Date:Plans:These projects have been implemented because the resident fishresources of the Flathead Basin have been severely affected by theconstruction and operation of Hungry Horse and Kerr dams. In theKootenai Basin, the resident fish resources have been similarlyaffected by the construction and operation of Libby Dam. The effectsof reservoir drawdown and flows on the kokanee and other game fishare being determined. When projects have been completed,recommendations will be made for hydro operations and seasonaldrawdown levels compatible with the needs of the fish. Mitigationplans will be developed for losses that have occurred.The final reports for the projects were completed in 1989 and 1990;BPA will submit the project results to the Council.for future action will be submitted to the Council by RecommendationsNovember 1, 1991.1 9 1