Operational Plan for the Restoration of Diadromous Fishes to the ...

Work Plan Narratives
22.1 Expand USFWS barrier model by adding existing layers.
22.2 Develop GIS model(s) to predict the location and amount of Atlantic
salmon habitat in the watershed within 3 years.
In smaller watersheds, salmon habitat typically has been mapped and identified by
foot or boat survey or on-the-water surveys. This approach is not practical for the
Penobscot watershed, which is the largest in Maine. The development of GIS
model(s) to predict the location and amount of Atlantic salmon habitat will provide
more information faster (with estimates of precision) at lower cost than surveys of
the entire watershed. Model out puts will be verified with existing data.
22.3 Conduct expanded DMR “Big River” physical habitat surveys to provide
data to verify the salmon GIS model(s).
Field surveys of habitat should continue to use the DMR BSRFH “Big River” habitat
survey method and focus on waters of importance to salmon management, but also
focus on surveying a diversity of stream types (size, gradient, geographic location).
Expand the survey to include observation on large wood, connectivity,
embeddedness, substrate type, etc. This will help managers understand the scope
and frequency of habitat across various stream types. Such surveys will also help to
validate modeling efforts, providing more and faster habitat information with
estimates of precision at lower cost. A sampling plan for habitat survey will be
established by biologists familiar with the basin and with the GIS habitat model.
Such a survey may include stream reaches randomly chosen for a defined sampling
frame. On an annual basis, a portion of each summer will be allotted to habitat
survey, with balance between habitat assessment and survey.
22.4 Maintain or expand water temperature measurements in salmon habitat.
Water temperature monitoring in the Penobscot basin falls within a larger state-wide
water temperature monitoring plan for Atlantic salmon waters. Recently, DMR
BSRFH has been scaling back the number of temperature loggers deployed
annually, and is concentrating on monitoring key index sites and using additional
loggers to rotate among sites for interest. This correlates water temperatures at new
sites to the index site(s) and allows a prediction model to be constructed. Water
temperature should continue to be recorded at index sites, while additional loggers
shall be deployed at sites of interest. New sites may be chosen using a GTRS
method. This will provide unbiased water temperature information for the basin.
The amount of effort to put into water temperature monitoring should be kept at or
below current levels, unless a well-defined study is put forth. More effort should be
put into analysis and interpretation of water temperature data. Notably, a stream
classification system should be finalized and put into general use statewide.
22.5 For other species conduct studies (e.g. telemetry, hydroacoustics) or
survey (e.g. visual or auditory) to identify spawning, nursery, feeding, and
overwintering habitat as appropriate.
PRFP Page 89