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

Recent surveys in coastal Maine rivers have revealed that large woody debris (LWD)
is at extremely low levels. A study is underway to test the effectiveness of adding
LWD to salmon habitat. However, no surveys have been done in the Penobscot
basin, nor in more inland Maine rivers. The Penobscot basin contains a wider array
of land use activities, forest types, and landscape features than does the coastal
area where previous surveys were done. Therefore, performing LWD surveys
across reaches with different stream sizes, forest stands, topography, and land use
history would help link LWD loading to these variables. Assuming a link is revealed,
we can use this information to predict LWSD loadings in other streams. One avenue
that may aid in this is using an LWD loading model based on forest stand data,
environmental variables, and stochastic events. Field surveys will help validate the
model and allow broader inferences to be made.
23.13 Use the PITS model to help set restoration goals and to help identify
and prioritize restoration opportunities
The Penobscot River Restoration Project (PRRP) is a multimillion dollar endeavor
that aims to restore self-sustaining populations of native sea-run fish through the
removal of two mainstem dams and improved fish passage at numerous other dams
on the Penobscot River. While many diadromous species will benefit from the
PRRP directly, other species such as endangered Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar),
alewife (Alosa psuedoharengus), and American shad (Alosa sapidissima) may
require additional habitat improvements (barrier removal, fishways, etc.) or stocking.
Thus, additional active restoration measures may be required to realize the full
potential of the PRRP. Due to the high profile and high cost of the project as well as
numerous state, federal and non-governmental organizations involved, there is a
need to prioritize restoration efforts in the basin to increase the probability for project
success. To help facilitate this goal, we have created an ecologically-based GIS tool
to help set restoration goals and to help identify and prioritize restoration
opportunities (stocking options, barrier removal, and fishway improvements). Initial
data inputs for the model include spawning habitat for a shortened list of focal
species, a habitat weighting variable, and passage barriers (location and passage
state). The outputs of the model are ecologically-based targets for focal species and
prioritized lists of restoration projects based on their biological merits, rather than
being selected as opportunities arise. These outputs will help ensure that
restoration efforts and money are targeted appropriately and that achievable goals
are set.
References
Abbott, A. 2008. Maine Road-Stream Crossing Survey Manual. Gulf of Maine
Coastal Program. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Falmouth, Maine. 27 pp.
Hotchkiss, R. H. and C. M. Frei. 2007. Design for Fish Passage at Roadway-Stream
Crossings: Synthesis Report. Office of Infrastructure Research and
Development. Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center. Federal Highway
Administration. McLean, VA.
PRFP Page 91