Colville Tribe’s Fish & Wildlife Report (2012 - 2013)

Mission: The Fish & Wildlife Department’s overall goal is to maintain and protect viable populations of native and desired non-native species of fish and wildlife, and their supporting habitats, while providing sufficient numbers to meet the cultural, subsistence, recreational and economic needs of the tribal membership.

IT’S BEEN ANOTHER EXCITING YEAR for the Colville Tribes and the membership on several fronts. We have six Colville tribal members attending college to prepare for a career in fisheries management. Two students are completing their final year at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon and will earn their Fish Culturist degree. Four other tribal members are attending college to obtain their four year degree in fisheries management. To date, we have had three Colville tribal members graduate from Mount Hood Community College with their Fish Culturist degree. All three are now working at the Chief Joseph Hatchery.

In terms of other success, we had a bountiful salmon fishing season in 2012. About 15,000 sockeye were harvested at the mouth of the , where it runs into the . Approximately 3,000 summer Chinook were harvested and the natural-origin summer Chinook were released. The Chief Joseph Dam tail race fisheries were limited due to construction of the new hatchery, but still yielded decent numbers. In addition, we were able to put aside approximately 6,000 sockeye and summer Chinook into the freezer this summer. This will allow us to meet the needs of our Colville tribal members throughout the winter months for ceremonies, funerals and/or celebrations.

In the wildlife area, we have documented wolves throughout the Colville Reservation and North Half. There are pros and cons with any predator, so the Colville Tribes Fish and Wildlife (CTFW) Department is working to implement a wolf management plan. The draft plan will be out soon for public input.

The resident fish staff have been working to reduce the predation of walleye and bass on our native stocks of rainbow trout and kokanee. This is in the area of River and Lake Roosevelt. It was estimated that 93% of the juvenile rainbow and kokanee were being eaten while migrating to Lake Roosevelt. In the Twin Lakes area, the oxygenation project on North Twin Lake has proven to be successful in increasing the oxygen levels in the summer months. The staff is now gearing up to extend the project to South Twin Lakes. This work will help to improve rainbow and brook trout survival rates.

Thank you all for your continued interest in Fish and Wildlife activities,

Joe Peone, (Former) Fish & Wildlife Director

The Colville Tribes’ Fish and Wildlife (CTFW) Department has grown to over 100 employees with four divisions (Administration, Wildlife, Anadromous and Resident Fish Divisions). The department was established in 1976 to restore, preserve, protect and perpetuate fish and wildlife resources under the jurisdiction of the Colville Tribes. CTFW is responsible for managing fish and wildlife populations and habitats to meet the cultural and subsistence needs of the Colville membership, while assisting various federal and state entities with meeting mitigation obligations required under the Northwest Power Act and Federal Endangered Species Act. CTFW participates in regional policy discussions to ensure that the Tribe’s position on resource issues is presented to and understood by all tribal, state, federal and local entities. The department has office locations in Inchelium, Omak, Spokane, Bridgeport, Wenatchee and Nespelem, .

Administration Division has many supporting roles such as: Student Training and Development - the department’s current growth is placing demands on leadership that are greater than at any point in its history. To address these demands, the department is making a strategic investment in a leadership development program to grow leaders at all levels within the department. The Salmon Culturist Training Program and the Management Intern Program are examples of programs designed to grow these leaders. Policy Analysis - the office of policy analysis (“OPA”) provides policy support to the department’s staff. The policy analysts serve as liaisons and tribal advocates in multiple interagency forums relating to anadromous and resident fisheries, wildlife, and natural resources, including jurisdiction and management. OPA staff makes policy recommendations to the CTFW Director on a full range of issues including, but not limited to, Columbia River salmon recovery, strategy development, complex regulatory requirements, administrative rules and policies of multiple external agencies, relevant state and federal legislation, and regulatory developments that may impact the Tribe’s fish and wildlife interests. Public Relations - works with the media and helps raise awareness and build community support for Fish and Wildlife activities by preparing articles, newsletters, brochures, presentations and fact sheets. Much of this information is posted to the Tribe’s website, sent to local and regional news media, and distributed at the many public events we participate in. You can see our staff at tradeshows, local school and community events such as Earth Day, Kids Fest, Trippin’ with the Triploids Fishing Derby, Sunflower Fest and more. Each year in June, we host the annual First Salmon Ceremony and invite the community to attend. Sales and Customer Service - handles customer requests, greets a wide variety of visitors, and educates the public on CTFW regulations for walk-in or call-in customers. Our staff issues fishing and hunting licenses, regulation books and permits for tribal and non-tribal members. Staff works with local vendors to sell permits on our behalf. All hunting and fishing regulations are posted on the tribe’s website at www.colvilletribes.com Contract development – consists of managing and coordinating multiple and varied contracts for the CTFW program, ensuring compliance with established administrative and financial policies, procedures, and sound business practices. The contract staff is the point of contact for resolution of any contracting related issues. They also develop and maintain an effective records management system for all contracts received. Financial/Accounting Support – Participates with program strategic planning, forecasting, and setting objectives and assists with developing and managing a complex annual operating budget in excess of $30 million. Staff directly administers a significant number of contracts, grants and subcontracts. Provides technical accounting expertise, develops and adapts fiscal policies and procedures to comply with tribal and federal funding requirements.

Wildlife Division The Wildlife Division emphasizes management of tribal priority species and habitats of conservation concern, and those properties acquired under wildlife mitigation agreements for the Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee hydro-electric projects. This focused management approach will also benefit those species not specifically addressed in management planning by providing and securing abundant quality habitat throughout the Reservation and the usual and accustomed lands.

Division goals: The Wildlife Division focuses on: Providing suitable habitat in sufficient quantities, distributed across the Reservation, to meet the life requisites and ensure sustainability of those wildlife species utilized by tribal members for subsistence, recreational, and cultural uses Implementing resource management strategies which contribute towards recovering populations of Threatened and Endangered species, and to preclude listing of sensitive and candidate species Effective participation in integrated resource management planning and decision making to ensure that the Tribes’ Holistic vision pertaining to biodiversity is achieved

Bighorn Sheep Project – The CCT Wildlife goal was to re-introduce bighorn sheep into the Hell’s Gate Game Reserve by 2008 and re-establish a self sustaining bighorn sheep population on the Colville Reservation by 2015. Over the past three years, a total of 113 California bighorn sheep have been transplanted into the Hell’s Gate Game Reserve, with current population estimates expected to be between 125 to 150 bighorns. The success of this project has been the culmination of seven capture and transplant efforts, which have been closely coordinated between the CTFW, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Leading Edge Aviation and their aerial capture crew. Both ground and aerial capture techniques were used to obtain the surplus bighorns from three existing populations within Washington State: the Tieton and Clemens populations, located west of Yakima, and Mt. Hull, located north of Tonasket. Another goal of the division has been to increase the overall health of the Omak Lake population through ongoing disease testing, genetic analysis and monitoring mortality. In the winter of 2012, the Omak Lake sheep population increased by 18 ewes.

Wolf Program – This year, CCT Wildlife biologists have captured and collared three gray wolves, two in June (a young female and male) and another in September (adult female) to monitor their movements and define home ranges. They have also been surveying the membership/public over the last year to get a feel for what the public believes should happen regarding wolves on the reservation. According to Randy Friedlander, interim CTFW director, the survey showed that 60% of the tribal membership wants wolves here. The survey and a wolf reporting form have been posted on the tribe’s website for several months to gather opinions and any information on wolf sightings. Staff attended several district meetings to hear from the public. The Wildlife Division’s objective is to keep the wolves at a level that doesn’t affect the tribal membership’s ability to hunt big game for subsistence. As a means to manage gray wolf populations on the Colville Indian Reservation, CCT Wildlife staff presented a gray wolf harvest option in November 2012 to the Colville Business Council (CBC). CBC approved the plan to allow tribal members to harvest nine gray wolves this season.

Okanogan and Arrow Lakes Hunting in Canada – Over the past two years, the Colville Tribe has successfully harvested wildlife in aboriginal Arrow Lakes ”” territory in Canada. The tribe plans to continue the effort by passing annual hunting regulations for both the Arrow Lakes and Okanogan Territories. Our ancestors traveled the Okanogan and Columbia basins unabridged for thousands of years prior to European occupation of the northwest. Most of us on the Colville Reservation have family ties on both sides of the U.S./Canadian border. The Colville Business Council (CBC) sent small hunting parties comprised of Arrow Lake descendants north into Canada to spearhead the effort to establish their rights to hunt, fish, and gather within Canadian law. The hunting parties were successful crossing the border into Canada with their riffles, and hunted out of Vallican, (B.C.), which is in the heart of the traditional territories of the Lakes “Sinixt” people. Two elk and three deer were harvested and the meat was successfully brought back to the Colville Reservation and distributed to tribal elders and used for ceremonies. This year, the CBC authorized the CTFW Department to continue the effort of exercising their indigenous right to hunt, fish, and gather in the Province of B.C. by passing the 2012 Hunting Regulations. Currently, the Okanogan and Arrow Lakes Bands of the Colville Tribes are authorized to hunt deer, elk, and moose in B.C.

Resource Protection – The primary role of Resource Protection is to identify wildlife and habitat concerns that are associated with projects or management activities that are proposed within the bounds of the Reservation, on the North Half and on Usual and Accustomed lands.

(Wilmont area where wildlife biologists check eagle nests)

The 3P team is comprised of resource specialists from each tribal department and is responsible for the integration of all departmental Integrated Resource Management Plan (IRMP) goals and objectives as a holistic approach to project planning. The CTFW department’s Priority Habitats and Species listed in the Fish and Wildlife Management Plan section of the Tribes’ (IRMP) are the basis for resource protection. All timber sales, fire management and other land management activities that occur on the Reservation must first be reviewed by a biologist to determine the potential impacts the activity could have on wildlife resources. Environmental Assessments are written for all projects that are considered to have an impact on the Tribe’s natural resources. The Resource Protection program is responsible for monitoring all timber sale activities that occur on the Reservation, the North Half, Usual and Accustomed Areas and Fee lands within the bounds of the Reservation. Operating under the Resource Protection program is the Tribe’s Timber Fish and Wildlife (TFW) program which is a part of the statewide Agreement and the Forest and Fish Report. The TFW program implements an adaptive management program that protects Fish and Wildlife resources in accordance with the Endangered Species and Clean Water Acts while still providing for a viable timber industry. Wildlife projects that are being conducted under Resource Protection are Northern goshawk presence surveys, great gray owl nest surveys, bald and golden eagle nest surveys and amphibian reproduction and site fidelity surveys. The Resource Protection program is also actively involved in the Highway 97 Wildlife Underpass project which will allow for the safe passage of wildlife across Highway 97 while decreasing collisions with motorists. Projects that are conducted in conjunction with the Game Division include waterfowl surveys and common loon banding and nest success surveys.

Hellsgate Winter Range Wildlife Mitigation Project – The focus of the Colville Tribes' Mitigation Project is the protection, restoration, and enhancement of critical habitats for desired wildlife on managed wildlife lands on the Colville Indian Reservation. Mitigation for wildlife losses began in 1992 through the purchase of various ranches (Graves, Berg Brothers, W. and H. Kuehne Ranches, Joy Property, Jacobsen, Wanacut/Moomaw) and several separate parcels (Nespelem Bend, Brim, Rattlesnake Canyon, and Boot Mountain). These lands contain similar habitat types to those that were inundated by the dams. Each wildlife area is managed to optimize available habitat. These managed lands contain a wide diversity of vegetative types and habitats for a variety of wildlife species. In all cases, the biological requirements of wildlife and the protection of critical habitat will take precedence over all other land use considerations. Funding for reasonable operation and maintenance, enhancements, monitoring and evaluation is provided by the Bonneville Power Administration. The Mitigation Project involves the protection of project lands (i.e. boundary fencing, noxious weed control, and property livestock trespass), operation and maintenance of acquired lands, enhancement, and/or restoration of wildlife species and habitats with monitoring and evaluation to ensure that project objectives are being met. The following are major achievements for 2012:  Approximately 6,700 acres of weed control utilizing mechanical, cultural, chemical, physical, and/or bio-control methods.  Planted approximately 140 acres of cropland for wildlife to utilize while we try to convert from invasive plants to desirable, native species.  Built nearly 13 miles of boundary fence lines to protect Wildlife Management Areas from livestock damage  Removed two miles of non-needed, interior fence lines to increase connectivity and reduce safety hazards to wildlife within Wildlife Management Areas.  Maintained access roads, conducted wildlife and habitat surveys, monitored invasive species presence and control methods, mapped habitat types, compiled habitat management plans, acquired and managed Natural Resource Conservation Service funding (CRP and WHIP).

Sharing Turkeys with the Yakama Tribe – for the last three years the Wildlife Division has been coordinating with the Yakama Indian Nation (YIN) on a turkey trapping project. The purpose of the project is to provide wild turkeys to the YIN so they can establish a population of birds on their reservation to hunt. Efforts have included bait trapping, leg banding, radio collaring and relocating up to 50 turkeys. Once released on the Yakama Indian Reservation, the turkeys are monitored for habitat use, reproductive success and survival. This project has resulted in a healthy population of turkeys for the YIN and has assisted the Colville Tribe in reducing turkeys in areas where they have become a nuisance.

Anadromous Division The Anadromous Fish Division plays an important role in providing ceremonial and subsistence fisheries for the Colville tribal membership. Historically, anadromous fish (salmon and steelhead) were the principal subsistence fishery and are still revered within the tribes’ current cultural and traditional beliefs.

Division goals: Increase abundance, distribution, productivity and diversity of salmon and steelhead populations returning to the reservation, north-half and tribal usual and accustomed fishing areas. Improve anadromous fish habitat associated with the freshwater life stages of anadromous fish populations within the Upper Columbia sub-basins (Okanogan, Methow, Wenatchee, Entiat, Upper Columbia River mainstem). Improve anadromous salmonid survival and increase available habitat through the restoration of fish passage conditions at human made barriers. Increase tribal member fishing opportunities to pursue their rightful ceremonial and subsistence harvest of anadromous fish at all reservation and usual and accustomed fishing areas. Develop tribal anadromous fish hatchery programs designed to restore natural populations of salmon and steelhead while providing for increased tribal harvest opportunities.

Chief Joseph Hatchery - The goals of CJH are to increase the abundance, productivity, distribution, and diversity of natural spawning populations of spring/summer/fall Chinook salmon in the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers, and to help provide hatchery fish for tribal ceremonies and subsistence needs and increase recreational fishing opportunities.

Construction of Grand Coulee Dam and Chief Joseph Dam eliminated the salmon from surrounding Reservation Rivers. To provide for losses of anadromous fish species, Congress authorized construction of four hatcheries, but only three were built.

(Water supply lines being prepared for installation from left to right: 42- inch river water and 28-inch relief tunnel water pipelines to hatchery building; 12-inch well water pipeline to adult raceways)

 Phase I began January 2010 and includes four houses for hatchery staff, a domestic water supply, wastewater treatment, RV pads with power supply for additional staff, camping site and construction of two acclimation ponds at Omak and Riverside. Each pond can rear up to 400,000 Chinook for release into the Okanogan River. Prior to Phase I, five production wells were drilled near and in Bridgeport State Park to supply groundwater for the hatchery.  Phase II began December 2010 and involves completion of the water supply system and main hatchery site, work at the site includes the hatchery, office and storage buildings, headbox that joins water sources, two raceway structures, three rearing ponds, a fish ladder/spawning facility, cleaning waste pond and waste treatment facilities  The entire construction cost is estimated at $49 million and is funded by monies acquired with rate payer dollars, from Bonneville Power Administration through the Colville Tribe’s Fish Accords.  The hatchery will start production in July of 2013, and be fully ramped up by 2015 producing up to 2.9 million Chinook salmon annually.  CJH is situated on 15 acres of land owned by the Army Corp of Engineers, but within the boundaries of the Colville Indian Reservation; the Colville Tribe will operate the facility upon its completion. There are 66 employees working on-site and once the project is complete, the hatchery will employ up to 11 full-time employees.  The hatchery is slated for completion May 2013

The Chief Joseph Hatchery Science Program supports production and hatchery operations by monitoring the program’s effectiveness and facilitating a science- based approach inherent in all modern hatchery programs. The research, monitoring and evaluation component of the program is guided by rigorous, science-based planning. The work focuses on the long term status and trend of our natural resources and how the hatchery program works to protect, enhance and restore fish populations in the Okanogan and throughout the upper Columbia region. Each year, the Program hosts an annual meeting to discuss the previous year’s operations. Colville Tribes staff works collectively with the region’s natural resource experts, scientists and stakeholders to present how fish production and monitoring plans are developed. The annual meeting also supports the refinement and implementation of the entire Colville Tribes’ Anadromous Division activities. CJH is the first of its kind to be structured under recommendations from the Congressional Hatchery Reform Act, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s 4 -Step Planning and Master Plan process and Independent Scientific Review Panel. Defined objectives are being implemented in a manner that restores the characteristics of the historical Okanogan River population of naturally-spawning salmon while meeting related regional and tribal program objectives. Put simply, the program is not based on the ability to meet the same fixed hatchery production output or the same adult return goals each year. Instead, the program is managed for variable production and wild fish returns. Success is based on meeting targets for abundance and composition of natural escapement and hatchery broodstock. For these reasons, the program is operated in a manner where fish, habitat and other parameters are monitored, and activities are routinely evaluated. Managers accountable for successes and or failures have well-defined response alternatives that guide annual program decisions.

Okanogan Weir – A temporary picket- style salmon weir was constructed this summer in the Okanogan River by CJH staff. The weir is located about one mile below Malott Bridge (approximately 15 miles upstream from the Okanogan River/Wells Reservoir confluence) near Brewster, WA. The temporary weir took three weeks to construct and install in the river. CJH staff was able to evaluate how summer/fall Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and steelhead reacted to it. The weir will be used to collect natural-origin adult Chinook brood stock for the CJH’s production program and for harvest and adult fish management (restoring wild fish) purposes. Results from the testing site will be used to design a more permanent weir in the future. The temporary picket-style weir, made of steel frames and PVC pipe, was installed across the channel of the Okanogan River. It allowed water to flow through it but had narrow enough slots to form a swimming barrier to adult salmon, allowing them to be trapped. The structure does not connect to the west bank of the river which allows small watercraft to get around the weir. The salmon weir allows for adult management of annual Okanogan River summer/fall Chinook spawning escapement. A major activity of adult management requires the control and removal of hatchery-origin salmon using selective fish capture methods to achieve the goal of more natural-origin salmon spawning in the Okanogan River. Natural-origin fish represent the historical makeup of fish populations and have been shown to have better overall survival than hatchery fish. The CJHP focuses on increasing the abundance of natural- origin fish. The weir project is being funded by Grant County Public Utility District and will operate each year from August through November. The CJH staff will operate the weir and communicate with resource agencies regarding the project findings.

Selective Harvest Program – Since 2008, the CCT Harvest Program has received financial support from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to deploy and test live- capture, selective fishing gears in the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers. The Evaluate Live Capture Gear project (2007-249-0) and now the Selective Gear Deployment project (2008-105-00) used beach seines, tangle nets, hoop nets, dip nets and a purse seine to harvest sockeye and hatchery-origin summer/fall Chinook while releasing all steelhead and natural-origin (wild) Chinook and steelhead. These tasks were done to conform to the scientific goals and objectives set forth in the Hatchery Scientific Review Group (HSRG); to conserve indigenous salmonid genetic resources, assist with the recovery of naturally spawning salmonid populations, provide sustainable fisheries, and improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of hatchery programs. Hatchery-origin, summer Chinook salmon, identified by a missing adipose fin, were harvested for tribal utilization and to reduce the proportion of hatchery-origin fish on the spawning grounds. Reducing the number of hatchery Chinook will allow natural-origin fish to spawn in the wild and help create a more locally-adapted population of fish. Sensitive salmon stocks listed under the Endangered Species Act, such as bull trout, spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead, and other non-target species, including white sturgeon, were released unharmed. Natural-origin (NOR) summer Chinook were also captured for use as broodstock in local hatchery programs, including the future Chief Joseph Salmon Hatchery program. Harvest rates for all salmon, including sockeye, are governed by the yearly allocation level. Tribal harvest totals in 2012 included, 3,184 summer/fall Chinook adults, of which 2,528 were hatchery-origin and harvested for tribal utilization while 1,029 were NOR summer/fall Chinook that were released back into the river in vigorous condition. In addition, 15,677 sockeye salmon were caught. The most successful selective live-capture gear has been the purse seine especially in July and August. During the hot summer months, a temperature barrier usually develops. This occurs when the water temperature at the mouth of the Okanogan River is greater than about 72 degrees which prevents salmon from migrating up the river. The tribal membership as well as other tribes shared in the 2012 harvest. Fish were shared with the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Kalispel, Kootenai, Shoshone-Bannock and the Nation Alliance Tribes. (An additional 6,000 fish (sockeye and Chinook) were processed by Glen Launer, CCT Fish Processing Technician, staff and volunteers in 2012. Much of this fish was stored in the tribes’ freezer for ceremonial and subsistence needs.)

The Okanogan Basin Monitoring and Evaluation Program (OBMEP) began in 2004 as a way to collect baseline data and monitor anadromous fish species and their habitats for the next 20 years. The monitoring program was called for in the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Plan and in the Okanogan River Basin Sub-basin plan. (Steelhead in the Similkameen near Enloe Dam) The program addresses questions related to the Endangered Species Act for Upper Columbia River steelhead. Data collected under OBMEP are not only vital to the recovery of threatened species, but are used in planning efforts, management decisions, and population level action effectiveness. OBMEP monitors key components of the ecosystem related to salmonids including biological data, physical habitat, water quality parameters, and develops baseline research where data are currently unavailable. The primary project goals of OBMEP include: 1) determining if there is a meaningful physical habitat change at the population scale for salmon and steelhead in the Okanogan basin; 2) if meaningful change in selected physical habitat parameters are occurring over time; 3) if selected water quality parameters are changing in mainstem and tributary locations; 4) if change is occurring in Viable Salmonid Population (VSP) parameters from the cumulative habitat restoration actions occurring throughout the Okanogan basin; and 5) administering contracts and ensuring that this effort continues in a scientifically sound manner that is closely coordinated across the Okanogan River basin, geo-political boundaries, upper Columbia ESU, Columbia River basin, and region. The program is funded by the Bonneville Power Administration through the Columbia Basin Fish Accords. (Pictured here: Salmon below Enloe Dam, near Oroville, WA)

Okanogan Sub-basin Habitat Improvement Program (OSHIP) – The Colville Confederated Tribes Anadromous Fisheries Division (CCTAFD) has been implementing the Okanogan Sub-basin Habitat Improvement Project (OSHIP) since the spring of 2008. Its purpose is to implement a sequenced set of key habitat restoration and protective actions that support the Okanogan River Sub- Basin Plan. The Sub-Basin Plan was developed to describe in detail the current state of the Okanogan Basin and then describe the limiting factors for anadromous salmonid production and survival. The Okanogan River, Similkameen River and associated tributaries have several factors that limit salmonid production and rearing. These factors include but are not limited to: water quantity, water temperature, channel flow, habitat complexity, and streambed sedimentation and substrate size. OSHIP’s goal is to address these specific limiting factors throughout the main-stem and tributary portions of the Okanogan River Basin for the benefit of salmonid spawning, rearing and migration. Over the course of the last five years, many projects have been completed in support of these goals. Implementing these projects, the Tribe uses Accord funds, which are essentially rate payer dollars, are benefiting the local Tribe and constituents in the Upper Columbia ESU. Properties and water rights have been purchased for habitat protection and stream flow restoration, and construction projects have been implemented for salmonid spawning and rearing habitat improvement. Some project highlights are:

Loup Loup Stream flow restoration - The CCTAFD, with the help of the Washington Water Trust (WWT) and the Okanogan Conservation District (OCD), engaged with a local irrigation district to develop a 20-year water lease agreement to change one of their points of diversion from Loup Loup Creek to the main-stem Okanogan and upgraded their current pump station on the Okanogan. Upon implementation of the project in 2012, year-round water flow was restored to the lower section of Loup Loup Creek resulting in extended spawning and rearing habitat for the Upper Columbia Steelhead, a fish species that is federally-listed as “threatened.” Accord funds help pay the costs incurred by the district to pump water from the Okanogan River in lieu of diverting water and de-watering Loup Loup Creek.

Antoine Creek Diversion Removal - Antoine Creek has an irrigation diversion at a level that is a complete barrier to steelhead fish passage. We will be altering the diversion to allow fish passage and have already installed a new, fish passable diversion up stream. Removal of this barrier will open up 9 to 11 miles of new habitat for steelhead spawning and rearing.

Okanogan-Similkameen Cross Channel Structure - The CCTAFD was concerned that wide fluctuations in spring and fall flows in the Okanogan River on the east side of Driscoll Island, near Oroville was negatively affecting the spawning and incubation of anadromous summer steelhead and summer-fall Chinook. Under low discharges in the Similkameen River, the existing channels are structured in such a way as to direct the bulk of the Okanogan River flows along the cross-channel to the Similkameen River. Detrimental effects associated with this flow are de- watering salmonid redds in the east/main channel of the Okanogan River. An in-stream structure to improve the flow regime in this section of the Okanogan River was installed to help regulate these flows for the benefit of spawning salmonids.

Habitat Restoration – Salmon Creek is recognized by many fishery professionals to contain the greatest amount of suitable spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead and spring Chinook salmon in the U.S. portion of the Okanogan River Basin. Historically, the Okanogan Tribe built and operated numerous fish traps in Salmon Creek. However by 1910, two storage reservoirs were constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) which delivered water to irrigate approximately 5,000 acres. These irrigated acres primarily produce hard fruit such as pears and apples. In addition, this irrigation project diverted water from Salmon Creek and consequently prevented salmon and steelhead from accessing the Creek. In 1997, summer steelhead in the Okanogan River Basin were listed as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This federal-listing initiated a partnership in 1998 between the Colville Tribes and Okanogan Irrigation District. The goal of the partnership was to develop an option which would re-establish steelhead in Salmon Creek while maintaining the current agricultural production of the District. After four years of intensive studies, development of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and numerous meetings, the partnership began evaluation of a long-term water lease agreement which would require a guaranteed amount of water. The result would provide summer steelhead to access approximately 11 miles of spawning and rearing habitat. Creative stream rehabilitation work has resulted in colonization of spawning habitat in Salmon Creek which had been devoid of anadromous salmonids for 100 years. Successful natural reproduction indicates this project has begun to contribute to the recovery of “threatened” summer steelhead in the Upper Columbia River Basin.

Omak Creek Anadromous Fish Habitat and Passage - The Tribe proposes continuing habitat rehabilitation efforts to address sources of fine sediment and improve passage for UCR steelhead and spring Chinook. Monitoring and evaluation efforts will assess effectiveness of ongoing activities. Omak Creek is a unique tributary to the Okanogan, since it is hydrologically unaltered and currently supports UCR Steelhead and to a lesser extent spring Chinook salmon. Range and forest management practices have impacted the quality of habitat that exists within Omak Creek and its tributaries. A recognizable source for reducing the quality of habitat is the extreme amount of fine sediment within Omak Creek thereby reducing the incubation success of salmonid eggs. The primary source of fine sediment is from forest roads. These roads contribute sediment and from washouts of undersized culverts. Efforts have been made by the CCT Environmental Trust and Fish and Wildlife to identify the undersized culverts and replace them prior to failure. The expected result is to reduce the amount of fine sediment delivered to the waterways within the Creek watershed and ultimately increase steelhead and spring Chinook production.

Resident Division The Resident Fish Division plays an important role in providing subsistence fisheries for the tribal membership. Historically, anadromous fish (salmon and steelhead) were the principal subsistence fishery with resident fish playing a minor role. However, the construction of Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph Dams resulted in the elimination of anadromous fish above theses structures. Therefore, resident fish became a significant and necessary alternative as a subsistence resource for the Colville Tribe. The Resident Fish Division utilizes hatchery supplementation for tribal and recreational opportunities while incorporating research, monitoring and evaluation, and habitat protection and restoration to increase, restore and preserve native salmonid populations on the Colville Reservation.

Division goals: Ensure the continued persistence, function, and diversity of existing resident fish species and their habitat. Maintain and restore ecosystems and watersheds that provide functional links to ensure their continued persistence, function and diversity. Restore native resident fish species (subspecies, stocks and populations) throughout their historic ranges where habitats exist or where habitats can be feasibly restored. Provide opportunities for consumptive and non-consumptive resident fisheries (support Tribal and non-Tribal harvest) for native, introduced, wild, and hatchery-reared stocks that is compatible with native resident fish management objectives. Restore watershed aquatic and riparian areas where natural processes, functions and conditions have been degraded. Tribal Hatchery Management will be defined by using programs of stable, cost effective artificial production to provide significant fishery benefits while having minimal adverse impacts on the long-term productivity of naturally spawning fish and their ecosystems.

The Colville Tribal Fish Hatchery is one tool used to enhance reservation fisheries by producing a minimum of 50,000 pounds of trout annually. Hatchery staff distributes rainbow, eastern brook, and lahontan cutthroat trout throughout reservation waters, including boundary waters of the 1.4 million acres of the Colville Reservation. These fish are used as substitution for the lost anadromous fish resources that once thrived in the Upper Columbia River before the construction of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams. The hatchery employs seven people and is located on the northern bank of the Columbia River down stream from Bridgeport, Washington on land owned by the Colville Tribes. All fish that are produced are released into reservation and boundary waters, in an effort to provide a successful subsistence and recreational fishery for Colville tribal members and provide sport fishing opportunities for non- members. (Pictured here: Hatchery staff at Owhi Lake collecting trout sperm and eggs)

Annually, large triploid rainbow trout are purchased from a local aquaculture facility and released into selected reservation lakes. This gives a tremendous boost to the fisheries. To ensure the best possible resident fisheries, the Hatchery's Monitor and Evaluation (M&E) staff play an intricate role in measuring the hatchery's stocking programs effectiveness in streams and lake plants. Data collected is analyzed and used toward managing planting strategies; number, size and/or species. Effective communication between the hatchery and M&E staff is imperative; it allows the hatchery to match production with the needs of reservation waters. The primary goals specifically for the hatchery in 2012 were: 1) Continue to develop a plan that utilizes hatchery production, trout from the net pen project and large triploid trout purchased from a local aquaculture facility with the needs of Reservation waters. 2) Focus on producing high quality, larger fish. The hatchery's philosophy has changed over the past couple of years to focus on quality not quantity. Cutting overall production numbers without sacrificing poundage distributed has allowed the hatchery to rear fish at the appropriate densities, reduce egg and juvenile mortality and produce a larger, higher quality trout for reservation waters. 3) Continue to upgrade and repair hatchery systems, buildings and residences. 4) Disease control and prevention. Prevent the introduction, spread or amplification of fish pathogens through bio-security measures. 5) Conduct environmental monitoring to ensure that the hatchery operations comply with water quality standards. The hatchery staff performs monthly monitoring in accordance with the NPDES general permit requirements developed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Twin Lakes Enhancement – Since 2003, the CTFW and Washington State University (WSU) have been working in a cooperative effort to improve water quality and fisheries at Twin Lakes, located near Inchelium, WA. Studies from 2007 to 2009 determined during summer stratification that the bottom layer of water was depleted of oxygen and water temperatures in the upper levels exceeded trout thermal tolerance. The region in the middle was a confined narrow band of water for fish. Funding for the pilot project came through Resident Fish Enhancement funds from the Columbia River Water Management Plan (CRWMP) under a Memorandum of Agreement between the State of Washington and the Colville Confederated Tribes. An oxygenation system (about a mile long of pipe) was installed in North Twin Lake in 2008 and monitored in 2009. BPA began funding the project in 2010, through the BPA Fish Accords. For the past three years, CTFW staff and WSU have monitored the effectiveness of the oxygenation system in North Twin Lake, which has shown to increase the depth of the narrow band inhabited by fish, allowing fish to utilize a much larger percentage of the lake.

White Sturgeon Project – The white sturgeon population in the upper Columbia River, (Grand Coulee Dam to Hugh Keenleyside Dam in BC) has experienced persistent recruitment failure over the last 30 years. An international recovery effort was initiated in 2000 and the recovery team developed a Recovery Plan in 2002. The goal of the recovery effort, as well as the CCT White Sturgeon Enhancment Project, is to restore natural recruitment of white sturgeon in the upper Columbia River to levels that can support beneficial uses, such as recreational and subsistence fishing opportunities. The white sturgeon enhancement project is designed to implement the aspects of the recovery plan. Fisheries staff will work with co-managers to identify factors affecting natural recruitment and explore opportunities to rectify them. In addition, staff will conduct regular standardized population monitoring. The Accords agreement signed in 2008 between Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Colville Tribe designated a specific project to help monitor and evaluate sturgeon in Lake Roosevelt. The project was designed to complement and assist the current white sturgeon program operated by the Spokane Tribe. Our project will help increase funding levels towards sturgeon recovery by increasing sampling efforts and also to survey and collect information on habitat, flows and bathymetry (the study of underwater depth of lake or ocean floors) that could potentially be key limiting factors to juvenile recruitment.

The Chief Joseph Kokanee Enhancement Project (CJKEP) The CTFW Department began a study to reduce predators in the Arm in 2011. The goal is to reduce two non- native predators, walleye and smallmouth bass, from a focused area in the river when redband rainbow trout and kokanee migrate as juveniles. Staff focused on the Sanpoil Campground upstream to the reservoir/river interface, which has been identified as a bottleneck area and found to have the highest predation rates on native salmonids. In 2010 and 2011, staff removed 1,547 and 2,741 non-native predators during May and June with gillnets and boat electrofishing. Staff was able to provide the majority of the fish captured to Tribal members. The project is planned to continue through 2015. Fisheries staff also stocks the Sanpoil River with kokanee eggs and yearlings. In both 2011 and 2012 one million kokanee eggs were planted in the river during December. In addition, staff stock 25,000 yearlings in May to support a put-and-take fishery. The river is monitored in the fall for adult returns. Adults are passed over the weir and allowed to naturally spawn. Staff team with the Spokane Tribe and the state to monitor harvest impacts to native kokanee with a Lake Roosevelt wide creel survey. The Resident Fisheries Department teamed with the Wildlife Department to develop a Resident Fish and Wildlife Database. The Divisions now have the ability to enter their data electronically, where it will be saved and secured for future generations.

Resident Fish Research and Monitoring and Evaluation (RM&E): In 2009, a new project under the MOA for Resident Fish was established. The goal of the RM&E Project is to conduct research and support the monitoring needs of resident fish projects on the Reservation. The current goal is to monitor and identify limiting factors for redband trout in the Sanpoil River. The project utilizes a weir to monitor adult migrations (occurring in both the fall and spring), and radio telemetry to monitor riverine movements and over-winter habitat use. A screw trap and PIT tag array monitor juvenile out-migration size and timing.

LR Rainbow Trout Habitat and Passage Improvement is a resident fish substitution project intended to mitigate for anadromous fish losses caused by the construction and operations of Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams. The goal of the project is to increase sustainable rainbow trout populations that provide for tribal recreational and subsistence fishing opportunities. Implementation of habitat restoration and protection activities, such as restoring fish passage barriers, fencing, riparian planting, stream bank and habitat restoration all works toward reaching our goal. A scientifically based monitoring and evaluation program is conducted to measure the effectiveness of restoration and protection actions. In 2012, staff implemented a new baseline stream habitat assessment on Barnaby, Cedar, Hall, Stranger and Creeks on the east side of the Reservation, as well as deployed, maintained, and monitored an extension array of temperature loggers within east side Reservation streams and the Sanpoil River drainage. In addition, staff assisted a subcontractor with baseline fish, benthic macroinvertebrate, and water quality assessments in the east side Reservation streams and the Sanpoil River drainage. This data will collectively be used to develop an Ecosystem Diagnosis and Treatment model for wild rainbow trout, which will help us identify and prioritize future habitat restoration and protection projects to improve wild rainbow trout production. In 2012, we established a fencing crew for this project. The responsibility of the fencing crew is to construct and maintain fence to protect the riparian area along Reservation streams. The fence crew maintained more than 21 km of existing riparian fence and constructed an additional 3 km of new riparian fence.

Community Events –Education, Outreach & Tradition

Net proceeds from the first “Trippin With The Triploids” fishing derby were used to purchase, tag and release approximately 700 triploid rainbow trout into Rufus Woods Lake. The derby brought anglers, businesses and the community together and provided a great platform for outreach and education to benefit the fishery on Rufus Woods Lake. (Anglers in line to get their fish weighed and measured on May 12, 2012)

Rick Desautel, CCT Wildlife Animal Control Technician, set up a fur demonstration for youth at the Grand Coulee Dam School Cultural Awareness Gathering on September 27, 2012. There were approximately 500 youth from elementary to high school age in attendance.

Bear Awareness/safety – The CTFW Department have been keeping the public informed on what they can do to keep bears from visiting their local neighborhoods. There were 128 bear complaints in 2010, 34 complaints in 2011 and 23 in 2012. Bears come out of hibernation in May and June and are hungry searching for food. These animals have an incredible sense of smell. They can smell food and garbage from miles away. Here are some helpful tips to avoid bear and human interaction:  Bears are drawn to the smell of food such as garbage, pet foods, bird feeders, compost piles, fruit trees, berry bushes, livestock feed, dirty barbeque grills, beehives and petroleum products  Keep yards clean  Pick fruit from trees as it ripens; do not leave fruit on the ground  Do not leave pet food outside, especially overnight  Keep outdoor grills clean; when not in use, store grills inside a garage or building  Never store food or garbage outdoors for long periods of time  Please do not feed the bears - individuals who are feeding bears create a major problem and may cause harm to the bear and the general public, you will be cited with a fine  If a bear doesn’t find food it will move along  Bears are naturally curious and opportunistic

First Salmon Ceremony – The CTFW hosted the First Salmon Ceremony in Omak, Washington on Friday, June 15, 2012. The celebration began at Omak Creek with a Sunrise gathering at 5:30 a.m. and lunch was served at the Omak Longhouse to approximately 150 people. Tribal member John Sirois was the Master of Ceremonies and tribal elders, Mary Marchand, Spencer Martin, and Barbara Aripa were instrumental in the planning process. Several chiefs from the Okanogan Nation Alliance and tribal members from the Muckleshoot Tribe were also in attendance. Tribal elders Chaz Williams, Spencer Martin, Mary Marchand, Randy Lewis, Barbara Aripa and Tom Louie were honored for their support as they continue to share their knowledge with the community.

Fishing Scaffolds - Two new fishing scaffolds were built so Colville tribal members have a place to fish for salmon using their hoop nets and dip nets. The fishing scaffolds are located close to the tribal fish hatchery near Bridgeport, Washington. The permanent scaffolds are eight feet wide and twenty-six feet long and were built to withstand the weather for many years. Signs were posted in the area with rules regarding this fishing site. Only one person at a time can fish from each of the scaffolds. CTFW plans to add two to four scaffolds per year for Colville tribal members to fish from with dip nets and hoop nets. The department plans to build two scaffolds near the new Chief Joseph Chinook Hatchery. In the near future, the tribe will be looking at other locations along the Columbia and Okanogan Rivers.

Fish Pond for the Youth – Each year, hatchery staff provides public outreach for area youth. The most popular event for kids is the fishing pond. The pond is set up at school and community events such as the Kids Festival in Coulee Dam, Sunflower Festival at Pascal Sherman Indian School, and Mill Pond Days in Nespelem. Staff teaches kids of every age how to fish. Once a child catches a trout, it is placed in a bag for them to take home. Educational handouts are given to kids and adults at each event.

Tribal Elder Teaches How to Build Nets - Leroy “Chaz” Williams, a Colville tribal member, was contracted by the CTFW Department to build hoop nets and dip nets. He trained other tribal members on how to construct nets. Chaz and his son Mylan were busy training kids and adults at workshops that were held in Okanogan, Nespelem, Keller and Inchelium. For dip nets, they combine two long poles with a metal cylinder to create a pole 33 feet in length. The long poles are able to cover a larger area of water moving from one side of the scaffold to the other. It takes 300 feet of wire, poles and electrical tape to make a dip net; the poles are wrapped with electrical tape to protect them and the hands of those who are using them. Chaz said the cost to make a large hoop net can be expensive which includes the webbing for the net and wire for the large hoop itself.

A Traditional Trade Between Tribes - On December 4, 2012 employees from the CTFW Department and CCT Food Distribution traveled to the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho to meet with staff from the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. The three-day trip involved a presentation by the tribe, a tour of Fort Hall Bottoms (where the buffalo roam) and harvesting of two buffalo for Colville tribal members to bring home. Earlier in the year, Shoshone-Bannock tribal members fished with CCT fisheries staff and brought home about 3,000 pounds of salmon that was distributed to their tribal members. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have just over 300 head of buffalo and have been raising buffalo since the early 60’s. The buffalo meat was placed in the “ceremonial locker,” a place where meat is stored for use during the rest period of big game. Tribal members can request meat from the Tribes’ Food Distribution Center for ceremonies as well as other items that may be available. Subsistence meat and ceremonial tags can be requested through the main Fish and Wildlife office at 634.2110.

To view BPA Tribally-funded projects go to www.cbfish.org/Portfolio.mvc/Projects/18 For more information on Fish and Wildlife, go to www.colvilletribes.com