Pacific Lamprey Fund
Through the fund, we support stakeholders and conservation groups by funding efforts to enhance and identify Pacific lamprey habitats and support further research within the Lower Deschutes Basin.
The Pelton Round Butte Lamprey Fund was established to protect and research existing populations while supporting habitat enhancement efforts downstream of the Project.
We plan to award $3 million for in-stream habitat improvements, barrier removal, passage feasibility and reintroduction, as well as research surrounding migration, core spawning areas and population sizes.
There are two separate funding categories: the Mitigation and Enhancement (M&E) Fund, and the Lamprey Research Fund.
Lamprey Mitigation & Enhancement (M&E) Fund
Fund amount:Â $500,000 available in 2020, 2025 and 2030
Purpose:Â To enhance Pacific lamprey populations in the Deschutes Basin downstream of the Pelton Round Butte Project.
Applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 1, 2020, to be reviewed bi-annually in June and December.
Eligible Project Categories:
Barrier removal and passage improvement
In-stream habitat modification and enhancement
Translocation of adults and/or juveniles to under-seeded or newly accessible habitat
Development of artificial propagation for rearing ammocoetes for release
Construction, installation or testing of new passage technology if approved by Lamprey Fund Advisory Committee
Application
Lamprey Research Fund
Funding amount:Â $1,500,000 to be distributed over 10 years
Purpose:Â Research should focus on the mainstem Lower Deschutes River in order to establish an understanding of lamprey populations below the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project.Â
Applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 1, 2020, to be reviewed bi-annually in June and December.
Eligible project categories:
Population research and monitoring
Distribution and abundance monitoring
Spawning escapement estimates
Adult and juvenile migration studies
Genetic sampling and abundance for stock identification and parentage studies
Monitoring effectiveness of habitat enhancement and passage improvement projects
Development of habitat/abundance models
Identification of limiting factors
Application
Pacific lamprey. Photo courtesy of the Columbia Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
Pacific Lamprey Passage Evaluation and Mitigation Plan (PLEMP)
The PLEMP was developed by the licensees with the approval of the appropriate fish agencies pursuant to their respective statutory authorities. It contains five sections:
Habitat assessment to further define lamprey spawning and ammocoete (larval) rearing habitat in the Deschutes River Basin; use of this information to quantify habitats suitable for production of lamprey both upstream and downstream of the Project.
Passage assessment for out-migrant and adult Pacific lamprey through the Project with existing fish passage facilities.
Experimental reintroduction of lamprey will occur after the assessment of lamprey passage through the Project.
Alternative lamprey mitigation may be developed if passage is determined by the Fish Committee to be infeasible with existing facilities.
Re-initiation of passage efforts will be implemented if alternative lamprey mitigation occurs and new information demonstrates that passage is feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are applications accepted?
For both the M&E and Research Fund, applications will be accepted from Jan. 1, 2020, to be reviewed each June and December until 2030.
Any unspent funds remaining in the Lamprey Research Fund at the end of the 10-year period will be deposited into the Lamprey M&E Fund and will be available for eligible projects through the life of that fund.
What is the process for award decisions?
The Licensees and Lamprey Fund Advisory Committee (LFAC) developed screening and evaluation criteria for determination of whether to award funding.
The LFAC is comprised of Deschutes basin stakeholders and will meet up to twice annually (typically June and/or December) to review applications.
Details on project evaluation can be found on page 12 to 13 of the PLEMP.
Are there any monitoring or reporting obligations if funding is awarded?
Yes, awardees are required to submit annual progress reports to summarize work completed, current status of on-going projects and expenditures.
Who should I contact with additional questions?
For further information on the Fund, please email deschutes.passage@pgn.com.