At the request of BPA and the Council, the Independent Scientific Review Panel (ISRP) reviewed the Integrated Status and Effectiveness Monitoring Program's (ISEMP) study plan for Bridge Creek (John Day River subbasin, Oregon, proejct 200301700). This John Day study plan is part of a larger research monitoring and evaluation (RME) initiative through the ISEMP project that includes similar efforts in the Wenatchee and Salmon River subbasins. In addition, the ISRP reviewed the project sponsor's overall response to issues raised in the FY 2007-09 review that resulted in an ISRP "Fundable (qualified)" recommendation.
The project sponsor provided a detailed response to the ISRP's questions that include well-reasoned explanations of how the ISEMP effort is integrated into existing John Day monitoring programs and a reasonably complete study plan for the Bridge Creek Intensively Monitored Watershed (IMW). If the project goes forward as planned, the results should be very helpful in designing restoration programs for other streams in semi-arid subbasins, particularly where land management practices have resulted in incised channels and loss of pool habitat. The ISRP finds that the proposal Meets Scientific Review Criteria.
