This report provides the Independent Scientific Review Panel’s (ISRP) preliminary recommendations on 83 proposals submitted for the Council and the Bonneville Power Administration’s Geographic Review of ongoing habitat projects in the anadromous areas of the Columbia Basin for the Council's Fish and Wildlife Program (Program). In this preliminary review, the ISRP recommends that 13 proposals meet scientific review criteria, 33 proposals meet criteria with some qualifications, 1 proposal did not meet criteria, and 3 proposals were not amenable to scientific review – these ISRP recommendations should be considered final. In addition, the ISRP requests responses on 33 proposals. Project sponsors for these 33 projects are given an opportunity to respond to ISRP concerns by July 9, before the ISRP submits its final report to the Council on August 15, 2013.
In addition to project specific recommendations, the ISRP identifies programmatic issues that are introduced in this preliminary report. The ISRP will discuss and update these issues over the next two months for inclusion in the final ISRP report. Programmatic topics cover strategic restoration frameworks, regional RM&E, umbrella proposals, productive partnerships, workforce support, and restoration methods.
Finally, the ISRP continues to be supportive of this review approach. It incorporates some of the bestfeatures of past reviews such as site visits, presentations, and a response loop. It also adds some positive features such as recognition of program commitments and an emphasis on topical reviews. The ISRP looks forward to helping shape the next review process based on lessons learned in the Category Reviews.
The ISRP especially appreciates the efforts of project sponsors and Council and BPA staff in organizing and providing invaluable site visits and presentations. These tours and presentations demonstrated that the projects are led by dedicated and knowledgeable staff and progress is being made.
