Redd Dewatering II | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Redd Dewatering II

What is the Redd Dewatering II grant opportunity?

Redd Dewatering II is a discretionary federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Central Valley Project Improvement (CVPI) Anadromous Fish Restoration Program (CFDA 15.648). It supports monitoring and field data collection related to anadromous fish restoration in California's Central Valley.

Which federal program and authority is this opportunity tied to?

The project is aligned with the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA), which directs the Department of the Interior, in coordination with agencies, tribes, and other affected interests, to make all reasonable efforts to at least double the natural production of anadromous fish in Central Valley rivers and streams.

What is the primary purpose of this project?

The purpose is to collect field data to determine the river flow conditions under which fall-run Chinook salmon redds (spawning nests) become dewatered. The data are intended to strengthen the scientific basis for flow management decisions and improve protections during spawning and incubation periods.

What is "redd dewatering" and why does it matter?

Redd dewatering can occur when river levels drop after spawning, leaving eggs stranded or exposed. This can reduce egg survival and recruitment. By documenting when and where redds become vulnerable as flows change, the project helps inform how water operations and river conditions might be managed to better protect salmon and other migratory fish.

What type of work does the opportunity support?

This opportunity supports on-the-ground monitoring and field data collection, including locating redds, mapping and GPS documentation, and observing conditions as river flows change to identify exposure or dewatering risk.

Where will the work take place?

The work is focused on the mainstem Sacramento River in Northern California, specifically from Keswick Dam downstream to Red Bluff.

Why was the Keswick Dam to Red Bluff reach selected?

That stretch is strongly influenced by managed flows and is an important area for fall Chinook spawning. This makes it a high-value location for understanding how discharge levels relate to redd exposure risk.

What fish species and life stage are the focus?

The project focuses on fall-run Chinook salmon, specifically redds (spawning nests) and the period when eggs are incubating and may be vulnerable if water levels drop.

What is the expected outcome or use of the data collected?

The data are intended to improve the scientific basis for managing river flows and water operations to reduce redd exposure and dewatering during critical spawning and incubation periods, supporting broader anadromous fish restoration goals.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This typically means the federal agency anticipates substantial involvement during the project, rather than a hands-off grant relationship.

Is this opportunity a new project or a continuation?

It was described as a continuation project, suggesting it was intended to extend or build directly on prior work already underway rather than solicit broad competition for a brand-new concept.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated a single award.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as "Others," with clarification referenced in the full announcement. However, the narrative identifies the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) as uniquely qualified to conduct the data collection for the Pilot Redd Dewatering Project.

Why was the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) identified as uniquely qualified?

The justification provided is that PSMFC can staff the effort with personnel who have the required technical and safety qualifications and who can work smoothly with cooperating agencies. Familiarity with the local area is also cited as a key factor for efficient execution and coordination.

What qualifications or capabilities are emphasized for project staff?

The project emphasizes field-ready capacity and technical competence, including qualifications in data collection methods, boat safety, wading safety, and mapping/GPS use for accurately locating redds and documenting conditions. Familiarity with the local river reach is also highlighted.

What hazards or safety considerations are implied by the work?

River work can involve hazards associated with boats and wading. The opportunity specifically emphasizes boat safety and wading safety qualifications, reflecting the operational risks of conducting fieldwork on the Sacramento River.

How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding listed is $25,000.

What are the minimum and maximum possible award amounts?

The award floor is $23,690 and the award ceiling is $155,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing specifies no cost sharing or matching requirement.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

It was posted on July 5, 2012, and the closing date was July 9, 2012.

Why was the application window so short?

The very short window is consistent with how the opportunity is described: a continuation project and a targeted, anticipated single award rather than an open-ended competition.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on August 8, 2012.

Who is administering the opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the CVPI Anadromous Fish Restoration Program.

What is the CFDA number referenced for this program?

The CFDA number referenced is 15.648.

Who can be contacted for questions or trouble accessing the full announcement?

The point of contact listed is Tricia Parker Hamelberg, Fish Biologist. Phone: 530-527-3043. Email: TriciaParker@fws.gov.