Use of the Habrate and Unit Characteristic Method Computer Models to Evaluate Habitat Quality, Rearing Capacity and Habitat Restoration Opportunities for Reintroduced Anadromous Salmonids Above the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project

A major component of relicensing the Pelton Round Butte Hydroelectric Project (Project) on the Deschutes River, Oregon was development of passage facilities to allow reintroduction of anadromous fish into historic upstream habitat.   The Habrate and Unit Characteristic Method (UCM) spreadsheet analysis models were used to assess quantity and quality and rearing capacity of potentially accessible stream habitat.  Habrate uses reach level summaries of existing habitat parameters as input, and applies algorithms to assign ratings of quality for spawning, summer rearing and overwintering. The UCM uses scalar adjustments to predict summer parr capacity of individual habitat units.  Both models are used to identify limiting factors with potential for enhancement with implementation of habitat restoration projects.  Model output is available in GIS format.    From 2006 to 2014, the Project licensees awarded $10.8 M for 45 habitat restoration projects with total cost of more than $60 M within the Deschutes River basin.  The Habrate model was used by the technical advisory team to assist in prioritization of project applications.  Aquatic habitat inventories and the models are updated on an annual basis to assess changes in rearing habitat over time.