This document provides for the current status of guidance being developed to support the selection of stream areas for watershed based low stream flow enhancement. It suggests a two stage process and describes a methodology for the first stage, ranking of streams based primarily on their relative need for low flow enhancement and its potential to benefit salmonids. Results from this first stage may then be used to inform subsequent low flow project prioritization and selection processes within a watershed. Salmonid recovery and other watershed goals would, we expect, become important components of this next step and of final project design and goals.
The proposed process and methodology have been developed with the support of stream flow staff from Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and of Ecology and with cooperative input by staff from a range of Puget Sound entities. Pilot testing and further evaluation and refinement of the methodology is being scheduled and is expected to be completed mid-2007.