Wells Hydroelectric Project FERC License No. 2149
The goal of the Resident Fish Management Plan (RFMP) is to protect resident fish populations and habitat in the Wells Hydroelectric Project (Wells Project) during the term of the new license. Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County (Douglas PUD), in collaboration with the Aquatic Settlement Work Group, has agreed to implement several resident fish Protection, Mitigation, and Enhancement measures (PMEs) in support of the RFMP. The PMEs presented within the RFMP are designed to meet the following objectives: 1) In response to any future changes in Wells Dam operations, Douglas PUD will monitor and evaluate the effects, if any, on Wells Project habitat functionally related to spawning, rearing, and migration of native, non-stocked resident fish of social and economic importance, in order to make informed management decisions towards the success of the RFMP, and implement reasonable and feasible measures to address any effects; and 2) Continue to provide additional benefits to resident fishery resources in the Wells Reservoir as a result of continued implementation of Wells Anadromous Fish Agreement and Habitat Conservation Plan Predator Control Programs and Wells Shoreline Management Plan activities.
Actions under the RFMP include conducting studies of and monitoring resident fish populations in the Wells Reservoir and operating the Wells Project in a manner that does not negatively impact them.
Resident Fish Management Plan
Resident fish species that inhabit the Wells Project include:
Native Species
Chiselmouth
Longnose sucker
Bridgelip sucker
Largescale sucker
Lake whitefish
Prickly sculpin
Threespine stickleback
Burbot
Peamouth
Rainbow trout
Mountain whitefish
Northern pikeminnow
Redsided shiner
Dace
Non-Native Species
Carp
Black bullhead
Brown bullhead
Pumpkinseed
Bluegill
Smallmouth bass
Largemouth bass
Yellow Perch
Black crappie
Walleye
Tench
