ODFW will conduct Aerial Fall Chinook Redds counts on the lower 100 miles of the Deschutes River twice during fall 2024 and a possible additional flight winter 2025. The Contractor(s) will: a. Provide one helicopter, licensed fuel truck/driver (if necessary), and experienced pilot. b. Fueling Options can be the Columbia Gorge Airport (Dallesport), Madras Airport, or a fuel truck. c. Conduct approximately two (2) aerial Fall Chinook redd surveys along established survey routes. Estimated flight time is five (5) hours for the survey and additional one (1) to three (3) hours round trip ferry to Madras or The Dalles. d. Transport up to three (3) ODFW observers in The Dalles, ferry to Pelton Re-regulation Dam, then fly downstream at an elevation of 150 ft. Above Ground Level (AGL). above the Deschutes River for 100 miles at no more than 40 mph. e. Helicopter will have working radios able to communicate with everyone in the helicopter. f. The pilot must be able to make the flights as requested by ODFW in November, December, and January as weather and water clarity permit. Flights will be scheduled within seven (7) days of ODFW’s determination when to fly. g. The Contractor’s pilot will determine all conditions regarding safety prior to and during the flight. Should the Contractor’s pilot consider the conditions unsafe, the pilot will either forego that particular flight or return to base or any other site deemed more appropriate for safety reasons.
