Jefferson County and its contractors will complete a study of the stream, estuarine and nearshore salmonid habitat in Jefferson Co. This study will identify critical salmonid habitat (refugia) surrounding the streams within WRIA 17 and rank the refugia by salmonid habitat suitability. Species addressed with this project include resident and anadromous trout, as well as salmon. This project will identify the refugia, assess habitat quality, both at the instream and landscape level, and create and run a habitat suitability model. Partners will include all affected tribes, WDFW, local biologists and others. Work for this project will be completed by 12/31/2001. The refugia study will follow the methodology of two other studies within the Hood Canal conducted in WRIA 15 and WRIA 16. The study methodology originated with Dr. Chris Frissell of the U. of Montana and was adapted by CTC for the Kitsap Peninsula (WRIA 15) salmonid refugia study. The study will address habitat usage by each species of salmonid, condition of the habitat using key indicators, and priorities for conservation, enhancement and restoration. All salmonids will be addressed in this study. Specific salmonid stocks that will benefit include threatened Hood Canal summer chum and Puget Sound chinook salmon, and stocks that have been identified as depressed, including coho salmon and steelhead trout. The data will be useful for land use decisions, restoration and protection stratigies, and recovery in Hood Canal.