Background:
Lapwai Creek historically provided spawning and rearing habitat for A-run wild summer steelhead in the Clearwater River Subbasin.  However, the regular occurrence of extreme high runoff events and low summer flows, high summer water temperatures, poor instream/riparian cover, and siltation of spawning gravels have become limiting factors in the watershed.  Low stream flows and a lack of adequate multi-layered riparian vegetation along with excessive sediment have reduced the suitability of Lapwai Creek and its tributaries as quality spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous and resident cold water fish.  In addition, sediment, nutrients, and bacteria from existing land use practices adversely impact water quality.  The primary pollutant sources and habitat degradations are agricultural, livestock, forestry and road practices.  The large percentage of private land and low agricultural commodity prices prohibit landowners from implementing practices to solve these problems.

The Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (NPSWCD or District) requested funding for the Restoring Fish Habitat in the Lapwai Creek Watershed project proposal to enhance steelhead trout natural production within the Lapwai Creek watershed by improving salmonid spawning and rearing habitat. The project funds coordination, planning, technical assistance, conservation practice design and implementation, monitoring, and educational outreach to identify and correct problems associated with agricultural and livestock activities impacting water quality and salmonid habitat.  The project accelerates the implementation of the Lapwai Creek Public Law 566 small watershed program.  It also addresses specific needs identified in the Clearwater Subbasin Summary 2001 Draft and the 2000 Columbia River Basin Fish and Wildlife Program documents.  

This proposal was coordinated with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), University of Idaho (U of I), Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), Clearwater Focus Program, Clearwater Basin Weed Committee, and the Nez Perce County Board of Commissioners.  

This proposal meets objectives outlined in the NPSWCD Resource Conservation Plan. Project implementation will reduce erosion by 30%, sediment delivered to streams by 30%, reduce stream temperature along treatment areas, and improve watershed hydrology.


Contract History:
The Restoring Anadromous Fish Habitat in the Lapwai Creek Watershed (2002-070-00) project began in 2003.  This multi-year project focuses on restoring and improving steelhead habitat within the Lapwai Creek watershed.  The steelhead habitat limiting factors addressed include low summer flows, connectivity, loss of all or partial floodplain, sedimentation of spawning and rearing habitat, wide fluctuation in annual stream flows, high summer stream temperatures, and lack of in-stream cover.  Past accomplishments have included the installation of land improvement projects to address these limiting factors.  Previously completed contract work also includes 15,000 LF of fencing, 6 alternative water systems, 13 water and sediment control structures, 50 acres of weed control, two livestock waste systems, 8,000 LF of riparian plantings, one low flow stream crossing and the development of 24 habitat conservation plans.

Summary of 2006 Contract Work:
A) Completion of 6 habitat plans-
Six habitat plans will be completed which identify site specific practices needed to address fish habitat needs.  These plans are the basis of installation work in future years (from 2007-2009).

B) Completion of 6 maintenance plans-
Six maintenance plans will be completed for tree planting, grass seeding and alternative water projects installed in the 2005 calendar year.  The maintenance plans are used to identify weed control and other maintenance needs, as well as to ensure survival of vegetative plantings.

C) Complete three weed control plans-
Three weed control plans will be completed along 2,000 LF of streambank. The plans will identify key weed control species, determine appropriate control methods, and provide a treatment schedule.

D) Complete 8 designs-
Completion of eight fish habitat project designs.  Designs include one low flow stream crossing, two fish passage barriers, three alternative water sites, two water and sediment control structures.  Designs include drawings, construction specifications, cost estimates, and design calculations.  Designs will be used for 2007 project installation.

E) Outreach-
Completion of one field tour, one watershed sign, 2 newsletters, and 2 fact sheets.

F) Install erosion control structures-
Installation of erosion control measures including water and sediment control structures, grass waterways, grade control structures, and biologs to reduce gully erosion by 80% per project site.

G) Road improvements-
Completion of 0.5 miles of field access road improvements.  Improvements consist of shaping, adding water drainage features, surfacing and a low flow stream crossing.

H) Upland erosion control through direct seeding-
Completion of 1,500 acres of direct seeding tillage systems to reduce sheet and rill erosion on non-irrigated cropland.

I) Vegetative plantings-
Installation of 50 acres of upland and riparian plantings including grass seeding and tree plantings.

J) Wetland and biolog plant preparation-
Prepare wetland sod and biologs for planting in the 2007 calendar year.

K) Control weeds-
Complete 6 biocontrol releases for yellow starthistle/spotted knapweed and use mechanical and chemical control methods for 5 acres of riparian and upland weed sites.

L) Maintain Vegetation-
Complete vegetation maintenance including weed control at 18 planting sites for an estimated 15 acres.  

M) Fence installation-
Install an estimated 3,000 LF of fence.  Fence will be a combination of wire, wood posts and metal posts installed to NRCS and IDFG specifications.  

N) Water System Installation-
Install 3 alternative water systems for livestock.  

O) Collect stream temperature data at 18 sites-
Using continuous temperature monitors, collect stream temperature at 18 sites within the watershed.  

P) Collect stream inventory and assessment data along 70 miles-
Using stream inventory protocols established during the 2005 contract year, complete a physical inventory of 70 miles of stream.

Status and Trend monitoring:  The Nez Perce Tribe is completing monitoring within the watershed.  The Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (District) utilizes the Nez Perce Tribe's monitoring information to prioritize habitat needs and site specific project areas.  The District also assists in coordinating landowner access.