Background:

The Rudeen Ranch property is a 2,450-acre parcel that includes sage steppe, coniferous woodland, and aspen grove habitats.  It was purchased in conjunction with the Southern Idaho Wildlife Mitigation Project (NWPPC proposal 1995-057-02).  This acquisition is estimated to provide BPA with 2,002 habitat units (HUs) of mitigation credit toward the Minidoka (1,596 HUs) and Palisades (406 HUs) wildlife mitigation debt.  A breakdown of HUs by target species follows:

Species Habitat Units Hydropower Project
Ruffed Grouse 317 Palisades
Wintering Bald Eagle 89 Palisades
Mule Deer 1596 Minidoka

Location:

The Rudeen Ranch project is located in Power County Idaho approximately 7 miles southeast of American Falls, Idaho.  It includes portions of Sections 25, 27, 34, 35, and 36 Township 8 South, Range 31 East, portions of Section 30, Township 8 South, Range 32 East, portions of Sections 1, 2, 10, 11, 12 and 13, Township 9 South, Range 31 East, and portions of Sections 5 and 8, Township 9 South, Range 32 East. The project totals 2,450.38 acres.

Project Goal:

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes will implement southern Idaho wildlife mitigation operations and maintenance programs for the Rudeen Ranch / Indian Springs Wildlife Mitigation Project. Continuation of  baseline habitat units (HU's) evaluation will be continued. Habitat improvement related to management actions will be undertaken. Maximization of and maintenance of wildlife habitat unit (HU) values on the project areas will be the primary project goal. This SOW covers the Rudeen Ranch/Indian Springs Project. Implementation of O and M should provide for maximization of HUs to be credited to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) upon completion.

This SOW has been developed to cover personnel and operational costs for a 12-month period.