Project/Contract History:  
The Lolo Creek Watershed Restoration project (1996-07-02) has been an on-going project of the Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries Watershed Program and BPA since 1996.  The ultimate goal of the project is to restore the physical and biological characteristics of the watershed to provide quality habitat for anadromous and resident fish species that support the historical, cultural and economic practices of the Nez Perce Tribe.  The Lolo Creek watershed contains proposed critical habitat for listed species steelhead trout and potential critical habitat for bull trout; it has moderate habitat potential for spring Chinook salmon.  Restoration in this watershed focuses on restoring riparian processes by addressing increased water temperatures, increased sedimentation, cattle grazing affects, fish passage issues, and noxious weed infestations.  The project addresses passage problems, primarily at road/stream crossings, on both private and federal land, and addresses riparian planting and riparian protection program management. Completed contract work includes culvert prioritization and assessment, installation of an off-site watering site, 16 culvert replacements, 8 culvert removals, 1100 ft. of stream bank stabilization, 62 miles of road decommissioning, 16 miles of fence installation, over 12,000 riparian trees planted, and continued monitoring and evaluation.
    
Summary of FY 07 contract work:
This project is a part of the Clearwater National Forest-Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Restoration Partnership with in-kind contributions from the Clearwater National Forest.  Since the project's inception, we have shared project planning, costs, and implementation responsibilities.  There are two contracts under this project.  The primary contract is with the Nez Perce Tribe.  This contract with the Clearwater National Forest includes only the funding for specific subcontracts.


A) Replace 2 barrier culverts-
The Rat Creek culvert has been identified as a high priority for replacement as it is undersized and does not pass all life stages of fish.  This culvert will be replaced by the Forest Service (Clearwater National Forest) under this contract with BPA, and the Nez Perce Tribe will assist in bid package preparation, contractor selection, technical oversight and final inspection. The existing culvert will be replaced, located at T33N/R6E/Sec.33, with a new culvert that is designed for streambank simulation and to endure the 100 year flood event.  This replacement will return fish passage to 4.3 miles of stream for all life stages of aquatic species including juvenile spring Chinook and steelhead.

The Snowshoe Creek culvert has been identified as a high priority for replacement as it is undersized and does not pass all life stages of fish.  This culvert will be replaced by the Forest Service (Clearwater National Forest) under this contract with BPA, and the Nez Perce Tribe will assist in bid package preparation, contractor selection, technical oversight and final inspection. The existing culvert will be replaced, located at T34N/R6E/Sec.8, with a new culvert that is designed for streambank simulation and to endure the 100 year flood event.  This replacement will return fish passage to 0.9 miles of stream for all life stages of aquatic species including juvenile spring Chinook and steelhead.  All associated implementation/project effectiveness monitoring and evaluation for culvert replacements and road decommissioning and improvement will be conducted by the Nez Perce Tribe in their contract with BPA under this project.