The project scope is to implement action items to maintain, enhance and restore fish habitat and fish passage in the Lemhi sub-basin area within the administrative boundaries of the Bureau of Reclamation as directed under the 2000 and 2004 National Marine Fisheries Service's  BiOp's for the continued operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System.

Implementation of measures funded under this plan will achieve the objective of the Northwest Power Planning Council's Strategy for Salmon Recovery, the National Marine Fisheries Service Salmon Recovery Plan in terms of stabilizing and improving habitat for anadromous fish and the "Four Governors Salmon Recovery Recommendations for Salmon Recovery".

Migratory and habitat connectivity across the watershed's valley bottom areas is of high importance to ecologically-based restoration efforts because the tributary sub-watersheds tend to be dominated by federal lands and often provide habitat strongholds for native species of fish and wildlife.

Key habitat limitations in the watershed's bottomland areas include migration problems associated with irrigation push up dams,  unscreened irrigation diversions, and streambed sedimentation. Addressing these limitations may offer an opportunity to enhance the watershed's anadromous salmonids and will clearly benefit other native species of salmonids, other fish, and wildlife.  

In the past, the primary opportunity for addressing these problems in the Lemhi watershed has been through the Lemhi Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD) and the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project (USBWP) and their receipt of technical assistance from the Bureau of Reclamation to implement actions on non-federal land.   BPA's efforts to re-negotiate mutually acceptable contracts with the LSWCD and USBWP for continued implementation of BPA funded projects have been unsuccessful.   In the Lemhi watershed, the Bureau of Reclamation is available to continue providing technical support to BPA and implement measures identified for funding under this plan.   Sponsorship  tasks to be completed by Reclamation include project planning, coordination, design, inspection, and contract administration.

The goal of the projects identified is to improve anadromous fish passage in both specific local reaches and the overall aquatic health of the Lemhi sub-basin.  Implementation of identified projects will further the enhancement of the watershed by maintaining and/or restoring balance with watershed processes, restoring geomorphic diversity, reducing bank erosion, lowering summer temperatures, and improving fish habitat..