Contract History:

This project began in 2002 and became part of the Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries Watershed Department’s habitat restoration program.  In 2002, the Red River Ecosystem Analysis at the Watershed Scale (EAWS) was completed.  While this was mainly a Forest Service effort, the NPT was involved in the transportation planning and review of the document.  NPT field crews also surveyed approximately 100 miles of roads and 264 high priority culverts/stream crossings.  In 2003, the NEPA process was initiated on the Upper Red River Watershed Restoration Project which consists of road decommissioning, road improvements, one major culvert replacement, and campground improvements.  NEPA and ESA consultation were completed in 2004, as well as the engineering surveys for the road decommissioning and improvements.  

In 2005, the Bridge Creek Campground Improvements were implemented, and in 2006 - 2007 23 miles of roads were decommissioned, 9 miles of roads were improved, culvert 1709 was replaced, 5 new culvert designs have been subcontracted, 15,200 riparian plants were planted along approximately 4 miles of the mainstem of Red River, and the Red River Meadow Conservation Easement has been initiated.

This project has been, and is still currently a part of the Nez Perce National Forest - Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Restoration Partnership.  Since the project’s inception we have shared project planning, costs, and implementation responsibilities.

Summary of FY 08 Contract Implementation:

FY 08 contract implementation will include the technical oversight and associated project implementation/effectiveness monitoring and evaluation of the Red River Narrows Stream Restoration Project which will be implemented by the Nez Perce National Forest (NPNF) under a separate BPA-NPNF contract of this project.  The Narrows Restoration project includes 2 miles of mainstem Red River post dredge mine rehabilitation, mine tailing pile regrading, stream channel reconstruction, and the installation of instream habitat complexity structures such as engineered log jams.

NPT personnel will continue to plant the riparian corridor (4,000 plants) of approximately 4 miles of the mainstem of Red River, build wildlife exclosures and plant protection cages, and continue conducting pre-acquisition activities for a potential conservation easement in the Red River Meadow.