Background

Creation of the DPCWMU was made possible by BPA funding, and the cooperative efforts of IDFG, SBT, BLM, Trust for Public Lands, The Conservation Fund, and others.

BPA is the principal contributor to land acquisition funding as well as ongoing operation and management funding. This contribution serves to partially mitigate for impacts associated with construction and operation of Palisades Dam on the South Fork Snake River. IDFG also contributes to ongoing operation and maintenance funding.

The first acquisition was the 140 acre K1 segment ("Menan"), acquired in 1997, and protecting an estimated 317 Habitat Units (HUs). Next was the 310 acre K2 segment ("Beaver Dick"), acquired in 1997, and protecting an estimated 901 HUs. Next was the 2,556 acre Boyle segment, acquired in 1999, and protecting an estimated 6,918 HUs. Next was the 81 acre Allen segment, acquired in 2002, and protecting an estimated 535 HUs. Last was the 120 acre Horkley segment, acquired in 2002, and protecting an estimated 195 HUs. All Habitat Unit protection estimates assume continuing O&M funding from BPA.

For the protection of Shoshone-Bannock Tribes' treaty rights, BLM holds title to the properties, and they are co-managed by IDFG and SBT. Sho-Ban tribal participation primarily is coordination with IDFG, to ensure protection of treaty rights. Coordination between IDFG and BLM occurs, primarily to ensure that management activities comply with federal regulations.  

The 5 segments are managed as a complex, for cost-effectiveness and management efficiency. Equipment, materials, supplies, and personnel can be shared between the segments.

Until a management plan for these 5 segments has been submitted and approved by BPA, this contract will provide for the ongoing operations and maintenance necessary to maintain the baseline Habitat Units on the 5 segments.  Once the management plan has been approved, the SOW and budget will be modified to include habitat restoration and enhancement tasks.

Project Goals

Protect and maintain wetland, riparian, and upland habitats on the Deer Parks Complex Wildlife Mitigation Unit (DPCWMU). The Mitigation Unit is comprised of 5 segments: Boyle, K1, K2, Horkley, and Allen.

1. Development of a management plan that provides for the protection, enhancement, and restoration for all 5 segments (Boyle, K1, K2, Horkley, and Allen).

2. Management of Acquired Lands.

Until a management plan has been submitted and reviewed by BPA, this contract will only provide for the maintenance of the baseline HUs and the protection of wildlife species on each segment.  This will be done using sound ecosystem techniques and principles.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation.

To monitor habitats using scientific principals and techniques to ensure that project objectives are being met and to provide a basis for use of adaptive management when appropriate. To evaluate habitat responses to management activities to protect and maintain habitat for the benefit of fish and wildlife using mitigation lands.

4. Coordination.

Coordination of the contract will involve IDFG, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes (SBT), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).