Clearwater River subbasin was designated a Focus Program in late 1996 under the Northwest Power and Conservation Council's (Council) 1994 Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Program (FWP), Section 7.7A.4.

The Subbasin Management Plan was formally adopted into the Council's program February 2005 and the Salmon Subbasin Management Plan was adopted into the Council's program in late 2004.  Fiscal Year 2007-2009 solicitation for projects was the first to be framed by the Clearwater and Salmon Management Plans.

Goals of the Focus Program is to coordinate protection, enhancement, and restoration of fish and wildlife habitat in the Clearwater River subbasin at watershed scales.  Idaho Soil Conservation Commission (ISCC) sponsors this contract and retains a coordinator who provides additional resources and support, which increases the odds that habitat improvement projects will be completed within the subbasin.  

Different mandates, policies, and legal obligations of the various agencies in the area are often confusing to private landowners, non-governmental organizations, and other agencies.  This often leads to frustration and inaction; the coordinator cuts through the red tape and helps move projects forward.

The coordinator also liaisons between the Clearwater Subbasin and the Council, Bonneville, Idaho Soil Conservation Commission, Idaho Office of Species Conservation, and the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority.

Any conservation district, county, tribe, watershed group, agency, or individual in the Clearwater River subbasin may request assistance from the Focus Program coordinator.  

Specific duties of the coordinator include:

• Assisting with initial proposals for Bonneville project solicitation cycles.

• Coordinating and assisting Bonneville funded project sponsors to plan, develop, and implement projects which meet the goals of the Clearwater subbasin plan.

• Finding funding sources through grant writing and proposal development as cost share for Bonneville projects, as well as other sub-basin projects which meet the goals and objectives of the subbasin plan.

• Connecting project sponsors with technical experts who can help with design and construction.  

• Providing advice and assistance with environmental consultations including NEPA, and state and federal permitting.

• Offering general management, support, and contract administration assistance.

• Facilitating the Clearwater Technical Advisory Group and any other habitat groups who may request future assistance.

• Managing the Subbasin Implementation Database.