Project/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, 15,200 riparian plants were planted along approximately 4 miles of the mainstem of Red River, and the Red River Meadow conservation easement pursuit began.  In 2008, approximately 5,000 riparian plants were planted along approximately 4 miles of the mainstem Red River, designs for five culvert replacements were completed (Deadwood, Siegel, Schooner, Deer, and Soda Creeks), and conservation easement activities continued - the appraisal was completed, partners were secured, and a PCSRF Idaho Office of Species Conservation grant awarded for $250,000 towards the purchase of the easement.

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 09 Contract Implementation:

FY 09 contract implementation will include the Red River Narrows Stream Restoration project which will be implemented by the Forest Service (Nez Perce National Forest).  The Narrows Restoration project entails 2 miles of mainstem Red River post dredge mine rehabilitation which includes mine tailings pile regrading, stream channel reconstruction, and the installation of instream habitat complexity structures such as engineered log jams.  The technical oversight and associated project implementation/effectiveness monitoring and evaluation of the Narrows Project will be done by the Nez Perce Tribe under the BPA-NPT contract of this project.