In 1995, the CTUIR established the Iskuulpa Watershed Project under the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Program to provide in-kind mitigation for impacts from construction and operation of the John Day and McNary hydroelectric projects.  In 2009, the official spelling was changed to Isqúulktpe.  Habitats within the 24,200 acre watershed provide approximately 3,832 habitat units of protection credits for seven target mitigation species.  HEP species include mule deer, mink, western meadowlark, downy woodpecker, yellow warbler, great-blue heron and blue (dusky) grouse.  Protection and enhancement of habitat within the watershed provides dual benefits to fish and wildlife by: 1) providing perpetual protection of watershed resources, 2) enhancing habitats to provide partial mitigation, and 3) improving natural salmonid habitat and production.

Located on the western slopes of the Blue Mountains in Oregon, Isqúulktpe (formerly known as Squaw) Creek, drains into the Umatilla River upstream of Pendleton, Oregon.  The project area contains approximately 958 acres of floodplain riparian habitat, 8,042 acres of grasslands, 4,898 acres of forest environments and 1,409 acres of upland shrub.  The project area also contains 7 miles of anadromous and resident fish habitat.

Consistent with the 2003 Management Plan, the 2010 SOW is a continuation of management activities on the Isqúulktpe Watershed Project, and provides direction for planned actions in the 2010 contract period.  Many of the major tasks are annual in nature, and contribute to on-going protection and enhancement of the fish and wildlife habitat values, and ecosystem health and function, of the watershed.

Project activities include: 1) Planning and Design; 2) Construction and Implementation; 3) Operations and Maintenance; and 4) Monitoring and Evaluation.  Management efforts undertaken under this contract are designed to promote watershed health and ecosystem function, protect, enhance, and mitigate target wildlife mitigation species, and nurture self-sustaining habitats for fish and wildlife.  

Management activities planned for 2010 focus on the following tasks:

- Administer and operate the watershed habitat area
- Renew grazing leases to provide rest from livestock grazing
- Monitor and maintain existing fence to control trespass livestock
- Maintain wildlife water facilities and spring exclosures
- Continue monitoring and treatment strategies to control and eradicate weeds
- Continue and expand treatment of sulfur cinquefoil
- Continue treatment of Himalayan blackberry, which out-competes desirable vegetation
- Begin project planning, coordination, and environmental compliance activities for a new fence
- Prepare a weed management plan for Isqúulktpe Watershed Project
- Maintain seasonal road closure to protect habitat for spawning steelhead
- Seek matching funds