BACKGROUND

Habitat degradation/alteration and widespread stocking of non-native species have resulted in fish assemblages in the Pend Oreille subbasin that are drastically different from pre-development native communities. Native fish have been displaced throughout much of their historic habitat by non-natives. Dams on the Pend Oreille River have created habitat suitable for warm-water species. The objectives of this project focus on implementing measures incorporated into the Council's 1995 Program: 1) restoring tributary populations of native cutthroat and bull trout, and 2) enhancing the largemouth bass population to provide a quality sport and subsistence fishery in Box Canyon reservoir. Stream habitat and fish assessments were initiated in 1995. Based on recommendations from these assessments, tributary restoration projects started in 1996. In 2002, overall fish densities in the restored tributary sites increased 47%; however, non-native species accounted for much of the increase. Therefore, tributary restoration efforts were more focused on non-native species removals in headwater streams and large scale bank restoration in the lower portions of watersheds where channel stability is impaired.. Non-native brook trout removal has been conducted in the upper West Branch LeClerc Creek watershed since 2002.  From 2002 to 2008, over 15,000 brook trout have been removed from streams in the upper West Branch LeClerc Creek watershed.  In 1997, artificial structures were placed in four reservoir sloughs to provide overwinter cover for juvenile largemouth bass. Largemouth bass habitat enhancement has resulted in a significant increase in juvenile relative abundance. Therefore, additional largemouth bass habitat enhancement structures were placed in sloughs in 2007.

In summary, the Kalispel Natural Resource Department's plan for recovering native salmonid populations is:

1. Perform baseline stream habitat and fish population assessments to determine current distribution and abundance and identify core watersheds where recovery efforts will be focused.
2. Work to protect existing native populations and good habitat through participation in regional policy setting groups and consultation with area land, fish, and wildlife management agencies.
3. Pursue funding from various sources and participate jointly with other agencies in watershed restoration projects.
4. Implement instream and riparian restoration in identified recovery areas.
5. In recovery areas with non-native populations, relocate native species, treat streams to remove non-native species, and translocate genetically identical or similar native fish from sister watersheds.
6. Monitor restoration and adapt management plans if needed.

OBJECTIVES

1. Conduct habitat and fisheries assessments in tributaries to the Pend Oreille River that are third order or larger.
   This objective is addressed and implemented by Work Elements D and E.

2.  Develop recommendations for and implement habitat restoration projects.
This objective is addressed and implemented by Work Elements C, F,  K, and L.

3.  Monitor and evaluate habitat enhancement projects.
This objective is addressed and implemented by Work Elements D, F, and M.

4.  Maintain habitat enhancement structures
This objective is addressed and implemented by Work Elements H, I and J.



APPROACH

Baseline fish surveys are completed to provide information on fish species distribution and relative abundance.  Fish habitat surveys are conducted to collect information used to assess what habitat attributes may be limiting fish abundance.  Habitat assessments also provide the information needed to identify reaches where restoration activities are needed, prioritize those stream reaches, and which habitat restoration techniques are appropriate.   Attributes (e.g. LWD size and frequency, channel dimensions, substrate size distribution, residual pool volume) are measured in a reference (relatively unimpacted) reach to provide a model for the restoration reach.  Bankfull depth and water surface slope required to move the largest particle size, and shear stress are calculated to validate the restoration design.  Prior to placement of instream structures, channel cross sections are measured to establish pre-implementation profile; each site is benchmarked and effectivness monitoring will be conducted at these same sites.  Additonally, habitat surveys are conducted  to provide information for the Priority Watershed Assessment funded primarily with SRFB funds.  The Priority Assessment will result in a restoration plan for the 13 watersheds in the Lower Pend Oreille and Priest River (west side) watersheds where bull trout are present or have been recently documented.