PROJECT/CONTRACT HISTORY:

Our mission is to work proactively within the region’s diverse landscapes to restore and protect the ecological processes of the Lapwai Creek watershed to the greatest extent possible.  We will work to rehabilitate habitat that will support healthy, self-sustaining fish populations and provide clean water for the benefit of all.  We will work within present challenges and opportunities toward achieving a balance whereby all communities can thrive for generations to come.

Hé-yey, Nez Perce for steelhead or rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), are a culturally and ecologically significant resource of the Lapwai Creek watershed and comprise a portion of the federally listed Snake River Basin Steelhead distinct population segment (DPS).  The majority of the Lapwai Creek drainage is federally identified as critical habitat for this DPS while also providing habitat for the federally listed Snake River Nacó’x, or fall chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), evolutionarily significant unit (ESU).  The Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (District) and the Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resources Management- Watershed (Tribe), in an effort to support the continued existence of these and other aquatic species, have developed the "Strategy for the Restoration of Lapwai Creek Watershed" document to direct efforts and resources toward the highest priority restoration projects and areas of the Lapwai Creek watershed.  The prioritization framework considered four aspects to determine the relative importance of performing restoration in a certain area: density of critical fish species, physical condition of the AU, water quantity, and water quality.  It was established, through vigorous data analysis within these four areas, that the top three areas to pursue restoration within the Lapwai Creek watershed are Lapwai Creek from stream km 17-34, Sweetwater Creek from the mouth to km 13 and from the mouth of Lapwai Creek to km 17.

SUMMARY OF FY 10 CONTRACT:

The "Strategy for the Ecological Restoration of Lapwai Creek Watershed," which was completed under the FY 07 contract, was the main reference for prioritizing implementation and developing the FY 11 SOW.  

The NRAMP inventory and project selection will continue on tribal and private properties within the areas identified as priority assessment units in the "Strategy for the Ecological Restoration of Lapwai Creek Watershed."  The NRAMP protocol will complete an inventory, assessment, and management plans to identify stream/watershed restoration projects on 5-10 properties within the top three prioritized assessment units in the Lapwai Creek watershed.  Restoration projects identified and selected through the NRAMP process will be prioritized for implementation in the future.

Implementation projects planned for the 2011 SOW include:
o  Noxious weed control and native grass projects are the initial step in establishing native shrubs and trees in the riparian area. Once the noxious weeds have been controlled and native grass established, native shrubs and trees will be planted.
o  Tribal Trust Unit 30 - implementation of noxious weed control and native grass seed establishment of 18.5 acres.
o  Tribal Trust Unit 3123 - implementation of noxious weed control and native grass seed establishment of 15.5 acres.
o  Tribal Trust Unit 3125 - implementation of noxious weed control and native grass seed establishment of 50.5 acres.
o  Tribal Trust Unit 348 - implementation of noxious weed control and native grass seed establishment of 3.0 acres.
o  Tribal Allotment 369B - implementation of noxious weed control and native grass seed establishment of 2.0 acres.
o  Tribal Allotment 365 - implementation of noxious weed control and native grass seed establishment of 6.0 acres.
o  Tribal Allotment 679/681 - implementation of noxious weed control and native grass seed establishment of 2.0 acres, removal of nonfunctional levee, 200 ft. of stabilization of streambank.
o  Tribal Allotment 342D - implementation of noxious weed control and native grass seed establishment of 6.0 acres, create 700 linear feet of floodplain, 700 ft. of stabilization of streambank.
o  Pilot Project for establishment of wetland sod mats.

In addition to the development of new projects, it is necessary to continue some specific project maintenance actions through the FY 2011 contract year.  Annual maintenance will be preformed on 3 miles of fence projects that were constructed between 2003 and 2010 to exclude livestock from aquatic and riparian areas on parcels throughout the Lapwai Creek Watershed.   Weed control, plant maintenance and occasional adjustments of project components will continue on 50.5 acres on Tribal Trust Unit 3125.  

Outreach and education to the general public, fellow professionals, and high school and college students will continue.  This will include providing opportunities for local student and community volunteers to actively participate in the implementation of our restoration projects. Partners include the Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District and the Nez Perce Tribe Water Resources and Land Services Departments.

Property Inventory Changes

From Contract #46105 to CR-127505
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