Contract History:

This project is implemented as part of the Nez Perce National Forest (NPNF)/Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) restoration partnership.  This unique and successful restoration partnership began in the Clearwater Subbasin in 1996, and this project is a newly funded BiOp effort initiated in 2011 to perform high priority watershed restoration actions in the Selway River watershed.

The goal of the project is to restore the physical and biological characteristics of the watershed to provide quality habitat for anadromous and resident fish species that support the historical, cultural, and economic practices of the Nez Perce Tribe.  The Selway River watershed contains proposed critical habitat for listed species steelhead trout, potential critical habitat for bull trout, and has moderate habitat potential for spring Chinook salmon.  Restoration follows a ridge top to ridge top approach with implementation focused on restoring riparian processes by addressing increased water temperatures, increased sedimentation, cattle grazing effects, aquatic habitat connectivity, and exotic, invasive plants.  The cost share on this project has been contributed by the Nez Perce National Forest who provides at least a 30% match including cash and in-kind contributions. Project planning and implementation responsibilities are also shared with the Nez Perce National Forest.

FY 11 - 12 Implementation Summary:

FY 11 and FY 12 implementation includes two culvert replacements to improve hydrologic capacity, reduce potential sediment delivery, and provide connectivity, riparian planting to decrease water temperatures and reduce potential sediment delivery, implementation/effectiveness monitoring and evaluation, and continued planning and coordination for next year's specific actions and out-year habitat improvements.

NPT Watershed personnel will also assist the NPNF in conducting an inventory of roads throughout the Selway River watershed in order to identify fish passage barriers and road associated risks to aquatic species.