Contract History:

This project is implemented as part of the Nez Perce National Forest (NPNF)/Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) restoration partnership.  This project represents a merger of two ongoing Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and NPT restoration projects, #1996-077-05, Meadow Creek Watershed Restoration and #2000-036-00, Mill Creek Watershed Restoration, and an expansion of the project area to include all of the NPNF lands in the lower South Fork Clearwater Basin rather than just selected watersheds.  The restoration partnership has been ongoing in the basin since 1996 and this project unification greatly increases the geographic area covered, and enhances the administrative and financial efficiency in order to maximize the direct benefit to fish and wildlife.

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 South Fork Clearwater 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 for this project has been contributed by the Nez Perce National Forest who provides at least a 20% match including cash and in-kind contributions. Project planning and implementation responsibilities are also shared with the Nez Perce National Forest.

FY 13 Implementation Summary:

FY 13 implementation includes the survey and contract preparation for the future removal of up to 15 miles of roads (to reduce sediment input to streams), one road improvement project (to improve hydrologic capacity, reduce potential sediment delivery, and provide connectivity), one culvert replacement (to improve hydrologic capacity, reduce potential sediment delivery, and provide connectivity), riparian planting (to decrease water temperatures and reduce potential sediment delivery), fence maintenance (to protect riparian plants), project implementation, effectiveness, and status and trend monitoring and evaluation, and continued planning and coordination for next year's projects and out-year habitat improvements.  NPT Watershed personnel will also continue an inventory of roads and stream crossings throughout the Lower South Fork Clearwater River watershed in order to identify fish passage barriers and road associated risks to aquatic species.