Project History:

This project is implemented as part of the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests (NPCNF), Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) 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 plant encroachment.  The cost share for this project has been contributed by the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests 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 - Clearwater National Forests.


FY 14 Contract Implementation Summary:

Approximately 5.0 miles of O'Hara Road will be improved to reduce sedimentation and the risk of failure.  Road improvement work will include, but is not limited to, the installation of 7 new culverts to improve drainage, construction of drivable dips, road prism enhancement, and gravel and aggregate resurfacing.  The treatment sections will range in length from 80 to 200 feet, and will be implemented using techniques consistent with recent geotechnical evaluations and recommendations.