Contract History:  

The Lolo Creek Watershed Restoration project (1996-077-02) has been an on-going project of the Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries Watershed Program and BPA since 1996.  The ultimate 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 Lolo Creek 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 in this watershed focuses on restoring riparian processes by addressing increased water temperatures, increased sedimentation, cattle grazing affects, fish passage barriers, and noxious weed infestations.  Fish passage and habitat connectivity actions are prioritized primarily at road/stream crossings on both private and federal land, and native riparian revegetation and continuous riparian protection are also high priority actions.  Completed contract work includes culvert prioritization and assessment, installation of an off-site water source, 29 culvert replacements, 11 culvert removals, 1600 ft. of stream bank stabilization, 101.5 miles of road decommissioning, 21 miles of fence installation and maintenance, and over 24,000 native riparian trees and shrubs planted.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Summary of FY 2015 contract implementation:

This project is part of the Nez Perce Tribe, BPA, and Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests Watershed Restoration Partnership with in kind contributions from the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests.  

A)  Collette Mine Phase 1 Stream Restoration
This project will restore the stream and riparian conditions in Lolo Creek in the area of the now inactive Collette mine.  An approximately 1,300 foot section of Lolo Creek located 2.5 miles upstream from its junction with Musselshell Creek was re-routed as a result of a past mining claim.  Impacted stream conditions in this reach include eroding banks, lack of sinuosity, and lack of instream complexity.  Additionally, approximately 1.7 acres of settling ponds and dikes have been constructed as part of the mining process.  This project will restore natural conditions in Lolo Creek by returning the stream channel to its original location in order to improve habitat for all aquatic species and life stages of native fish populations and reduce downstream sediment.
  
B) Riparian Planting
The Lolo Creek watershed has historically experienced significant grazing and road construction which has destroyed riparian areas.  Re-vegetation efforts have been ongoing since 2000 and over 16,000 trees have been planted to date.  Approximately 1,200 native riparian trees and shrubs will be planted in a pattern that emulates the natural conditions.

C) Exotic, Invasive Species Treatment
The USFS Environmental Assessment completed in 2004 identifies the Musselshell Meadows as a highly used, culturally sensitive area of particular concern to the Nez Perce Tribe.  During the 2007 and 2014  field season, NPT and the NPCNFs completed a non-native, invasive plant inventory in Musselshell Meadows which was utilized to develop a treatment plan for the highest priority areas of the 190 acre meadow area and surrounding areas.  The focus will include corridors of invasion, such as roads, trails, and disturbed areas.

D) Fence Maintenance
From 1998 to 2006 fence has been constructed of wooden posts and four-strand barbed wire.  21 miles of previously constructed fence will be thoroughly inspected for loose or weakened posts, and repaired as necessary.