The Coeur d'Alene Tribe intends to reestablish a native redband trout fishery in the Hangman Watershed by addressing both the landscape level and in-stream habitat issues that restrict the redband populations on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation to the higher elevation tributaries of the Watershed.  Successful restoration of redband trout in the Hangman Watershed is regarded by the Tribe as a step towards preparing the Reservation landscape and community for the return of salmon as a Tribal resource.  The first major accomplishment of this Project was to initiate restoration in the Hangman Watershed through the acquisition of approximately 1,195 acres situated such that the property could function both as mitigation for Albeni Falls construction and inundation losses and as a site where the Coeur d’Alene Tribe could initiate substantive improvements to redband habitats. This Scope of Work describes the FY2016 activities associated with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's Hangman Wildlife Project, which is the continuation of management activities that contributes to both Resident Fish benefits and Wildlife Mitigation.  This Project achieve these benefits by addressing the landscape level issues that result in decreased base flows, which improves habitats for Albeni Falls Mitigation Target Species and native redband trout populations.  The Work Elements have been grouped under general categories that correspond to Planning and Coordination, Construction and Implementation, Research and Monitoring, and Project Administration.
Planning and Coordination Work Elements

A : 165. Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation - Complete NEPA Compliance

B : 141. Produce Other Report - Sharp-Tailed Grouse Habitat Effectiveness Evaluation

C : 191. Watershed Coordination - Cooperate with other projects and agencies to maximize restoration benefits

D : 189. Coordination-Columbia Basinwide - Coordinate Efforts with regional partners

E : 114. Identify and Select Projects - Identify & select lands within priority areas where conservation partnerships can be developed

F : 172. Conduct Pre-Acquisition Activities - Exclude uplands within the hnt'k'wipn Management Area in favor of additional floodplain acreage

Construction and Implementation Work Elements

G : 115. Produce Inventory or Assessment – Determine immediate threats to integrity of habitats within Project Sites

H : 27. Remove Debris - Remove debris from passed use or from illegal dumping

I : 188. Provide Access and Public Information – Maintain and/or establish access to the Project Areas

J : 47. Plant Vegetation - Plant native grasses, trees and shrubs according to pertinent management plans

K : 198. Maintain Vegetation - Minimize the presence of noxious weeds on managed properties

L : 190. Remove, Exclude and/or Relocate Animals – Establish and maintain fences to protect planted native vegetation

Research and Monitoring Work Elements

M : 157. Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data – Assess Nehchen Creek for potential beaver reintroduction

N : 157. Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data - Evaluate survival of Project plantings

Project Administration Work Elements

O : 119. Manage and Administer Projects - Manage and administer project

P : 185. Produce Pisces Status Report - Periodic Status Reports for BPA

Q : 132. Produce (Annual) Progress Report - Annual Report Required

R : 99. Outreach and Education - Involve students and inform public of Hangman Restoration Project activities

Major initiatives during FY2016 include; 1) a push to finish the exchange of the easement on uplands within the current hnt’k’wipn Management Area, which is a BPA Wildlife Mitigation Property, for a conservation easement on floodplain acreages that will more readily support in-stream habitats, 2) continuing the establishment of native vegetation, 3) minimizing noxious weeds, and 5) partnering with other agencies and initiatives to broaden the effect of restoration efforts in Hangman.  The completion of the realignment of Sheep Creek was transferred to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Fisheries Enhancement Hangman Creek Project (Project # 2001-032-00) in order to more effectively accomplish landscape and instream restoration.  Staff of the Wildlife Project (2001-033-00) are more adept at terrestrial habitat restoration, while the staff of the Fisheries Project (2001-032-00) are more adept at instream habitat restoration.  Completion and submission of reports, gathering data to assess the effectiveness of restoration efforts and protecting the mitigation property and improvements are also part of the FY2016 Scope of Work.  The total work element budget being submitted with this Scope of Work is $317,750.