Contract History:

This project is implemented as part of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests (NPCNF)/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 NPCNF lands in the lower South Fork Clearwater River 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 NPCNF who provides at least a 20% match including cash and in-kind contributions. Project planning and implementation responsibilities are also shared with the NPCNF.

FY 16 implementation includes the survey and contract preparation for the future replacement of 1 culvert, 1 culvert replacement (to improve fish passage and hydrologic capacity, reduce potential sediment delivery and provide connectivity), a feasibility study to analyze the impacts of a potential velocity barrier on the South Fork Clearwater River, riparian planting (to decrease water temperatures and reduce potential sediment delivery), fence maintenance (to protect riparian plants), 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.