Problems identified in the Salmon Sub-basin Management Plan (May 2004) indicate that the Upper Salmon Watershed encompasses a total of five Chinook species populations, two steelhead populations and one sockeye population. The Upper Main-stem Salmon River from Pahsimeroi confluence to the headwaters has been altered by irrigation with-drawls. The plan addresses improved connectivity of tributaries that are intercepted or impacted by irrigation ditches.  Improvements to water deliver Pole Creek is anticipated to modify the sequence and/or timing of when the diversion operates and how much flow is taken out of the system at critical times to sustain the focal species. To follow up on the success of the previous two years contract for Pole Creek, a reconnect on Upper Pole Creek is planned in addition to completing a stock-water system to prevent livestock from using Pole Creek.  The  flows established in Pole Creek along with the associated re-hab work will extend down the length of Pole Creek through the private lands, and add substantially to another ˜8 miles of the headwater of the Salmon River, building on the many previous investments and efforts towards the same objectives.

A Garden Creek diversion is being removed and will no longer be a passage barrier on lower Garden Creek this builds on work completed previously with the City of Challis on Garden Creek and future stream enhancements on this system.

There is a need to revisit fencing contracts installed by the Custer SWCD in order to protect the previous investments by BPA. The district proposes to work with contract holders to repair areas of fence in need of repair and extend the fence contracts for longer period of time if feasible based on repair needs. This district has hired staff to assist with the management of this task and to complete monitoring inventories on these contracts to determine the level of work needed. Monitoring of fencing projects will be accomplished this year by utilizing district staff to conduct monitoring inventories and determine the need and extend of maintenance required to maintain the integrity of the structures.