Contract History:

This project was originally proposed during the 2007 NPCC/BPA Provincial Review.  Although it did not receive funding during that process, it was recommended for funding as an FCRPS BiOp project.  This comprehensive watershed restoration effort focuses on mitigating and restoring limiting factors to fisheries production.  The primary limiting factors are excessive sedimentation in the spawning and rearing areas of streams, and the lack of available habitat and habitat connectivity.  These limiting factors are the result of past land management activities, including road construction, logging, and mining.  

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest (NPCNF) has completed several surveys, assessments, and NEPA decision documents.  The first assessment, the South Fork Landscape Assessment, was completed in 1999.  This document provided the baseline conditions for each subwatershed as well as general recommendations for future restoration efforts.  The Crooked/American River Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) evaluated a complex system of watersheds using a multidisciplinary approach.  The final product included a proposed list of specific watershed restoration projects, including the Crooked/American Watershed Restoration project.

This project is a part of the BPA, NPCNF, and Nez Perce Tribe (NPT) Watershed Restoration Partnership.  Since the NPT program’s inception, we have shared project planning and development, costs, and implementation responsibilities.  


Summary of FY 2019 Contract Implementation:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
FY 2019 contract implementation, the third year of the Crooked River Valley Rehabilitation project, will include floodplain reconnection, wetland restoration, and stream channel reconstruction.  Mine tailings will be re-graded and spread to create a floodplain that will be inundated annually.  

Approximately 500 1-gallon native riparian plants, such as alder, will also be planted in Elk Creek.  This will be the third consecutive year of riparian planting on private property along Elk Creek.  Periodic reports will be provided to BPA on the status of the contract, and an annual report of accomplishments will be also be completed.