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, Slate Creek Watershed Restoration (2007-064-00)  and Lower South Fork Clearwater Restoration (2010-003-00).  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/Slate Creek watersheds contain designated critical habitat for Snake River steelhead trout, 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.  Historically, 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 for environmental compliance, contract preparation, administration, and technical oversight.  In recent years, the BLM, ITD, and Idaho County have been and will also be submitting cost share contributions during FY 20.

FY 20 implementation includes 1 culvert replacement (to improve fish passage and hydrologic capacity, reduce potential sediment delivery and provide connectivity),  1 barrier culvert replacement design (to replace a failed culvert in the future that serves as a fish barrier and sediment source with limited hydrologic capacity), fence maintenance (to protect riparian plants), and continued planning and coordination for next year's projects and out-year habitat improvements.  Pit tag arrays will be installed to monitor fish passage at a suspected velocity barrier site in the South Fork Clearwater River in preparation for a potential velocity barrier removal project in partnership with the USFS in out years.  NPT Watershed personnel will also continue an inventory of stream crossings throughout the Lower South Fork Clearwater River watershed in order to identify and prioritize fish passage barriers and associated risks to aquatic species.