This project supports implementing larger-scale projects to improve local watershed health and ecosystem conditions and function within the Pend Oreille subbasin, consistent with the NPCC Sub-Basin Plan. The Kalispel Tribe has a history of matching & leveraging funds from various sources (e.g. SRFB, DOE, DOT, BIA, USFS) to implement large scale watershed projects. Land management and watershed restoration will be based upon the jointly-developed objectives and expected performance outcomes.

Harvey Creek subwatershed is a high priority for aquatic restoration on the Colville National Forest. Harvey Creek is the primary tributary to Sullivan Lake which supports a naturally-reproducing, self sustaining population of kokanee salmon. Harvey Creek also supports a population of genetically pure Westslope Cutthroat Trout. An analysis of limiting factors to watershed and aquatic function and aquatic habitat-forming processes in Harvey Creek was completed by the Kalispel Tribe in collaboration with the Colville National Forest. The analysis shows altered stream channel shape and function, floodplain disconnection, lack of pool habitat, unstable banks in certain reaches. Flow characteristics at the mouth of Harvey have been altered from past watershed disturbance. The goal of this project is to identify and design for future project implementation of Lower Harvey Creek.

This project is also to develop designs and specifications for the removal and replacement of an existing culvert and undersized bridge on Harvey Creek. Installing an appropriately sized structure will not only restore fish passage, but will allow for natural stream process, such as large wood and bedload transport, to occur. This project will also develop construction cost estimate which will be used for future implementation as dollars become available or can be cost shared through the Pend Oreille Initiative Project.

This project will also produce design and specifications for future replacement of 2 culverts on Jungle Creek (tributary to Harvey Creek) a fish passable structure and reestablish natural stream channel conditions.

This project will compile all data that has been collected to date in the Priest River to produce a report detailing the physical habitat.

The USGS will be providing in Winter of 2018, a cold-water refuge protection and restoration framework. The framework will help prioritize areas for protection and enhancement of cold-water refuges in the Pend Oreille River. The Kalispel Tribe will put out an RFP for the identification potential drawings for 4 locations.