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. Previous funding from BPA through this project was for the design 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 will implement that project through cost share from USFS and SCL Above Sullivan Lake Fund.  

Previous Work Element through this project partially funded a reintroduction for Bull Trout in the Pend Oreille Basin.  The number one priority that came from that report was Sullivan Lake.  The next step it to do a Risk Assessment which the Kalispel Tribe will contract that work with the USGS.  

For the last 3 years the USGS has examined thermal heterogeneity across space and time and identified potential cold-water refuges for salmonids in the Pend Oreille River. The USGS had three specific objectives:
1. Compare longitudinal patterns of water temperature derived from thermal infrared imagery to in-stream measurements in the water column.
2. Assess spatial (lateral, longitudinal, and vertical) and temporal thermal heterogeneity in water temperature at multiple scales.
3. Evaluate statistical associations between hydrologic and geomorphic variables and occurrence of cool-water areas. 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 potential enhancement of cold-water refuges in the Pend Oreille River.

Based on the framework, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, Natural Resources Department (KNRD) has hired a qualified design engineering team for the planning, design, and permitting for three sites that are part of a temperature refuge enhancement project located north of Newport, Washington: Cee Cee Ah Creek mouth, Indian Creek mouth, and springs in the vicinity of Duncan Lake/Springs. This planning and design will be completed in winter 2019 and early 2020.  For 2020, the focus for implementation will be at Duncan Lake/Springs and the mouth of Indian Creek.  Their deliverable is a final design and engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates. Complete regulatory review (e.g. BPA HIP III risk determination), environmental compliance, and obtain all necessary construction permits (state and local permits required) will be done by the engineering team.