Aquatic habitat degradation/alteration and widespread stocking of non-native species in the Pend Oreille subbasin have resulted in aquatic communities that differ from pre-development native fish communities. Native fish (specifically Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout) have been displaced by non-native species stocking and by alteration and degradation of habitat. Dams on the Pend Oreille River prevent fish passage and create habitat more suitable for warmwater species. The Kalispel Natural Resources Department (Department) initiated stream habitat and fish assessments in 1995. Based on assessment findings, tributary restoration projects started in 1996. In 2002, overall fish densities in restored tributary sites had increased 47%; however, non-native species, such as Eastern Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout accounted for much of the increase. Therefore, tributary restoration efforts began to focus more on non-native species removal in headwater streams and large scale bank restoration in the lower portions of watersheds where channel stability is impaired. Non-native Brook Trout suppression has been conducted in the Upper West Branch LeClerc Creek watershed in Washington since 2002. In 2009, Brook Trout removals were included in the new Kalispel/BPA Non-native Fish Suppression Project (Project No. 2007-149-00). With nonnative removals now included in the Non-native Suppression Project, the Resident Fish Habitat project is now able to focus on stream and riparian habitat improvements in Washington and Idaho.

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, provided as an attachment, showed altered stream channel shape and function, floodplain disconnection, lack of pool habitat, and 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.

In summary, activities aimed at recovering native Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Bull Trout being undertaken by this project include:

1. Performing baseline stream habitat and fish population assessments to determine current distribution and abundance and identifying core watersheds for focused recovery efforts;
2. Working to protect existing native populations and functioning habitat through participation in regional policy setting groups and consultation with area land, fish, and wildlife management agencies and property owners;
3. Pursuing funding from various sources and partners and partnering with other agencies in watershed restoration projects;
4. Implementing instream, riparian, and upland restoration projects in core watersheds; and
5. Monitoring restoration projects and adaptively managing plans and actions to maximize conservation outcomes.