Contract History:  

The Lolo Creek Watershed Restoration project (1996-077-02) has been an on-going project of the Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries Watershed Program and BPA since 1996.  This unique and successful restoration partnership is implemented through agreements between the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests (NPCNFs), Nez Perce Tribe (NPT), and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The ultimate 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.  In 2016,  the Lolo Creek project was combined with the Selway River project, a newly funded BiOp effort initiated in 2011 to perform high priority watershed restoration actions in the Selway River watershed.

The Lolo Creek watershed contains proposed critical habitat for listed species Steelhead trout, potential critical habitat for Bull Trout, and has moderate habitat potential for Spring Chinook Salmon.  Restoration in this watershed focuses on restoring riparian processes by addressing increased water temperatures, increased sedimentation, cattle grazing affects, fish passage barriers, and noxious weed infestations.  Fish passage and habitat connectivity actions are prioritized primarily at road/stream crossings on both private and federal land, and native riparian revegetation and continuous riparian protection are also high priority actions.

The Selway River Watershed contains critical habitat for listed species Steelhead Trout, potential critical habitat for 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 plant encroachment.  The cost share for this project has been contributed by the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests who provides approximately 20% match including cash and in-kind contributions. Project planning and implementation responsibilities are also shared with the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests.



Completed contract work in the Lolo Watershed  includes culvert prioritization and assessment, installation of an off-site water source, 29 culvert replacements, 11 culvert removals, 1600 ft. of stream bank stabilization, 101.5 miles of road decommissioning, 21 miles of fence installation and maintenance, and over 24,000 native riparian trees and shrubs planted.  

Completed contract work in the Selway Watershed includes culvert prioritization and assessment, installation of 10 culvert replacements, 41 miles road decommissioning surveys.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
Summary of FY 2016 contract implementation:

This project is part of the Nez Perce Tribe, BPA, and Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests Watershed Restoration Partnership with in kind contributions from the Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests.  

B) Road Decommissioning
Several miles of roads in Lolo Creek have previously been identified as excess to the needs of the Forest, and pose a threat of sediment delivery to anadromous fish bearing streams.  Up to 10 miles of roads will therefore be decommissioned.
  
C) Fence Maintenance
From 1998 to 2006 fence has been constructed of wooden posts and four-strand barbed wire.  21 miles of previously constructed fence will be thoroughly inspected for loose or weakened posts, and repaired as necessary.

D) Riparian Planting
The Lolo Creek watershed has historically experienced significant grazing and road construction which has destroyed riparian areas.  Re-vegetation efforts have been ongoing since 2000 and over 16,000 trees have been planted to date.  Approximately 1,200 native riparian trees and shrubs will be planted in a pattern that emulates the natural conditions.

E) Culvert Designs
NPT, NP-CNF, and selected Architecture and Engineering firms will work collaboratively to design up to two culvert replacement projects under this contract for implementation in future years, one of which will be the design of the Alder Creek AOP.

F) Increase Instream Habitat Complexity
Assist partners complete stream enhancement project on Dan Lee Creek.  Restoration to include installation of wood and beaver dam analogs (Post Assisted Log Structures) to improve floodplain connectivity and instream complexity.

G) Improve Road
Work with partner agencies to design the Lolo Creek Road improvement.  The final product will be a final design or implementation of the project depending on availability of outside funding.

H) Exotic, Invasive Species Treatment
The USFS Environmental Assessment completed in 2004 identifies the Musselshell Meadows as a highly used, culturally sensitive area of particular concern to the Nez Perce Tribe.  During the 2007 and 2014  field season, NPT and the NPCNFs completed a non-native, invasive plant inventory in Musselshell Meadows which was utilized to develop a treatment plan for the highest priority areas of the 190 acre meadow area and surrounding areas.  The focus will include corridors of invasion, such as roads, trails, and disturbed areas.