The Nason Creek RM 4.6 side channel connection project will improve fish access to a  floodplain side channel. The existing culvert size, inlet elevation, and outlet location limit the duration and frequency of floodplain connection to Nason Creek.  The new structure under SR 207 will be larger in diameter; it will outlet to a pool instead of a channel through a sand bar, and the bed elevation will reduce fish stranding in the floodplain.  Nason creek has been identified as the highest priority watershed for restoration actions in the Wenatchee watershed. Re-connection of peripheral and transitional habitats has been identified as the highest priority action in Nason Creek by the Upper Columbia spring Chinook and Steelhead Recovery plan (in the Biological Strategy Appendix).  This project was selected for funding by BPA through a targeted solicitation process as part of the Upper Columbia Habitat Project.  This contract will fund Chelan County Natural Resources Department (CCNRD) staff to finalize design, secure permit authorizations, construct this project, and coordinate these efforts with landowners and stakeholders.  Project partners include Bonneville Power Administration as funder, US Forest service as the landowner, WSDOT (SR 207 operates under a Special Use Permit within the project area), and US Bureau of Reclamation who has provided CCNRD project coordination support for this project to date.  Additional project stakeholders include the Wenatchee Habitat Subcommittee, Regional Technical Team, utilities, and landowners. This project will be constructed in summer 2018.

The contractor Chelan County Natural resource Department (CCNRD), its designated agents, sub-consultants and project stakeholders will be available, responsive and collaboratively address contract related issues during the term of the contract. Contract issues include but are not limited to technical, policy, regulatory, project management and associated elements related to the project. Successful execution of this contract is contingent on alignment of the preceding contract issues with the BPI and BPA contracting processes, project management plans, design review protocols (including but not limited to BPA RRT design review, Technical and Design Team guidance, review, input, comments, integration, stakeholder congruence with proposed actions and decisions rendered by 1) the project executive team (BPA, UCSRB, CCNRD). Arbitration and dispute resolution will occur relative to the following two tier escalation ladder: 1) conference with the project Executive Team and 2) Direct consultation between program managers.