Contract history:

This project began in 1995 as mitigation for lost anadromous fisheries due to the construction and operation of Dworshak Dam on the North Fork Clearwater River which flows through the Nez Perce Reservation in north central Idaho.  Four ponds are managed by the project to provide subsistence and recreational harvest opportunities for tribal members using trout fisheries in small, confined ponds (< 3 hectares) stocked with hatchery fish.  The project goal of 4,750 kg of trout harvested annually is limited by insufficient carrying capacity and habitat volume due to eutrophication processes in existing ponds, as well as inadequate quantity of ponds (program originally called for 6-12 ponds).  The project has completed restoration of two original ponds and construction of one new pond, and is adding a fourth existing pond obtained through a land purchase by the Nez Perce Tribe.

Summary of FY 2025 contract:  

The current FY 2025 contract includes the operation and maintenance (O&M) of four existing pond fisheries.  The project will provide all necessary documentation in order to comply with the applicable environmental regulations.  The primary objective is to provide tribal harvest opportunities through operation and maintenance of trout fisheries at Mud Springs, Talmaks, Tunnel Pond and Elk Lake.  In addition, the Tunnel Pond fishery is open to the general public with several outreach events held at that site, including a Kids Fishing Day community event in cooperation with the USFWS.  Work tasks related to providing optimal recreational and subsistence harvest include testing and monitoring water quality parameters that determine condition of trout habitat in each pond, monitoring angler harvest, and using the resulting data to manage the fisheries and determine appropriate stocking schedules and rates.  Periodic seine sampling is conducted to monitor fish health and condition.  Regular site maintenance tasks include access road and fence repair, controlling site access, mowing and aquatic weed removal, and equipment upkeep and repair.  Additional activities include data analysis and report preparation, as well as project coordination and administration.