This project is for partial mitigation of wildlife habitat losses associated with the construction and inundation (C&I) by Albeni Falls Dam as consistent with the NPCC Program and Power Act.  Along with active restoration and enhancement activities, this contract provides monitoring and routine data collection in coordination with the UCUT Wildlife M&E program that provides scientific support for the continuation of these types of management activities on current lands and additional properties that may become part of this project.  This contract also covers the operation and maintenance (O&M) of existing habitat values and previously installed structures and improvements.

Traditionally, the Kalispel Tribe relied on the Pend Oreille River Basin and its abundant aquatic and terrestrial resources for subsistence. The productivity of the area has changed dramatically over the past sixty years due to the construction and inundation by Albeni Falls Dam. Until the Pacific Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act (Power Act) of 1980 (Public law 96-501) directed that measures be implemented to protect, mitigate, and enhance fish and wildlife to the extent affected by development and operation of hydropower projects on the Columbia River System and that the Bonneville Power Administration provide the funding to offset identified impacts. The Construction of Albeni Falls Dam resulted in the loss of over 20,000 Habitat Units in wetland and riparian habitat types. These losses occurred exclusively within the Kalispel Ceded Lands. Through the acquisition of property rights (fee title to management agreements), property protection, and habitat enhancement, the Kalispel Tribe is continuing to mitigate for these losses. This ongoing project (#1992-061-02) provides for the protection, enhancement, restoration, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of acquired lands to offset the negative impacts to wildlife species and habitats affected by the construction and operation of Albeni Falls Dam. Management activities include hydraulic restoration, wetland enhancement, riparian shoreline protection, and upland vegetation restoration and enhancement.