CCR-47776
NCTE to complete project.  No change in budget total.  Delay in receiving permitting from Corp for Joint Fill and Removal.  Minor LIB transfer to reallocate funds between subcontracts and reduction in supplies purchase.


This project will reconnect the mainstem North Santiam River to the inlet of an historic off-channel slough (Chahalpam Pond) to increase floodplain function and connectivity. Currently, the Pond connects with the River on a 2 year interval or less which has lead to habitat loss and non-native species establishment. Project results include increasing connection on an annual basis, increasing the average number of days the inlet is inundated, increasing winter flows to a slough critical for Oregon chub, and decreasing conditions that favor non-native invasive species while increasing conditions that favor native species. Chahalpam is a 462-acre conservation parcel located near Stayton along the North Santiam River. The Tribe re-acquired Chahalpam in phases during 2013 – 2019 through the Willamette Wildlife Mitigation Program. Restoration dollars are in critical need to improve habitat quantity, quality, and complexity necessary for a significant population of Oregon chub as well as many other sensitive species. The Chahalpam Pond has been monitored for chub by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife since 1995 and is identified in the Recovery Plan for Oregon Chub (Gray Slough). Proposed actions include removing invasive species, developing an engineered design, conducting Sections 7 and 106 compliance, securing a contractor to implement the construction, executing construction for reconnection, and purchasing floodplain forest vegetation. The Tribe desires to restore floodplain function to the degree possible on Chahalpam and this project initiates the process by implementing one of the highest priorities identified in the Floodplain Restoration Alternatives Analysis developed by the River Design Group. Key project partners include the North Santiam Watershed Council, Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ducks Unlimited.

This project is a collaborative effort between multiple partners and is funded by multiple sources.  Some activities that will occur are in kind assisitance and not funded by this BPA contract. The Tribe will conduct pre- and post-project water quality monitoring including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, and turbidity using a 6920 V-2 Multiparameter Water Quality Sonde. ODFW will provide additional monitoring efforts including pre- and post-project mapping of bathymetry and hydrologic connectivity, water elevation, water temperature, project location conditions, and success of project. Additionally, Chahalpam is enrolled in the USFWS Partners Program, which provides habitat restoration assistance to landowners through in-kind staff time, materials, equipment, and funding (when available) on a first come/first served basis as resources are available. The Partners Program is critical to leveraging resources and filling in the gaps on restoration projects, resulting in a more successful outcome. However, available resources are unknown until the time of need. The Tribe will coordinate with regional Partners Program Biologist Chris Seal to utilize any available resources as needs arise during the project period.