The Precious Lands project was initiated in 1996 to provide partial mitigation for wildlife habitat losses sustained from construction and inundation of the four lower Snake River dams.  This project includes 16,286 acres of high-quality fish and wildlife habitat in the Lower Grande Ronde subbasin.  In addition to the land held in fee title by the Nez Perce Tribe, the project controls a non-use grazing lease on BLM lands totaling an additional 1,180 acres.   Wildlife habitats on the project consist primarily of canyon grasslands with intermixed shrub fields, Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forests, and riparian areas.  Precious lands includes parts of Bear, Cottonwood, Basin, Rock, Broady, Tamarack, Joseph, Rush, and Buford Creeks which provide habitat for listed Snake River Steelhead and resident trout within 16.3 miles of perennial streams.  It lies approximately 40 miles north of Enterprise, Oregon adjacent to the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.  Part of the project (1,242 acres) is located in Washington state south of Anatone.

This contract represents a continuation of on-going operations, maintenance, and monitoring work designed to protect, enhance, and mitigate for ten target wildlife species as well as promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.  The Work Elements detailed in this contract will allow staff to maintain boundary fences to exclude trespass livestock, allow for safe public access, maintain and improve native plant communities, provide high quality habitat for target species, and ensure this project is administered in coordination with neighboring landowners including the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.  This contract will help the Bonneville Power Administration meet its obligations under the Northwest Power and Conservation Act as well as its trust responsibilities to the Nez Perce Tribe.  This contract will authorize funding for the Nez Perce Tribe to manage and administer the Precious Lands Wildlife Area to benefit target species as well as Threatened and Endangered fish, wildlife, and plants.  Currently, the Precious Lands Project provides 21,118 baseline Habitat Units (HU's) for target wildlife species.  

Staffing, Organization and Assignments

The Project Leader II supervises and directs all activities of the wildlife staff including accomplishment of all the work elements delegated to various staff. The Precious Lands Project is staffed by the following positions:

*  Project Leader II - primary duties and essential tasks are to develop and administer single and multi-year contracts with BPA and other funding partners to manage and restore natural resources on lands within the Precious Lands Mitigation Project. Supervise professional and technical staff, making work assignments and schedules, providing training, etc. Develop, implement, and monitor ecologically based restoration and management plans, collects and analyzes data, formulates management recommendations, and generates routine and specialized reports. Develops and administers project budgets, initiates expenditures, provides financial reports, administers sub-contracts, and seeks opportunities for additional funding to support the project.

*  Professional I (Field Biologist) - coordinate with Project Leader for all data collection, reporting, entry, summary, and general analysis of data as outlined in the SOW. Plan, coordinate, and conduct basic research on wildlife and wildlife habitat, including rare and culturally important plant species. Collect accurate data and perform data backup procedures. Assist Project Leader in preparing risk assessments and conservation plans as well as reports and presentations. Coordinate with Project Leader for all equipment and supply needs and inventory requirements, and preventative and routine maintenance of project equipment.

*  Technician III (Crew Leader) - Assists project staff to perform maintenance at project facilities including access (roads and trails), fence construction and repair, windfall removal, building maintenance, and landscaping activities. Performs weed control and vegetation management activities. Operates and performs routine basic maintenance of vehicles, tractors and implements, trailers, ATV's, power tools. Help maintain equipment inventory. Assists in basic field data collection. Supervise Technician II position.

*  Technician II - Under the supervision of the Crew Leader, assists in general wildlife and wildlife habitat improvement projects, including weed control (herbicide application and mechanical removal), site preparation, seedling, planting, and monitoring. Assists with maintenance at project facilities. Operates and performs routine, basic maintenance of field equipment and conducts safety checks on vehicles.

*  Administrative Assistant - Provides general clerical support and handles incoming requests for administrative assistance. Conducts general data entry and filing systems. Serves as the basic hub for general inquiries from the public and program staff, office management, communication, and staff support.

This contract will provide funding for the O&M of the Precious Lands Project. It will provide funds for all identified personnel salaries and benefits. The contract also supports various aspects of natural resource management as outlined in mitigation directives, outreach and education, utilities, supplies and equipment, fire protection services, vehicle lease and mileage, and staff travel and training.