The ISRP carefully reviewed the series of Restore and Protect proposals in the Clearwater Subbasin for justification based on a "needs" prioritization; assessment of expected impact to habitat at a coarse level and to focal species at a fine level, and an appropriate level of M&E.

The sponsors appear to have misinterpreted the ISRP's original review comment pertaining to justification for this project's elements (including barrier removal). The ISRP sought justification of each specific project based on the quality and quantity of habitat above a barrier and the potential increase in fish use and benefit. Here, the ISRP recommends as a precursor (perhaps as a future stand alone project) a quantitative evaluation of habitat quality and quantity above each barrier, and that these estimates should play a major role in prioritizing barrier replacement/removal projects.

An additional rationale for requesting a project prioritization was to guide Council as to which project(s) of the group similarly submitted might yield greatest and lasting biological response to focal species per investment. Ultimately, the sponsors provided a ranking regarding this and similar projects. While the process was not transparent, nonetheless, this particular project was listed toward the bottom half of ~20 or so similar projects.

For full comments on "restore and protect" type projects, please see heading "General comments concerning Nez Perce Tribe proposals to protect and restore various watersheds" at the beginning of the ISRP comments on project # 199607702, Protect & Restore Lolo Creek Watershed.