The sponsors have provided an adequate response to ISRP concerns. They provide a clearer justification for road improvements or decommissioning, culvert removal, and weed control in terms of their risks to stream and riparian habitat and fish. The impact of trails on habitat and fish appears much less certain. The proposal is deemed Fundable in Part for road decommissioning, culvert removal, and weed control. Because the risks of erosion from trails do not appear to be well established, the ISRP recommends that this part of the proposal not be funded.

Qualification: The sponsors should develop a credible weed control program. The ISRP is concerned that the weed control program could consist primarily of herbicide spraying.

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.