BPA Fish and Wildlife FY 1997 Proposal

Section 1. Administrative
Section 2. Narrative
Section 3. Budget

see CBFWA and BPA funding recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Title of project
Frenchman Creek Bridge

BPA project number   5521900

Business name of agency, institution or organization requesting funding
USFS

Sponsor type   ID-Federal Agency

Proposal contact person or principal investigator

BPA technical contact   ,

Biological opinion ID   

NWPPC Program number   

Short description
Replace and restore a large, existing, badly deteriorated, stream ford with a new bridge within occupied spawning habitat for Snake River spring chinook.

Project start year   1997    End year   1997

Start of operation and/or maintenance   1997

Project development phase   Planning

Section 2. Narrative

Related projects

Project history

Biological results achieved

Annual reports and technical papers

Management implications

Specific measureable objectives
Area of chinook spawning habitat protected.

Testable hypothesis

Underlying assumptions or critical constraints
Construction/restoration activities must be conducted after high water and before or after chinook spawning.

Methods
N/A

Brief schedule of activities
Complete new bridge design and construct. Only a minor maintenance activities would occur in subsequent years.

Biological need
Frenchman Creek is a tributary to the Salmon River at its headwaters. Approximately one mile from its junction with Highway 75, in T. 6 N., R., 14 E., Section 10, the Frenchman Road (195) crosses Frenchman Creek via a ford that was pioneered many years ago, The ford is long and wide, entering at one meander, running up the creek, and exiting in two or three locations at the next meander upstream. The crossing has enlarged and deteriorated through the years, causing damage to adjacent stream and streamside habitats. Deposition within the ford now threatens to result in a breach of the channel into the downstream road, resulting in a significant loss of habitat and extensive amounts of sediment, This reach of Frenchman Creek contains extensive spawning and rearing habitat for Snake River spring chinook In addition to this natural potential, a supplemental adult outplant site of researcher Russ Kiefer (Idaho Habitat and Natural Production Monitoring, BPA Contract No. DU--BI79-84BP13381) is located less than 1/4 mile upstream. This site has routinely received 10 to 20 pair of adult chinook each year since the project began in 1987. The results have shown that Frenchman Creek routinely results in the highest egg to parr and egg to smolt success of all headwater monitoring sites.

In addition to the habitat degradation resulting from the ford, a significant potential exists annually for direct harm to spawning chinook or their redds in the ford. The ford contains extensive spawning gravel, kept clean by passing vehicles, If redds are established in the ford, vehicle use would certainly result in egg mortality. Such vehicle use would likely result before the redds could be identified and administrative actions taken.

Critical uncertainties
none

Summary of expected outcome
We propose to resolve this situation by constructing a bridge at a historic bridge location approximately one-quarter mile upstream of the ford. The existing ford would then be closed and rehabilitated to a natural condition capable of self maintenance. The cause and threat to the habitat degradation would removed, as well as the threat to direct chinook/vehicle interaction.

Dependencies/opportunities for cooperation
NEPA is being completed by the Sawtooth NRA currently, with an expected completion by mid 1996. Consultation with NMFS will also be completed by mid 1996. Funding for completion of this important project is not available in the Sawtooth NRA 1997 constrained budget, and partners are needed. Please join us.

Risks
Flood risks are always present, but will be considered in the design.

Monitoring activity
Stream profiles have been established for the reach and will be monitored after implementation for change. Photo points will also be maintained.

Section 3. Budget

* For most projects, Authorized is the amount recommended by CBFWA and the Council. Planned is amount currently allocated. Contracted is the amount obligated to date of printout.

Funding recommendations

CBFWA funding review group   Snake River

Recommendation    Tier 2 - fund when funds available

Recommended funding level   $45,000