FY07-09 proposal 199202603

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleUpper Salmon Basin Watershed Project (USBWP) provides technical and administrative support with project implementation guidance to landowners to implement fish habitat projects on private lands.
Proposal ID199202603
OrganizationIdaho Soil Conservation Commission
Short descriptionTo provide local coordination, guidance, and implementation of on-the-ground projects that improve and enhance anadromous and resident fish habitat and fish passage.
Information transferThe USBWP relays pertinent information on our web site at www.modelwatershed.org. Other information is dispersed in newsletters and public meeting presentations.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
Katie Slavin Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project kslavin@idahoag.us
All assigned contacts
Russell Knight Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project rknight@idahoag.us
Jerry Nicolescu Idaho Soil Conservation Commission jerry.nicolescu@idahoag.us
Katie Slavin Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project kslavin@idahoag.us

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Mountain Snake / Salmon

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
N45.7 W114.25 East Fork Salmon River East Fork of Salmon River Watershed
N45.0 W113.39 Lemhi River Lemhi River Watershed
N44.35 W113.55 Pahsimeroi River Pahsimeroi River Watershed
N44.15 W114.29 Salmon River Upper Salmon River Watershed
N45.5 W114.14 Salmon River Middle Salmon / Panther Creek Watersheds

Section 3. Focal species

primary: Chinook Snake River Spring/Summer ESU
secondary: Steelhead Snake River ESU
secondary: Westslope Cutthroat
secondary: Bull Trout
secondary: Interior Redband Trout

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments
2005 Replaced barrier on Lemhi tributary with hanging fence. Riparian fences constructed on 5.5 miles of Pahsimeroi, .3 miles of Lemhi, & 5 miles of Salmon and tributaries. 4 diversions modified to eliminate fish barriers and entrainment.
2004 Removed passage barrier from Lemhi River with rock weir. Eliminated 2 diversions on Pahsimeroi by replacement with pipeline. Riparian fences constructed on 2.75 miles of Pahsimeroi, .5 miles of Lemhi, .3 miles of East Fork and 5.5 miles of Salmon River.
2003 Fish barrier removed from Lemhi River with installation of rock weir. 2 ditches consolidated with pipeline on Pahsimeroi River. Riparian fences constructed on .6 miles on East Fork, 3.75 miles of Salmon River and .82 miles of Pahsimeroi.
2002 Eliminated 6 miles of ditch in Pahsimeroi. Riparian fences on 2 miles East Fork, .4 mile Salmon, and 2.3 miles Lemhi. Infiltration gallery replaced 4 diversions on Salmon. Eliminated 3 diversions through consolidation and sprinkler conversion on Lemhi.
2001 2 Diversions eliminated through consolidation on Salmon River. Diversion improvement on Lemhi opened 3300' of fish rearing area. Riparian fences constructed on 2.5 miles of Lemhi River, 5.5 miles on East Fork and .5 mile on Salmon River near Stanley.
2000 Riparian fences constructed on 1 mile on Lemhi & 1/2 mile on East Fork. Eliminated 2 diversions through consolidation on Upper Salmon and 2 diversions on Pahsimeroi. Installed 5 habitat complexity structures on Lemhi. Established Lemhi Water Bank.
1999 Riparian fences constructed on 2.5 miles of East Fork & 2.5 miles of Lemhi Rivers. Reconnection of Canyon Creek to Lemhi through sprinkler installation. Streambank stabilization by 32 structures in East Fork River & 9 systems for 2,000' on the Lemhi River
1998 Riparian enhancement fences installed on 3 miles of Lemhi River tributaries, and 2.8 miles of East Fork River. Riparian fence and grazing management system on 1 mile of Pahsimeroi River / Patterson Creek.
1997 Constructed 17.5 miles of riparian fence on Lemhi River and 3 miles on Pahsimeroi River. Streambank stabilization and off-channel rearing on Lemhi River. Installed Phase I of riparian management on East Fork with instream stabilization structures.
1996 2 canals eliminated in Salmon River through consolidation into Challis Irrigation Canal. Diversions EF-7 & EF-8 consolidated on East Fork. Riparian fences constructed on 1.75 miles in East Fork. Grazing management fencing on 5.75 miles on Lemhi.
1995 Riparian enhancement fence completed on 4.5 miles of streambank on Pahsimeroi and Lemhi Rivers. 2 diversions eliminated on Lemhi. 7 irrigation diversions consolidated into 3 on Lemhi. Point of diversion transferred from Pahsimeroi River to Salmon River.
1994 Experimental "fish flush" conducted by irrigators to allow chinook adults passage to spawning areas on Lemhi River. Big Flat Ditch siphon completed to reconnect Carmen Creek to the mainstem Salmon River.
1993 Stabilized 200 yards of streambank on East Fork of the Salmon River. Improved 29 irrigation diversion structures on the Lemhi River.
1992 Held meetings to establish structure, organize Advisory Committee, and gather community input.

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 199401700 Idaho Model Watershed Habitat Proposed consolidation with 199202603 for habitat project implementation.
PCSRF - Idaho 008 04 SA Project Planning and Scoping Provide resources (supervison, housing, and direction) to complement partnering of fish habitat restoration funding.
PCSRF - Idaho [no entry] Big Timber Creek Phase I Reconnection Provide continued support through Tech Team for tributary reconnects as part of the Lemhi Agreement.
PCSRF - Idaho 011 04 SA Water Diversion Transfer Assist with transfer of water rights from Lemhi River at L-6, to Salmon River at S-14.
PCSRF - Idaho 012 04 SA Hawley-Eighteen Mile Siphon Provide continued support through Tech Team for tributary reconnects as part of the Lemhi Agreement.
PCSRF - Idaho 019 04 SA Iron Creek Reconnection Enhance BPA project at same site to implement fish habitat and passage on Iron Creek.
BPA 199901900 Restore Salmon River (Challis, Provide assistance as requested by Custer Soil & Water Conservation District
BPA 199401500 Idaho Fish Screening Improveme Work with IDFG to prioritize or find alternatives (consolidations) to fish screens

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Aquatic Objective 01A Increase the number of naturally spawning adults to achieve recovery goals listed in Table 6 within 24 years (timeline is consistent with the NPCC's Fish and Wildlife Program). This should amount to 4 to 6% SAR for spring/summer chinook, 3% for fall chinook (minimum), 4% for sockeye (minimum) and 4% for steelhead (minimum) as measured at Lower Granite Dam and in the tributaries. Salmon 1A1. Participate in province and basin wide forums to examine flows, temperatures, and fish passage associated with differential migration timing and life histories of anadromous salmonids. Work with other entities to mitigate limiting factors.
Aquatic Objective 02A By 4th field hydrologic unit, carry out focused activities designed to improve our understanding and definition of small populations, while protecting the genitic integrity of wild populations that are below historic levels. Salmon 2A2. Continue ongoing and develop new programs in areas where intervention has already occurred and in order to meet interim abundance and delisting targets in Appendix Table 1, Appendix Table 2, and Appendix Table 3.
Aquatic Objective 09A By 2010, complete stream reach-specific designations (and maintenance) of streamflows that are adequate for life history stages of focal species and that are sufficient for providing channel maintenance. Salmon 9A1-9A7, 9A10, 9A11, 9A13, 9A14. Improve irrigation efficiency (where applicable), lease or acquire water rights, use existing water banks to secure flows in appropriate area, provide adequate flows to support spawning and rearing of focal salmonids.
Aquatic Objective 10A Starting in important habitats, reduce instream sedimentation to levels meeting applicable water quality standards and measures, with an established upward trend in the number of stream miles meeting such criterion by 2019. Salmon 10A1, 10A5, 10A6, 10A9. Use riparian pasture management to reduce sedimentation. Rehabalitate flood plain and riparian function. Mimic shape and timing of natural hydrograph. Evaluate where sediment reduction efforts are biologically and cost effective.
Aquatic Objective 12A Rehabilitate connectivity where it will benefit native fish populations, with an emphasis on bull trout. Salmon 12A1, 12A2. Reconnect waterways using SHIPUSS and ongoing IDFG work to identify barriers to be removed. Use information from implementation to evaluate the effects of barriers to fish and if historical habitat has been eliminated. Revise methods if needed
Aquatic Objective 12B Implement fish screening in tributaries after dewatering and passage issues are resolved. Salmon 12B1, 12B2. Increase instream flows through irrigation improvement projects where necessary and feasible. Develop experimental screen designs to be used in tributary screening.
Aquatic Objective 14A Reduce potential losses of fishes that enter screened irrigation complexes. Salmon 14A1-14A3. Improve structural integrity of irrigation systems. Explore opportunites to expand rearing habitat by converting problem areas into rearing habitat. Improve conditions instream so fish are less likely to seek refuge in irrigation ditches.
Aquatic Objective 14B Improve connectivity of tributaries that are currently intercepted by irrigation complexes. Salmon 14B1-14B4. Construct infrastructures designed to convey natural tributary flow while screening access by salmonids. Secure flow to leave instream in impaired reaches. Monitor and evaluate results and integrate into strategies until problem is addressed.
Aquatic Objective 15A Reduce instream sedimentation to levels meeting applicable water quality standards and measures, with an established upward trend in the number of stream miles meeting such criterion by 2019. Salmon 10A1, 10A5, 10A6, 10A9. Use riparian pasture management to reduce sedimentation. Rehabilitate flood plain and riparian function. Mimic shape and timing of natural hydrograph. Evaluate where sediment reduction efforts are biologically and cost effective.
Aquatic Objective 16A In Upper Mainstem reaches where stream temperatures have been defined as a high priority limiting factor, rehabilitate instream temperatures to levels that support designated benefical use criteria. Salmon 8D1-8D5. Reestablish properly functioning riparian areas. Investigate wastewater management, rehabilitate floodplain connectivity to provide thermal refugia, riparian pasture management and reconnection of tributaries to provide thermal refugia.
Aquatic Objective 17A Improve pool:riffle ratios to properly functioning conditions. Salmon 8B1-8B3. Return channel to floodplain to increase sinuosity, investigate feasibility and effectiveness of bioengeering and monitor and evaluate actions.
Aquatic Objective 17B Improve bank stability to properly functioning condition. Salmon 8C1-8C3. Stabilize known problem areas, ensure revegetation efforts suceed through grazing management. Monitor and evalute management actions.
Aquatic Objective 17C Improve floodplain connectivity to side channel habitat to help offset losses of pool habitat. Salmon 17C1, 17C2. Control livestock access to encourage establishment of mature riparian vegetation. Conduct land acquisitions and riparian conservation easements where applicable and where measurable benefit will occur.
Aquatic Objective 20A Where stream temperatures have been defined as a high priority limiting factor, rehabilitate to levels that support current IDEQ designated benifical use criteria. Salmon 8D1-8D5. Reestablish properly functioning riparian areas. Investigate wastewater management, rehabilitate floodplain connectivity to provide thermal refugia, riparian pasture management and reconnection of tributaries to provide thermal refugia.
Aquatic Objective 21A Improve bank stability to properly functioning conditions. Salmon 8C1-8C3. Stabilize known problem areas, ensure revegetation efforts succeed through grazing management. Monitor and evalute management actions.
Aquatic Objective 22A Reduce grazing related sedimentation in Herd Creek to levels that are suitable for spawning and rearing. Salmon 10A1, 10A5, 10A6, 10A9. Use riparian pasture management to reduce sedimentation. Rehabilitate flood plain and riparian function. Mimic shape and timing of natural hydrograph. Evaluate where sediment reduction efforts are biologically and cost effective.
Aquatic Objective 23A Where stream temperatures have been defined as a high priority limiting factor, rehabilitate to levels that support current IDEQ designated benifical use criteria. Salmon 8D1-8D5. Reestablish properly functioning riparian areas. Investigate wastewater management, rehabilitate floodplain connectivity to provide thermal refugia, riparian pasture management and reconnection of tributaries to provide thermal refugia.
Aquatic Objective 24A Stabilize 10,000 feet (ISCC 1995) of streambank in Herd Creek focusing on areas where the stream exhibits excessive width:depth ratios. Salmon 8C1-8C3. Stabilize known problem areas, ensure revegetation efforts succeed through grazing management. Monitor and evalute management actions.
Aquatic Objective 25A Improve connectivity and access to habitat currently blocked by manmade barriers. Salmon 12A1, 12A2. Reconnect waterways using SHIPUSS and ongoing IDFG work to identify barriers to be removed. Use information from implementation to evaluate the effects of barriers to fish and if historical habitat has been eliminated. Revise methods if needed
Aquatic Objective 26A Rehabilitate or mimic natural hydrographs of tributaries to the Upper Salmon River. Salmon 9A1-9A7, 9A10, 9A11, 9A13, 9A14. Improve irrigation efficiency (where applicable), lease or acquire water rights, use existing water banks to secure flows in appropriate area, provide adequate flows to support spawning and rearing of focal salmonids.
Aquatic Objective 27A Starting in critical habitat areas, reduce instream sedimentation to levels meeting applicable water quality standards and measures, with an established upward trend in the number of stream miles meeting such criterion by 2019. Salmon 10A1, 10A5, 10A6, 10A9. Use riparian pasture management to reduce sedimentation. Rehabilitate flood plain and riparian function. Mimic shape and timing of natural hydrograph. Evaluate where sediment reduction efforts are biologically effective.
Aquatic Objective 28A Within the next ten years improve connectivity of at least half of all tributaries that are currently considered to be disconnected from the mainstem Salmon (upstream fo the Yankee Fork) due to water diversions. Salmon 12A1, 12A2. Reconnect waterways using SHIPUSS and ongoing IDFG work to identify barriers to be removed. Use information from implementation to evaluate the effects of barriers to fish and if historical habitat has been eliminated. Revise methods if needed
Aquatic Objective 29B Reconnect mainstem tributaries and modify diversion structures as needed to provide for chinook and steelhead migration. Salmon 12A1, 12A2. Reconnect waterways using SHIPUSS and ongoing IDFG work to identify barriers to be removed. Use information from implementation to evaluate the effects of barriers to fish and if historical habitat is accessible.
Aquatic Objective 30A Starting in critical habitat areas, reduce instream sedimentation to levels meeting applicable water quality standards and measures, with an established upward trend in the number of stream miles, meeting such criterion by 2019. Salmon 10A1, 10A5, 10A6, 10A9. Use riparian pasture management to reduce sedimentation. Rehabilitate flood plain and riparian function. Mimic shape and timing of natural hydrograph. Evaluate where sediment reduction efforts are biologically and cost effective.
Aquatic Objective 30B Starting in the lower reaches of the mainstem, or where there are overlapping areas of occupied Chinook and steelhead habitat, rehabilitate and enhance riparian vegetation to levels that are within the historic range of natural variability. Salmon 8C1-8C3. Stabilize known problem areas, ensure revegetation efforts succed through grazing management and monitor and evalute management actions.
Aquatic Objective 31A Starting in critical habitat areas, reduce instream sedimentation to levels meeting applicable water quality standards and measures, with an established upward trend in the number of stream miles meeting such criterion by 2019. Salmon 10A1, 10A5, 10A6, 10A9. Use riparian pasture management to reduce sedimentation. Rehabilitate flood plain and riparian function. Mimic shape and timing of natural hydrograph. Evaluate where sediment reduction efforts are biologically and cost effective.
Aquatic Objective 31B Starting in the lower reaches of the mainstem, or where there are overlapping areas of occupied Chinook and steelhead habitat, rehabilitate and enhance riparian vegatation (in areas not already fenced) to levels that are within the historic range of natural variability. Salmon 8D1-8D5. Reestablish properly functioning riparian areas. Investigate wastewater management, rehabilitate floodplain connectivity to provide thermal refugia, riparian pasture management and reconnection of tributaries to provide thermal refugia.
Aquatic Objective 32A Where feasible and practical, reconnect mainstem tributaries and modify diversion structures as needed to provide for chinook and steelhead migration. Salmon 12A1, 12A2. Reconnect waterways using SHIPUSS and ongoing IDFG work to identify barriers to be removed. Use information from implementation to evaluate the effects of barriers to fish and if historical habitat has been eliminated. Revise methods if needed
Aquatic Objective 33B Reconnect mainstem tributaries and modify diversion structures as needed to provide for chinook and steelhead passage. Salmon 12A1, 12A2. Reconnect waterways using SHIPUSS and ongoing IDFG work to identify barriers to be removed. Use information from implementation to evaluate the effects of barriers to fish and if historical habitat has been eliminated. Revise methods if needed
Aquatic Objective 34A Starting in critical habitat areas, reduce instream sedimentation to levels meeting applicable water quality standards and measures, with an established upward trend in the number of stream miles meeting such criterion by 2019. Salmon 10A1, 10A5, 10A6, 10A9. Use riparian pasture management to reduce sedimentation. Rehabilitate flood plain and riparian function. Mimic shape and timing of natural hydrograph. Evaluate where sediment reduction efforts are biologically and cost effective.
Aquatic Objective 34B Rehabilitate and enhance riparian vegetation along the Pahsimeroi tributaries to levels that are within the historic range of natural variability. Salmon 8D1-8D5. Reestablish properly functioning riparian areas. Investigate wastewater management, rehabilitate floodplain connectivity to provide thermal refugia, riparian pasture management and reconnection of tributaries to provide thermal refugia.
Aquatic Objective 35A Rehabilitate natural hydrographs in key anadromous and resident tributaries to ensure adequate base flows are available in lower, mainstem reaches (i.e., mouth to Agency Creek). Salmon 9A1-9A7, 9A10, 9A11, 9A13, 9A14. Improve irrigation efficiency (where applicable), lease or acquire water rights, use existing water banks to secure flows in appropriate area, provide adequate flows to support spawning and rearing of focal salmonids.
Aquatic Objective 35B Provided that there is adequate funding, personnel, and landowner paticipation, reconnect a minimum of one tributary every three years that are currently defined as partially or seasonally inaccessible to anadromous and/or resident focal species. Salmon 9A1-9A7, 9A10, 9A11, 9A13, 9A14. Improve irrigation efficiency (where applicable), lease or acquire water rights, use existing water banks to secure flows in appropriate area, provide adequate flows to support spawning and rearing of focal salmonids.
Aquatic Objective 36A Improve riparian function and natural hydologic processes. Salmon 8D1-8D5. Reestablish properly functioning riparian areas. Investigate wastewater management, rehabilitate floodplain connectivity to provide thermal refugia, riparian pasture management and reconnection of tributaries to provide thermal refugia.
Aquatic Objective 37A Maintain and enhance the riparian corridor along the upper 10 miles of the Hayden Creek-to-Leadore reach. None 8D1-8D5. Reestablish properly functioning riparian areas. Investigate wastewater management, rehabilitate floodplain connectivity to provide thermal refugia, riparian pasture management and reconnection of tributaries to provide thermal refugia.
Aquatic Objective 38A Establish riparian vegetation along critical areas in Big Springs Creek to provide cover and reduce stream temperatures. Salmon 8D1-8D5. Reestablish properly functioning riparian areas. Investigate wastewater management, rehabilitate floodplain connectivity to provide thermal refugia, riparian pasture management and reconnection of tributaries to provide thermal refugia.
Aquatic Objective 38B Reduce the sediment levels within the spawning gravels. Salmon 10A1, 10A5, 10A6, 10A9. Use riparian pasture management to reduce sedimentation. Rehabilitate flood plain and riparian function. Mimic shape and timing of natural hydrograph. Evaluate where sediment reduction efforts are biologically and cost effective.
Aquatic Objective 39A Improve fish migration at water diversions in Hayden Creek. Salmon 39A1. Evaluate and improve POD's. Evaluate the diversions to determine whether or not they represent a barrier to migration.
Aquatic Objective 39B Improve conveyance in Hayden Creek diversions to improve bank stability, decrease fish stranding, and shorten overall ditch lengths. Salmon 39B1-39B4. Work with landowners to evaluate alternative irrigation options. Line ditches or replace with pipes. Work with landowners to purchase or lease water rights. Consolidate diversion points throughout the subbasin that are ineffective or unneeded.
Aquatic Objective 40A Reconnect mainstem tributaries and modify diversion structures as needed to provide for anadromous and resident fish migration. Salmon 9A1-9A7, 9A10, 9A11, 9A13, 9A14. Improve irrigation efficiency (where applicable), lease or acquire water rights, use existing water banks to secure flows in appropriate area, provide adequate flows to support spawning and rearing of focal salmonids.
Aquatic Objective 41A Rehabilitate natural hydrographs in key anadromous and resident tributaries to ensure adequate base flows, channel-maintaining peak flows, and normal flow timing. Salmon 41A1. Explore opportunities to mimic a more natural hydrograph. This may include altering withdrawal timing of irrigation systems in order to obtain a flushing flow that will scour the channel and promote more natural channel forming processes.

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Coordination Coordination Assist landowners, cooperators, & sponsors to plan, coordinate, implement projects. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $530,374
Biological objectives
Metrics
Identify and Select Projects Identify and Select Projects Coordinate with Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Advisory Committee, and Technical Team to ensure project selection is biologically & socially sound. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $10,500
Biological objectives
Metrics
Provide Technical Review Technical Team Review Conduct monthy Tech Team meetings to review and score projects proposed by all entities. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $98,400
Biological objectives
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects Manage and Administer Projects Follow project implementation through from the idea, planning, funding, contracting, implementation, and monitoring stages. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $300,000
Biological objectives
Metrics
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Complete NEPA and EC documents for FY07 projects. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $53,402
Biological objectives
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Produce annual monitoring report. Provide intern staff support, equipment, development and publication of plan. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $90,000
Biological objectives
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Project Implementation / Compliance Monitoring
Outreach and Education Outreach and Education Community activities to further USBWP goals 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $10,500
Biological objectives
Metrics
* # of general public reached: 1000 each quarter through newsletter
* # of students reached: 500+ through school events
Produce Annual Report Produce Annual Report Gather information, procure data, format, and publish annual report. 7/1/2007 9/30/2009 $8,600
Biological objectives
Metrics
Install Fence Install fences on East Fork Salmon River and its tributaries. Control livestock access to riparian areas to limit sedimentation, increase bank stability, and encourage establishment of mature riparian vegetiation. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $99,200
Biological objectives
Aquatic Objective 20A
Aquatic Objective 21A
Aquatic Objective 22A
Aquatic Objective 23A
Metrics
* # of miles of fence: 3
Install Fence Install Fence in Upper Salmon Mainstem River from Pahsimeroi to headwaters. Control livestock access to riparian areas to limit sedimentation, increase bank stability, and encourage establishment of mature riparian vegetation. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $416,000
Biological objectives
Aquatic Objective 10A
Aquatic Objective 15A
Aquatic Objective 16A
Aquatic Objective 17B
Aquatic Objective 17C
Metrics
* # of miles of fence: 15
Install Fence Install fence on Pahsimeroi River and tributaries. Control livestock access to riparian areas to limit sedimentation, increase bank stability, and encourage establishment of mature riparian vegetiation. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $178,400
Biological objectives
Aquatic Objective 30A
Aquatic Objective 30B
Aquatic Objective 31A
Aquatic Objective 31B
Aquatic Objective 34A
Aquatic Objective 34B
Metrics
* # of miles of fence: 6
Install Fence Install fence on Lemhi River and tributaries. Control livestock access to riparian areas to limit sedimentation, increase bank stability, and encourage establishment of mature riparian vegetiation. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $178,400
Biological objectives
Aquatic Objective 36A
Aquatic Objective 37A
Aquatic Objective 38A
Aquatic Objective 38B
Metrics
* # of miles of fence: 6
Realign, Connect, and/or Create Channel Reconnect tributaries Where opportunities are available, reconnect tributaries to provide access to anadromous and resident fish species. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $989,734
Biological objectives
Aquatic Objective 12A
Aquatic Objective 14B
Aquatic Objective 28A
Aquatic Objective 29B
Aquatic Objective 33B
Aquatic Objective 35B
Aquatic Objective 40A
Metrics
* # of stream miles treated, including off-channels, after realignment: estimated 20 miles +
Remove/Install Diversion Improve instream passage Modify or remove diversion structures to allow safe fish passage. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $990,000
Biological objectives
Aquatic Objective 09A
Aquatic Objective 12A
Aquatic Objective 25A
Aquatic Objective 29B
Aquatic Objective 32A
Aquatic Objective 33B
Aquatic Objective 39A
Aquatic Objective 40A
Metrics
* # of miles of habitat accessed: 12 sites. Miles unknown
Develop Alternative Water Source Develop off-stream stockwater systems Work with landowners to implement viable stockwater systems, including pipelines, change point of diversions, and animal management. 10/1/2006 9/30/2007 $180,000
Biological objectives
Aquatic Objective 10A
Aquatic Objective 15A
Aquatic Objective 16A
Aquatic Objective 17C
Aquatic Objective 21A
Aquatic Objective 23A
Aquatic Objective 27A
Aquatic Objective 30B
Aquatic Objective 31A
Aquatic Objective 31B
Aquatic Objective 38B
Metrics

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel 1 full time coordinator & 1 3/4 time office support $73,000 $75,190 $77,466
Fringe Benefits for coordinator & office support $31,000 $32,000 $33,000
Supplies field & office supplies, communications, & office rent $40,000 $42,000 $44,000
Travel Surface & air travel for coordinator and office support $5,458 $5,562 $5,700
Overhead indirect costs at 11.17% to Idaho Dept. of Agriculture $20,000 $21,000 $22,000
Other Vehicle Expense - lease, gas, maintenance & repairs $13,000 $13,200 $13,400
Other Information & Education $3,000 $3,200 $3,300
Other State office staff support $17,000 $17,000 $17,300
Other IASCD Contract - 2 FTE, fringe, and supplies $114,000 $116,000 $118,000
Other Professional Support - intern & monitoring assistant and fringe $40,000 $42,000 $44,000
Other Subcontracts for project construction $1,010,578 $1,010,578 $1,010,578
Totals $1,367,036 $1,377,730 $1,388,744
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $4,133,510
Total work element budget: $4,133,510
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
Bureau of Land Management Technical Assistance $5,000 $5,250 $5,500 In-Kind Under Development
Bureau of Reclamation Technical & Engineering Assistance $5,000 $5,250 $5,500 In-Kind Under Development
Custer Soil Conservation District Project Contracting $10,000 $10,500 $11,000 In-Kind Under Development
Idaho Dept. Fish & Game Technical Assistance $20,000 $20,500 $21,000 In-Kind Under Development
Idaho Dept. of Environmenal Quality Technical Assistance $1,000 $1,050 $1,100 In-Kind Under Development
Idaho Dept. Water Resources Technical Assistance $10,000 $10,500 $11,000 In-Kind Under Development
Landowners materials, labor $200,000 $250,000 $300,000 Cash Under Development
Landowners contracting $50,000 $60,000 $70,000 In-Kind Under Development
Lemhi Soil Conservation District Project Contracting $10,000 $10,500 $11,000 In-Kind Under Development
National Marine Fisheries Service Technical & Engineering Assistance $5,000 $5,250 $5,500 In-Kind Under Development
Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical & Engineering Assistance $20,000 $20,500 $21,000 In-Kind Under Development
Shoshone Bannock Tribes Biological Assistance $5,000 $5,250 $5,500 In-Kind Under Development
The Nature Conservancy Technical Oversite $8,000 $8,500 $9,000 In-Kind Under Development
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Wildlife $5,000 $5,250 $5,500 In-Kind Under Development
U.S. Forest Service Technical Assistance $5,000 $5,250 $5,500 In-Kind Under Development
Totals $359,000 $423,550 $488,100

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $4,257,515
FY 2011 estimated budget: $4,257,515
Comments: With the added responsibility of combining the Habitat Restoration projects (#1994001700) with the Idaho Model Watershed Administration (#199202603) The USBWP anticipates a 3% increase for implementation and operational needs each year.

Future O&M costs:

Termination date:
Comments:

Final deliverables:

Section 10. Narrative and other documents

ISRP Response for project 199202603 Jul 2006
USBWP 2005 Monitoring Report Jul 2006

Reviews and recommendations

FY07 budget FY08 budget FY09 budget Total budget Type Category Recommendation
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs]
$655,000 $655,000 $655,000 $1,965,000 Expense ProvinceExpense Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$655,000 $655,000 $655,000 $0 ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Response requested

NPCC comments: The proposal reports tasks accomplished, but a response is needed on project monitoring and evaluation and reporting on results on habitat condition and/or fish responses. Also needed is reporting on how far along they are to meeting their long-term goals, how much have they accomplished, and how much needs to be done. In response to past ISRP comments, project proposers in a previous proposal committed to develop a more unified monitoring and evaluation program. Yet the current proposal includes no mention of any M&E results. Please provide a summary with synthesized quantitative data describing habitat changes resulting from project activities, and fish population responses.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable (Qualified)

NPCC comments: The proposal and response materials for this longstanding project (now downsized to include only the Lemhi SWCD area) report the tasks accomplished but do not give reviewers a clear picture of the extent to which those tasks have improved habitat conditions and/or fish populations. Also still unclear is how far along they are in meeting their long-term goals, how much have they accomplished, and how much needs to be done. In response to past ISRP comments, project staff in a previous proposal committed to develop a more unified monitoring and evaluation program. Yet the current proposal and response make it clear that project personnel are struggling with M&E, as discussed below. The question of where they are in the overall model watershed plan has not been satisfactorily answered, especially in any quantitative sense. Projects ready for implementation in FY 07 should be funded as well as administrative efforts focused on monitoring, including developing and using an analysis approach that would allow a substantive assessment of the entire project's success in terms of benefits to fish. Technical lessons learned should be summarized. Funding beyond FY 07 should be dependent upon evidence that the project is focused on realizing the greatest benefit for the resources invested and is using appropriate effectiveness monitoring through the analysis and adaptive management phases. Comments below are intended as constructive criticism. Reviewers note that considerable assistance in dealing with these M&E problems should be forthcoming from the Integrated Status and Effectiveness Monitoring Program (ISEMP) project 200301700 that is doing work in the Upper Salmon. Its scope is the design and evaluation of monitoring tools for salmon populations and habitat in the Interior Columbia River Basin. The Project Monitoring Report for FY 05 that was included in the response did provide some specifics that contrast with the generalities in the proposal. The project has largely divorced itself from fish, using the rationale that anadromous fish in the watershed are controlled by out-of-basin factors. "Habitat" becomes the surrogate, perhaps not inappropriately. But rather than being applied to aquatic habitat that is valuable for resident salmonids (and thus for anadromous fish rearing in future if runs increase), the term "habitat" has become a nebulous entity. The key attributes for salmonids that are vital and easily measured (like maximum water depth and bank shading) were not recorded. The Project Monitoring Report examined 16 sites funded by BPA. Most were riparian fencing, presumably a subsample of the approximately 50 miles of fencing that the proposal indicates have been installed since 1994. Information was gathered by photo monitoring, greenline survey, and "datasheets." This approach appears reasonable if amended as described above. It was clear from the report that such monitoring is in its embryonic stage. Absent was any summary of what worked and what did not, and any discussion of why. Reviewers could see no evidence that such a report was integrated into the project to help direct future efforts. The current plan includes some pre-project monitoring, implementation monitoring in year 1, then monitoring every 5 years for 10 and 15 year contracts. This means only a few views of a project. No end-of-project monitoring is described, nor any planned response if results are not satisfactory, or if unanticipated opportunities arise. Page 18 of the response says, "Analysis has not yet been determined." Yet this is the key element of adaptive management, suggesting that the entire point of monitoring has been missed. Salmon data provided do not show clear separation between wilderness stream redds (Big Creek) and the Lemhi but this is the kind of comparison that should help provide an assessment of the habitat treatment protocols used in the Lemhi Basin. The sponsors produced what seems to be an honest assessment of data for fish abundance before and after the habitat work was implemented. Comparison of redds in other non-treated basins and the Lemhi Basin is not perfect in that they cannot eliminate the possibility that out-of-basin effects are different for populations in these basins; assessment efforts should include consideration of the probability of this alternative. In addition, the fish data show no benefit of the habitat work, so at least three alternative explanations are possible; (1) the habitat work has not been effective in increasing productivity, (2) the work that has been done is nowhere near enough to cause increased productivity, or (3) the wrong changes were implemented. Sponsors have the responsibility to sort out these and other explanations for the apparent absence of a response.