FY07-09 proposal 200712800

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleProtect and Restore the Little Salmon Watershed
Proposal ID200712800
OrganizationNez Perce Tribe DFRM Watershed Division
Short descriptionThis project entails conducting road/stream crossing surveys and analysis, implementing fish barrier remediation, and riparian protection/restoration in the Little Salmon watershed. Interagency coordination and watershed planning will also be targeted.
Information transferCommunity outreach and education, professional presentations, etc.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
Kent Werlin Nez Perce Tribe DFRM - Watershed Division kentw@nezperce.org
All assigned contacts
Arleen Henry Nez Perce Tribe arleenh@nezperce.org
Ira Jones Nez Perce Tribe iraj@nezperce.org
Kent Werlin Nez Perce Tribe DFRM - Watershed Division kentw@nezperce.org

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Mountain Snake / Salmon

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
Little Salmon River The project location is the entire Little Salmon watershed

Section 3. Focal species

primary: Chinook Snake River Spring/Summer ESU
primary: Pacific Lamprey
primary: Steelhead Snake River ESU
secondary: Westslope Cutthroat
secondary: Bull Trout
secondary: Rainbow Trout
secondary: Interior Redband Trout
secondary: Mountain Whitefish

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
Other: USDA-Forest Service [no entry] Little Salmon Consultation M & E [Relationship field left blank]
Other: US Bureau of Rec. [no entry] Little Salmon Geomorphology Planning and Implementation This project includes: $24K/year (2005-2007)for coordination and technical assistance from BOR's planning programs for mainstem Little Salmon channel morphology work, $20K/year for coordination from BOR's FCRPS ESA programs to identify projects and willing landowners and attend meetings.
Other: BOR-PCSRF? [no entry] Replace Squaw Creek Culvert This is a project to remove a passage barrier on Squaw Creek (major tributary to the Little Salmon). The grant proposal for this project is currently under review by the funding agency (~$250K).
Other: PCSRF-Idaho and ISCC WQPA [no entry] Rapid River Diversion Modification and Head Gate This project involved the removal of a push-up dam in Rapid River and the installation of a fish-fiendly Rosgen crossvane and headgate (~$145K).
Other: PCSRF-Idaho, IDFG, and City of Riggins [no entry] Squaw Creek Dam Removal and Headgate Modification This project involved the breaching of a diversion dam and creation of rock ramps to allow fish passage through the old diversion foundation on Squaw Creek (~$40K).
Other: USDA Forest Service N/A Little Salmon Consultation M & E - Range effects monitoring The USFS has an ongoing project which entails collection of stream and riparian data at eleven sites within the Little Salmon watershed to assess grazing effects on aquatic/riparian habitat.
Other: USDA Forest Service [no entry] Meadows Slope Wildland Fire Protection Project This USFS project includes road decommissioning/obliteration. Approximately 10.5 miles of road are proposed to be obliterated/decommissioned with this project. Road decommissioning/obliteration includes actions such as ripping or re-contouring the road prism, applying vegetative plugs and slash, seeding, hydromulching, removing culverts, and channel restoration at stream crossings.
Other: BPA Proposed Project 200706500 Coordinate and implement tributary habitat restoration in the Little Salmon River and Lower Salmon River Idaho This project will provide a coordination and management structure to facilitate habitat restoration in the Lower Salmon River and Little Salmon River as is recommended in the Salmon Subbasin Management Plan. An inter-agency technical advisory team is envisioned as part of this approach.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Create a technical advisory group Socioeconomic Prob. 66,Socioeconomic Objective 66A - In the lower portion of the Salmon subbasin, develop a group to guide implementation of this plan and to coordinate recommendations with co-managers for funding, implementation, and other management activities. Salmon 66A2- assist groups with organizing local watershed programs, 66A3- facilitate networking of these groups with technical assistance, 66A5- coordinate implementation with all stakeholders and avoid project duplication, 66A7- promote stewardship, 66A8, 66A9
Decrease stream temperatures in the Little Salmon Environmental Problem 49, Aquatic Objective 49A - Improve riparian conditions to decrease stream temperatures in the Little Salmon Watershed Salmon 8D1- reestablish properly functioning riparian areas, 8D3- rehabilitate floodplain connectivity, 8D4- riparian corridor exclusion, 8D6- ensure adequate protection for bull trout at all life stages
Improve bank stability to PFC standards Environmental Problem 8, Aquatic Objective 8C - Improve bank stability to properly functioning condition. The Little Salmon River is identified as an area to focus initial efforts to ameliorate Problem 8. Salmon 8C1 - stabilize problem areas through riparian plantings, 8C2 - protect plantings from grazing and development, 8C3 - monitor and evaluate
Maximize benefits to local communities Socioeconomic Prob. 64,Socioeconomic Objective 64A - In the lower portion of the Salmon subbasin, minimize negative impacts on and maximize benefits to local communities while maximizing benefits to fish and wildlife and users of those resources. Salmon 64A2- achieve harvestable, naturally sustaining fish populations in the Salmon subbasin to maximize benefits to tribes and communities, 64A3, 64A4- where possible, utilize local labor, conractors, and suppliers, 64A5- minimize loss of community revenues
Protect cultural uses of natural resources Socioeconomic Prob. 65,Socioeconomic Objective 65 - Protect and foster both Indian and non-Indian cultural uses of natural resources in the Salmon subbasin. Salmon 65A1- Integrate information and education on important indian and non-indian culture, treaty rights, and historic and current resource use into project selection and implementation
Reduce instream sedimentation Environmental Problem 10, Aquatic Objective 10A - Starting in important habitats, reduce instream sedimentation to levels meeting applicable water quality standards (e.g., TMDLs) and measures, with an established upward trend in the number of stream miles meeting such criterion by 2019. Salmon 10A1- manage riparian areas to reduce, prevent, or ameliorate sedimentation (e.g., riparian corridor exclusion), 10A5- rehabilitate riparian function to reduce sediment delivery to streams, 10A8- conduct implementation and effectiveness monitoring
Rehabilitate connectivity & improve fish passage Environmental Problem 12, Aquatic Objective 12A - Rehabilitate connectivity where it will benefit native fish populations, with emphasis on bull trout. Improve access to habitat currently blocked by manmade barriers. Salmon 12A1 - reconnect waterways and prioritize barrier removal or modification,” 12A2 - obtain a better understanding of the ecological effects of the barrier(s) on focal species,, 28A2- install fish-friendly road crossings, 8D5- reconnect tributaries
Restore degraded riparian areas Environmental Problem 51,Terrestrial Objective 51B - Restore 50% of degraded (functional at risk or non-functional) riparian areas to proper functioning condition by 2019. Salmon 51B1 - Identify and prioritize riparian habitats for restoration, 51B2 - Restore riparian habitats, 51B3, 51B4 - Encourage landowners to replant native vegetation along degraded reaches, 51B6, 51B8, 8A1, 8A2, 8D1, 9A13, 45A2, 45A3, 51A4, 51A5
Stabilize Little Salmon River streambanks Environmental Problem 47, Aquatic Objective 47A - Using riparian area revegetation actions, stabilize 25 miles of streambank along the mainstem Little Salmon River Salmon 8C1 - stabilize problem areas through riparian plantings, 8C2 - protect plantings from grazing and development, 8C3 - monitor and evaluate, 8D1- reestablish properly functioning riparian areas, 8D3, 8D4, 8D6

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Manage and Administer Projects Management, Coordination and Communication Project management includes coordination project activities, attending meetings, seeking additional funding, preparing statements of work, managing budgets, and completing reports. Includes: Produce Annual Report (WE 132)- annual reports summarize yearly activities, Produce Status Report (WE 141 &185)- quarterly reports will track project work element completion 3/1/2007 2/28/2010 $124,000
Biological objectives
Metrics
Coordination General Project Coordination Coordinate all project activities (e.g., permits, design, construction, mobilization, revegetation, outreach, etc.) Activities include meetings, phone calls, grant writing, preparing partnering agreements with Payette/Boise National Forests and other communication tasks with partners. This element will also include assisting BOR and IDSCC with the creation and coordination of an inter-agency technical advisory team for watershed restoration in the Little Salmon watershed 3/1/2007 2/28/2010 $115,000
Biological objectives
Create a technical advisory group
Maximize benefits to local communities
Protect cultural uses of natural resources
Metrics
Outreach and Education Provide outreach and education The education and outreach component will focus on informing the public about the watershed restoration activities that are happening in the Little Salmon watershed. Emphasis will be placed on informing the public about important watershed issues including fish passage, fish habitat, road impacts, and invasive weeds. Education and outreach materials will encourage the public to participate in or support restoration efforts. This information will be relayed through several different formats, such as: informational brochures, workshops, public field trips, interpretive signs at project sites, and classroom/field presentations and activities for students 3/1/2007 12/1/2009 $42,000
Biological objectives
Maximize benefits to local communities
Protect cultural uses of natural resources
Metrics
* # of general public reached: 50
* # of students reached: 100
* # of teachers reached: 10
Produce Inventory or Assessment Survey Stream Crossings in Little Salmon Watershed 1) Survey all sites where roads cross streams within the Little Salmon watershed. 2) Assess these crossings to determine if they are upstream migration barriers to juvenile and/or adult fish. 3) Select the highest priority man-made barriers for future replacement based on potential habitat accessed. 3/1/2007 2/28/2009 $221,000
Biological objectives
Rehabilitate connectivity & improve fish passage
Metrics
Produce Plan Produce Road/Stream Crossing Report and Prioritize Replacements A comprehensive plan needs to be developed identifying fish passage barriers and prioritizing culverts for replacement/barriers for removal. The plan will summarize all findings from the Little Salmon Stream Crossings Survey and will prioritize culverts for replacement. 11/1/2008 12/31/2009 $72,000
Biological objectives
Rehabilitate connectivity & improve fish passage
Metrics
Produce Design and/or Specifications Produce culvert replacement design During the 2nd or 3rd year of the project, culvert replacement designs will be developed for a minimum of one project site. Culvert design may be subcontracted. 11/1/2008 2/28/2010 $31,000
Biological objectives
Rehabilitate connectivity & improve fish passage
Metrics
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Provide NEPA, ESA, and permit information to BPA Produce NEPA, ESA, and cultural resource compliance documentation and obtain applicable USACE and state of Idaho permits. BPA Watershed Checklists as well as Section 7 information will be completed and coordinated with BPA as needed. 3/1/2007 2/28/2010 $62,000
Biological objectives
Decrease stream temperatures in the Little Salmon
Improve bank stability to PFC standards
Maximize benefits to local communities
Protect cultural uses of natural resources
Reduce instream sedimentation
Rehabilitate connectivity & improve fish passage
Restore degraded riparian areas
Stabilize Little Salmon River streambanks
Metrics
Install Fish Passage Structure Replace Stream/Road Crossing in Little Salmon watershed Use report recommendations for Little Salmon Stream Crossings to determine priorities for replacement. Replace one stream crossing to reestablish connectivity and restore fish passage. 3/1/2009 2/28/2010 $150,000
Biological objectives
Reduce instream sedimentation
Rehabilitate connectivity & improve fish passage
Metrics
* Does the structure remove or replace a fish passage barrier?: Yes
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Culvert Replacement Data Collection Data to be collected for the replaced culvert includes: redd counts, profile measurements, fish presence/absence and relative abundance (collected by snorkeling), in-culvert substrate, and gradient measurements. Monitoring stations will be set up at this site in order to record data for several seasons to monitor for effectiveness and proper construction. The purpose is to determine whether the new culvert is successful. 6/1/2009 2/28/2010 $27,000
Biological objectives
Rehabilitate connectivity & improve fish passage
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Install Fence Install Riparian Exclusion Fence for Livestock Install exclusion fence to limit livestock access to the stream and riparian areas. Fence will protect vegetation, reduce sedimentation, and help to improve water quality 3/1/2008 2/28/2010 $47,000
Biological objectives
Decrease stream temperatures in the Little Salmon
Improve bank stability to PFC standards
Reduce instream sedimentation
Stabilize Little Salmon River streambanks
Metrics
Develop Alternative Water Source Provide off-site watering systems for livestock Provide off-site (i.e., out of riparian area) watering systems for livestock after riparian exclusion fence has been installed. This work element will accompany the "Install Fence" element. 3/1/2008 2/28/2010 $25,000
Biological objectives
Decrease stream temperatures in the Little Salmon
Improve bank stability to PFC standards
Reduce instream sedimentation
Stabilize Little Salmon River streambanks
Metrics
Plant Vegetation Revegetate degraded riparian areas Plant native riparian vegetation in cooperation with USFS, IDFG, BOR, and Soil Conservation Districts to rehabilitate riparian areas, provide shade, and reduce sedimentation within the Little Salmon watershed. Planting may include dormant hardwood cuttings, rooted stock, and/or seeding. 3/1/2008 2/28/2010 $55,000
Biological objectives
Decrease stream temperatures in the Little Salmon
Improve bank stability to PFC standards
Reduce instream sedimentation
Restore degraded riparian areas
Stabilize Little Salmon River streambanks
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Collect data to analyze planting and fencing project implementation Collect and analyze data to determine planting and fencing project efficacy and provide recommendations for future riparian planting in the watershed. This analysis will primarily include establishing photopoints and vegetation plots. 3/1/2008 2/28/2010 $10,000
Biological objectives
Reduce instream sedimentation
Restore degraded riparian areas
Metrics
Primary R, M, and E Type: Project Implementation/ Compliance Monitoring
Disseminate Raw/Summary Data and Results Disseminate Project Results to Professional Audiences at Scientific and Professional Conferences Project details and results may be presented to professional audiences at scientific and professional conferences and workshops. 3/1/2007 2/28/2010 $30,200
Biological objectives
Reduce instream sedimentation
Rehabilitate connectivity & improve fish passage
Restore degraded riparian areas
Stabilize Little Salmon River streambanks
Metrics

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel 2 FTE includes: Project Lead, Support Staff, and Technical Staff $127,000 $127,000 $127,000
Fringe Benefits NPT employee fringe 30% $38,100 $38,100 $38,100
Supplies Field Supplies, Office Supplies, Non-expendable property $36,000 $42,000 $42,000
Travel Travel to meetings/conferences and perdiem $5,300 $5,300 $5,300
Other Consultants and Contracts- subcontracted items $23,000 $23,000 $70,000
Other Training $3,700 $3,700 $3,700
Other 2 GSA Vehicles $9,500 $9,500 $9,500
Capital Equipment 2 ATVs $12,400 $0 $0
Other Office space rental $3,000 $3,000 $3,000
Overhead NPT indirect rate 29.64 % $69,000 $67,000 $67,000
Totals $327,000 $318,600 $365,600
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $1,011,200
Total work element budget: $1,011,200
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
Burea of Reclamation Coordination for lower Little Salmon Technical Advisory Group and Grant-Writing Assistance $44,000 $44,000 $44,000 In-Kind Under Review
USDA Forest Service Watershed Monitoring and Road Obliteration $10,000 $80,000 $10,000 In-Kind Under Development
Totals $54,000 $124,000 $54,000

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $320,000
FY 2011 estimated budget: $320,000
Comments: The watershed will need protection and restoration work for years to come

Future O&M costs:

Termination date: 3/1/2020
Comments:

Final deliverables: A restored, self-sustaining, ecosystem with healthy populations of both anadromous and resident fish species.

Section 10. Narrative and other documents


Reviews and recommendations

FY07 budget FY08 budget FY09 budget Total budget Type Category Recommendation
NPCC FINAL FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Oct 23, 2006) [full Council recs]
$0 $0 $0 $0 Expense ProvinceExpense Do Not Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$0 $0 $0 $0 ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Response requested

NPCC comments: This purpose of this project is to protect and restore riparian and aquatic habitats within the Little Salmon River watershed. This objective should flow directly from the subbasin plan and an adequate watershed assessment and prescription. It does not do so. There is a shopping list of habitat projects with no clear priority or connection to plans or limiting factors. The latter are not defined in terms of productivity or fish survival, but as physical elements: 1.) lack of adequate, shade-providing, bank-stabilizing riparian vegetation, 2.) decreased recruitment of large woody debris (LWD), and 3.) floodplain and channel encroachment from roads and development. Some clear examples of problem areas are provided, with photos, but reviewers cannot judge how these might play out in an overall assessment of the watershed. The response needs to include a demonstration of how needs flow from the issues identified in the subbasin planning exercise, with clear indication of connections. The technical aspects of this proposal target the recovery of riverine-riparian zones, water quality, and instream habitat. We expect the projects proposed herein to: reduce sediment delivery, improve riparian function, decrease water temperature, improve flood storage, increase habitat complexity and improve wildlife and aesthetic attributes with the completion of riparian planting, bank stabilization and cattle exclusion measures. The benefits described above directly contribute to increased survival during the egg-to-smolt life stage. This is accomplished by decreased sedimentation in spawning gravels, decreased water temperature during critical spawning and incubation periods and improved connectivity. Additionally, the NPT DFRM Watershed Division strives to disseminate information to the public and provide a sense of watershed and cultural awareness for the local students and community. This would be more effective if results on the effectiveness of the habitat work were available. The presentation is not tightly focused on limiting factors, physical attributes of the habitat that limit survival at critical life stages. The Little Salmon lies within a very constrained and flashy canyon. It may be best to focus habitat work on the lower river section and its tributaries (Squaw Creek and Rapid River) rather than work in the mid and upper basin at this time. Specifically, the sponsors should concentrate work in the bottom third of the subbasin, while focusing the work on steelhead habitat in tributary systems, thus dealing with culvert and road blockages and land use impacts from grazing, forestry, and agricultural practices. Work in the upper basin should be delayed, particularly above impassable falls, until after the pending decision on funding for the passage improvements. Barrier removals were noted in the subbasin plan. What of the other tasks? Several planning exercises and agency relationships are presented. It is time to roll these into an overall plan of habitat for the subbasin - an integrated component of a set of studies. This proposal does not do this effectively, but does indicate linkages. The objectives are presented as tasks, and listed. The response needs to include a clear statement on objectives, as defined in the proposal guidelines. Objectives, tasks, and work elements are confused and fail to follow proposal guidelines. Work elements are described as management tasks (coordination, outreach) but also surveys and reporting, providing documentation (compliance) and designing. Real tasks are listed last: fish passage, culvert replacement, fencing, off-site watering, re-vegetate, then data collection and more reporting. Physical works appear to comply with BMP. There is no experimental design. Currently, the monitoring and evaluation planned for this project will involve project-specific effectiveness monitoring. Data will be used to determine level of project success and resource response. Parameters to be monitored under project specific plans will vary depending on the nature of the project. They may include: temperature, bank stability, riparian vegetation response, fish presence/absence, and biological productivity variables. Results will be used to determine changes needed in out-year planning, effectiveness determinations, and restoration approaches undertaken in the future. The evaluation seems superficial. Culverts will be monitored for implementation effectiveness. Some coordination with regional M&E is required, and may require the advice of a statistician; the personnel on this project appear adept at habitat work but not experimental design and evaluation. The response should provide convincing evidence that a sound experimental design and a rigorous M&E program are available for this project.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Response requested

NPCC comments: (Although this proposal did not participate in the fix-it loop, 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. The comments below are from the ISRP’s June 2006 preliminary review of this proposal.) This purpose of this project is to protect and restore riparian and aquatic habitats within the Little Salmon River watershed. This objective should flow directly from the subbasin plan and an adequate watershed assessment and prescription. It does not do so. There is a shopping list of habitat projects with no clear priority or connection to plans or limiting factors. The latter are not defined in terms of productivity or fish survival, but as physical elements: 1.) lack of adequate, shade-providing, bank-stabilizing riparian vegetation, 2.) decreased recruitment of large woody debris (LWD), and 3.) floodplain and channel encroachment from roads and development. Some clear examples of problem areas are provided, with photos, but reviewers cannot judge how these might play out in an overall assessment of the watershed. The response needs to include a demonstration of how needs flow from the issues identified in the subbasin planning exercise, with clear indication of connections. The technical aspects of this proposal target the recovery of riverine-riparian zones, water quality, and instream habitat. We expect the projects proposed herein to: reduce sediment delivery, improve riparian function, decrease water temperature, improve flood storage, increase habitat complexity and improve wildlife and aesthetic attributes with the completion of riparian planting, bank stabilization and cattle exclusion measures. The benefits described above directly contribute to increased survival during the egg-to-smolt life stage. This is accomplished by decreased sedimentation in spawning gravels, decreased water temperature during critical spawning and incubation periods and improved connectivity. Additionally, the NPT DFRM Watershed Division strives to disseminate information to the public and provide a sense of watershed and cultural awareness for the local students and community. This would be more effective if results on the effectiveness of the habitat work were available. The presentation is not tightly focused on limiting factors, physical attributes of the habitat that limit survival at critical life stages. The Little Salmon lies within a very constrained and flashy canyon. It may be best to focus habitat work on the lower river section and its tributaries (Squaw Creek and Rapid River) rather than work in the mid and upper basin at this time. Specifically, the sponsors should concentrate work in the bottom third of the subbasin, while focusing the work on steelhead habitat in tributary systems, thus dealing with culvert and road blockages and land use impacts from grazing, forestry, and agricultural practices. Work in the upper basin should be delayed, particularly above impassable falls, until after the pending decision on funding for the passage improvements. Barrier removals were noted in the subbasin plan. What of the other tasks? Several planning exercises and agency relationships are presented. It is time to roll these into an overall plan of habitat for the subbasin - an integrated component of a set of studies. This proposal does not do this effectively, but does indicate linkages. The objectives are presented as tasks, and listed. The response needs to include a clear statement on objectives, as defined in the proposal guidelines. Objectives, tasks, and work elements are confused and fail to follow proposal guidelines. Work elements are described as management tasks (coordination, outreach) but also surveys and reporting, providing documentation (compliance) and designing. Real tasks are listed last: fish passage, culvert replacement, fencing, off-site watering, re-vegetate, then data collection and more reporting. Physical works appear to comply with BMP. There is no experimental design. Currently, the monitoring and evaluation planned for this project will involve project-specific effectiveness monitoring. Data will be used to determine level of project success and resource response. Parameters to be monitored under project specific plans will vary depending on the nature of the project. They may include: temperature, bank stability, riparian vegetation response, fish presence/absence, and biological productivity variables. Results will be used to determine changes needed in out-year planning, effectiveness determinations, and restoration approaches undertaken in the future. The evaluation seems superficial. Culverts will be monitored for implementation effectiveness. Some coordination with regional M&E is required, and may require the advice of a statistician; the personnel on this project appear adept at habitat work but not experimental design and evaluation. The response should provide convincing evidence that a sound experimental design and a rigorous M&E program are available for this project.