FY07-09 proposal 200736900

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titleProtect and Restore the North Fork Clearwater Subbasin
Proposal ID200736900
OrganizationNez Perce Tribe Dept. Fisheries Resource Management Watershed Division
Short descriptionProposed restoration targets all redisdent fish species within the North Fork Drainage. The first year of restoration will occur on the Clearwater National Forest, out-year projects will include restoration projects on Federal, State, and Private Land.
Information transferThe data and accomplishments for this project will be accessible through the Nez Perce Tribe website and through annual reports published through Bonneville Power Administration. The Clearwater National Forest also makes data from the project available to the public upon request.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
Rebecca Lloyd Nez Perce Tribe rebeccal@nezperce.org
All assigned contacts
Anne Connor Clearwater National Forest aconnor@fs.fed.us
David Forestieri Nez Perce Tribe-DFRM Watershed Division toparch16@yahoo.com
Ira Jones Nez Perce Tribe iraj@nezperce.org
Rebecca Lloyd Nez Perce Tribe rebeccal@nezperce.org

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Mountain Snake / Clearwater

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
North Fork Clearwater River Restoration occurs primarily in the watersheds tributary to the Clearwater River managed by the Clearwater National Forest.

Section 3. Focal species

primary: Bull Trout
secondary: All Resident Fish
secondary: Westslope Cutthroat
secondary: All Wildlife

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 198709900 Dworshak Dam Impacts Assess/In Like the proposed workk, this project looks for ways to reduce impacts to bull trout. The focus of the project is on the over-wintering populations of bull trout in the Resevoir. The proposed work compliments these efforts by restoring upstream habitat.
Other: EPA [no entry] Restoration in Little North Fork Creek The State Soil Conservation Commission is entering phase III of a Section 319 grant program (EPA funded, disbursed through IDEQ) totaling nearly $250,000. Phase II funding (also $250,000) will extend through part of this year, and work under this grant is similar to the proposed work. Proposing similar habitat restoration in contiguous watersheds results in more meaningful benefits to fisheries.
BPA 198740700 NPT Dworshak Model Development This project helped define some of the limiting factors in the North Fork.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB. Protect and Restore an additional 300 miles of riparian habitat. Clearwater Strategy 1: Identify and prioritize riparian habitats for protection. Strategy 2: Protect and Restore riparian habitats through land acquisition, stewardship, BMPs, and grazing reform.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective CC. Protect existing quality, quantitiy, and diversity of native plant communities. Clearwater Strategy 1: Identify and prioritize native plant communities for restoration. Strategy 2: Prevent reproduction. Strategy 6: Prevent establishment. Strategy 7: Monitor and evaluate the effort to protect native plant communities.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective DD. Reduce the extent and density of established noxious weeds. Clearwater Strategy 1: Prioritize areas for treatment. Strategy 2: Treat weed infestations. Strategy 3: Encourage best management practices. Strategy 4: Monitor and Evaluate.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ. Reduce impact of transportation system on wildlife and fish populations and habitat. Clearwater Strategy 1: Plan restoration through transportation system anaylsis. Strategy 2: Reduce road impacts-implement road closures and decommissioning programs. Strategy 3: Protect habitats. Strategy 4: Monitor and evaluate projects.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P. Reduce number of artificially blocked streams by 2017. Clearwater Strategy 1: Compile database of fish barriers. Strategy 2: Prioritize fish passage barriers for replacement. Strategy 3: Replace barriers.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q. Reduce water temperatures. Clearwater Strategy 1. Identify and prioritize areas for restoration work. Strategy 2: Restrore hydrologic functions for temperature. Strategy 3: Restore riparian function. Strategy 5: Identify additional problems. Strategy 6: Monitor.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S. Reduce instream sedimentation. Clearwater Strategy 1: Use watershed scale assessments to identify problems. Strategy 2: Research ecosystem function and sediment budgets. Strategy 3: Prioritize areas for sediment reduction. Strategy 4: Reduce sediment. Strategy 5: Monitor.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U. Improve aquatic habitat diversity. Clearwater Strategy 1: Identify need. Strategy 2: Follow existing plans and continue habitat improvement efforts. Strategy 3: Prioritize action. Strategy 4: Restore ecosystem function. Strategy 6: Monitor effectiveness.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E. Evaluate opportunities and needs to increase native resident fish populations of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout by 2005. Clearwater Strategy 2: Prioritize opportunities for protection and restoration.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F. Increase populations of bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout where they are extirpated by 2017. Clearwater Strategy 2: Improve habitat conditions for native resident populations. Strategy 3. Evaluate physical and biological response to habitat projects. Strategy 4: Provide research, monitoring, and evaluation data.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G. Reduce the extent of rainbow trout - cutthroat trout hybridization in the North Fork. Clearwater Strategy 4. Protect quality habitat to promote natural distribution of native resident fish.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL. Develop programs and project proposals compatible with existing community needs and integrate objective with local objectives. Clearwater Strategy 2: Coordinate plan implementation with federal, tribal, and state, local, and other interests.

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Manage and Administer Projects Coordination and Communication Coordinate all project work within the Nez Perce Tribe, with regulatory agencies, and partnering and cooperating agencies. Coordination requires meeings both phone and in-person, travel to regional meetings, and developing MOUs and Participating Agreements. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $52,231
Biological objectives
Metrics
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Provide BPA with Required NEPA Documentation and Related Permits Work with the Clearwater National Forest to complete NEPA on all implementation projects in order to meets requirements of both USFS and BPA. 1/1/2007 12/31/2007 $52,231
Biological objectives
Metrics
Produce Inventory or Assessment Survey Road Removal Candidates and Culvert Replacement Candidates Complete Road and Culverrt Risk Assessment for Priority Drainages in the North Fork Clearwater. These roads and culverts are already identified as priorities for restoration. Data collected will help in project planning and design. 6/1/2007 10/31/2009 $52,232
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective CC.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective DD.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
Produce Inventory or Assessment Inventory Road Improvement Candidates Work with the Clearwater National Forest, Potlatch, and the State Soil Conservation Service to collect data on potential road improvement projects in the Elk Creek Drainage, FS Road #246, and in other drainages. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $55,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective CC.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective DD.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
Improve/Relocate Road Improve Roads Improve at least one mile of road to reduce chronic sediment input into streams. These roads are identified as being needed for access and therefore cannot be decommissioned. Improvements may include the following: adding additional drainage structures, repairing failing drainage structures, relocating road, limited re-grading and re-surfacing (with gravel on steeper sections of road), stabilizing and re-vegetating cutslopes and fillslopes (may use bioengineering methods for slope stabilization). Timeframe: Begin work in 2009 completing at least one mile of improvement 7/1/2009 10/31/2009 $112,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
* # of road miles improved, upgraded, or restored: 1
Decommission Road Decommission Roads Surplus to Management Need Remove at least 20 miles of surplus road each year. Roads are being removed to reduce risk of mass failure and reduce chronic sediment input into streams. Roads will be fully recontoured and stream crossings will be restored to natural grade and function. Priority drainages are Deception, Beaver/Aquarius, Full Quart, Cool Ice, and Clark Mountain. 7/1/2007 10/31/2009 $650,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
* # of road miles decommissioned : 60
Produce Design and/or Specifications Complete Designs for all Culverts Scheduled for Replacement At least two culverts will be replaced each year. Installed culverts are designed for sized for the active channel and will accommodate a 100 – year flood event. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $110,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
Remove/Modify Dam Replace Culverts in North fork At least two culverts will be replaced each year. Installed culverts are designed for sized for the active channel and will accommodate a 100 – year flood event. All culverts are installed below stream grade in order to allow natural substrate colonization of culvert bottom so that each culvert will pass all aquatic organisms. Culvert replacements scheduled for the following streams in the project area: No Name Creek (formerly Squaw Creek), Hidden Creek, Fix, Larsen, Morris Creek, and Orogrande. Others may be identified during survey. 7/1/2007 10/31/2009 $355,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
* # of miles of habitat accessed: 10
Upland Erosion and Sedimentation Control Complete Erosion Control on all Replaced Culverts and Decommissioned Roads On all disturbed areas we place natural mulch/slash to provide nutrients to new vegetation and mitigate surface erosion. Where natural mulch is scarce we spread weed free straw. Some areas may require use of erosion control mats (degradable coconut fiber mats). 7/1/2007 10/31/2009 $51,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 240
Plant Vegetation Revegetate Decommissioned Roads and Culvert Replacement Sites After completing ground disturbing work for road removal and culvert replacement we will seed the area with native grass seed mix and plant native brush and/or tree species. 7/1/2007 10/31/2009 $55,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 11. Objective CC.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective DD.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
* # of acres of planted: 240
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Implementation Monitoring Monitor restoration work following implementation. Projects include road decommissioning and weed treatment. Data collected includes evaluating whether projects were implemented according to design, evaluating revegetation success, measuring stream channel adjustments, recording any locations of road failure, and efficacy of applied noxious weed treatment. 7/1/2007 10/31/2009 $50,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Collect Data on Replaced Culverts Data collected includes evaluating whether culvert installations meet objectives for size, grade, substrate retention, and fish passage. 8/1/2007 10/31/2009 $50,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Metrics
Produce Inventory or Assessment Complete Invasive Plant Inventory Along Roads and Trails The Nez Perce Tribe and the Clearwater National Forest adapted inventory protocols from the Rangeland CE program used by USFS. All data is collected with Pocket PCs using wireless GPS units. Locations of infestations are mapped in the field and associated data is collected in both the Pocket PCs and Field Books. Data is stored in the USFS Terra Database and with the NPT-DFRM-Watershed Division. 6/1/2007 10/31/2008 $52,500
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 11. Objective CC.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective DD.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
Produce Plan Develop a Weed Treatment Plan for the North Fork Use the data from inventories and the North Fork Weeds EA to develop an integrated treatment plan for non-native invasive species. The plan will identify priority drainages for treatment and describe treatment strategies by watershed. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $55,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 11. Objective CC.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective DD.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Metrics
Remove vegetation Treat Non-Native Invasive Species Apply an integrated treatment method to control weeds in the Analysis Area. Treatments will include mechanical (hand-pulling), chemical, and biological control. 6/1/2007 10/31/2009 $100,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 10. Objective BB.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective CC.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective DD.
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 200
Create/Manage/Maintain Database Input Data All Project Data All data collected will be spatially referenced through field GPS and structured to fit tables designed for each project work element. Tables will be built into the Microsoft Sequel Server 2000 environment and linked to spatial information stored in a ESRI ArcSDE database. Data will be housed in Nez Perce Tribe Land Services servers. Data will be distributed externally using an ESRI ArcIMS server. 11/1/2007 12/31/2009 $50,000
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 16. Objective JJ.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective P.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective Q.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective S.
Environmental Problem 7. Objective U.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Socioeconomic Problem 18. Objective LL.
Metrics
Outreach and Education Outreach and Education for North Fork Projects Protect investments in restoration by conducting outreach through seminar/workshop presentations and public field trips of projects. Work with local school groups and partnering agencies to use project work as an opportunity for restoration. 1/1/2007 12/31/2009 $33,777
Biological objectives
Environmental Problem 11. Objective CC.
Environmental Problem 11. Objective DD.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective E.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective F.
Resident Fish Problem 4. Objective G.
Metrics

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel 3 FTE $143,300 $143,300 $143,300
Fringe Benefits Fringe at 30% $45,640 $45,640 $45,640
Supplies Operational Costs: Supplies, GSA Vehicles, Per Diem for Crew, Housing for Crew $35,480 $35,480 $35,480
Travel Coordination Meetings and Training $3,253 $3,253 $3,253
Other Subcontracting $349,182 $349,682 $349,182
Overhead Indirect at 30% $68,302 $68,302 $68,302
Totals $645,157 $645,657 $645,157
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $1,935,971
Total work element budget: $1,935,971
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
Clearwater nNationa Forest Cost Share $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 Cash Under Review
Totals $200,000 $200,000 $200,000

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $450,000
FY 2011 estimated budget: $450,000
Comments: The North Fork Watershed is the largest drainage in the Clearwater Subbasin. The scale of the watershed and the priority of the area for restoration creates a longer term restoration need. Active restoration could be maintained for another decade.

Future O&M costs:

Termination date: 2020
Comments: The end of active restoration will occur when the opportunity no longer exists. Ideally the loss of opportunity will result from having completed most of the meaningful restoration projects in the area. However, because of the mixed ownerships in the drainage, opportunities may eventually become limited because the management of the land for private industry or as a muncipality may render effective restoration impossible. Given the scope of the work already committed over the next 20 years by a variety of land managers, this kind of limitation to restoration will not occur in the near future.

Final deliverables: Restored, connected habitat for the benefit of resident fish.

Section 10. Narrative and other documents

200736900_ISRPresponse_2006.doc Jul 2006
umbrella comments to council_07-13-06_v4.doc Jul 2006
NPT DFRM Watershed Umbrella Comments Jul 2006
Mtn Snake NPT DFRM Project Recommendations with comments 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]
$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: The proposal is comprehensive. However, there is no mention of replacing culverts with clear-span bridges or even bottomless culverts; it is proposed simply to replace culverts with a capacity to accommodate a 1-in-100 year flow. In response, confirmation is needed that either clear-span bridges or bottomless culverts are to be used. Also, details on fish-related M&E are needed. The area suffers from all the usual factors, in particular sediment and temperature, resulting not only from deforestation but also from the dense road network and invasive exotic plants such as spotted knapweed that limit establishment of native vegetation in disturbed areas, and in some cases actually increase surface erosion (Lacey, et al. 1989). The impacts are expressed in tabular form to limit the amount of text. Finally, in the response loop, the ISRP recommends that the Nez Perce Tribe suggest a priority and rank of the numerous proposals submitted under the titles “protect” and “restore.” Where do habitat actions and protection in the Clearwater offer the most potential benefit?


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: The response was adequate to warrant a fundable recommendation. In many cases clear-span bridges will be required in order to meet criteria to replace culverts following stream simulation criteria. In some cases for steeper, smaller tributaries, pipe-arch culverts may be used to achieve both fish passage and the more specific Stream Simulation Criteria. The question of monitoring and evaluation was answered by reference to the NPT-DFRM-Watershed Division Umbrella Response. A further question was raised concerning the priority and rank of the numerous proposals submitted under the titles “protect and restore.” The North Fork of the Clearwater is an area totally blocked by Dworshak Dam; consequently, this proposal is primarily for the benefit of resident fish which places it into the tier 2 priorities of both the Nez Perce Tribe’s priority and local group priorities. 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.