FY07-09 proposal 199802200

Jump to Reviews and Recommendations

Section 1. Administrative

Proposal titlePine Creek Conservation Area: Wildlife Habitat and Watershed Management on 33,557-acres to benefit grassland, shrub-steppe, riparian, and aquatic species.
Proposal ID199802200
OrganizationConfederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon
Short descriptionOngoing wildlife habitat and watershed management on the Pine Creek Conservation Area in FY2007-2009 (includes Pine Creek Ranch and Wagner Ranch acquisitions).
Information transferCooperative data will be available through partner agencies and websites and Tribes will submit monitoring reports to BPA every five years beginning in 2006.
Proposal contact person or principal investigator
Contacts
ContactOrganizationEmail
Form submitter
Mark Berry Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon pinecreek@bendnet.com
All assigned contacts
Mark Berry Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon pinecreek@bendnet.com
Mark Berry Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon pinecreek@bendnet.com
Mark Berry Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon pinecreek@bendnet.com
Terry Luther Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon tluther@wstribes.org

Section 2. Locations

Province / subbasin: Columbia Plateau / John Day

LatitudeLongitudeWaterbodyDescription
44.900 -120.350 This project is a Conservation Area of approximately 33,557 acres. A map of the Conservation Area will be included with the project narrative. The Lat Lon coordinate provided is within the Conservation Area.

Section 3. Focal species

primary: All Wildlife
secondary: Chinook Mid-Columbia River Spring ESU
secondary: Steelhead Middle Columbia River ESU
secondary: Interior Redband Trout

Section 4. Past accomplishments

YearAccomplishments
2005 Completed 8,726 ac burn targeting juniper in the Pine Creek watershed. Cut juniper in ½ mile of Robinson Canyon. Continued education partnership, access program, and monitoring photos, streamflow, water temp., weather, deer & elk, steelhead, and birds.
2004 BPA approved Management Plan. Planted 12,200 trees & shrubs & 134 ac. bunchgrass in CREP buffer. Replaced 2 culverts. Completed 10,907-ac. burn with BLM to improve wildlife habitat and watershed health. Cut juniper in 1.3 miles of riparian areas.
2003 Replaced undersized culvert ½ mile up Pine Creek with bottomless arch. Cut juniper in 2 miles of riparian area to improve wildlife habitat and watershed function. Additional monitoring: USGS streamflow gage with water temp. & weather; HEP on Wagner R.
2002 Management Plan public review, CBFWA approval, submission to BPA. Enrolled 5.4 miles of Pine Creek in CREP. Removed one passage barrier culvert. Additional monitoring: digital ortho photography, upland vegetation, aquatic habitat survey on John Day R.
2001 Draft Wildlife Habitat and Watershed Management Plan. Water rights leased instream. Acquired 9,253-acre Wagner Ranch. OWEB grant for fish-passage design. Monitoring: photos, PFC, riparian veg., water quality, deer & elk, steelhead redds, birds, & HEP.
2000 24,304-acre Pine Creek Ranch acquired in November 1999. Livestock removed. Monitoring and management planning began. Access regulations and education partnership with OMSI developed. Noxious weed survey and control began. Manager hired in Aug. 2000.
1999 Pre-acquisition surveys and appraisals were completed and BPA funding for acquisition of Pine Creek Ranch was secured.
1998 Began landowner negotiations for acquisition.
1997 Pine Creek Ranch identified as a potential mitigation site through GAP analysis due to linkages provided between wildlife habitats on adjacent federal lands.

Section 5. Relationships to other projects

Funding sourceRelated IDRelated titleRelationship
BPA 199705900 Or W/L Plan And Coordination The Pine Creek and Wagner Ranch acquisitions were identified by this umbrella project for Oregon wildlife mitigation planning, coordination, and implementation.
BPA 200104000 Wagner Ranch Acquisition Acquisition of Wagner Ranch and its incorporation into the Pine Creek Conservation Area was funded as a High Priority project while its review as a Wildlife Mitigation project was pending.
OWEB - State 204-431 Pine Cr Culvert Replacement at Robinson Canyon This cooperative project with Wheeler SWCD was proposed by the Tribes, and received joint funding from OWEB, USFWS, and BPA through the Pine Creek Conservation Area. It removed two undersized passage barrier culverts, one from Pine Creek at Robinson Canyon, and the other on Robinson Canyon near the mouth. Both were replaced with bottomless arch structures.
OWEB - State 205-089 Pine Cr Prescription Fire For Watershed Restoration This prescribed fire for watershed restoration and wildlife habitat improvement was a cooperative project of the Tribes, Prineville District BLM, and Wheeler SWCD. Funding was from OWEB, BLM, and BPA.
Other: OWEB - State 203-206 Pine Creek - Clarno Rd Fish Passage Restoration The cooperative project with Wheeler SWCD and Wheeler County was proposed by the Tribes and received joint funding from OWEB, USFWS, and BPA through the Pine Creek Conservation Area. It replaced an undersized passage barrier culvert one half mile above the mouth of Pine Creek with a bottomless arch structure.
Other: OWEB - State 201-254 Pine Creek Steelhead Habitat Improvement Design & Cost-Analysis This OWEB funded cooperative project between the Tribes and Wheeler SWCD was for engineering fish passage designs for three passage barrier sites on Pine Creek. The passage barriers were removed in separate projects in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
Other: USFWS PC-2 2002 Pine Creek Fish Passage Improvement 2002 This cooperative project between the Tribes and Wheeler SWCD was cooperatively funded by USFWS and BPA through the Pine Creek Conservation Area O&M funding. It removed an elevated undersized culvert to restore fish passage and installed three rock weirs to protect the stream grade.
Other: NRCS/FSA CREP Pine Creek Riparian Buffer The Tribes enrolled a riparian buffer along the lower 5.4 miles of Pine Creek in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. The NRCS and FSA pay an annual rental fee per acre on the 124.1 acres enrolled, and provided reimbursement for planting grasses, shrubs, and trees in the riparian buffer.
Other: BLM NA Rattlesnake Prescribed Burn The Tribes worked with BLM to plan this prescribed fire for watershed restoration and wildlife habitat improvement. The burn was completed in September 2004. The burn unit of 10,904 acres included 7,674 acres of the Pine Creek Conservation Area.
BPA 200203400 Wheeler Co Riparian Buffers This project of Wheeler SWCD is dedicated to implementing riparian buffers on streams in Wheeler County. In May, 2004, the Tribes and SWCD hosted a Twilight Tour that highlighted the Tribes' CREP riparian buffer along with other wildlife habitat and watershed projects on the Pine Creek Conservation Area.
BPA 199801800 John Day Watershed Restoration The Tribes' Watershed Restoration Program staff initially assisted with development of the Pine Creek proposal and continue to work in partnership with the Pine Creek Conservation Area.
BPA 200104101 Forrest Ranch Management The Forrest Conservation Area is a Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs John Day Basin project, focused on fish and wildlife habitat restoration. The Tribes' Conservation Area Managers work collaboratively.
BPA 200001500 Oxbow Ranch Management The Oxbow Conservation Area is a Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs John Day Basin project, focused on fish and wildlife habitat restoration. The Tribes' Conservation Area Managers work collaboratively.
Other: USFWS NA Partners for Fish and Wildlife The USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provided cost-share funds and technical assistance for implementation of three fish passage projects on Pine Creek (OWEB 203-206 & 204-431, USFWS PC-2 2002). These projects were all in cooperation with Wheeler SWCD.
Other: BLM NA Porcupine Prescribed Burn This prescribed fire of 8,726 acres targeted the Pine creek watershed for wildlife habitat and watershed restoration. This cooperative project of the Tribes, Wheeler SWCD and Prineville District BLM, was jointly funded and is also in this list as OWEB 205-089.
BPA 200201300 Water Entity (Rpa 151) The Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports the work of the Oregon Water Trust. Oregon Water Trust assisted the Tribes with instream leasing of irrigation water rights on Pine Creek and the John Day River.

Section 6. Biological objectives

Biological objectivesFull descriptionAssociated subbasin planStrategy
*All Biological Objectives* Is a placeholder for use in Section 7 when a single Work Element applies to all Biological Objectives of the Proposal. None [Strategy left blank]
Diversity of native wildlife increased. Increased use by riparian, grassland, and shrub-steppe associated wildlife species. To be encouraged by allowing development of riparian habitats and managing upland habitats. To be evaluated through monitoring of breeding birds. John Day E: Riparian Habitat Improvements; G: Protect Existing High Quality Habitat Areas; H: Upland Improvement Projects; I: Education/Outreach.
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated. Pine Creek Conservation Area serves as an example of wildlife habitat and watershed management in the John Day Basin and Intermountain West. John Day I: Education/Outreach
Hunting opportunities provided. Productivity of mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and upland game bird populations adequate to allow continued tribal and public hunting opportunities. To be achieved through habitat management and monitored through long-term population ratio monitoring and harvest reporting. John Day G: Protect Existing High Quality Habitat Areas; H: Upland Improvement Projects; I: Education/Outreach
Invasive species impacts reduced. Impacts of invasive species on wildlife habitat quality and hydrological function should be minimal. Invasive species populations and potential for further spread should be reduced. To be evaluated beginning in 2010. John Day E: Riparian Habitat Improvements; G: Protect Existing High Quality Habitat Areas; H: Upland Improvement Projects.
Juniper encroachment reduced. Ongoing encroachment of western juniper into grassland, shrub-steppe, and riparian habitats reduced. In FY07-09, 3,000 acres burned or juniper cut. John Day E: Riparian Habitat Improvements; H: Upland Improvement Projects; Grassland Obj. 2 Str. 1 & 4; Western Juniper Obj. 2 Str. 1 & 2.
Minimal erosion from roads. Roads in a state of maintenance that prevents extensive movement of sediment and allows for vehicle access within 2 miles of any point on the Conservation Area. John Day H: Upland Improvement Projects.
Steelhead spawning increased to 4 out of 5 years. Frequency of steelhead spawning and rearing use of Pine Creek increased from current levels (7 out of last 12 years) to 4 out of 5 years (80%) by 2015. John Day C: Flow Restoration, E: Riparian Habitat Improvements, G: Protect Existing High Quality Habitat Areas; H: Upland Improvement Projects

Section 7. Work elements (coming back to this)

Work element nameWork element titleDescriptionStart dateEnd dateEst budget
Manage and Administer Projects General Management and Administration Covers general management and administration of the Pine Creek Conservation Area, including project planning and oversight. Does not include preparation and submittal of administrative documents, reports, or environmental compliance information to BPA. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $91,320
Biological objectives
*All Biological Objectives*
Metrics
Maintain Vegetation Manage Vegetation Includes most aspects of vegetation management, including maintenance of riparian buffer plantings and control of invasive species as identified in the Weed Management Plan. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $92,075
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Invasive species impacts reduced.
Steelhead spawning increased to 4 out of 5 years.
Metrics
Remove Debris Remove old interior fences Involves continued work to remove existing barbed -wire and woven-wire interior fences that pose a hazard to wildlife and interfere with natural movement of wildlife. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $37,240
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Metrics
Investigate Trespass Remove trespass livestock Monitor for trespass livestock, and work with livestock owners to coordinate removal and reduce trespass problems. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $23,405
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Invasive species impacts reduced.
Metrics
Improve/Relocate Road Maintain proper drainage on Jennies Peak Rd In FY2009, maintain the entire length of Jennies Peak Rd. Re-shape drainage features (drivable dips, water bars, and ditches) as necessary to maintain roadway and reduce erosion. 10/1/2008 9/30/2009 $31,805
Biological objectives
Invasive species impacts reduced.
Minimal erosion from roads.
Metrics
* # of road miles improved, upgraded, or restored: 20
Remove vegetation Chichester Gulch juniper cut Cut juniper to improve wildlife habitat and watershed health. Project area in portions of Sect 25 & 26, T7SR20E in the Chichester Gulch and "North Robinson" watersheds. 10/1/2006 4/15/2007 $56,015
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Juniper encroachment reduced.
Steelhead spawning increased to 4 out of 5 years.
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 500
Conduct Controlled Burn Shaw Canyon Prescribed Fire Plan and Implement Prescribed Fire in Shaw Canyon area for wildlife habitat and watershed restoration in cooperation with BLM. approximately 20% of an estimated 5000-acre burn unit is tribal land. Burn tentatively scheduled for September 2007. 10/1/2006 10/1/2008 $68,395
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Invasive species impacts reduced.
Juniper encroachment reduced.
Metrics
Remove vegetation Amine Canyon juniper cut Cut juniper to improve wildlife habitat and watershed health. This project to be completed in cooperation with a BLM juniper cut in the May Basin portion of Amine Canyon tentatively planned for 2008. CTWS cooperative portion in T9SR20E, parts of Sections 4, 10, and 16 in Amine Canyon watershed. Estimate CTWS portion at 550 acres. 10/1/2007 9/30/2008 $59,015
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Juniper encroachment reduced.
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 550
Conduct Controlled Burn East Robinson Prescribed Fire Plan and implement a prescribed fire in cooperation with BLM for wildlife habitat and watershed restoration in the area east of lower Robinson Canyon, south of Highway 218, and west of Pine Creek Road. The estimated 500 acre burn unit is entirely on tribal land and is tentatively scheduled for September 2008. 10/1/2007 9/30/2009 $90,895
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Juniper encroachment reduced.
Steelhead spawning increased to 4 out of 5 years.
Metrics
Remove vegetation Cove Creek juniper cut Cut juniper to improve wildlife habitat and watershed health. Project area in Cove Creek watershed in portions of T7SR20E Sections 19, 29, 30 and T7SR19E Section 36. 10/1/2008 9/30/2009 $92,015
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Juniper encroachment reduced.
Steelhead spawning increased to 4 out of 5 years.
Metrics
* # of acres treated: 1100
Conduct Controlled Burn Little Pine Prescribed Fire Plan and implement prescribed fire in cooperation with BLM in Little Pine and upper Robinson canyons for wildlife habitat and watershed restoration. Project area is estimated at approximately 2000 acres of tribal lands and the burn is tentatively planned for September, 2009. 10/1/2008 9/30/2009 $130,745
Biological objectives
Diversity of native wildlife increased.
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Juniper encroachment reduced.
Steelhead spawning increased to 4 out of 5 years.
Metrics
Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data Collect Monitoring Data Ongoing collection of monitoring data, including: streamflow, water temperature, meteorogical data, riparian monitoring photos, steelhead redds, deer and elk population composition surveys, bird monitoring, and noxious weeds. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $86,120
Biological objectives
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Metrics
Focal Area: Tributaries & Wildlife
Primary R, M, and E Type: Action Effectiveness Research
Secondary R, M, and E Type: Status and Trend Monitoring
Outreach and Education Represent the CTWS Represent the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and work cooperatively with the local community, local conservation organizations, and education organizations. Use the Pine Creek Conservation Area as an example of conservation and stewardship practices in the lower John Day Basin. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $38,555
Biological objectives
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Metrics
Provide Public Access/Information Public Access and Information Manage all aspects of public access to the Conservation Area. Includes reviewing access regulations, implementing access program, enforcing regulations, and coordinating research activities by outside parties. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $41,195
Biological objectives
Habitat and watershed potential demonstrated.
Hunting opportunities provided.
Metrics
Coordination Coordinate Land Exchange between the Tribes and BLM An equal value land exchange proposal to improve management and access to both tribal and federal land has been developed in cooperation with local government, neighbors, and conservation groups, and endorsed by the Wheeler County Commission. When legislation is enacted, coordinate the exchange of lands after review by BPA. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $9,915
Biological objectives
*All Biological Objectives*
Metrics
Manage and Administer Projects Prepare and submit documents to BPA Prepare and submit required documents to BPA. Includes Metric forms, Annual Income and Expense Reports, contracting documents, and other documents required by BPA. Also includes Scope of Work, Progress Reports, and Metric reporting in the Pisces system. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $13,670
Biological objectives
*All Biological Objectives*
Metrics
Produce Annual Report Produce and Submit Annual Reports Produce and submit annual reports in the Pisces system. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $23,652
Biological objectives
*All Biological Objectives*
Metrics
Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation Environmental Compliance Covers Environmental Compliance documentation activities for operations and management activities on the Pine Creek Conservation Area. 10/1/2006 9/30/2009 $12,211
Biological objectives
*All Biological Objectives*
Metrics

Section 8. Budgets

Itemized estimated budget
ItemNoteFY07FY08FY09
Personnel Conservation Area Manager (1 FTE) $38,000 $39,140 $40,314
Personnel Fish & Wildlife Biologist (1 FTE) $32,000 $32,960 $33,949
Personnel CTWS Wildlife & Parks Manager (.08 FTE) $4,873 $5,019 $5,170
Fringe Benefits 0.25% of Salaries $18,718 $19,280 $19,858
Supplies Office supplies $1,300 $1,339 $1,379
Supplies Digital camera & GPS replacement $1,000 $0 $0
Supplies Software Updates $0 $300 $350
Supplies Printing: brochures, maps, regulations $1,000 $1,030 $1,061
Supplies Miscellaneous supplies: seed, hardware, etc. $6,000 $6,180 $6,365
Supplies Minor equipment and hand tools $750 $750 $750
Supplies Equipment maintenance $400 $450 $500
Supplies Equipment and vehicle fuel $1,900 $1,957 $2,016
Supplies Equipment rental $1,500 $1,500 $2,000
Travel Lodging and meals $1,000 $1,030 $1,061
Travel Mileage (POV) $500 $515 $530
Travel Conference & Training Fees $500 $500 $500
Other GSA Vehicle Leases: 1 Truck and 1 SUV $6,600 $6,798 $7,002
Other GSA Vehicles Mileage $4,200 $4,326 $4,456
Other Vehicles: Insurance $3,000 $3,090 $3,183
Other Telephone $2,700 $2,781 $2,864
Other Internet Service (Satellite) $1,500 $1,545 $1,591
Other Electricity $3,000 $3,090 $3,183
Other Sanitation: Garbage & Portable Toilet $1,800 $1,854 $1,910
Other Buildings Insurance $900 $927 $955
Overhead Tribal Overhead, at 37.1% $49,395 $50,590 $52,291
Other Subcontract: USGS Stream gage & weather station $13,000 $13,390 $13,792
Other Subcontract: Helicopter for deer & elk surveys $2,400 $2,472 $2,546
Other Subcontract: Salmon bake for volunteer weekend $400 $412 $424
Other Subcontract: Noxious weed control $13,000 $13,390 $13,792
Other Subcontract: Road maintenance $0 $0 $20,000
Other Subcontract: Prescribed Fire, Shaw Canyon $37,500 $0 $0
Other Subcontract: Juniper cut, Chichester Gulch $30,000 $0 $0
Other Subcontract: Prescribed Fire, East Robinson $0 $60,000 $0
Other Subcontract: Juniper cut, Amine Canyon $0 $33,000 $0
Other Subcontract: Prescribed Fire, Little Pine $0 $0 $100,000
Other Subcontract: Juniper cut, Cove Creek $0 $0 $66,000
Totals $278,836 $309,615 $409,792
Total estimated FY 2007-2009 budgets
Total itemized budget: $998,243
Total work element budget: $998,243
Cost sharing
Funding source/orgItem or service providedFY 07 est value ($)FY 08 est value ($)FY 09 est value ($)Cash or in-kind?Status
BLM Prescribed Fires, Cooperative $150,000 $10,000 $25,000 In-Kind Under Development
BLM Juniper cut $0 $30,000 $0 In-Kind Under Development
NPS Bat monitoring $5,000 $5,000 $5,000 In-Kind Under Review
NRCS / FSA CREP riparian buffer rental $11,578 $11,578 $11,578 Cash Confirmed
ODFW Redd survey $0 $0 $0 In-Kind Under Review
OMSI Education programs (1000 student-days/year) $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 In-Kind Under Review
ONDA & OHA Volunteer work $4,000 $4,000 $4,000 In-Kind Under Development
USGS Streamflow Gage $6,750 $6,953 $7,161 In-Kind Under Review
Wheeler SWCD Joint tours and outreach $500 $500 $500 In-Kind Under Development
Totals $217,828 $108,031 $93,239

Section 9. Project future

FY 2010 estimated budget: $425,000
FY 2011 estimated budget: $425,000
Comments: Repeat HEP and satellite imagery in 2010, repeat water quality monitoring in 2011. These expenses may be cost-shared by partner agencies.

Future O&M costs: Operations and Maintenance of the Conservation Area will continue in perpetuity. Major project expenses should decrease after 15 years, but periodic prescribed fires and annual weed management and monitoring will be necessary.

Termination date: None
Comments: BPA is committed to funding operations and management of this mitigation site for the life of the hydropower system.

Final deliverables: Pine Creek Conservation Area managed for wildlife and fish habitat in perpetuity.

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]
$210,000 $210,000 $210,000 $630,000 Expense ProvinceExpense Fund
NPCC DRAFT FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS (Sep 15, 2006) [full Council recs]
$210,000 $210,000 $210,000 $0 ProvinceExpense

ISRP PRELIMINARY REVIEW (Jun 2, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: This proposal meets the ISRP review criteria, benefits wildlife, and is an exemplary proposal among the wildlife set of proposals. The project sponsors may want to explore work with their neighbors to expand the benefits of this project.


ISRP FINAL REVIEW (Aug 31, 2006)

Recommendation: Fundable

NPCC comments: This proposal meets the ISRP review criteria, benefits wildlife, and is an exemplary proposal among the wildlife set of proposals. The project sponsors may want to explore work with their neighbors to expand the benefits of this project.