Contract History:

This project began in 2002 and became part of the Nez Perce Tribe Fisheries Watershed Department’s habitat restoration program.  In 2002, the Red River Ecosystem Analysis at the Watershed Scale (EAWS) was completed.  While this was mainly a Forest Service effort, but the NPT was involved in the transportation planning and review of the document.  NPT field crews also surveyed approximately 100 miles of roads and 264 high priority culverts/stream crossings.  In 2003, the NEPA process was initiated on the Upper Red River Watershed Restoration Project which consists of road decommissioning, road improvements, one major culvert replacement, and campground improvements.  NEPA and ESA consultation were completed in 2004, as well as the engineering surveys for the road decommissioning and improvements.  In 2005, the Bridge Creek Campground Improvements were implemented, as well as awarding and initiating the 12 miles of road decommissioning and 9 miles of road improvements.  The contract for the final design and replacement of culvert 1709 was also awarded.

This project has been, and is still currently a part of the Nez Perce National Forest - Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Restoration Partnership.  Since the project’s inception we have shared project planning, costs, and implementation responsibilities.

Summary of FY 06 Contract Implementation:

FY 06 contract implementation will include the technical oversight and associated project implementation/effectiveness monitoring and evaluation of 3 culvert replacement surveys & designs, and 12 miles of road decommissioning, erosion control and seeding that will be implemented by the Forest Service (Nez Perce National Forest) under a separate contract of this project.  NPT personnel will plant the riparian corridor of approximately 3 miles of the mainstem of Red River, conduct pre-aquisition activities (working with private landowners, drafting conservation easement contract language and applicable land management/restoration plans, a fair market value appraisal, and pursuing cost-share partners, etc) for a Red River Meadow conservation easement.    

The decommissioned roads and the overall stream habitat will be monitored and evaluated in order to determine the success of the watershed restoration efforts.