Contract History:
The Protect and Restore Mill Creek Watershed (2000-036-00) has been an on-going project since 2000.  This project is being completed in cooperation with the Nez Perce Tribe (NPT).  The ultimate goal of the project is to restore the physical and biological characteristics of the watershed to provide quality habitat for anadromous and resident fish species that support the historical, cultural and economic practices of the Nez Perce Tribe.  The Mill Creek watershed contains high habitat potential for steelhead trout and bull trout, and has moderate habitat potential for spring Chinook salmon.  Restoration in this watershed focuses on restoring riparian processes by addressing increased water temperatures, cattle grazing degradation, fish passage issues, and noxious weed infestations.  Previously completed contract work includes culvert assessment and prioritization, 3 culvert replacements, over 9,500 native riparian trees planted, installation of 3.0 miles of fence, and continued monitoring and evaluation.

Summary of FY 2008 Contract:
This project is part of the Nez Perce National Forest-Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Restoration Partnership with in kind contributions from the Nez Perce National Forest.  Funding for the Mill Creek project was approved for the Nez Perce Tribe in the amount of $150,000.  $96,000 of that amount is being awarded to the Nez Perce National Forest under this contract of the project for the replacement of the Merton Creek culvert.

A) one culvert replacement-
The Merton Creek culvert has been identified as a high priority for replacement because it is undersized and does not pass all life stages of fish.  This project will replace the existing 48" round culvert with a new 13’ width x 5’ 1” height x 60’ length bottomless steel structural plate arch culvert located at T28N/R4E/Sec.32.  The replacement will return fish passage to 2.0 miles of stream for all life stages of aquatic species, including juvenile spring Chinook and Steelhead.  The Nez Perce Tribe, under a separate BPA-NPT contract of this project will assist the Nez Perce National Forest with bid package development, bid review, contractor selection, technical oversight during construction, final inspection, and the associated project implementation/effectiveness monitoring and evaluation.