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, 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, and in 2006 - 2007 23 miles of roads were decommissioned, 9 miles of roads were improved, culvert 1709 was replaced, 15,200 riparian plants were planted along approximately 4 miles of the mainstem of Red River, and the Red River Meadow conservation easement pursuit began.  In 2008, approximately 5,000 riparian plants were planted along approximately 4 miles of the mainstem Red River, designs for five culvert replacements were completed (Deadwood, Siegel, Schooner, Deer, and Soda Creeks), and conservation easement activities continued - the appraisal was completed, partners were secured, and a PCSRF Idaho Office of Species Conservation grant awarded for $250,000 towards the purchase of the easement.  In 2009, the Red River Narrows Stream Restoration Project was implemented, the project consisted of  2 miles of mainstem Red River post dredge mine rehabilitation, mine tailings pile re-grading, stream channel reconstruction, and the installation of instream habitat complexity structures such as engineered log jams.  NPT personnel also planted approximately 4 miles of the riparian corridor (4,500 plants) of the mainstem of Red River, and continued conservation easement acquisition activities in the Red River Meadow.

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 2010 & 2011 Contract Implementation:

FY 2010 contract implementation will include the revegetation component of the Red River Narrows Project, as well as our continued revegetation effort in the Red River Meadows.  Personnel will complete the engineering surveys and design of the Deadwood Road Decommissioning / Improvement Project, a design for large woody debris (LWD) and instream structure installation in the Red River Meadows will be completed by a qualified subcontractor, and up to three culvert replacements will be designed.  Project personnel will also focus on project implementation/effectiveness monitoring and evaluation of the Red River Narrows Stream Restoration Project and other identified past projects including culvert replacements and road decommissioning.  The Restoration Crew will maintain the cattle exclusion fence that was built by Elk City's Framing Our Community organization in 2008.

FY 2011 contract implementation will focus on the implementation of the Deadwood Road Decommissioning / Improvement, LWD and instream structure installation on the Red River Meadow private property, and the continued revegetation efforts in the Red River Meadows and Red River Narrows project.  Fence maintenance and monitoring of identified past projects will also be implemented.  Depending on funding availability, a culvert may also be replaced.