Justification for NC Contract amendment in April 2011 --

Lapwai Creek and Sweetwater Creek recently experienced a flood event the weekend of April 1-3 and high flows continued through the week.  This flooding, along with snow accumulation in the upper watershed, has impacted the potential to complete several Work Elements in Contract #46784, which expires April 30, 2011.  The NPT has established contracts with contractors to complete the work, but do to the existing weather conditions and stream discharge flows the contractors will not be able to complete this work by April 30th.  Work Elements H – L, Q-R involve removing non functioning levees, which under current conditions is not feasible.  I spoke with the local power company who will be installing power for Work Element M and they felt work could be completed in May but current soil conditions have too high of a water content.  Based on this I am requesting a 60 day extension for this contract.  Below is a table listing which Work Elements are at risk of not being completed.   I will call you in a few minutes to discuss this further.


WE ID Work Element                                                  Title
H 29 Increase Instream Habitat Complexity Stablize eroded stream bank on TU 3123
K 47 Plant Vegetation                                 Plant Native trees and shrubs on TU 3125
L 29 Increase Instream Habitat Complexity Stablize eroded stream bank on TU 3125
M 34 Develop Alternative Water Source Develop alternative water source for livestock on TA 365
N 34 Develop Alternative Water Source Develop alternative water source for livestock on Waha Unit
Q 47 Plant Vegetation                                 Plant Native trees and shrubs on TU 348
R 29 Increase Instream Habitat Complexity Stabilize eroded stream bank on TU 348

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APROJECT/CONTRACT HISTORY:
Our mission is to work proactively within the region’s diverse landscapes to restore and protect the ecological processes of the Lapwai Creek watershed to the greatest extent possible.  We will work to rehabilitate habitat that will support healthy, self-sustaining fish populations and provide clean water for the benefit of all.  We will work within present challenges and opportunities toward achieving a balance whereby all communities can thrive for generations to come.

Hé-yey, Nez Perce for steelhead or rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), are a culturally and ecologically significant resource of the Lapwai Creek watershed and comprise a portion of the federally listed Snake River Basin Steelhead distinct population segment (DPS).  The majority of the Lapwai Creek drainage is federally identified as critical habitat for this DPS while also providing habitat for the federally listed Snake River Nacó’x, or fall chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), evolutionarily significant unit (ESU).  The Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District (District) and the Nez Perce Tribe Department of Fisheries Resources Management- Watershed (Tribe), in an effort to support the continued existence of these and other aquatic species, have developed the "Strategy for the Restoration of Lapwai Creek Watershed" document to direct efforts and resources toward the highest priority restoration projects and areas of the Lapwai Creek watershed.  The prioritization framework considered four aspects to determine the relative importance of performing restoration in a certain area: density of critical fish species, physical condition of the AU, water quantity, and water quality.  It was established, through vigorous data analysis within these four areas, that the top three areas to pursue restoration within the Lapwai Creek watershed are Lapwai Creek from stream km 17-34, Sweetwater Creek from the mouth to km 13 and from the mouth of Lapwai Creek to km 17.

SUMMARY OF FY 10 CONTRACT:

The "Strategy for the Ecological Restoration of Lapwai Creek Watershed," which was completed under the FY 07 contract, was the main reference for prioritizing implementation and developing the FY 10 SOW.  

The NRAMP inventory and project selection will continue on tribal and private properties within the areas identified as priority assessment units in the "Strategy for the Ecological Restoration of Lapwai Creek Watershed."  The NRAMP protocol will complete an inventory, assessment, and management plans to identify stream/watershed restoration projects on 5-10 properties within the top three prioritized assessment units in the Lapwai Creek watershed.  Restoration projects identified and selected through the NRAMP process will be prioritized for implementation in the future.

Implementation projects planned for the 2010 SOW include:
o  Tribal Trust Unit 3123 - design and implementation of 7.0 acres of wetland, bank stabilization, and riparian restoration within the newly established riparian buffer.
o  Tribal Trust Unit 3125 - design and implementation of 150 feet of bank stabilization, 0.3 acres of weed control and 0.3 acres of riparian planting.
o  Tribal Allotment 365- design and implementation of of permanent power supply to off-site water.
o  Waha Unit - design and implementation of 300 feet of riparian fencing to exclude livestock from aquatic and riparian areas coupled with alternative water development.
o  Tribal Trust Unit 348- design and implementation of 500 feet of bank stabilization, 3.0 acres of weed control and 3.0 acres of riparian planting.


In addition to the development of new projects, it is necessary to continue some specific project maintenance actions through the FY 2010 contract year.  Annual maintenance will be preformed on 14 miles of fence projects that were constructed between 2003 and 2008 to exclude livestock from aquatic and riparian areas on parcels throughout the Lapwai Creek Watershed.   Weed control, plant maintenance and occasional adjustments of project components will continue on 40 acres on Tribal Trust Unit 3125.  

Outreach and education to the general public, fellow professionals, and high school and college students will continue.  This will include providing opportunities for local student and community volunteers to actively participate in the implementation of our restoration projects. Partners include the Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District and the Nez Perce Tribe Water Resources and Land Services Departments.
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Property Inventory Changes

From Contract #42241 to CR-127505
Versio Hard Drive
17" CTX Flatscreen Monitor
Wacker BH23 Gas Breaker
Pygmy current meter
Garmin Etrex Venture GPS units
Trimble GeoExplorer XM                
Trimble GeoExplorer XM                  
Pionjar 120 Gas Drill
Dell Optiplex GX620 Computer
EMTAC Bluetooth GPS Receiver
Bushnell Sport Rangefinder
Maxtor 120 GB Hard Drive
Propane Torch


From Contract #42176 to Contract # 43397
Minolta DiMage S414 digital camera
Minolta DiMage S414 digital camera
Garmin Etrex Venture GPS units
500 um Surber Sampler w/case
Aluminum ATV ramps
Honda TRX350FE3 ATV
Honda TRX350FE3 ATV
Zieman 3 place ATV trailer
LR-24 w/rattail & 2 anode rings
LR-24 w/rattail & 2 anode rings
1 piece Anode Rods
Scout-Pro 400g balance
LaserMark LMH Rotary Laser
4 foot top-setting rod
Globalstar Satellite Phone-7637
Globalstar Satellite Phone-7639
Globalstar Satellite Phone-7635
Dell Optiplex GX620 Computer

From Contract #42241to Contract # 43397
2 piece Anode Rods
Scout-Pro 400g balance
1.5m top-setting rod
AquaCalc Pro
Price AA current meter
aluminum tripod
Oakton conductivity tester
Honda TRX350FE3 ATV
Bushnell laser rangefinder

From Contract #42241to Contract # 41069
HP Color Printer