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 entire 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 which 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.  

In 2010, the Red River Meadow conservation easement was purchased (256 acres), the Red River Narrows revegetation was completed, and revegetation efforts continued in the Red River Meadows.  NPT and NPNF personnel also completed the engineering surveys and design of the Deadwood Road Decommissioning/Improvement Project, and maintained the cattle exclusion fence on the Red River Meadow conservation easement property.  Project implementation/effectiveness monitoring and evaluation was completed for the Red River Narrows Stream Restoration Project, culvert replacements and removals, and road decommissioning and improvement.  In 2011, the Deadwood Road Decommissioning and Improvement was completed, revegetation efforts continued on the Red River Meadow easement and Red River Narrows, fence maintenance was implemented on the easement property, and project implementation/effectiveness monitoring and evaluation continued.  

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


Summary of FY 2012 & 2013 Contract Implementation:

In 2012 we will complete 3 culvert replacement designs, the large woody debris (LWD) and channel restoration design on the Red River Conservation Easement, and the design for another road decommissioning project in the South Fork Red River subwatershed.  Implementation will include the Siegel Creek culvert replacement, riparian planting on the Red River Meadow easement property (with expansion into Gibbler's property), and conducting additional low elevation aerial photography to aid in monitoring and maintenance of the projects.  In 2013 we will finish the design of the LWD and channel restoration project on the easement property.  2013 implementation will include replacement of the Bridge and Siegel Creek culverts, removal of up to 6 log culverts as identified in the Red Pines EIS, the South Fork Red River Road Decommissioning, and the continued pursuit of the acquisition of Siegel Creek from Red River Properties LLC.