Project/Contract History:

This project is a component of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests-Nez Perce Tribe Watershed Restoration Partnership.  This project represents a combination of two ongoing BPA and NPT restoration projects, Project #1996-077-03, Project #2002-074-00, and an extension of the project area to include the entire Lochsa Watershed rather than just the upper watersheds.  This project unification greatly increases administrative and financial efficiency in order to maximize the direct benefit to fish and wildlife.

Restoration follows a ridge top to ridge top approach with implementation focused on decreasing sediment inputs into area streams, increasing aquatic habitat connectivity, decreasing resource impacts from roads, and eradicating exotic, invasive plants. The cost share for this project has been contributed by the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests who provides an approximate 20% match including cash and in-kind contributions. Project planning and implementation responsibilities are also shared with the Forest.


FY 2014 Contract Implementation:

FY 14 implementation includes the removal of up to 23 miles of roads (to reduce sediment inputs to streams), up to 20 miles of spraying previously decommissioned roads to reduce invasive weeds (to reduce chronic sediment inputs to a priority spawning stream), up to 5 culvert replacements (to improve hydrologic capacity and reduce potential sediment delivery, as well as  provide habitat connectivity), planting up to 2,000 native riparian shrubs/trees, planting up to 40,000 additional native trees, project implementation/compliance monitoring and evaluation, and continued planning and coordination for future habitat improvement projects.

NPT Watershed personnel will also conduct invasive weed treatment, an invasive weed inventory, and continue an inventory of roads and culverts throughout the Lochsa watershed in order to identify fish passage barriers and road associated risks to aquatic species.  

Matching Costs Summary 2014: In 2014 the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will provide approximately 20% of project costs for road decommissioning/improvement and culvert replacement, which includes project planning, contract administration, and implementation.    

In addition, the environmental non-profit "Wildlands CPR" maintains a volunteer based project monitoring program in this area with an in-kind value of approximately $15,000 annually.  Wildlands CPR collects monitoring data on roads and road removal, focusing on impacts of road removal to wildlife populations and stream habitat condition in the Upper Lochsa. Other volunteer contributions include the Montana Conservation Corps (MCC), who will likely provide volunteers to assist with road decommissioning/improvement and weed treatment.