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 NPCNF 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.  In 2012/2013, three culvert replacement designs as well as the large woody debris (LWD) and channel restoration design (on the Red River Conservation Easement) were completed.  Implementation included; one culvert replacement, riparian planting on the Red River Meadow easement property, conducting additional low elevation aerial photography to aid in monitoring and maintenance of the projects, removal of five log culverts, and the South Fork Red River Road Decommissioning (9 miles) project (see special note below).

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

2014 Contract Summary:

In 2014 we will complete one additional culvert replacement, a road improvement project (1.5 miles), berm/mine tailings pile removal and channel restoration on the Red River Conservation Easement (RRCE), annual fence maintenance for the RRCE, annual riparian planting, and the associated annual implementation and compliance monitoring.

Special Note: In 2013, 9.15 miles of road decommissioning was scheduled for implementation in the South Fork Red River area, however, due to the 2013 Federal Government Shutdown, only 3 miles were completed.  The remainder of the contract (6.15 miles) has been rescheduled for implementation under this contract in 2014.