Contract History: The purpose of this project is to protect and enhance habitat for improved natural production of indigenous, Mid-Columbia River (MCR) Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) summer steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), listed as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), and spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) within the North Fork of the John Day River Basin.  The project entails coordinated, cooperative efforts to protect and improve anadromous fisheries habitat consistent with the strategies and objectives outlined in the John Day Subbasin Plan.

This project originated in 2000 with initial on-the-ground implementations occurring in 2001.  These projects were implemented within lower Camas Creek tributaries (Snipe and Owens Creeks), Deer Creek and the Lower North Fork John Day River.  Approximately 16.8 miles of riparian fencing and 20 off-stream water developments have been constructed and two wells reactivated under the project.  These improvements have resulted in enhancement of approximately ten stream miles and 708 acres of riparian and floodplain habitat on private properties.

To date, all projects have included cost share funding and/or in-kind assistance from various sources including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), U.S. Department of Agriculture' s (USDA) Wildlife Habitat Incentive and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Programs (WHIP and CREP), U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), North Fork John Day Watershed Council (NFJDWC), Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), U.S. Fish & Wildlife (USFWS) Partners for Wildlife Program, Umatilla National Forest (UNF), Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO), and Columbia Power Cooperative Association.  The project has also partnered with other entities, including the UNF and Grant Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to assist them in obtaining NOAA cost share and habitat recovery on additional North and Middle Fork John Day tributaries.  These efforts have resulted in further enhancement of approximately 28 stream miles and 197 acres of floodplain and upland habitat.  Upland fencing associated with this project will be financed by these cost share entities since BPA is reluctant to approve funding for this purpose.

Summary of 2013-2014 Contract Work: Implementation during this project cycle shall include: (1) Identify, prioritize and select habitat project areas within the Lower Camas, Upper Camas, Desolation and Granite Creeks Geographic Areas (GA's), (2) Produce environmental compliance documentation, (3) Outreach and education, (4) Maintain water developments for easements on Lower and Upper Camas Creek, Snipe Creek, Deer Creek, and NF John Day, (5) Investigate livestock trespass for easements on Lower and Upper Camas Creek, Snipe Creek, Deer Creek, and NF John Day, (6) Maintain fences for easements on Lower and Upper Camas Creek, Snipe Creek, Deer Creek, and NF John Day, (7) Maintain vegetation for easements on Lower and Upper Camas Creek, Snipe Creek, Deer Creek, and NF John Day, (8) Desolation Creek fence maintenance, (9) Implement a design for Granite Creek, (10) Camas Creek assessment, (11) Battle Creek refit, (12) Desolation Creek geomorphic assessment, (13) Lower Camas Creek plantings, (14) Construct a riparian fence along Fox Creek, (15) Develop stock watering facilities along Desolation creek, (16) Bull Run Creek permitting, (17) Complete an annual report, (18) Complete status reports, (19) Produce Deliverables, (20) develop a design for Granite Creek, (21) Develop a stockwater well along Mud Creek.