The Upper and Lower Lemhi River Acquisitions/Easements Project seeks to acquire interests in land and water in the Lemhi Watershed.  In conjunction with OSC's Lemhi River Restoration Project, 2010-072-00, OSC intends to permanently protect in-stream and riparian habitat, improve river flow in the Lemhi River, and assist in reconnecting tributary streams to the Lemhi River to benefit all life stages of Snake River spring/summer-run Chinook and Snake River steelhead.  This contract will fund pre-acquisition activities for two conservation easements, the Leadore Land Partners, LLC Ranch and the Pratt Creek property.  Contracting on this project will be between OSC and BPA.  Primary oversight for the project is provided by OSC.  OSC has contracted with Lemhi Regional Land Trust (LRLT) to complete work needed to complete the conservation easement of Leadore Land Partners, LLC Ranch.  OSC will also contract with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) for the purpose of completing a final realty package for a conservation easement on the Pratt Creek Ranch.  

A conservation easement is being pursued on approximately 4,695 acres of the Leadore Land Partners, LLC ranch.  Acquisitions will ensure that the property will maintain its current biological integrity while improving the quality of habitat for all salmonid species using several prescribed conservation actions.  These efforts on this easement is a continuation of work started under contracts 47833 and 61083.  It provides funding needed to complete the final realty package needed for the Upper and Lower Lemhi River Acquisitions/Easements Project.  The following items need to be completed:

LRLT will utilize Wright and Wayment and Perkins Coie for legal services.  
Funds will go towards finalizing the Easement documentation report
Boundary surveys and legal descriptions: LRLT will utlize Wade Surveying to complete required survey work and file all mylars with the county.    

A conservation easement is being pursued on the approximately 2316-acre Pratt Creek Ranch in the lower Lemhi River watershed.  The goal of the project is to enhance and protect critical designated fish habitat in two tributaries of the Lemhi River, Wimpey Creek and Pratt Creek. Habitat improvements to Wimpey Creek include improved late season flows and the restoration and protection of riparian habitat in low gradient areas most suitable for spawning and juvenile rearing of Chinook salmon and steelhead. Easement terms will also help ensure minimum stream flows are maintained in Pratt Creek to help reconnect Pratt Creek to the Lemhi River, and will include the removal of 9-15 diversions. TNC will finalize the conservation easement with BPA , OSC and the landowner, prepare the grazing plan, contract for a conservation easement appraisal meeting BPA requirements, complete the baseline documentation, and other due diligence.