This project proposal has been transformed to a more focused (and less expensive) activity: i.e., funding a coordinator (~$120,000) to seek external funds for project implementation. In focusing this project (and eliminating several others), sponsors have effectively and decisively prioritized the projects.

ISRP questions and comments have been largely addressed. According to the sponsors the scale of the project was reduced substantially through a local prioritization effort. In that process, proposals for the Imnaha, Lostine, and Wallowa Rivers were dropped and only the Joseph Creek proposal remains as the highest priority. Additionally, funding is now sought for a coordinator to seek funding from other sources for culvert replacement, road decommissioning, and off-stream watering systems. This fits with the ISRP recommendation for a reduced scale.

The sponsor's concern with caps on M&E are important to clarify with Council. These concerns, however, do not diminish their responsibility to monitor and should be strong reason to coordinate with NEOH M&E, Grande Ronde Model Watershed Program #199202601, and others to ensure suitable effectiveness monitoring is undertaken, which will provide data to justify future projects.

For full comments on "restore and protect" type projects, please see heading "General comments concerning Nez Perce Tribe proposals to protect and restore various watersheds" at the beginning of the ISRP comments on project # 199607702, Protect & Restore Lolo Creek Watershed.