Comment on proposed FY 2006 budget

The Latah SWCD is requesting $200,000 in FY06 to complete the inter-agency watershed assessment in four subwatersheds, continue coordination with Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s TMDL process, finalize the Potlatch River Watershed Implementation Plan (Potlatch Plan) through peer and public review and continue coordination of technical and financial resources necessary for the implementation of the Plan. The proposed FY06 scope-of-work is consistent with the District’s original proposal. Resource assessment and plan development continues at two scales. First, resource assessment at the Potlatch River watershed (PRW) scale continues with stream flow monitoring throughout the watershed. The PRW scale assessment will be completed once the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is completed. The water quality assessment work within the TMDL is a critical component to the assessment of limiting factors and prioritization of restoration areas. At the subwatershed scale, FY06 funding is required to complete the intensive habitat surveys on the sub-watershed scale within the Potlatch River. This Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP) is used to identify private landowners and their conservation interests, survey riparian conditions, identify limited factors for steelhead reproduction and survival, and identify protection and restoration projects. Approximately 7-8 subwatershed assessments will be completed at the close of the FY05 contract period. The completion of the SVAP surveys has been delayed due to the high number of individual contacts with private landowners, slower than anticipated survey pace and unanticipated, but fortunate, opportunities to work directly with landowners as the surveys are undertaken. With the completion of the assessment work in FY06, the Potlatch Plan will be drafted for peer and public review. The Potlatch Plan will be finalized at the end of the FY06 contract period

Accomplishments since the last review

FY 2006 goals and anticipated accomplishments

Subbasin planning

How is this project consistent with subbasin plans?

The request for FY06 funding is consistent with the Clearwater Subbasin Management Plan (11/03) as outlined below. Due to space limitations, the strategies are not restated, but identified by reference number and associated page number. Strategy B1 (p.18). The habitat surveys that have been undertaken, and those scheduled for FY06, are designed to identify the primary limiting factors within each geographic region of the priority watersheds within the Potlatch River. Strategy B2 (p.18). The SVAP habitat surveys are designed to evaluate the range of possible treatments that will not only be effective for addressing defined limiting factors, but also those that are likely to be acceptable to the landowner and potential funding and permitting agencies. Strategy S1 (p35). The SVAP surveys will identify sediment sources from private lands and identify programs to assist interested landowners with erosion control practices. Strategy S3 (p. 35). The SVAP surveys will identify sediment sources from private lands. This information will be incorporated into the planning process for prioritization of sites for erosion control and sediment reduction practices. Strategy U1 (p.37). SVAP surveys review habitat complexities associated with anadromous fish. Empahsis is placed on steelhead habitat. Strategy U3 (p.37). The project is designed to prioritize efforts through the planning process and the project's technical advisory committee. Strategies LL1 through LL3: (p.52): The development of the Potlatch Plan will actively involve private landowners, community and profession organizations, and integrate agencies for peer review and avoid program and project duplication. Strategy MM1 (p.52): The project planning effort will incorporate a prioritization process within the Potlatch Plan to effectively and efficiently focus technical and financial resources (BPA and non-BPA) for habitat restoration and protection efforts.

How do goals match subbasin plan priorities?

The priorities within the Clearwater Subbasin Management Plan (11/03)are highlighted on page 54. The project’s FY06 funding request will directly address the following priority activities. Strategy B1 (p.18). Identify and prioritize primary limiting factors in each PMU by anadromous species life stage. The habitat surveys that have been undertaken, and those scheduled for FY06, are designed to identify the primary limiting factors within geographic regions of the priority watersheds within the Potlatch River. In addition, information geneated by Idaho DEQ through the TMDL process will be incorporated into the Potlatch Plan and provide additional subwatershed assessment information. Strategy S3 (p. 35). Prioritize areas – inventory and prioritize areas where sediment reductions would be most beneficial to various target species. The SVAP surveys will identify sediment sources from private lands and identify programs to assist interested landowners with erosion control practices. Prioritization will consider sediment loads, feasibility of sediment reduction, willingness of private landowners to change management practices and ability to secure necessary technical and financial resources. Strategy U3 (p.37). Prioritize problems and protection and restoration using the information generated by strategies. The project is designed to prioritize efforts through the planning process and the project's technical advisory committee. Prioritization will be summarized within the final Potlatch River Plan.

Other comments