Proposal 199206105: Albeni Falls Wildlife Mitigation - Kootenai Tribe O, M and E
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1. Administrative 2. Location 3. Species 4. Past accomplishments 5. Relationships |
6. Objectives 7. Work elements 8. Budget 9. Future 10. Narrative |
Organization: Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
Short description:
Protect, restore, enhance, and maintain wetland and wildlife habitat in Pend Oreille and Kootenai Subbasins as ongoing mitigation for impacts associated with the construction and innundation of the Albeni Falls hydroelectric project.
Contacts
| Contact name | Role | Address | Phone | |
| Scott Soults | Project Lead | Kootenai Tribe of Idaho County Rd. 38A P.O. Box 1269 Bonners Ferry ID 83805 |
208.267.3620 | soults@kootenai.org |
Section 2. Location
Province: Intermountain Subbasin: Pend Oreille
Specific locations
| Lat/long | Location desc | Waterbody (lake or stream) | County/State | Subbasin | Resolution | Primary? |
| 48.8442, -116.4000 | Trout Creek Peninsula - KTOI | Kootenai River | Boundary | Kootenai | point | No |
| 48.7597, -116.0976 | Perkins Lake - KTOI | Perkins Lake | Boundary | Kootenai | point | No |
Section 3. Species
Primary: Wildlife: All Wildlife
Additional species: Bald Eagle, Black-capped Chickadee, Canada Goose, Mallard, Muskrat, Redhead, White-tailed Deer, and Yellow Warbler
Section 4. Past accomplishments
| FY | Accomplishment |
| 1988 | Completed Albeni Falls Protection, Mitigation, and Enhancement Plan as part of UCUT. |
| 1998 | KTOI started wildlife mitigation program as part of the Albeni Falls Wildlife Mitigation Project Work Group. |
| 1999 | Assisted in Work Group activities in which the members participate include: 1) coordination, preparation, and review of project proposals; 2) as needed meetings; scope of work and budget development; and, 3) public open houses. |
| 2001 | Initiated, organized and facilitated the citizens group called the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative and assessed of vegetation communities on the Kootenai River riparian system and finalized Albeni Falls Wildlife Mitigation Project M&E Plan. |
| 2002 | Protected 211 acres and 185.38 HUs of wetland and riparian habitat in Boundary County, ID. |
| 2003 | Developed a process to designate restoration and conservation priorities and models for wetland/riparian restoration and conservation, finalized HEP survey and report. |
| 2004 | Integrated HEP reports into site-specific management plans. |
| 2005 | Developed the Conservation Alternatives Plan, and work with UCUT to plan UWMEP coordination. |
| 2007 | Assisted in the development of a water elevation model to calculate river elevations on mitigations sites related to restoration activities, and implement UWMEP for M&E and budget calculations for each AFIWG member. |
| 2008 | Finialized Appraisal, ESA phase 1 (w/BPA), Cultural Survey, reviewed Engineering survey, and submitted PSA for acquisition in early 2009. |
Section 5. Relationships to other projects
| Funding source | Project ID | Project Title | Relationship |
| BPA | 200800700 | UCUT Wildlife Monitoring and Evaluation Project | Implement field crew, surveys of reference sites, permanent sample sites and collect HEP and HU data for Albeni Falls Wildlife Mitigation Project member lands related to wildlife mitigation crediting. |
| BPA | 199106000 | Pend Oreille Wetlands Acquisition | Partial mitigation (~ 1,300 HUs) for Albeni Falls Dam losses |
| BPA | 200103300 | Hangman Watershed Acquisition | 2004 and 2005 one time habitat acquisitions charged to Albeni Falls Dam |
| BPA | 200201100 | Kootenai River Floodplain Ecosystem Operational Loss Assessment, Protection, Mitigation, and Rehabilitation | Data, surveys, research overlap with Albeni Falls Wildlife Mitigation Project mitigation areas. |
| Other: Avista | Clark Fork Dams | Clark Fork Delta habitat protection/enhancement | Like actions to protect/enhance wetland and riparian habitats in the Clark Fork Delta |
| BPA | 199004400 | Coeur D'Alene Reservation Habi | Provided floodplain and instream habitat enhancements that benefited AFD wildlife project HU contributions to BPA |
Section 6. Objectives
| Objective title | Description | Relevant subbasin plan | Relevant strategy(ies) | Page number(s) |
| 1) Protect 2,200 ac. of in-kind habitat by FY 2012 | 1a) Coordinate the Albeni Falls Interagency Work Group, 1b) Identify willing landowner participants, 1c) Coordinate with the AFIWG, UCUT, BPA, NPPC, FERC and CBFWA members, 1d) Identify cost-sharing partnerships, 1e) Complete federal compliance requirements (appraisal, environmental survey, cultural resource survey, etc.), 1f) Complete NEPA requirements, 1g) Complete HEP report, credit BPA with HU’s and develop site management plan. | (All) | INTERMOUNTAIN - Identify and protect habitat through fee title acquisition, conservation easements, lease, or management agreements. KOOTENAI: RP3-Secure mgmt rights, implement mgmt agreements to conserve, maintain and restore riparian/floodplain areas. | ISBP p18-31 & KSBP p79 |
| 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 2a) Reestablish native vegetation, 2b) Conduct prescribed burns to increase forage and vegetative diversity, 2c) Create nesting islands to increase nesting habitat, 2d) Restore hydrologic function to increase and enhance riparian and wetland habitats, 2e) Construct fences and gates, remove interior fences to control access and reduce human and livestock disturbance, 2f) Inventory and control noxious weeds, 2g) Increase riparian and wetland diversity and density, 2h) Stabilize shorelines to reduce erosion, 2i) Review enhancement designs, 2j) Complete permit applications and environmental compliance documentation, and 2k) Coordinate with the Albeni Falls Interagency Work Group. | (All) | INTERMOUNTAIN - Develop/implement mgmt plans consistent w/CBFWA Guidelines for Enhancement, Operation, & Maintenance Activities for Wildlife Mitigation Projects KOOTENAI: WB1 Cooperate/coordinate effort to protect, enhance & rehabilitate riparian habitat. | ISBP p18-13 & KSBP p73-74 |
| 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 3a) Control noxious weeds to maintain habitats suitable for populations associated with the target species, 3b) Maintain brood pastures, 3c) Maintain habitat improvements, 3d) Maintain gates and fences, 3e) Maintain water control structures, 3f) Control nuisance animals, 3g) Manage public access and minimize human disturbance, 3h) Implement seasonal closures, 3i) Maintain open water and pasture for brood habitat, 3j) Debris removal, and 3k) Coordinate with the Albeni Falls Interagency Work Group. | (All) | INTERMOUNTAIN: Ensure long-term protection, enhancement, & monitoring of habitat units through secured funding for O&M. KOOTENAI: RP3 - Secure mgmt rights, implement mgmt agreements to conserve, maintain and restore riparian/floodplain areas. | ISBP p18-32 & KSBP p79 |
| Monitor & evaluate wildlife/habitat/mgmt to FY2012 | 4a) Conduct 5-year HEP to determine increase in HUs from enhancement activities, 4b) Monitor burned areas at regular intervals, 4c) Monitor vegetative response to herbivory, planting prescriptions and water level manipulations, 4d) Amend and update management plans as necessary and 4e) Coordinate with the AFIWG and UWMEP project. | (All) | INTERMOUNTAIN: Ensure long-term protection, enhancement, and monitoring of habitat units through secured funding for O&M. KOOTENAI: AP2-Provide for adequate regional participation & feedback in decision making processes that will impact fish and wildlife. | ISBP p18-32 & KSBP p90 |
Section 7. Work elements
| Work element name | Work element title | Objective(s) | Start date | End date | Estimated budget> | Sponsor performs work? |
| Coordination | 1a) Coordinate the Albeni Falls Interagency Work Group | 1) Protect 2,200 ac. of in-kind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 43,522 | Yes |
| Description: Coordinate activities with and between AFIWG members. This will include rotational meetings, minutes, agendas, ranking projects, maintaining records, etc. | ||||||
| Conduct Pre-Acquisition Activities | 1b) Identify willing landowner participants | 1) Protect 2,200 ac. of in-kind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 21,755 | Yes |
| Description: Identify willing sellers and pursue projects based upon landowner response. | ||||||
| Coordination | 1c) Coordinate with the AFIWG, UCUT, BPA, NPPC, FERC and CBFWA members | 1) Protect 2,200 ac. of in-kind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 26,112 | Yes |
| Description: Coordinate activities with local and regional entities to best implement project goals and objectives. | ||||||
| Identify and Select Projects | 1d) Identify cost-sharing partnerships | 1) Protect 2,200 ac. of in-kind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 4,351 | Yes |
| Description: Identify and secure cost share when appropriate and feasible, while maintaining strict guidelines for BPA crediting | ||||||
| Conduct Pre-Acquisition Activities | 1e) Complete federal compliance requirements (appraisal, environmental survey, cultural resource survey, etc.) | 1) Protect 2,200 ac. of in-kind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 108,777 | Yes |
| Description: Meet BPA federal requirements to purchase management rights which includes appraisal, ESA site assessment, cultural resource survey, title report, engineering survey, PSA, etc. | ||||||
| Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation | 1f) Complete NEPA requirements | 1) Protect 2,200 ac. of in-kind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 52,213 | Yes |
| Description: NEPA checklist/compliance for pre-acquisition. | ||||||
| Produce Other Report | 1g) Complete HEP report, credit BPA with HU’s and develop site management plan | 1) Protect 2,200 ac. of in-kind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 95,723 | Yes |
| Description: Identify, survey and report HU’s onsite, and develop site-specific management plans to outline goals and objectives for enhancements, O&M, M&E and related activities. | ||||||
| Plant Vegetation | 2a) Reestablish native vegetation | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 43,500 | Yes |
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Description: Use native plant and seed materials to plant denuded areas on project sites to minimize erosion and noxious weed invasion. Use native plant materials to change altered habitats to native habitat types by increasing deciduous tree density/diversity (i.e., supplemental planting, aspen release, cottonwood release), riparian reforestation (active and passive), and shoreline/grassland revegetation (i.e., shrub and grasses).
Metrics: |
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| Conduct Controlled Burn | 2b) Conduct prescribed burns to increase forage and vegetative diversity. | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 15,000 | No |
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Description: Burn approximately 50 acres each fall/spring.
Metrics: |
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| Create, Restore, and/or Enhance Wetland | 2c) Create nesting islands to increase nesting habitat | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 15,000 | No |
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Description: Add wetland nesting features to project sites according to approved management plans. Add diversity and density to project wetlands.
Metrics: |
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| Enhance Floodplain/Remove, Modify, Breach Dike | 2d) Restore hydrologic function to increase and enhance riparian and wetland habitats | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 142,500 | No |
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Description: Consistent with site-specific management plans, restore hydrologic function by plugging ditches, installing upgraded culverts, installing water control structures, etc.
Metrics: |
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| Install Fence | 2e) Construct fences and gates, remove interior fences to control access and reduce human and livestock disturbance | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 30,456 | Yes |
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Description: Build 1 miles of exterior boundary fence and gates, remove 5 miles of interior fence to protect each project property
Metrics: |
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| Remove vegetation | 2f) Inventory and control noxious weeds | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 54,000 | No |
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Description: Spray, pull, mow or by other means remove noxious weeds from properties as required by local laws and regulations.
Metrics: |
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| Enhance Floodplain/Remove, Modify, Breach Dike | 2g) Increase riparian and wetland diversity and density | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 31,328 | Yes |
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Description: Using hand and mechanical equipment and methods, increase riparian and wetland diversity and density on project lands.
Metrics: |
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| Enhance Floodplain/Remove, Modify, Breach Dike | 2h) Stabilize shorelines to reduce erosion | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 135,000 | Yes |
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Description: Where necessary stabilize 900 feet of eroding shoreline with bio-engineered designs. Where non-renewable resources exist, provide for hard stabilization techniques. Add large woody debris to project for habitat value and floodplain roughness. Where feasible stabilize shorelines in the Kootenai River to protect habitat from wind-wave erosion and damage and reduce ongoing and future riparian losses.
Metrics: |
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| Provide Technical Review | 2i) Review enhancement designs | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 26,100 | Yes |
| Description: Review and comment on designs for enhancements for all AFWG members. | ||||||
| Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation | 2j) Complete permit applications and environmental compliance documentation | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 30,457 | Yes |
| Description: Complete applications for local, state and federal permits necessary to complete enhancement actions. Provide information and permits to BPA for environmental compliance. | ||||||
| Coordination | 2k) Coordinate with the Albeni Falls Interagency Work Group | 2) Enhance >904 acres of inkind habitat by FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 8,704 | Yes |
| Description: Coordinate all work group activities for enhancing BPA project lands to maintain consistency and meet broader habitat goals. | ||||||
| Maintain Vegetation | 3a) Control noxious weeds to maintain habitats suitable for populations associated with the target species | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 43,511 | Yes |
| Description: Maintain low levels of occurrence by noxious weeds by various methods of control. | ||||||
| Maintain Vegetation | 3b) Maintain brood pastures | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 13,053 | Yes |
| Description: Mow or burn pasture to maintain optimum brood rearing pasture height between 4 and 16 inches. | ||||||
| Maintain Vegetation | 3c) Maintain habitat improvements | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 30,464 | Yes |
| Description: Maintain plantings in riparian, wetland and near shore areas. | ||||||
| Install Fence | 3d) Maintain gates and fences | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 8,700 | Yes |
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Description: Maintain boundary fence on project lands
Metrics: |
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| Operate and Maintain Habitat/Passage/Structure | 3e) Maintain water control structures | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 26,107 | Yes |
| Description: Operate and maintain water control structures with moist soil management principles. | ||||||
| Remove or Relocate Non-predaceous Animals | 3f) Control nuisance animals | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 7,832 | Yes |
| Description: Trap, remove and/or relocate nuisance animals that detract from project goals. | ||||||
| Manage and Administer Projects | 3g) Manage public access and minimize human disturbance | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 23,496 | Yes |
| Description: Provide for information and signage to control public access and identify seasonal closures and property specific rules for access. | ||||||
| Investigate Trespass | 3h) Implement seasonal closures | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 6,962 | Yes |
| Description: Minimize human disturbance to nesting waterfowl and other target and non-target species during critical life history periods. | ||||||
| Operate and Maintain Habitat/Passage/Structure | 3i) Maintain open water and pasture for brood habitat | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 30,457 | Yes |
| Description: Maintain open water complexes and pasture heights for waterfowl brood rearing habitat. | ||||||
| Remove Debris | 3j) Debris removal | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 17,404 | Yes |
| Description: Remove posts, junk, tires, etc. from shorelines, roads and general project lands to maintain safety and habitat value. | ||||||
| Coordination | 3k) Coordinate with the Albeni Falls Interagency Work Group | 3) Maintain 3,100 acres through FY 2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 30,450 | Yes |
| Description: Coordinate O&M activities between and among the AFIWG members to reduce duplication, transfer knowledge and increase cost efficiencies. | ||||||
| Prepare HEP Report | 4a) Conduct 5-year HEP to determine increase in HUs from enhancement activities | Monitor & evaluate wildlife/habitat/mgmt to FY2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 41,755 | No |
| Description: Conduct HEP on 5-year intervals to collect and interpret data and submit report to BPA for enhancement crediting in association with UWMEP contract. | ||||||
| Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 4b) Monitor burned areas at regular intervals | Monitor & evaluate wildlife/habitat/mgmt to FY2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 22,626 | Yes |
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Description: Monitor annual prescribed burns for timing and effectiveness. Use observations and vegetative sampling techniques to determine effectiveness of burning and potential modifications to timing and technique.
Metrics: |
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| Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | 4c) Monitor vegetative response to herbivory, planting prescriptions and water level manipulations | Monitor & evaluate wildlife/habitat/mgmt to FY2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 20,885 | Yes |
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Description: Monitor vegetative response using standard techniques and alter hydrologic management strategies consistent with information acquired for increased long-term vegetation success.
Metrics: |
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| Provide Technical Review | 4d) Amend and update management plans as necessary | Monitor & evaluate wildlife/habitat/mgmt to FY2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 30,460 | Yes |
| Description: Based upon HEP and M&E plan data update, review site-specific management plans and in association with UWMEP. | ||||||
| Coordination | 4e) Coordinate with the AFIWG and UWMEP project | Monitor & evaluate wildlife/habitat/mgmt to FY2012 | 10/1/2010 | 9/30/2012 | 13,053 | Yes |
| Description: Coordinate M&E activities between and among AFIWG members in association with UWMEP. | ||||||
| work element budget total: | 1,251,713 | |||||
Section 8. Budget
| Item | Note | FY 2010 cost ($) | FY 2011 cost ($) | FY 2012 cost ($) | |
| Personnel | Project personnel 1.5 FTE and 2.5 FTE in 2012 | 55,288 | 56,671 | 105,262 | |
| Fringe Benefits | Average ~60% fo salaries | 34,519 | 35,382 | 57,777 | |
| Overhead | Indirect: Only applied to salaries and fringe benefits (adjusted annually) | 53,731 | 55,076 | 97,546 | |
| Travel | Travel for project management, training and implementation | 2,521 | 2,521 | 2,921 | |
| Other | Equipment maintenance (repair vehicles, fuel, tires, oil change, etc.) | 2,395 | 4,395 | 13,795 | |
| Other | Rent/Utilities: Facilities rental, communications and utilities | 5,400 | 5,400 | 5,400 | |
| Supplies | Office/field supplies and materials related to enhancement, O&M and M&E | 8,128 | 17,380 | 10,400 | |
| Capital Equipment | One-time equipment purchase (tractor, implements, etc.) | 26,000 | 9,000 | 9,000 | |
| Other | Weed Control Services | 21,000 | 18,000 | 15,080 | |
| Other | Contract to re-establish vegetation | 8,750 | 10,850 | 12,875 | |
| Other | Pre-acquisition costs: appraisals, cultural resource surveys, engineering surveys, title reports, etc. | 23,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | |
| Other | Contract for M&E and HEP surveys and services (UWMEP #200800700) | 18,250 | 18,250 | 18,250 | |
| Other | Contract hydrology assessment, restore wetlands and shoreline erosion control | 97,500 | 117,500 | 77,500 | |
| Other | Contract for legal services | 15,000 | 15,000 | 18,000 | |
| Other | Contracts for prescribed burning, water tender, and road maintenance | 7,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 | |
| Itemized budget totals: | 378,482 | 397,425 | 475,806 | ||
| Type of funding source | Funding source or organization | Item or service provided | FY 2010 est value ($) | FY 2011 est value ($) | FY 2012 est value ($) | Cash or in-kind? | Status |
| federal | EPA | Section 319 funds - shoreline stabilization | 10,000 | 10,000 | 10,000 | Cash | Under Development |
| tribal | Kootenai Tribe | Legal Services | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
| tribal | Kootenai Tribe | Computer, GIS and Training | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | In-Kind | Confirmed |
| Cost share estimate totals: | 17,000 | 17,000 | 17,000 | ||||
FY 2010-12 total cost share estimate: 51,000
Section 9. Project future
| Outyear budgets | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| 487,700 | 487,700 | 439,700 | 400,000 | 400,000 | 400,000 |
Note
Project costs include O&M, enhancements, M&E, and acquisition of land to meet HU mitigation for Albeni Falls Dam.
Likely project termination/end date: 2105
Termination notes:
Project will terminate 50 years after the decommissioning of the Albeni Falls Dam Project.
Final deliverables:
Annual reports, HEP reports, Management Plans, M&E reports and database management
Reviews
ISRP final recommendation: Meets Scientific criteria? Yes
This is a well designed and implemented project. Taking the time upfront for the types of planning and prioritizing demonstrated will ultimately make the project much more effective. Choosing to involve the public and to cultivate partnerships is also a wise investment in project success. This project demonstrates not only sound science, but sound planning practice as well.
1. Technical justification, program significance and consistency, and project relationships:
These sections are well organized and make a compelling case. The project is related to subbasin plans and other relevant plans and programs.
2. Project History and Results
This is a very useful history with sufficient results in terms of data and interpretation to illustrate scientific credibility of the project. This could be used as an example in the Albeni Falls group for results reporting.
3. Objectives, work elements, and methods
These are well described, and the choice of methods is based upon work that is often site-specific. Adaptive management is already evident.
We suggest looking at more recent references for noxious plant management – there has been great progress since 1988. For example biological control, targeted grazing and new understanding of plant life histories should be considered.
The problems with funding options to purchase and reaching traditional agricultural land owners with education on easements might be assisted by the American Farmland Trust, if you have not investigated this possibility already. Also UI Forestry Extension does easement workshops for landowners and might be a good partner in this effort.
4. M&E
The sponsors monitor burned area vegetation response and evaluate water level response of vegetation. The same new approach as other Albeni Falls tribal projects, working with UWMEP, is proposed. However, they have some specific objectives for Trout Creek parcel including 4 sampling locations and present some data including avian point count data 2005-2008, invertebrate data 2005-2008, fine scale habitat data (p.34).
The sponsor's strong commitment to M&E is obvious from the beginning of the project, in spite of logistic changes along the way. Results reporting in project history and appropriate discussion of monitoring in other sections demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the value of monitoring in long-term projects. These data will contribute to increasing project effectiveness and efficiency over time.
from May 19, 2009 ISRP 2009-17 report
ISRP preliminary recommendation: Meets scientific criteria? Yes
This is a well designed and implemented project. Taking the time upfront for the types of planning and prioritizing demonstrated will ultimately make the project much more effective. Choosing to involve the public and to cultivate partnerships is also a wise investment in project success. This project demonstrates not only sound science, but sound planning practice as well.
1. Technical justification, program significance and consistency, and project relationships:
These sections are well organized and make a compelling case. The project is related to subbasin plans and other relevant plans and programs.
2. Project History and Results
This is a very useful history with sufficient results in terms of data and interpretation to illustrate scientific credibility of the project. This could be used as an example in the Albeni Falls group for results reporting.
3. Objectives, work elements, and methods
These are well described, and the choice of methods is based upon work that is often site-specific. Adaptive management is already evident.
We suggest looking at more recent references for noxious plant management – there has been great progress since 1988. For example biological control, targeted grazing and new understanding of plant life histories should be considered.
The problems with funding options to purchase and reaching traditional agricultural land owners with education on easements might be assisted by the American Farmland Trust, if you have not investigated this possibility already. Also UI Forestry Extension does easement workshops for landowners and might be a good partner in this effort.
4. M&E
The sponsors monitor burned area vegetation response and evaluate water level response of vegetation. The same new approach as other Albeni Falls tribal projects, working with UWMEP, is proposed. However, they have some specific objectives for Trout Creek parcel including 4 sampling locations and present some data including avian point count data 2005-2008, invertebrate data 2005-2008, fine scale habitat data (p.34).
The sponsor's strong commitment to M&E is obvious from the beginning of the project, in spite of logistic changes along the way. Results reporting in project history and appropriate discussion of monitoring in other sections demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the value of monitoring in long-term projects. These data will contribute to increasing project effectiveness and efficiency over time.
from Mar 26, 2009 ISRP 2009-7 report