Proposal 199608000: NE Oregon Wildlife Project (NPT) Precious Lands
|
1. Administrative 2. Location 3. Species 4. Past accomplishments 5. Relationships |
6. Objectives 7. Work elements 8. Budget 9. Future 10. Narrative |
Organization: Nez Perce Tribe
Short description:
This project provides an estimated 21,118 Habitat Units for mitigation credits for the Lower Snake Dam complex. It provides 16,286 acres of wildlife habitat and protects 16.3 miles of listed steelhead habitat within the lower Grande Ronde Subbasin.
Contacts
| Contact name | Role | Address | Phone | |
| Angela Sondenaa | Form Submitter<br>Project Lead | Nez Perce Tribe Main St. P.O. Box 365 Lapwai ID 83540 |
208.843.7372 | angelas@nezperce.org |
| Loren Kronemann | Supervisor | Nez Perce Tribe PO Box 365 Lapwai, ID, 83540 |
208-843-7372 | kronemannla@nezperce.org |
Section 2. Location
Province: Blue Mountain Subbasin: Grande Ronde
Specific locations
| Lat/long | Location desc | Waterbody (lake or stream) | County/State | Subbasin | Resolution | Primary? |
| 46 00 00, 117 15 00 | Precious Lands Wildlife Area. Buford Parcel on the OR/WA border. | Buford Cr | Asotin WA | Grande Ronde | area | Yes |
| 45 56 00, 117 07 30 | Precious Lands Wildlife Area. Lower Joseph Creek and tributaries. | Joseph Cr | Wallowa OR | Grande Ronde | area | Yes |
| 46 10 00, 117 04 00 | Precious Lands Wildlife Area. 200 acre Cottonwood Point parcel on Lower Cottonwood Creek. | Cottonwood Cr | Wallowa OR | Grande Ronde | area | Yes |
Section 3. Species
Primary: Wildlife: All Wildlife
Additional species: Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Spalding's Catchfly, Neotropical Migrant Landbirds
Section 4. Past accomplishments
| FY | Accomplishment |
| 1996 | Purchased 10,306 acres of land in the Joseph Creek Watershed |
| 1997 | Completed aerial photography of purchased land. Rebuilt access road after major winter flooding. |
| 1998 | Purchased 158 acres of land in Joseph Cr. Created GIS vegetation cover maps. Repaired staff facilities at Basin and Tamarack. Established fire protective agreement with Dregon Dept. of Forestry. Repaired 1 mile of fence. |
| 1999 | Purchased 1,540 acres of land in Buford Cr. Established 8 landbird monitoring sites. Conducted bat sampling; 6 species found. Replaced propane tank at Tamarack. Small mammal inventory completed; 276 specimens deposited at Burke Museum. |
| 2000 | Purchased 3,472 acres in Joseph Cr using 193 existing acres as partial trade. Sprayed 200 acres of starthistle. Built 4 miles of new fence. Removed 2.5 miles of old fence. Initiated baseline HEP assessment. |
| 2001 | Installed new bridge decking on access Rd. Treated 200 acres starthistle, 30 acres scotch thistle, 1 acre teasel, and 0.5 acre knapweed. Repaired 2.5 miles of fence. Removed 0.5 miles old fence. Planted 30 acres with native grass and forbs. |
| 2002 | Draft Mgmt Plan Completed. Discovered large Crupina infestation. Planted 50 aspen trees. Thinned 5 acres of ponderosa pine. Installed corral at Buford cabin. Investigated and prosecuted elk poaching case. Data collection for baseline HEP completed. |
| 2003 | Noxious weeds sprayed on 700 acres. 2,000 Basin Wild Rye plugs, 100 aspen, and 500 Ponderosa pine trees planted. Installed 1 water trough. 12 acres of pine thinned. Owl survey documented 8 species. Rare Oregon Bolandra plants found. HEP Report done |
| 2004 | Documented Threatened Silene spaldingii population in Joseph Cr. 10 acres of thinning and pile burning in ponderosa stands. Water system improvements at Buford. 0.75 miles of trail improvement in Tamarack Cr., 1.2 miles of trail improvement in Rock Cr. |
| 2005 | Purchased 961 acres in Joseph Cr. Third year of small mammal monitoring completed. 220 acres of weed spraying. 1/4 mile new fence constructed. Initiated 2 yr USFWS grant to survey rare plants. Silene spaldingii seed collected for genetic conservation |
| 2006 | Documented new plant species for Oregon; research note submitted to Journal Madrono. Completed a 60 acre prescribed burn on the Buford parcel. Fish assessment completed on all streams (14 sites). Removed 0.2 mi old fence and four obselete outbuildings. |
| 2007 | Initiated baseline HEP assessment on 961 acres. New well pump installed at Buford. New roof put on Basin Cabin. 7 tons of metal removed from Buford. Reconstructed 2.6 miles of Trail. Planted 2,000 wild rye plants. MOU signed with BLM for 1180 acres. |
| 2008 | Completed supplemental HEP Report for 961 acres. Completed Rock Cr. fence project. Established 3 permanent Silene pop. monitoring plots. 250 acres of herbicide application. 15 miles trail/road maintenance. Monitored bird, amphibian and veg plots. |
Section 5. Relationships to other projects
| Funding source | Project ID | Project Title | Relationship |
| BPA | 199402700 | Grande Ronde Model Ws Habitat | The Grande Ronde Model Watershed Program takes a total ecosystem approach to habitat recovery and employs both passive and active restoration techniques to achieve its goals. This type of subbasin wide restoration effort is enhanced by having core protected areas like Precious Lands from which to build. Together, such projects create healthier ecosystems over a much broader geographic area so have a higher probability of achieving meaningful changes in ecosystem function. |
| BPA | 199702500 | Wallowa County/Nez Perce Salmo | This project culminated in a plan to restore and maintain habitat for Chinook salmon and other salmonids in Wallowa County, Oregon. The Precious Lands Project compliments and helps implement many of the habitat restoration objectives outlined in the Wallowa County-Nez Perce Tribe Salmon Habitat Recovery Plan. Specifically, it takes a wholistic approach to watershed restoration by working to improve vegetation and hydrologic function in both upland areas and the riparian zone. The Precious Lands Project is also working to improve riparian vegetation, reduce sedimentation and mitigate high water temperatures which are all identified as high priority activities in the Salmon Habitat Recovery Plan. |
| BPA | 200002100 | Ladd Marsh | The Ladd Marsh project strives to protect and restore wetland habitats within the upper Grande Ronde Subbasin. This project in association with the Precious Lands Wildlife Area are the only BPA funded projects in the Grande Ronde Subbasin designed specifically to mitigate for wildlife losses associated with construction of the Federal hydro system. Both projects aim to restore key habitats and ecological processes within the subbasin. |
| BPA | 200104300 | Acquire 27,000 Camp Cr Ranch | This project lies largely within the Imnaha subbasin and represents another addition to the growing list of wildlife management areas located in canyon habitats of Wallowa County, Oregon. It compliments the Precious Lands Project by also managing and restoring threatened grassland and prairie ecosystems and the species that depend on them, including populations of the Threatened plant Silene spaldingii. These and other wildlife management areas culminate in a series of interconnected habitats that provide refugia and linkage corridors for important keystone species such as elk, bighorn sheep, and large predators. |
| Other: ODFW | None | Wenaha Wildlife Management Area | This site is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and lies approximately 13 miles to the west of the Precious Lands Project. Both projects provide winter habitat for big game animals, and strive to enhance habitat values for native fish and wildlife species. Management of low elevation grassland and associated riparian areas are priority activities. |
| Other: WDFW | None | Chief Joseph Wildlife Management Area | The Chief Joseph Wildlife Area is managed by WDFW, and includes 13,415 acres of canyon grasslands located along Joseph Creek in the lower Grande Ronde watershed. Like Precious Lands, this Wildlife Area has a management objective to provide quality habitat for elk, bighorn sheep, and other native species. Weed control and riparian protection activities are also an integral part of habitat management. This WMA lies approximately 3 miles to the northeast of the Precious Lands Project. They are linked physically by a large parcel of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land that provides a travel corridor for area wildlife. In conjunction, these two wildlife areas provide over 29,600 acres of canyon grassland and riparian habitat within the lower Grande Ronde. |
| Other: WDFW | None | Asotin Creek Wildlife Area | The Asotin Creek Wildlife Area is managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). This WMA occupies approximately 30,000 acres in the upper Asotin Creek subbasin of the Blue Mountain Province. Management on this WMA is similar to the Precious Lands Project in that it emphasizes habitat management to benefit elk, bighorn sheep, Snake River steelhead, and other species. This project receives partial funding support from BPA. |
| Other: Multi-Agency | None | Tri-State Weed Management Area | Noxious weed infestations are a growing concern within the grassland ecosystems of northeast Oregon and adjacent Idaho and were identified as a limiting factor for wildlife in all Subbasin Plans within the Blue Mountain Province (Asotin County Conservation District, 2004; Ecovista, 2004a, 2004b; Nowak, 2004). The Precious Lands Area Manager is an active participant in both the Tri-State Weed Management Area, and the Lower Grande Ronde Noxious Weed Program. Both are cooperative efforts by government agencies, industry and private landowners to combat the growing threat of noxious weeds. Activities include information transfer, cooperative work projects, and funding opportunities. Participation in these efforts directly benefits the Precious Lands Project and the region by improving noxious weed control. |
| Other: BLM | None | Memorandum of Understanding on 1180 acres of intermixed BLM parcels | In 2007 the Nez Perce Tribe and the Baker Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (#OR-030-2007-002) regarding cooperative management of 1180 acres of BLM land intermixed with the Precious Lands Project. This agreement provides a general framework for cooperation between the two parties and establishes the conservation of natural resources as a priority management objective on the BLM lands included in the agreement. |
Section 6. Objectives
| Objective title | Description | Relevant subbasin plan | Relevant strategy(ies) | Page number(s) |
| 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species | Manage plant communities to provide the following structural characteristics to benefit target species. Grasslands: 60-75% herbaceous cover, <30% cheatgrass, 30-35 cm average herbaceous height. Shrub Communities: a mosaic of seral stages with the majority in the mature class, 40-65% shrub canopy cover, 50-75% herbaceous cover. Conifer Communities: 50-80% tree canopy cover, 25-45 shrub canopy cover, >2 snags 4-10" dbh per acre, >0.5 snags >20" dbh per acre. Riparian Communities: 40-70% tree canopy cover, 35-65% shrub canopy cover, >3.5 snags 6-10" dbh per acre, >0.5 snags >20" dbh per acre. In-Stream Habitat: 60-100% shading of water surface, maximum dailey temperature <68 degree F, >20 pools per stream mile, >60 pieces of woody debris >12" diameter and 30' long per mile. | Grande Ronde | Relevant to ALL strategies. Specifically, Improve riparian vegetation; manage grazing; implement integrated noxious weed management; improve hydrologic function; protect wildlife habitat corridors/links; protect aspen; restore forest function. | 260-269 |
| 02 Reduce or eliminate coverage of noxious weeds | Use integrated weed management techniques to eradicate small (<2 acres) populations of noxious weeds and control/contain larger populations. Keep cheatgrass infestations to <30% canopy coverage in infested grassland communities. Restore native plant communities following weed control to create sustainable populations over time. Where possible use unique plant species such as great basin wildrye to restore biodiversity. | Grande Ronde | Implement an integrated noxious weed management program. Fund and coordinate weed control efforts. Promote landowner education in managing weeds. Promote development of bio-control agents for noxious weeds. Implement winter range improvement activities. | 261, 267-8, 269 |
| 03 Restore agricultural lands to native plants | Plant former crop acres on the Buford Unit to native grasses, forbs, and trees. Restore grassland sites to have 60-75% herbaceous cover, <30% cheatgrass, and 30-35 cm average herbaceous height. Restore forested sites to evantually have 50-80% canopy cover, 25-45% shrub cover, >2 snags 4-10" dbh per acre, and >0.5 snags >20" dbh per acre. Control noxious weeds on all restoration sites. | Grande Ronde | Identify sediment sources. Restore forest function through the use of prescribed fire and silvicultural treatments. Restore grassland function through reestablishment of native plant communities where practical and cost effective. | 261, 267, 268 |
| 04 Improve or maintain big game winter range | Restore or maintain palatable forage in bunchgrass and shrub communities. Incur no net loss in thermal cover areas (dense shrub stands, conifer stands, riparian areas). Improve distribution of thermal cover areas by replanting trees on 250 acres of old burned sites. Maximize native forb biodiversity by controlling noxious weeds, limiting soil disturbance, and eliminating domestic livestock. | Grande Ronde | Fund and coordinate weed control efforts. Identify and protect wildlife habitat corridors/links. Protect unconverted winter range in good condition. Restore forest function. Implement winter range forage improvement activities. | 267, 269 |
| 05 Maintain area as refugia from human disturbance | Provide high quality security for native wildlife by limiting human use of the area, particularly during key breeding and wintering periods. Restrict all motorized access except for administrative and permitted uses. Limit unauthorized trespass by livestock. Remove debris and six miles of old fences that pose an entanglement risk for area wildlife. | Grande Ronde | Identify and protect wildlife habitat corridors/links. | 267 |
| 06 Protect and enhance riparian plant communities | Manage streamside riparian communities to provide 40-70% tree canopy cover, 35-65% shrub canopy cover, and >3.5 snags 6-10" dbh per acre. Control noxious weeds in riparian areas. Maximize native herbaceous plant diversity. Restore biodiversity by planting aspen in appropriate riparian and spring habitats. | Grande Ronde | Improve the density, condition and species composition of riparian vegetation through planting, seeding, grazing management and improved forest management practices. Maintain existing LWD. Reestablish riparian veg. Manage grazing in riparian areas. Beaver | 260, 261, 263, 269 |
| 07 Improve water quality | Improve water quality (amount, timing of flow, temperature, dissolved solids, contaminents) to benefit native fish including listed steelhead. Increase riparian canopy cover to 40-70% to improve stream shading. Limit soil-disturbing activities such as motorized recreation, livestock grazing, annual farm cropping, and road drainage problems. Limit contaminants by removing domestic livestock and creating buffers for herbicide use. Protect and restore any wetlands or spring habitats to facilitate proper hydrologic functioning. Improve snow/water retention in headwater areas of Tamarack, Bear, and Rush creeks by replanting 250 acres of conifer stands destroyed by wildfires in the 1980's. | Grande Ronde | Improve the density, condition and species composition of riparian vegetation through planting, seeding, grazing management and improved forest management practices. Identify sediment sources. Grazing plans to improve upland vegetation. Weed management. | 260, 261 |
| 08 Increase in-stream habitat complexity | Promote riparian vegetation development to improve stream shading, woody debris recruitment, pool creation, and nutrient inputs. Manage riparian vegetation for 40-70% tree canopy cover and 35-65% shrub canopy cover. If necessary, add large woody debris to meet the target of >60 pieces of debris >12" diameter and 30' length per stream mile. Encourage beaver colonization and retention by providing ample forage and limited human disturbance. | Grande Ronde | Improve the density, condition and species composition of riparian vegetation through planting, seeding, grazing management and improved forest management practices. Maintain existing LWD by promotiong BMP's for forestry practices. Add LWD where deficient | 260, 261 |
| 09 Provide safe public access | Develop three staging areas for horse and foot access into Precious Lands; one each into the Joseph, Cottonwood, and Buford planning units. Install interpretive signs at all major access points (4 total). Provide brochures, maps, and other materials to educate the public about the project and any use restrictions. Remove debris and other known hazards to provide a safe environment for project visitors. | N/A | ||
| 10 Promote Nez Perce cultural activities | Inform tribal members about the project and the opportunities it provides for cultural and subsistence activities. Use a wide variety of outlets to educate tribal members about the project including public lectures/meetings, newspaper articles, direct mailings,and website content. Conduct annual field trips for tribal leaders and youth. | N/A | ||
| 11 Encourage use of area for scientific research | Increase awareness of the project among universities, wildlife agencies and non-profit groups for conducting research on biological systems and processes. Seek grant funding to conduct appropriate research which will inform management decisions. Facilitate research by outside groups by providing access, use of facilities and equipment, and staff time. | Grande Ronde | Promote research and development of bio-control agents for noxious weeds. | 268 |
| 12 Foster productive relationships with neighbors | Work cooperatively with neighbors to control n oxious weeds and build and maintain fences. Continue information sharing with local, state and federal agencies through meetings and cooperative projects. Develop cooperative travel management agreements, as necessary. | Grande Ronde | Fund and coordinate weed control efforts on both public and private land. Promote landowner education in identification and management of noxious weeds. | 267, 268 |
| 13 Conduct annual wildlife population monitoring | Complete baseline population monitoring on selected wildlife species or groups as a basis for comparison into the future. For example, conduct breeding bird point counts for three consecutive years on 8 permanent plots followed by monitoring at three year intervals to assess status and trend over time. The overall objective is to see population numbers of all desirable species maintain or increase over time with a concommittant decrease in undesirable species (e.g. brown-headed cowbird). Regular monitoring will also allow managers to document any new invasive species (e.g. bullfrog) early enough to formulate effective management actions. Target groups include elk, bighorn sheep (monitored by state wildlife agency), neotropical birds, pond amphibians, and secondary cavity nesters. Other species or groups of interest (e.g. bats, carnivors, small mammals, sensitive species) may also be periodically monitored over time. | Grande Ronde | Determine population status of American martin, olive-sided flycatcher, white-headed woodpecker, sage sparrow, columbia spotted frog and yellow warbler. Identify key wildlife habitat corridors/links. | 290 |
| 14 Monitor vegetation annually | Monitor all major plant communities to evaluate seral stage, ecological condition, and habitat values over time. Compare data to plant community objectives (see Objective 1 above) to evaluate if management activities are having the desired outcome. Adjust management accordingly. Use permanent plots established during the baseline HEP assessment to monitoring plant community structure and composition over time. A total of 26 permanent plots in 10 cover types have been established for this purpose and will be read at five year intervals. In addition, 14 permanent photo points have been established to evaluate overall plant community and noxious weed changes over time. The photo points are to be recorded every five years. Annually monitor Silene spaldingii population to track reproductive effort and population changes over time. Use data to support recovery plan (USFWS, 2007). | Grande Ronde | Understand the current status and trend of habitat conditions as they relate to focal species status. Inventory and assess condition of aspen habitat type. Develop higher resolution habitat maps. | 273, 290 |
| 15 Conduct project-specific monitoring | Some management activities will require project-specific monitoring to ensure project goals are being met. Conduct monitoring on agricultural restoration fields at three year intervals to include vegetation community composition, small mammal communities, and big game use as measured by pellet counts. Monitor artificial nest boxes to evaluate effectiveness, species use, and nest success. Monitor retention of LWD in Joseph Creek, pool habitat availability, and fish response following the LWD placement project planned for 2012. | Grande Ronde | Assess the effectiveness of restoration activities and other human related activities on focal species habitat condition. | 273 |
Section 7. Work elements
| Work element name | Work element title | Objective(s) | Start date | End date | Estimated budget> | Sponsor performs work? |
| Develop Terrestrial Habitat Features | Install artificial nest boxes | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 12,500 | Yes |
|
Description: Install approximately 60 artificial nest boxes to benefit secondary cavity nesters in conifer and riparian cover types. Habitat evaluations indicate that snag habitat is a limiting factor throughout the project area. Tree growth and death rates are so slow that meaningful improvement in this habitat feature is likely to be insignificant without active intervention. As an interim measure we will build and install nest boxes for target species including western bluebirds, mountain chickadees, black-capped chickadees, American kestrals, house wrens, tree swallows, and violet green swallows. Select boxes will be monitored annually to track success of the project and respond to any issues (nest predators/parasites).
Metrics: |
||||||
| Produce (Annual) Progress Report | Annual progress report | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 13,700 | Yes |
| Description: The annual progress reports summarize the project goal, objectives, hypotheses, completed and uncompleted deliverables, problems encountered, lessons learned, and long-term planning. Examples of long-term planning include future improvements, new directions, or level of effort for contract implementation, including any ramping up or ramping down of contract components or of the project as a whole. | ||||||
| Regional Coordination | Coordination with regional co-managers | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 68,740 | Yes |
| Description: Includes but is not limited to Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Council meetings and CBFWA meetings. Attend meetings and share information and ideas with other agencies and stakeholders within the region. Provide technical input to regional policy issues regarding implementation of the NW Power Act. | ||||||
| Produce Pisces Status Report | Periodic status reports | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 13,700 | Yes |
| Description: Create report on the status of milestones and deliverables in Pisces on a quarterly basis. | ||||||
| Prepare HEP Report | Write follow-up HEP assessment report | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species | 2/1/2011 | 1/31/2012 | 15,120 | Yes |
| Description: Use collected field data to generate a HEP report detailing any change in HU value from the baseline condition to the present (2011). Run target species models and compare values to baseline HEP assessments completed in 2003 and 2005. Use results to recommend appropriate management activities. | ||||||
| Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | HEP data collection | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species | 2/1/2011 | 1/31/2013 | 31,680 | Yes |
|
Description: Conduct field work to evaluate habitat condition using the HEP methodology as a comparison between current condition (2011) and habitat conditions assessed by the baseline HEP assessments completed in 2003 and 2005. Use stratified random sampling in major cover types (grassland, short shrub, tall shrub, riparian hardwood, riparian conifer, riparian shrub, open conifer, conifer) to establish HEP transects. Follow the same methodology used during baseline HEP assessments to evaluate habitat quality and resultant HU values. Use results to evaluate the effecacy of management actions and make recommendations. Approximately 20 plots will need to be completed for this project.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Produce Environmental Compliance Documentation | NEPA, ESA,and Cultural Resource Reports for all ground-disturbing activities | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>02 Reduce or eliminate coverage of noxious weeds<br>03 Restore agricultural lands to native plants<br>04 Improve or maintain big game winter range<br>05 Maintain area as refugia from human disturbance<br>06 P | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 43,059 | Yes |
|
Description: Literature and on-site review of ESA species and/or culturally significant resources and areas associated with new fencing projects or other ground disturbing activities. Report will be used in making management decisions and in monitoring activities in relation to the Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Policy Act, the Antiquities Act, and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Herbicide application reports detailing the chemicals used, application rates, acres treated, physical location and date of application will be filed yearly to comply with the NOAA consultation requirements.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Manage and Administer Projects | Administration, Subcontracts, Training | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>02 Reduce or eliminate coverage of noxious weeds<br>03 Restore agricultural lands to native plants<br>04 Improve or maintain big game winter range<br>05 Maintain area as refugia from human disturbance<br>06 P | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 105,890 | Yes |
| Description: BPA Contract administration including creating annual SOW in Pisces 90 days before the end of the contract period; developing Excel budget and property inventory for each fiscal year contract; completing September accrual estimate for work performed but not billed by September 30; administering fire protection subcontract with Oregon Department of Forestry; and draft, advertise and administer other subcontracts including a third-party appraisal on 1,680 acre parcel to purchase. Subcontract between NPT and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) to provide initial attack fire protection on the Precious Lands Project. Subcontract amount varies by year based on past ODF expenditures and wildland fire risk assessment. Initial attack fire control should help minimize impacts to grasslands, forests and riparian areas from wildfires. Fire control should also reduce sediment loads to area streams following hot, seasonal wildfires. This work element also includes necessary staff training including but not limiited to Defensive Driving, First Aid, Supervisory Development, GIS Technologies, ATV Safety, Herbicide License Credits, EEO, etc. | ||||||
| Maintain Vegetation | Maintain planted vegetation to improve survival | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>02 Reduce or eliminate coverage of noxious weeds<br>03 Restore agricultural lands to native plants<br>04 Improve or maintain big game winter range<br>06 Protect and enhance riparian plant communities | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 42,380 | Yes |
| Description: Maintenance of previously planted trees, forbs and grasses to improve survival by controlling noxious weeds and protecting from herbivores. Maintain approximately 3 acres of aspen trees, 6 acres of ponderosa pine trees, 60 acres native bunchgrass, and 2 acres Great Basin wild rye. Hand or mechanical (boom sprayer) application of herbicides may be required. Level of effort will depend on weather, accessibility, and the types of noxious weeds and herbivores impacting planted sites. A minimum of three years effort post-planting is expected. | ||||||
| Remove vegetation | Noxious weed control and brush removal | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>02 Reduce or eliminate coverage of noxious weeds<br>03 Restore agricultural lands to native plants<br>04 Improve or maintain big game winter range<br>06 Protect and enhance riparian plant communities<br>07 Im | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 158,200 | Yes |
|
Description: Target Yellow Starthistle using chemical, mechanical, and biological control methods in the Joseph, Tamarack, and Broady Creek areas.
Target Scotch Thistle using chemical and mechanical methods throughout the project area. Concentrate efforts on the Buford Unit, along roadways and trails, in riparian areas, and sites targeted for native plant restoration.
Target two known populations and any new populations of Rush Skeleton Weed using chemical and mechanical methods. Attempt to eradicate discovered populations.
Target Himalayan Blackberry using chemical, mechanical, and biological control methods in the Joseph, Tamarack, Rock, and Broady Creek areas. Concentrate on outlier populations and those along trails and roads.
Target Poison Hemlock in the Broady and Cottonwood Creek riparian areas using chemical, mechanical and biological control methods. Attempt to eradicate populations.
Target Hounds Tongue on the Buford Unit and along trails and roads using chemical and mechanical methods.
Target Diffuse Knapweed along Buford Creek using chemical, mechanical and biological control methods.
Monitor large Crupina infestation in Joseph Creek. Remove outlier populations using chemical or mechanical methods, when possible.
Aggressively treat new invaders if encountered during weed surveys or routine work efforts.
Reduce fuel loads near buildings at Basin Creek, the Buford Ranch complex, and Tamarack Cabin. Reduce fuel loads in conifer stands near Paradise Point and upstream of the Basin Cabin to create fuel breaks and improve stand resilience during fire events. Remove shrubs from road corridors to improve access and protect vehicles.
Continuing education requirements for Oregon Herbicide License holders, herbicide use and safety training, ATV safety training, and chainsaw use and safety training.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Plant Vegetation | Plant native species to restore/maintain biodiversity | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>02 Reduce or eliminate coverage of noxious weeds<br>03 Restore agricultural lands to native plants<br>04 Improve or maintain big game winter range<br>06 Protect and enhance riparian plant communities<br>07 Im | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 33,600 | Yes |
|
Description: Bluebunch Wheatgrass and Idaho Fescue will be planted on approximateley 10 acres of agricultural fields on the Buford Unit. These fields were previously planted but portions of them failed due to a variety of factors: broadcast seeding technique, poor weather conditions, areas of drier/thinner soils, lack of adequate weed control following planting. These fields will be re-planted using the project tractor and range drill to improve seed/soil contact and minimize other soil disturbance followed by agressive monitoring and weed control. Necessary steps include herbicide applications pre- and post planting to ensure good success.
Great Basin Wild Rye plugs will be planted along W. Fork Tamarack Creek, Tamarack Creek, and Basin Creek (approximately 2 acres) to restore this important native grass to the Wildlife Area. Plugs will be contract grown and planted to sites after treatments to remove noxious weeds. These plantings will re-establish a unique native grass species lost through historic management actions, and help promote desirable plant communities following noxious weed removal.
Snowberry, ninebark, and oceanspray will be planted on approximately 5 acres of the Buford Unit. Shrubs will be contract grown and planted on site by hand in the fall or spring. This is part of the long-range restoration of old agricultural fields as outlined in the Management Plan.
Aspen and black cottonwood trees will be planted on approximately 5 acres of riparian area along Joseph and Cottonwood creeks as well as isolated spring habitats on the Buford Parcel.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Operate and Maintain Habitat/Passage/Structure | Maintain fences, buildings and signs | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>02 Reduce or eliminate coverage of noxious weeds<br>03 Restore agricultural lands to native plants<br>04 Improve or maintain big game winter range<br>06 Protect and enhance riparian plant communities<br>09 Pr | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 55,660 | Yes |
| Description: Maintain approximately 16 miles of existing barbed wire fence, four large informational signs, trail signs, numerous boundary markers, and numerous buildings including crew cabins, barns, and sheds. Informational signs are large 4' x 8' with a covered roof and plexiglass front. Signs will be maintained to provide a readable location map, public access rules, fire season restrictions, warnings about inherent dangers of the property (wild animals, high summer temperatures, poor footing) and other information such as noxious weed descriptions and reporting information deemed appropriate for the Project. Boundary signs will be maintained to inform the public of project extent and help prevent trespass onto neighboring private property. Approximately 16 miles of cattle exclusion fence consisting of a four strand fence 40" tall with barbed wire at height 21", 30" and 40" and smooth wire on the bottom at 12" will be maintained yearly to standards sufficient to exclude cattle and sheep. Buildings will be maintained to such a standard as to provide safe living quarters for field crews to include basic facilities for cooking, for sanitation, and sleeping quarters. Obvious safety or public health issues (i.e. rodents, fire alarms) will be rectified as soon as they become known. | ||||||
| Install Fence | Fence construction to exclude neighboring livestock to protect upland and riparian habitats | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>04 Improve or maintain big game winter range<br>05 Maintain area as refugia from human disturbance<br>06 Protect and enhance riparian plant communities<br>07 Improve water quality | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 105,200 | Yes |
|
Description: New fence construction in specific areas to limit trespass by neighboring livestock operations on both public and private property. Specific areas to be fenced over a three year period include the north, south and west boundaries of the Buford Parcel, headwaters of Rush Creek, upper Bear Creek, Joseph Creek in Sections 2 and 15, Paradise Point, and the lower end of Broady Creek.
Cattle exclusion fence will consist of a four strand fence 40" tall with barbed wire at height 21", 30" and 40" and smooth wire on the bottom at 12". Heavy gauge metal t-posts will be placed at 12' intervals with rock jacks placed every 156 feet or more as dictated by terrain. Twisted wire stays are placed equidistant between posts. In areas experiencing heavy snows wooden stays will be used between posts to improve durability. Wire gates will be located as needed along trails, draw bottoms, and ridge lines to facilitate access by staff and members of the public.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Investigate Trespass | Investigate livestock and vehicular trespass | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>05 Maintain area as refugia from human disturbance<br>09 Provide safe public access | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 37,980 | Yes |
| Description: Respond to all incidents of trespass by motor vehicles and unauthorized livestock. Gather evidence, repair damage, and file report with local law enforcement agencies as necessary. Monitor the situation until it is resolved. Level of effort will depend on the number and nature of incidents. We routinely respond to cattle trespass situations and have had at least one incident of elk poaching that was investigated and prosecuted. | ||||||
| Conduct Pre-Acquisition Activities | Negotiate with landowner to purchase 1,680 acres | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>06 Protect and enhance riparian plant communities | 2/1/2012 | 1/31/2013 | 25,000 | Yes |
| Description: Negotiate with landowner to purchase 1,680 acres of high quality fish and wildlife habitat adjacent to the Precious Lands Project along Cottonwood Creek. Conduct third-party appraisal and complete pre-purchase HEP evaluation. | ||||||
| Increase Instream Habitat Complexity and Stabiliza | Large woody debris project | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>07 Improve water quality<br>08 Increase in-stream habitat complexity<br>15 Conduct project-specific monitoring | 2/1/2011 | 1/31/2013 | 110,940 | Yes |
|
Description: This proposal would add 50 pieces of LWD >16” DBH and 35’ long (larger if available) to two separate one mile sections of Joseph Creek lying within the Project boundary. Placement of whole trees and/or logs and rootwads will occur over two years in 2011 and 2012. Because of the steep terrain and inaccessible nature of Joseph Canyon, trees will have to be flown in via helicopter. A subcontractor will be selected to move trees from other areas of the project (or neighboring landowners if sufficient numbers and quality of trees are unavailable) and into the stream channel. Crews on the ground will help secure the trees and anchor them in place using stainless steel cables. Where possible, debris jams of 3-5 pieces of LWD will be created to add complexity to the habitat and improve stability of the structure. Work crews will not have heavy equipment available so design of structures will necessarily be limited.
Additional funds for this project will be solicited from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, Grande Ronde Model Watershed, or other appropriate entities.
All LWD pieces will be permanently marked with numbered, metal tags so that individual pieces can be tracked after placement. Each LWD placement will be GPS mapped and photographed after installation. For a minimum three summers following treatment all reaches will be visited and data collected on LWD and pool habitat. If LWD pieces have moved out of the treatment reach an attempt will be made to find the piece and document distance moved and final disposition. Success will be measured by the quality and quantity of pool habitat, retention of LWD, and fish densities within treatment reaches compared to the control reach.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Remove Debris | Remove old junk piles, abandoned cars, debris in outbuildings, old fence, etc. | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>09 Provide safe public access | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 44,040 | Yes |
| Description: Remove approximately 6 miles of obsolete interior barbed wire fences to minimize entaglementg risk to wildlife, the public, and recreational livestock. Also remove degraded shipping containers at Tamarack Cabin, residual junk at Basin Cabin, and organic debris in barns and out buildings on the Buford parcel. These actions should improve the safety of wildlife, staff and members of the public as they use the area. | ||||||
| Watershed Coordination | Watershed planning coordination | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>12 Foster productive relationships with neighbors | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 38,400 | Yes |
| Description: May include but is not limited to watershed planning, subbasin planning, Forest Service planning, noxious weed coordination, Wallowa County NRAC meetings, meetings with neighboring landowners, etc. Attend meetings and share information and ideas with other agencies and stakeholders within the Grande Ronde watershed area. Foster good working relationship with neighbors. | ||||||
| Create/Manage/Maintain Database | Data Management | 01 Manage habitat to benefit target species<br>13 Conduct annual wildlife population monitoring<br>14 Monitor vegetation annually<br>15 Conduct project-specific monitoring | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 62,738 | Yes |
| Description: Create databases to include but not be limited to Excel and Access files containing field monitoring data (birds, vegetation, amphibians, elk winter counts, etc.); GIS layers of field points and base layers (vegetation, aerial photos, property boundaries, topographic maps, etc.); Access files of public and cooperator addresses to facilitate coordination; computer files of project equipment; digital photos categorized by subject and project; and financial records of project income and expenditures in Excel format. | ||||||
| Provide Access and Public Information | Provide public access and information | 09 Provide safe public access | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 41,985 | Yes |
| Description: Post property boundaries, maintain informational signs, gates, etc. to enhance public access to the Project. Provide information to public about project through newspaper articles, map handouts, bird checklists, and oral presentations. Give presentations about project at meetings, workshops, and conferences. | ||||||
| Improve Road | Maintain roads and trails | 09 Provide safe public access<br>11 Encourage use of area for scientific research<br>12 Foster productive relationships with neighbors | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 66,730 | Yes |
|
Description: Maintain Tamarack, Cottonwood, Joseph, and Buford access roads to allow administrative access to and within the project area. Parts of the roads occur outside the project boundary but are necessary to access the project.
Approximately 20 miles of access roads (Cottonwood, Tamarack, Joseph, and Buford roads)will be maintained in a useable condition. Useable road condition to mean passable by 4X4 vehicle or ATV without operator having to stop and remove rocks, trees or other obstacles. Brush cut back sufficient to allow passage by vehicles without scraping paint or catching on equipment. Road surface sufficiently hardened to minimize rutting, erosion, and soil movement during normal use.
Maintain the Warm Springs Trail and trails along Tamarack, Joseph, Broady, Bear and Rock Creeks (approximately 10 miles) in useable condition. Improve trailhead parking at Warm Springs trailhead on Rye Ridge Road.
We will maintain trail conditions such that humans can walk upright with unobstructed footing for a minimum 20" width. Brush cut back and fallen trees, rocks, etc. removed from trail surface. Maximum incline not to exceed 20% slope. A few trails (Rock Creek, W. Fork Tamarack, Joseph Creek, and Warm Springs) will also be maintained to accommodate horseback riders which will require brush removal to be a minimum five feet wide and eight feet tall.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Outreach and Education | Outreach and Education Activities | 10 Promote Nez Perce cultural activities<br>11 Encourage use of area for scientific research<br>12 Foster productive relationships with neighbors | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 27,000 | Yes |
|
Description: Provide project information and outreach as opportunities arise such as International Migratory Bird Day, Nez Perce Culture Camp, Native American Awareness week, local school programs, professional meetings, County Commissioner meetings, etc. Will also host 22 Whitman College students from the Semester in The West program during 2010.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Produce Other Report | Survey and monitoring reports | 11 Encourage use of area for scientific research<br>13 Conduct annual wildlife population monitoring<br>14 Monitor vegetation annually<br>15 Conduct project-specific monitoring | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 45,360 | Yes |
| Description: Products may be in the form of oral or written reports and / or presentations covering past monitoring efforts such as breeding bird monitoring and small mammal populations as well as current efforts including rare plant population status, Silene population monitoring, noxious weed spread and control, etc. | ||||||
| Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Wildlife Population Monitoring | 13 Conduct annual wildlife population monitoring<br>15 Conduct project-specific monitoring | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 54,600 | Yes |
|
Description: Status and trend and effectiveness monitoring of key wildlife populations including breeding birds and pond amphibians as described in the Management Plan.
Monitor eight permanent bird monitoring transects on a rotational basis at least three times per season. Methodology will follow standard protocols established by Partners in Flight and fully described in the Management Plan. Monitor pond-breeding amphibians at three sites throughout each field season.
Monitor artificial nest boxes to document occupancy rate, species composition, and fecundity. Respond to any issues including nest predation and parasites.
In FY2010 conduct small mammal population monitoring using trap/recapture methods to evaluate success of agricultural field restoration efforts. This is the 5-yr reassessment of the permanent sampling points originally sampled in 2003-5.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Vegetation/Habitat Monitoring | 14 Monitor vegetation annually | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 58,100 | Yes |
|
Description: Conduct vegetation plot monitoring on 20 permanent transects each approximately 1000 feet long over a three year period. Transects were originally established as part of the baseline HEP assessment for the project and selected as permanent monitoring sites to represent changing conditions within the targeted cover types. Plots are located in forest communities, grasslands, shrub fields, and riparian areas.
Monitor plots on restored agricultural lands (treatment and control) to assess re-vegetation success.
Complete photo point monitoring for 9 vegetative condition plots and 8 weed plots in 2012. Plots are located throughout project area to represent landscape level changes in vegetation patterns and extent.
Metrics: |
||||||
| Collect/Generate/Validate Field and Lab Data | Silene population monitoring | 14 Monitor vegetation annually | 2/1/2010 | 1/31/2013 | 31,370 | Yes |
|
Description: Continued effort to survey and monitor for federally Threatened Silene spaldingii populations on approximately 3000 acres of potential habitat. Demographic monitoring data will include number of stems present at the beginning and end of the summer, number of flowering stems, and number of immature verses mature plants present. Additionally, data will be collected to evaluate the kind and frequency of insect pollinators, seed production rates, and loss of seed production to herbivory. Permanent habitat monitoring plots will also be established in 2010 for the Joseph Creek population.
Metrics: |
||||||
| work element budget total: | 1,343,672 | |||||
Section 8. Budget
| Item | Note | FY 2010 cost ($) | FY 2011 cost ($) | FY 2012 cost ($) | |
| Personnel | 219,035 | 224,510 | 230,123 | ||
| Fringe Benefits | 72,282 | 74,089 | 75,941 | ||
| Travel | 26,030 | 26,681 | 27,348 | ||
| Supplies | 21,700 | 22,242 | 22,798 | ||
| Other | Subcontracts | 17,000 | 17,425 | 17,861 | |
| Capital Equipment | Replace ATV's | 0 | 6,000 | 6,000 | |
| Overhead | 76,930 | 78,853 | 80,824 | ||
| Itemized budget totals: | 432,977 | 449,800 | 460,895 | ||
| Type of funding source | Funding source or organization | Item or service provided | FY 2010 est value ($) | FY 2011 est value ($) | FY 2012 est value ($) | Cash or in-kind? | Status |
| non-profit | Wallowa Resources | In-Kind assistance with noxious weed inventory and control | 7,500 | 8,000 | 9,000 | In-Kind | Under Development |
| federal | US Fish and Wildlife Service | Research and monitoring of Silene Spauldingii | 5,000 | 0 | 0 | Cash | Confirmed |
| state | Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board | Cash support of large woody debris project in Joseph Creek | 0 | 75,000 | 75,000 | Cash | Under Development |
| Cost share estimate totals: | 12,500 | 83,000 | 84,000 | ||||
FY 2010-12 total cost share estimate: 179,500
Section 9. Project future
| Outyear budgets | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
| 2,314,267 | 477,924 | 489,872 | 502,119 | 514,672 | 527,539 |
Note
On-going Operations and Maintenance needs. Estimated 2.5% annual cost of living allowance used to calculate increased budget needs. FY2013 budget includes $1,850,000 for acquisition of approximately 1,680 acres of high quality fish and wildlife habitat.
Likely project termination/end date: None
Termination notes:
The Memorandum of Agreement between the Nez perce Tribe and Bonneville Power Administration (1996b) states on page 2 that "The underlying purpose of the agreement is to protect, mitigate, and enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat permanently, through the acquisition, protection and management of lands, so the parties have not included a term or termination provisions." It is the intent of the Nez Perce Tribe to manage these lands to benefit fish and wildlife populations in perpetuity.
Final deliverables:
Approximately 18,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat managed to provide for the needs of target species as well as maximize benefits to local ecosystems and the biodiversity contained therein.
Reviews
ISRP final recommendation: Meets Scientific criteria? Yes
The project is well described, well documented, and in good hands. It should proceed as planned.
The Precious Lands project provides critical habitat and corridor linkages for fish and wildlife populations in the Joseph Creek drainage. The area is steep, remote, and rugged with 18-22 inches rainfall annually. Cheatgrass is diminishing and native bunch grasses are increasing. Lack of fire has increased the shrub component. Their M&E plan, and status and trend monitoring, is guiding the sponsors through the proposed vegetation changes on the landscape. Sponsors are also monitoring cryptogrammic crust and have data. Agricultural land conversions have shown increases in cryptogrammic crust, indicative of increasing ecological integrity.
The areas’ remoteness could affect whether sponsors can accomplish many restoration tasks. Breeding bird biodiversity is very high on the property. One project task is the addition of nest boxes to provide nesting locations for cavity nesting birds due to a lack of large standing snags. Would it be possible for sponsors to girdle large Douglas fir trees to establish snags over time and diminish the use of nest boxes?
To enhance steelhead spawning and rearing habitat, particularly for juvenile steelhead, sponsors are considering the addition of large woody debris (LWD) to Joseph Creek. Joseph Creek has almost no holding pools or deeper runs due in large part to a lack of LWD. The sponsors are aware of the difficulty of seeding streams like Joseph Creek with LWD and retaining it due to flood events. However, they own 9 miles of the stream so have some capacity to absorb logs that may be moved during flood events. They have no timber cutting plans (BPA agreement). The sponsors need to work with fish managers for steelhead monitoring on their project.
1. Technical Justification, Program Significance and Consistency, and Project Relationships
This section is reasonable and well done.
2. Project History and Results
Project history and results are well described. Actions are justified and preliminary data (including tables and figures with results) are promising on some actions. Other actions have not been as fruitful, but have lead to adaptive learning and altered future plans.
3. Objectives, Work Elements, and Objectives
Project objectives, work elements, and methods are detailed and appropriate to the site, and project goals. The site is remote, arid, and very difficult to work in (steep arid canyons, with difficult winter weather and significant hazards in the summer [fire, falls in rocky steep terrain]). This limits what can be done annually, particularly in the canyon and riparian section. Upland work around the old ranch site and preliminary results are very promising for increasing native vegetation and bird diversity.
4. M&E
The sponsors articulate a plan for monitoring and evaluation. It appears that quality data are being collected on the various bird and vegetation projects conducted on the Precious Lands property. Staff appears competent and well-informed.
from May 19, 2009 ISRP 2009-17 report
ISRP preliminary recommendation: Meets scientific criteria? Yes
The project is well described, well documented, and in good hands. It should proceed as planned.
The Precious Lands project provides critical habitat and corridor linkages for fish and wildlife populations in the Joseph Creek drainage. The area is steep, remote, and rugged with 18-22 inches rainfall annually. Cheatgrass is diminishing and native bunch grasses are increasing. Lack of fire has increased the shrub component. Their M&E plan, and status and trend monitoring, is guiding the sponsors through the proposed vegetation changes on the landscape. Sponsors are also monitoring cryptogrammic crust and have data. Agricultural land conversions have shown increases in cryptogamic crust, indicative of increasing ecological integrity.
The areas’ remoteness could affect whether sponsors can accomplish many restoration tasks. Breeding bird biodiversity is very high on the property. One project task is the addition of nest boxes to provide nesting locations for cavity nesting birds due to a lack of large standing snags. Would it be possible for sponsors to girdle large Douglas Fir trees to establish snags over time and diminish the use of nest boxes?
To enhance steelhead spawning and rearing habitat, particularly for juvenile steelhead, sponsors are considering the addition of large woody debris (LWD) to Joseph Creek. Joseph Creek has almost no holding pools or deeper runs due in large part to a lack of LWD. The sponsors are aware of the difficulty of seeding streams like Joseph Creek with LWD and retaining it due to flood events. However, they own 9 miles of the stream so have some capacity to absorb logs that may be moved during flood events. They have no timber cutting plans (BPA agreement). The sponsors need to work with fish managers for steelhead monitoring on their project.
1. Technical Justification, Program Significance and Consistency, and Project Relationships
This section is reasonable and well done.
2. Project History and Results
Project history and results are well described. Actions are justified and preliminary data (including tables and figures with results) are promising on some actions. Other actions have not been as fruitful, but have lead to adaptive learning and altered future plans.
3. Objectives, Work Elements, and Objectives
Project objectives, work elements, and methods are detailed and appropriate to the site, and project goals. The site is remote, arid, and very difficult to work in (steep arid canyons, with difficult winter weather and significant hazards in the summer [fire, falls in rocky steep terrain]). This limits what can be done annually, particularly in the canyon and riparian section. Upland work around the old ranch site and preliminary results are very promising for increasing native vegetation and bird diversity.
4. M&E
The sponsors articulate a plan for monitoring and evaluation. It appears that quality data are being collected on the various bird and vegetation projects conducted on the Precious Lands property. Staff appears competent and well-informed.
from Mar 26, 2009 ISRP 2009-7 report