Bureau of Reclamation Grant: Upper Salmon Anadromous Fishery Habitat Improvement

The kind of habitat improvement activity anticipated includes: reconnecting flood plains, side channel improvements, backwater channel improvements, woody structure and large rock cluster development, deeper pool development, and reconstruction of spawning gravel.

Custer Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCS) is a local government entity located in the Upper Salmon Basin with a mission to conduct “on the ground” activities that will enhance anadromous fish habitat in the Upper Salmon. CSWCD is a significant party for this activity within the Upper Salmon. CSWCD identifies potential habitat improvement projects in the Upper Salmon Subbasin; coordinating fish habitat projects with local constituents; defining the projects for interested parties; participating during project design and construction in an advisory role, or construction management as requested; and examining the influence of the project on fish habitat after completion of construction.

Due to the complexity of the issues and the geographic location a great amount of activity must be coordinated involving State and local government units, private landowners, non-profit organizations, in addition to various Federal Agencies; including Reclamation, before a project is finalized. Coordination with local organizations and private landowners is essential to the overall success of habitat improvement in the Upper Salmon Subbasin.

Any activity meeting the appropriate criteria and that has been coordinated, approved, and prioritized with the local land owners and others within a project area will be presented to Reclamation for potential funding.

There are two projects anticipated in Fiscal Year 2010-2011. They are the East Fork (EF) 13 Diversion Replacement (approximately $6,300) and EF-16 Diversion Replacement/Repair (approximately $7,100) projects. Other projects will be recommended and coordinated with Reclamation during the period of the agreement. All projects will be approved by Reclamation before proceeding beyond the planning stage.

The anticipated length of the agreement is 5 years. Subsequent renewal or continuation modifications related to additional funds for any awards as of a result of this Notice of Intent may be entered into without future competition; however, they are conditioned upon successful project performance and availability of appropriated funds.