Trout Unlimited

PURPOSE: TROUT UNLIMITED WILL DESIGN AND INSTALL ENGINEERED LOG JAMS IN REACHES OF THE QUEETS-CLEARWATER WATERSHED AND PERFORM RIPARIAN RESTORATION TREATMENTS THAT INCLUDE THINNING AND PLANTING TO PROVIDE FUTURE SHADE, WOOD RECRUITMENT AND RESTORE OLD FOREST CHARACTERISTICS. THE LACK OF STABLE WOOD AND HEALTHY RIPARIAN FORESTS THROUGHOUT THE BASIN HAS CAUSED EXTREME CHANNEL INCISION, DISCONNECTING CRITICAL FLOODPLAIN AND SIDE CHANNEL REARING HABITAT. THIS IS A TARGETED EFFORT TO INCREASE WILD COHO SALMON OUTPUT, WHICH WAS THE SUBJECT OF A DECLARED FISHERIES DISASTER AND MET THE CRITERIA FOR OVERFISHED STATUS IN 2018, AND IT WILL BENEFIT NATIVE CHINOOK, CHUM, AND STEELHEAD.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: L23AS00308GOALS:DEVELOP AND PRIORITIZE AN INITIAL LIST OF WATERSHED AND AQUATIC RESTORATION PROJECTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE IN COORDINATION WITH THE BLM.ESTABLISH AN INITIAL WORK PLAN FOR 2023, INCORPORATING THE INITIAL LIST OF WATERSHED AND AQUATIC RESTORATION PROJECTS.ESTABLISH ANNUAL WORK PLANS FOR THIS INITIATIVE. EACH WINTER, TU AND THE BLM WILL COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL WORK PLAN THAT IDENTIFIES WORK TO BE COMPLETED THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE DURING THE FOLLOWING YEAR, ESTABLISHES A BUDGET AND TIMELINE FOR EACH PROJECT, AND SPECIFIES KEY PERSONNEL FOR TU AND THE BLM INVOLVED IN EACH PROJECT.CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT PLAN TO INCREASE AWARENESS AND EDUCATION AND ENGAGE STAKEHOLDER IN RESTORATION EFFORTS IMPLEMENTED THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE. THIS COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT PLAN WOULD BE DEVELOPED IN COORDINATION WITH THE BLM, INCORPORATE THE VARIOUS ON-THE-GROUND PROJECTS IDENTIFIED IN THE ANNUAL WORK PLANS, AND ESTABLISH SPECIFIC MILESTONES AND OUTPUTS THAT ARE APPROPRIATE CONSIDERING THE PROJECTS.PUBLISH AN ANNUAL REPORT OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS HIGHLIGHTING THE RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF TU, THE BLM, AND OTHER PARTNERS THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE.

PURPOSE: OLYMPIC PENINSULA COLDWATER CONNECTION CAMPAIGN FISH PASSAGE PROJECT PHASE 2 RECIPIENT: TROUT UNLIMITED RECOMMENDED FEDERAL FUNDING*: $8.36 MILLION CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): WA-008 SUMMARY: TROUT UNLIMITED WILL RESTORE ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT WITHIN THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA BY ADDRESSING 6 FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS IN THE HOH, QUEETS-QUINAULT, AND QUILLAYUTE WATERSHEDS. THE BARRIERS WERE IDENTIFIED AS PRIORITIES UNDER THE COLDWATER CONNECTION CAMPAIGN, A PARTNERSHIP THAT AIMS TO RECONNECT 125 RIVER MILES BY REMOVING 50 OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITY FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS ON THE WESTERN OLYMPIC PENINSULA.

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL BE AWARDED $7,071,627 TO REPLACE EIGHT FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS AS PART OF THE COLDWATER CONNECTION CAMPAIGN, A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NON-PROFITS; STATE, FEDERAL AND LOCAL AGENCIES; AND STAKEHOLDERS TO RECONNECT 125 MILES OF HIGH QUALITY SALMON AND STEELHEAD STREAMS IN WASHINGTON'S COASTAL AREAS. THE FIVE BARRIERS WERE PRIORITIZED USING A DECISION SUPPORT TOOL THAT EVALUATED THE POTENTIAL ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF REMOVING MORE THAN 500 ANADROMOUS BARRIERS IN THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA. THE CULVERTS WILL BE REPLACED WITH FISH PASSABLE STRUCTURES TO IMPROVE BOTH THE RESILIENCY OF SALMONID POPULATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE. THE EFFORT WILL OPEN MORE THAN 7 MILES OF SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT FOR COMMERCIALLY AND RECREATIONALLY IMPORTANT SALMON SPECIES. FUNDING WILL ALSO SUPPORT HIRING STAFF AND INCREASING HOH TRIBAL COMMUNITY CAPACITY FOCUSED ON SALMON RESTORATION. PROJECT PARTNERS: COLD WATER CONNECTION CAMPAIGN MEMBERS (WILD SALMON CENTER, COAST SALMON PARTNERSHI

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL BE AWARDED $6,222,830 TO SUPPORT REMOVAL OF NINE HIGH PRIORITY BARRIERS IN THE EEL, NOYO, NAVARRO, AND BIG RIVERS OF COASTAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. FUNDING WILL SUPPORT THE DESIGN OF TWO PROJECTS AND CONSTRUCTION OF SEVEN PROJECTS. THE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN PRIORITIZED IN MULTIPLE REGIONAL AND RECOVERY-BASED PLANNING EFFORTS, AND ARE TARGETED TO BENEFIT ENDANGERED CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST COHO SALMON (A NOAA SPECIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT), AND THREATENED SOUTHERN OREGON/NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST COHO, CALIFORNIA COASTAL CHINOOK, AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STEELHEAD. THE EFFORT WILL FOSTER A LONG-TERM DIALOGUE WITH LOCAL TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS, COUNCILS, AND COMMUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT AND INCORPORATE THEIR PRIORITIES INTO THE CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECT WORK. THE PROJECTS ARE LOCATED WITHIN CALIFORNIA-RATED DISADVANTAGED AND SEVERELY DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES AND WILL PROVIDE JOBS AND PUBLIC OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES IN THOSE AREAS. ROADWAY FLOODING AND POTENTIAL FOR CATASTROPHIC FAILUR

THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION AND TROUT UNLIMITED WITH SUPPORT FROM THE UPPER AND LOWER SIMILKAMEEN INDIAN BANDS WILL COMPLETE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FEASIBILITY OF REMOVING ENLOE DAM ON THE SIMILKAMEEN RIVER IN WASHINGTON STATE. FUNDING FROM THE USFWS WILL SUPPORT THE COLLECTION OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO COMPLETE THE FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT AND ADVANCE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN OF DAM REMOVAL TO 60 PERCENT. ADDITIONAL DELIVERABLES INCLUDE GENERATING A REFINED COST ESTIMATE FOR DAM REMOVAL AND PREPARATION OF PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF A PROJECT SPONSOR TO ACQUIRE OWNERSHIP OF THE DAM FROM OKANOGAN PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT AND EXECUTE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AND PURCHASE AN INSURANCE PACKAGE THAT PROTECTS THE OPUD FROM LIABILITY. COMPLETING THESE STRATEGIC ACTIONS WILL PREPARE FOR THE REMOVAL OF ENLOE DAM DURING THE NEXT PHASE OF THE PROJECT TO RECONNECT THE SIMILKAMEEN RIVER WITH HABITAT DOWNSTREAM AND ALLOW ACCESS TO 1520 MILES OF SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT TO INCREASE CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE AND PREVENT THE EXTIRPATION OF UPPER COLUMBIA STEELHEAD IN THE OKANOGAN BASIN. AS TRIBUTARIES IN THE LOWER OKANOGAN RIVER CONTINUE TO SEE WARMER WATER TEMPERATURES THAT APPROACH LETHAL LEVELS FOR STEELHEAD AND SALMON RECONNECTING THE SIMILKAMEENS EXTENSIVE NETWORK OF COLD WATER HABITAT COULD BE THE LAST BEST CHANCE TO PREVENT EXTIRPATION OF THESE FISH IN THE OKANOGAN BASIN. THE OKANOGAN RIVER STEELHEAD POPULATION IS AT RISK DUE TO LIMITED DIVERSITY AND SPATIAL STRUCTURE AND HAS A GREATER THAN 25 PERCENT CHANCE OF EXTINCTION WITHIN THE NEXT CENTURY. TRIBAL FISHERIES OF MAJOR IMPORTANCE HISTORICALLY OCCURRED ON THE OKANOGAN RIVER AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS DOWNSTREAM FROM RAPIDS OR FALLS. FROM JUNE TO OCTOBER SALMON FISHING WAS A PRIMARY FOCUS OF TRIBAL SUBSISTENCE ACTIVITIES AND SALMON CEREMONIES WERE HELD DURING THE INITIAL DAYS OF FISHING AT EACH CAMP. SUBSISTENCE OF NATIVE AMERICANS ALONG THE OKANOGAN RIVER CONSISTED OF 25 PERCENT FISH. HOWEVER THESE IMPORTANT FISHERIES NO LONGER EXIST DUE TO HABITAT FRAGMENTATION BY HYDROELECTRIC DAMS OR INCREASED WATER TEMPERATURE DUE TO LOSS OF COLD WATER INPUTS AND HEATING BY SOLAR ABSORPTION AT ENLARGED SURFACE AREAS OF RESERVOIRS. THE REMOVAL OF ENLOE DAM WILL NOT FULLY REPLACE THE LOST TRIBAL FISHERIES OF BOTH THE KETTLE AND OKANOGAN RIVERS BUT IT WOULD STRENGTHEN THE POPULATIONS OF THESE ICONIC SPECIES AND PROVIDE A CULTURAL FISHERY. THE REMOVAL OF ENLOE DAM ALSO IS SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED AS A PRIORITY CONSERVATION ACTION IN NOAAS RECENT DRAFT REPORT TITLED REBUILDING INTERIOR COLUMBIA BASIN SALMON AND STEELHEAD.

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL BE AWARDED $4,784,222 TO REMOVE OR REPLACE EIGHT FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS AND OPEN 55 MILES OF SPAWNING, REARING, AND REFUGE HABITAT ON HIGH-QUALITY GREAT LAKES COLD WATER STREAMS. THESE PROJECTS ARE EXPECTED TO YIELD SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS FOR NATIVE MIGRATORY AND NON-MIGRATORY FISH POPULATIONS OF THE GREAT LAKES AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES, INCLUDING BROOK TROUT, STURGEON, AND WHITE SUCKERS. THE REPLACEMENT OF UNDERSIZED CULVERTS WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS, BUT WILL ALSO HELP TRIBAL, RURAL, AND UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE BY REDUCING FLOODING AND IMPROVING THREATENED INFRASTRUCTURE. TROUT UNLIMITED AND PARTNERS WILL ALSO INVENTORY ROAD-STREAM CROSSINGS TO ASSESS POTENTIAL BARRIERS AND DEVELOP SEVEN PROJECT DESIGNS FOR FUTURE PROJECTS. PROJECT PARTNERS: U.S. FOREST SERVICE - HURON MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST; LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS; MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES; MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, GREAT LAKES, AND ENER

PURPOSE: PATHWAYS HOME: REMOVING BARRIERS TO SALMON MIGRATION AND INCREASING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN THE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST RECIPIENT: TROUT UNLIMITED RECOMMENDED FEDERAL FUNDING*: $4.2 MILLION CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT(S): AK-001 SUMMARY: TROUT UNLIMITED WILL ADDRESS SEVERAL STREAM CROSSING BARRIERS IN THE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA, WHERE THOUSANDS OF STREAMS SUPPORT ONE OF THE WORLD?S GREATEST SALMON‐PRODUCING REGIONS. LOGGING AND ROAD BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN THE FOREST HAVE CREATED BARRIERS THAT AFFECT SALMON MIGRATION, SPAWNING, AND REARING. THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE ACCESS TO NEARLY 20 MILES OF STREAM HABITAT AND 52 ACRES OF LAKE AND WETLAND HABITAT FOR COHO AND OTHER SALMON SPECIES.

PURPOSE: TROUT UNLIMITED WILL REMOVE 7 FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS AS PART OF THE ONGOING SALMON SUPERHIGHWAY EFFORT, CONTRIBUTING TO THE INITIATIVE?S OVERALL 180-MILE GOAL. COLLECTIVELY, THE INITIATIVE WILL SUPPORT SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND OTHER SPECIES BY ADDRESSING PRIORITY FISH PASSAGE CONCERNS AND IMPROVING ACCESS TO A DIVERSITY OF HABITATS. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND FLOOD RESILIENCE BENEFITS TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

AWARD PURPOSE: THE PURPOSE OF THIS INITIATIVE IS TO IMPROVE DROUGHT RESILIENCY, PROMOTE AQUATIC CONNECTIVITY, AND CONSERVE ECOSYSTEMS, HABITATS, AND THE SPECIES THAT DEPEND UPON THEM. THIS INITIATIVE WOULD UTILIZE PROCESS-BASED AND LOW-TECH RESTORATION TECHNIQUES, AMONG OTHER METHODS TO INCREASE AQUATIC FUNCTION AND PRODUCTIVITY, AND PROMOTING DROUGHT AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE. TROUT UNLIMITED AND THE BLM WOULD COLLABORATIVELY IDENTIFY, PRIORITIZE, AND IMPLEMENT RESTORATION PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE CONSIDERING THE POTENTIAL CONSERVATION BENEFITS TO PRIORITY WATERS AND SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEVERAGE AND COORDINATE ADDITIONAL RESTORATION INVESTMENTS.ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED:IF AWARDED, THE FUNDING WILL BE USED TO DESIGN AND INSTALL LOW-TECH PROCESS-BASED RESTORATION TREATMENTS SUCH AS BEAVER DAM ANALOGUES (BDA) AND POST-ASSISTED LOG STRUCTURES (PALS), AS WELL AS OTHER BANK STABILIZATION EFFORTS INCLUDING INSTILLATION OF RIPARIAN FENCING. THE FUNDING MAY ALSO BE USED FOR DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE (AOP) PROJECTS WHERE CONNECTIVITY OF STREAMS IS BEING DISRUPTED. IN THE EASTERN IDAHO RIVERS AND PLAINS (EIRP), THESE PROJECTS WILL BE FOCUSED IN THE WILLOW CREEK AND BLACKFOOT RIVER SUBBASINS, BOTH HOME FOR SPAWNING YCT POPULATIONS. IN THE UPPER SALMON RIVER (USR) AND ADJACENT GEOGRAPHIES, PROJECTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON PRIORITY STREAMS IDENTIFIED COLLABORATIVELY BY THE BLM, WITH FOCUS ON NEW AND ONGOING AQUATIC RESTORATION AND OCCUPIED BY ANADROMOUS AND NATIVE TROUT SPECIES. AS PART OF OUR EFFORTS, TU WILL WORK WITH BLM TO HIRE ENGINEERS TO DESIGN AND DEVELOP PLANS, APPLY FOR PERMITTING, AND IMPLEMENT PROJECTS. EACH INDIVIDUAL PROJECT WILL BE MANAGED BY AN EXPERIENCED TU STAFF MEMBER WHO WILL CARRY OUT CONSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT, APPROPRIATE MONITORING, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, AS NEEDED.INTENDED BENEFICIARIES:THE BLM IDAHO FALLS DISTRICT PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PUBLIC TO ENGAGE WITH FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES UNIQUE TO THIS AREA. THE OUTCOME OF THE AQUATIC RESTORATION PROJECTS INCLUDES IMPROVED HABITAT FOR MORE RESILIENT NATIVE FISH POPULATIONS, IN ADDITION TO OTHER AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL SPECIES. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO IMPROVE THESE HABITATS FOR CONTINUED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

RECIPIENT AND THE MIDDLE COLORADO AGRICULTURE COLLABORATIVE WILL UPGRADE, RELOCATE, OR COMBINE SIX (6) DIVERSION STRUCTURES TO REMOVE INSTREAM BARRIERS TO FISH PASSAGE IN THE ELK CREEK WEST OF GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO. THESE UPGRADES WILL OPEN APPROXIMATELY FIVE (5) MILES OF AQUATIC HABITAT IN ELK CREEK TO FISH PASSAGE. THE PROJECT IS ALSO ANTICIPATED TO IMPROVE STREAM MORPHOLOGY, INCREASE INSTREAM FLOWS, AND BENEFIT IRRIGATORS BY INCREASING THE OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES OF THE DIVERSIONS AND REDUCING TRANSMISSION LOSSES OF VITAL IRRIGATION WATER. THIS PROJECT SUPPORTS THE GOALS OF THE 2020 MIDDLE COLORADO INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN, WHICH WAS DEVELOPED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD, COLORADO BASIN ROUNDTABLE, COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE, THE GARPIT CONSERVATION DISTRICT, AND THE MIDDLE COLORADO WATERSHED COUNCIL.

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL BE AWARDED $2,314,610 FOR THE PLANNING AND FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT FOR THE REMOVAL OF ENLOE DAM ON THE SIMILKAMEEN RIVER, A TRIBUTARY TO THE COLUMBIA RIVER. THE DAM HAS BLOCKED ANADROMOUS FISH PASSAGE FOR 100 YEARS AND HAS NOT GENERATED POWER FOR 64 YEARS. IF COMPLETED, REMOVING THE ENLOE DAM WOULD BE THE LARGEST HABITAT RESTORATION ACTION IN THE COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN. THE PROJECT FOCUSES ON COMPLETING PLANNING AND FEASIBILITY ASSESSMENT FOR A FULL DAM REMOVAL, WHICH ARE CRITICAL STEPS IN THE PATH TO GAIN SUPPORT FROM THE DAM OWNER FOR REMOVAL. IT INCLUDES COORDINATION WITH AND OUTREACH TO THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION, THE SIMILKAMEEN INDIAN BAND, AND THE OKANAGAN NATION ALLIANCE. THE EFFORT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO OPENING ACCESS TO HIGH ELEVATION COLDWATER HABITAT FOR CLIMATE REFUGIA, IMPROVING TRIBAL FISHING OPPORTUNITIES, REDUCING THE RISK OF CATASTROPHIC FLOODING TO DOWNSTREAM COMMUNITIES, AND ALLEVIATING THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF THE DAM. PROJ

TROUT UNLIMITED (TU) AND THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY TO RESTORE, ENHANCE AND RECONNECT BROOK TROUT HABITAT WITHIN THE UPPER HOOSIC RIVER WATERSHED. TU WILL WORK TO REMOVE TWO FAILING DAMS TO RESTORE AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE, NATURAL STREAM FUNCTION AND IMPROVE FLOOD RESILIENCY. TU WILL PROVIDE PROJECT ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OVERSIGHT IN COORDINATION WITH LOCAL PARTNERS, LANDOWNERS AND USFWS BIOLOGISTS. FOLLOWING THIS COOPERATIVE PROJECT, TU WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH PARTNERS AND LANDOWNERS THROUGHOUT THE WATERSHED TO ACHIEVE RESTORATION OUTCOMES DEVELOPED THROUGH THE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OTHER SHARED OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED BY USFWS.

TROUT UNLIMITED, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE WEBER BASIN WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, WILL IMPROVE THE NATURAL RIVER SYSTEM WITHIN THE WEBER RIVER BASIN IN NORTHERN UTAH BY IMPLEMENTING KEY RESILIENCE ACTIVITIES. THE CONDITION OF THE WEBER RIVER HAS DRAMATICALLY DECLINED OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS DUE TO WIDESPREAD HABITAT FRAGMENTATION CAUSED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF WATER DIVERSIONS, ROAD AND UTILITY CROSSINGS, AND HABITAT LOSS DUE TO CHANNELIZATION, FLOOD CONTROL, AND CHANNEL DOWNCUTTING. THE RIVER, WHICH PROVIDES CRITICAL DRINKING AND IRRIGATION WATER FOR APPROXIMATELY 21 OF UTAHS POPULATION, IS IMPACTED BY SEVERE EROSION, BANK INSTABILITY, AND DEGRADED WATER QUALITY. THE PROJECT WILL IMPLEMENT 17 BEAVER DAM ANALOG PROJECTS ALONG NINE MILES OF DEGRADED STREAMS, MODERNIZE A DIVERSION HEADGATE, AND CONDUCT SIDE-CHANNEL RESTORATION AND FLOODPLAIN RECONNECTION IN 1.5 MILES OF THE MAINSTEM OF THE WEBER RIVER. THESE RESTORATION EFFORTS WILL HELP RESTORE FLOODPLAIN RESILIENCY, IMPROVE DISTRIBUTED NATURAL STORAGE SYSTEMS, CREATE WIDER RIPARIAN CORRIDORS, AND ENHANCE AQUATIC AND RIPARIAN HABITATS, PARTICULARLY FOR NATIVE BLUEHEAD SUCKER AND BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT. IMPROVING CHANNEL CONDITIONS AND FLOODPLAIN DYNAMICS WILL ALSO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL ACCESS AND REDUCE SEDIMENTATION ENTERING ECHO AND ROCKPORT RESERVOIRS. RECONSTRUCTION OF THE DIVERSION STRUCTURE THAT SUPPLIES WATER TO THE DINSDALE IRRIGATION COMPANY WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACCESS FOR WATER DELIVERIES AND IMPROVE LOCAL WATER SECURITY. THE WEBER RIVER WATERSHED PLAN SUPPORTS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROJECT. THE PROJECT HAS SUPPORT FROM THE SUMMIT CONSERVATION DISTRICT, PRIVATE LANDOWNERS AND RANCHERS, STATE AGENCIES, AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS.

CO AQUATIC RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION PROJECTS

SALT RIVER AND LITTLE COLORADO RIVER BASINS FISH PASSAGE PROJECT

PURPOSE: THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION (NOAA) IS PROVIDING $1,638,102 IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO TROUT UNLIMITED THROUGH THE FY2023 BIPARTISAN INFRASTRUCTURE LAW COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT HABITAT RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION COMPETITION. THIS FUNDING WILL INCREASE CLIMATE RESILIENCE OF COASTAL COMMUNITIES WITHIN COASTAL COUNTIES THROUGH HABITAT RESTORATION PLANNING, ENGINEERING AND DESIGN PROJECTS, HABITAT RESTORATION IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTS, AND LAND CONSERVATION PROJECTS. SPECIFICALLY, TROUT UNLIMITED WILL USE THESE FUNDS TO RESTORE OVER A MILE OF OWL CREEK AND FLOODPLAIN, SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVING SPAWNING AND REARING HABITATS FOR SALMONIDS. RESTORATION ACTIONS INCLUDE LARGE WOOD PLACEMENT, FLOODPLAIN RECONNECTION, RIPARIAN PLANTING, AND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT. THIS PROJECT WILL CREATE LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES, SUPPORT COASTAL COMMUNITIES AND THEIR RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, AND BENEFIT SPRING/SUMMER CHINOOK, FALL CHINOOK, COHO, STEELHEAD, AND RESIDENT TROUT SPECIES.

AWARD PURPOSE: THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO IMPROVE INSTREAM FLOWS AND HABITAT CONDITIONS FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA) DESIGNATED COLUMBIA/SNAKE RIVER STEELHEAD AND SALMONACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED INCLUDE:1) ENSURING ALL ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECTS ARE PROGRESSING THROUGHOUT PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES; 2) DEVELOPING, APPLYING FOR, AND OBTAINING COST-SHARING FUNDING FROM FEDERAL AND NON-FEDERAL SOURCES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS OF EACH PROJECT AND ADMINISTERING CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS DURING IMPLANTATION; AND 3) POST-CONSTRUCTION PROJECT EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATION.EXPECTED DELIVERABLES OR OUTCOMES: THE EXPECTED DELIVERABLES AND OUTCOMES INCLUDE IMPROVED HABITAT FOR ESA LISTED SALMON AND STEELHEAD, INCREASING THE NUMBER AND SURVIVABILITY FOR THESE POPULATIONS OF FISH. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE THE RECREATING PUBLIC WHO WILL HAVE INCREASED ACCESS TO THESE FISH SPECIES AS WELL AS FUTURE GENERATIONS AS THESE POPULATIONS OF FISH ARE FURTHER PROTECTED FOR THE FUTURE.SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES (IF KNOWN OR SPECIFIED AT TIME OF AWARD): ANABRANCH SOLUTIONS FOR ENGINEERING AND DESIGN. ANDERSON & PERRY FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL WORK AND ENGINEERING.

PURPOSE: THE SAGE CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION FOR DROUGHT RESILIENCE AND SEDIMENT CONTROL (PROJECT) ACHIEVES THE PUBLIC PURPOSE BY COMPLETING AN INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT OR ACTIVITY THAT WILL ADVANCE ONE OR MORE COMPONENTS OF AN ESTABLISHED STRATEGY OR PLAN TO INCREASE THE RELIABILITY OF WATER SUPPLY FOR ECOLOGICAL VALUES AND WATERSHED HEALTH.ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: TASK 1: CONSTRUCTION OF 50 NEW BEAVER DAM ANALOGS, EXPANSION OF 20 EXISTING BEAVER DAM ANALOGS, AND MATERIAL SUPPLEMENTS TO APPROXIMATELY 15 NATURALLY OCCURRING BEAVER DAMS ON 2 MILES OF TROUT CREEK.TASK 2: CONSTRUCTION OF 160 AGGRADATION STRUCTURES ON 5.7 MILES OF SAGE CREEK.TASK 3: CONSTRUCTION OF AN AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES BARRIER ALONG A 5.6 MILE STRETCH OF SAGE CREEK.TASK 4: INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL AND NATIVE RIPARIAN RESEEDING ALONG BOTH BANKS OF 7.6 MILES OF SAGE AND TROUT CREEKS.DELIVERABLE(S) AND EXPECTED OUTCOME(S):AN ESTIMATED 1428 ACRE FEET (AF) OF GROUNDWATER IS EXPECTED TO BE RESTORED TO FLOODPLAIN AQUIFERS VIA RESTORED CHANNEL GRADES AND AQUIFER RECHARGE PROCESSES, INCREASING THE DROUGHT RESILIENCE OF PLANT COMMUNITIES COMPRISINGCRITICAL TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC HABITAT. THE ENTIRE SAGE CREEK WATERSHED 79.5 LINEAR MILES OF AQUATIC HABITAT WILL BE PROTECTED FROM INVASIVE RAINBOW TROUT IN FLAMING GORGE RESERVOIR THAT THREATEN NATIVE COLORADO RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT.BENEFICIARIES: THE PUBLIC

TO LEVERAGE RESOURCES FROM BOTH NRCS AND TU TO INCREASE APPLIED CONSERVATION WITHIN WEST VIRGINIA, AND POTENTIALLY SURROUNDING STATES.

THE HELPER RIVER REVITALIZATION PROJECT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT ON THE PRICE RIVER WITH ITS MAIN ASPECTS TO IMPROVE FISH PASSAGE AND RECREATION ACCESS ALONG THE PRICE RIVER. IT PRIORITIZES CONSTRUCTION OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR 2.5 MILES OF WATERWAY AND HAS BEEN ADOPTED INTO THE PRICE RIVER WATERSHED PLAN. THE PROJECT HAS AND WILL CONTINUE TO RESTORE STREAM AND RIPARIAN HEALTH FUNCTIONS, IMPROVE WATER QUALITY, ENHANCE PUBLIC ACCESS AND SAFETY, AND BUILD COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP OF THE RIVER. THERE WERE SIX MAJOR FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS WITHIN THE PROJECT REACH BEFORE THE HELPER RIVER REVITALIZATION PROJECT BEGAN. FIVE OF THE SIX BARRIERS HAVE BEEN REMOVED WITH THE LAST ONE THE GIGLIOTTI DIVERSION. THIS PROJECT WILL REMOVE THIS LAST BARRIER AND CREATE A CORRIDOR FOR NATIVE AND RECREATIONAL SPECIES. FUNDING THROUGH THE USFWS NATIONAL FISH PASSAGE PROGRAM WILL BE USED TO REMOVE PART OR ALL OF THE GIGLIOTTI DIVERSION, CREATE FISH PASSAGE FOR ALL SPECIES AND RESTORE THE CHANNEL AND BANKS TO A MORE NATURAL FORM THAT IS FRIENDLY TO FISH MOVEMENT, THE LOCAL RIPARIAN ECOLOGY AND FLOODPLAIN FUNCTION, AND USE BY LOCAL RECREATION.

TROUT UNLIMITED, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION AND THE SAN MATEO RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT, WILL CONSTRUCT A 600,000-GALLON WATER STORAGE TANK, A DIVERSION INTAKE, PUMP SYSTEM, PRE-TREATMENT SYSTEM, AND IN-TANK AERATION SYSTEM IN PORTOLA REDWOODS STATE PARK TO DIVERT AND STORE WATER IN THE WINTER DURING HIGH FLOWS FOR USE IN THE SUMMER AND TIMES OF DROUGHT. THE NEW STORAGE WILL IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY FOR SUMMERTIME VISITORS WHILE DECREASING DIVERSIONS FROM PETERS CREEK IN THE SUMMER. THE DECREASED DIVERSIONS WILL IMPROVE CRITICAL IN-STREAM FLOWS AND WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS, BENEFITING COHO SALMON AND STEELHEAD WHICH ARE PROTECTED SPECIES UNDER BOTH STATE AND FEDERAL ENDANGERED SPECIES ACTS. THIS PROJECT SUPPORTS THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CALIFORNIA WATER ACTION PLAN TO IMPROVE RELIABILITY OF WATER SUPPLIES AND RESTORATION OF IMPORTANT HABITAT AND SPECIES.

THE UPPER BEAR RIVER DRAINAGE IN UTAH AND WYOMING IS A FISHERIES CONSERVATION PRIORITY FOR NATIVE FISHES SUCH AS BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT, BLUEHEAD SUCKERS, AND NORTHERN LEATHERSIDE CHUB IN THE MAINSTEM BEAR RIVER AND BEAR LAKE THE CUTTHROAT TROUT MIGRATE TO TRIBUTARIES TO SPAWN REMOVING FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS ALONG THESE MIGRATORY ROUTES WILL ALLOW THE FISH TO ACCESS THE HABITAT THEY NEED TO COMPLETE THEIR LIFE CYCLES THIS PROJECT WILL ADDRESS FOUR WATER DIVERSIONS THAT ARE FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS ON THE MAINSTEM BEAR RIVER OR TRIBUTARIES TO RECONNECT 44 7 MILES OF RIVERINE HABITAT ALSO, AN IMPASSABLE CULVERT WILL BE REBUILT OR REPLACED TO ALSO FACILITATE STREAM RECONNECTION ON ONE OF THESE TRIBUTARIES THIS WORK WILL ALSO IMPROVE HABITAT FOR 6,800 FEET OF THE BEAR RIVER AND RESTORE INSTREAM FLOWS DURING THE IRRIGATION SEASON ON 1 6 MILES OF A TRIBUTARY ALL THESE ACTIONS ARE INTENDED TO IMPROVE THE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF CUTTHROAT TROUT, WHICH WILL BENEFIT THE LONG TERM CONSERVATION OF THE SPECIES AND PROVIDE ENHANCED ANGLING OPPORTUNITIES THE REBUILDING OR REPLACEMENT OF IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE WILL ALSO BENEFIT WATER RIGHTS HOLDERS

TROUT UNLIMITED - RESTORING HIGH PRIORITY HABITAT TO RECOVER LISTED SALMONID POPULATIONS IN COASTAL MENDOCINO, COUNTY, CA.

RESTORE AQUATIC HABITAT

UPPER SALMON BASIN STREAM REHABILITATION PROJECT PLANNING

THE NORWALK RIVER FLOWS 23 MILES FROM ITS HEADWATERS IN RIDGEFIELD CT TO LONG ISLAND SOUND. THE NORWALK RIVER DAM REMOVAL PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE FULL REMOVAL OF THE BREACHED CANNONDALE DAM RECONNECTING THE RIVER FOR PRIORITY SPECIES OF SEA LAMPREY ALEWIFE BLUEBACK HERRING AMERICAN EEL AMERICAN SHAD AND GIZZARD SHAD. THE DAM REMOVAL WILL ADDRESS HUMAN AND COMMUNITY IMPACTS BY IMPROVING RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE REDUCING FLOODING AND IMPROVING WATER QUALITY. ADDITIONAL WORK WITH TARGET THE NEXT BARRIERS UPSTREAM AND INCLUDE FINAL DESIGNS AND PERMITTING FOR AN UNREGISTERED DAM UPSTREAM AND FINALIZING THE ASSESSMENT AND INITIAL DESIGN PLANS FOR REMOVAL OF TWO ADDITIONAL DAMS AT THE FACTORY POND COMPLEX. WHEN COMPLETED THESE FOUR REMOVALS WILL RECONNECT OVER SIX MILES OF STREAM. THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE A CITIZEN SCIENCE COMPONENT WHERE VOLUNTEERS WILL MAP ASSESS AND ENGAGE LANDOWNERS ALONG THE REMAINING 38 MILES OF WATERSHED.

TROUT UNLIMITED, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MONTANA NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE PROGRAM AND THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, WILL RESTORE HABITAT AND ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCY ON FLINT CREEK IN WESTERN MONTANA. THIS REACH OF FLINT CREEK HAS HEAVILY ERODED BANKS, LIMITED RIPARIAN VEGETATION, AND AN OVER-WIDE AND SHALLOW CHANNEL. THE LACK OF STRUCTURAL DIVERSITY, OVERHEAD COVER, AND SHALLOW CHANNEL CONTRIBUTE TO LIMITED AQUATIC AND RIPARIAN HABITAT AND HIGH STREAM TEMPERATURES. PROJECT PARTNERS WILL RESTORE 10,500 FEET OF STREAMBANKS, RESTORE 5-ACRES OF FLOODPLAINS, INSTALL LIVESTOCK EXCLUSION FENCING, AND PLANT NATIVE RIPARIAN VEGETATION. THESE ACTIVITIES WILL RESTORE ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION AND AQUATIC AND RIPARIAN HABITAT, INCREASE WATER RETENTION AND PASSIVE GROUNDWATER RECHARGE, AND CREATE A RIPARIAN BUFFER TO PROTECT WATER QUALITY AND REDUCE FUTURE EROSION. THE RESTORED RIPARIAN AND AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS WILL INCLUDE DIVERSE HABITATS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE, AND ACTIVITIES WILL INCREASE THE WATERSHEDS ABILITY TO WITHSTAND STRESSORS FROM DROUGHT. THIS PROJECT IS PART OF A LONG-TERM PLANNING EFFORT BY A DIVERSE SET OF STAKEHOLDERS, AND SUPPORTS THE GOALS OF SEVERAL REGIONAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING THE FLINT CREEK WATERSHED RESTORATION PLAN, AND UPPER CLARK FORK RIVER BASIN AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES RESTORATION PLAN.

MULTIPLE IRRIGATION DIVERSION DAMS ON THE UPPER CLARK FORK BETWEEN WARM SPRINGS AND DEER LODGE WESTERN MONTANA ARE NEGATIVELY IMPACTING AQUATIC RESOURCES RIVER FUNCTION AND RECREATIONAL USE OF THE RIVER. THESE DIVERSIONS WHICH RANGE FROM SMALL PUSH UP DAMS TO FULL SPANNING PIN AND PLANK STYLE STRUCTURES FRAGMENT FISHERIES HABITAT ENTRAIN FISH IN IRRIGATION DITCHES REDUCE STREAM FLOW CREATE HAZARDS FOR BOAT PASSAGE AND POSE SAFETY RISKS TO WADERS AND FLOATERS. FOUR DIVERSIONS ALVI BECK HELEN JOHNSON BROKEN CIRCLE AND SAGER LANE HAVE BEEN REMOVED BETWEEN 2020 AND 2024. FOUR MAJOR MAINSTEM DIVERSIONS REMAIN WHALEN WESTSIDE VALITON AND KOHRS MANNING.THE UPPER CLARK FORK FISH PASSAGE PROJECT WILL RECONNECT CRITICAL BULL TROUT HABITAT AT THE HEADWATERS OF THE CLARK FORK RIVER THROUGH THE CONSTRUCTION OF FISH PASSAGE IMPROVEMENTS AND THE INSTALLATION OF FISH SCREENS AT THE FOUR REMAINING IRRIGATION DIVERSIONS ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER THAT IMPEDE UPSTREAM PASSAGE AND ENTRAIN MIGRATORY FISH. OBJECTIVES AT EACH SITE INCLUDE PROVIDING YEAR ROUND FISH PASSAGE FOR ALL FISH SPECIES AND LIFE STAGES PREVENTING ENTRAINMENT OF MIGRATORY FISH IN IRRIGATION DITCHES MAINTAINING IRRIGATION WATER DELIVERY AND IMPROVING RECREATIONAL FLOAT PASSAGE. IN TOTAL THE PROJECT WILL RECONNECT THE UPPERMOST 27 MILES OF MAINSTEM CLARK FORK RIVER HABITAT OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS COMPLEMENTING ONGOING EFFORTS IN WARM SPRINGS CREEK TO RECONNECT AN ADDITIONAL 64 MILES OF HABITAT.THIS PROJECT TARGETS IRRIGATION DIVERSIONS PRIORITIZED FOR IMPROVEMENT BY TROUT UNLIMITED (TU) AND PROJECT PARTNERS CLARK FORK COALITION (CFC) AND THE NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE PROGRAM (NRDP) IN 2017 THROUGH AN ASSESSMENT OF FISH PASSAGE AND STREAMFLOW RESTORATION OPPORTUNITIES ON THE MAINSTEM RIVER. SINCE THEN PROJECT PARTNERS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY IMPROVED FISH PASSAGE AND INSTREAM FLOW AT FOUR OF THE EIGHT DAM SITES TARGETED IN THE 27 MILE PROJECT REACH WHILE SUCCESSFULLY GAINING SUPPORT FROM IRRIGATORS AND LANDOWNERS FOR IMPROVING THE REMAINING FOUR DIVERSIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS PROPOSAL. NRDP HAS PRIORITIZED ADDRESSING FISH PASSAGE ISSUES AT THESE DIVERSIONS UNDER THEIR 2023 UPPER CLARK FORK AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL RESOURCES RESTORATION PLANS SPECIFICALLY ALLOCATING MATCHING FUNDS TOWARDS THIS EFFORT.THIS PROJECT WILL BE SPLIT INTO TWO PHASES. PHASE 1 WILL PRIORITIZE THE KOHRS MANNING DIVERSION. PHASE 2 CONSISTS OF THE COMPLETION OF THE REMAINING DIVERSION SITES WITH THE VALITON DITCH AS THE SECOND HIGHEST PRIORITY.ON THE GROUND PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION FOR KOHRS MANNING IS PROJECTED TO BEGIN IN THE LATE FALL OF 2025. THE REMAINING PROJECTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SUCCESSIVE YEARS WITH PERMITTING AND PROCUREMENT PRECEDING CONSTRUCTION AT EACH SITE.

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL UPGRADE MULTIPLE DIVERSION STRUCTURES AND IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE ON DELL AND JACK CREEKS IN THE UPPER HOBACK RIVER WATERSHED IN WESTERN WY. THESE CREEKS PROVIDE IMPORTANT HABITAT FOR NATIVE SNAKE RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT AND OTHER NATIVE FISH, BUT DIVERSIONS STRUCTURES HAVE REDUCED PASSAGE FOR MIGRATORY FISH SINCE THE DIVERSIONS WERE INSTALLED IN THE 1950S. INCREASING STREAM CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN DELL AND JACK CREEKS AND THE HOBACK RIVER WILL INCREASE THE RESILIENCE OF NATIVE FISH POPULATIONS IN THE FACE OF A CHANGING CLIMATE BY ALLOWING THEM TO ACCESS QUALITY HABITAT. THIS PROJECT WILL IMPROVE ACCESS TO HABITAT WITHIN THE GREATER SNAKE RIVER WATERSHED, WHERE IT IS LIMITED BY RECLAMATION PROJECTS UPSTREAM AT JACKSON DAM AND DOWNSTREAM AT PALISADES DAM. TROUT UNLIMITED WILL UPGRADE EIGHT DIVERSION STRUCTURES TO ALLOW FOR FISH PASSAGE, RECONNECTING 12 MILES OF FISH HABITAT ON DELL CREEK AND SIX MILES ON JACK CREEK. IN ADDITION TO RECONNECTING QUALITY NATIVE FISH HABITAT, THE PROJECT WILL REDUCE SEDIMENT INPUT FROM THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF DIVERSION STRUCTURES, IMPROVE ADJACENT INSTREAM HABITAT, AND IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF WATER DIVERSIONS FOR ADJACENT RANCHING OPERATIONS. THE PROJECT IS SUPPORTED BY THE WYOMING GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT, BRIDGER-TETON NATIONAL FOREST, SUBLETTE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, LITTLE JENNIE RANCH, AND OTHER FUNDING PARTNERS

SALMON SUPERHWY AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE AND STREAM RESTORATION

TROUT UNLIMITED NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP TO RESTORE COASTAL WATERSHEDS

F22AC01890

MILL CREEK DAM FISH PASSAGE PROJECT

IN THE MUDDY CREEK DRAINAGE- TROUT UNLIMITED (TU) HAS A LONG HISTORY OF WORKING WITH THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM) AND MANY OTHER PROJECT PARTNERS. THIS PARTNERSHIP HAS RESULTED IN EXCITING PROJECT COMPLETIONS WITHIN THE DRAINAGE- BUT THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS AND OVERARCHING GOALS FOR ALL PROJECT PARTNERS IN THE WATERSHED. THESE PROPOSED PROJECTS WILL BUILD ON PAST EFFORTS THAT HAVE SET THE STAGE FOR A GREAT NATIVE FISH RESTORATION SUCCESS STORY. TO GET THIS RESTORATION AND REINTRODUCTION PROJECT TO THE FINISH LINE- PROJECT FUNDING FOR CRITICAL PROJECT PIECES IS NEEDED. WITH THE FUNDS FROM THIS AWARD- TU WILL HIRE CONTRACTORS TO DESIGN AND REMOVE BARRIERS THAT ARE NO LONGER NEEDED IN THE DRAINAGE FOR NON-NATIVE FISH REMOVAL- IMPROVE SPAWNING HABITAT- INSTALL RIPARIAN FENCING- AND SET UP AN EDUCATION OUTREACH PROGRAM. THE NATIVE FISH THAT HAVE BEEN REINTRODUCED WILL BENEFIT FROM EACH OF THESE PROJECTS. THE 4 BARRIER REMOVAL PROJECTS WILL ALLOW ACCESS TO UPSTREAM HABITAT FOR COLORADO RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT (CRCT)- ROUNDTAIL CHUB- BLUEHEAD SUCKER AND FLANNELMOUTH SUCKER. THESE PROJECTS WILL ENSURE ALL NATIVE SPECIES HAVE ACCESS TO CRITICAL HABITAT DURING DIFFERENT LIFE STAGES- WHICH WILL INCREASE RESILIENCE OF THE POPULATIONS. MUDDY CREEK AND LITTLEFIELD CREEK ARE LACKING IN SPAWNING GRAVELS FOR COLORADO RIVER CUTTHROAT TROUT. TU AND PARTNERS WILL IMPLEMENT A SPAWNING GRAVEL AUGMENTATION PROJECT THAT WILL INCREASE THE AVAILABLE SPAWNING HABITAT SIGNIFICANTLY FOR CRCT. TROUT UNLIMITED- THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE SAVERY CREEK TAILWATER PROJECT FOR OVER 5 YEARS. THE PROJECT IS A LARGE-SCALE HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT BELOW THE HIGH SAVERY DAM. THE PROJECT IS ON 4 STREAM MILES IN A MIX OF STATE AND BLM LANDS. TWO PROJECT PHASES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS AND ONE MORE WILL BE IN 2024. THE REMAINING 2 PHASES OF THE PROJECT ARE DESIGNED AND PERMITTED. FUNDS FROM THIS AWARD WILL GO DIRECTLY TO CONSTRUCTION OF THE FINAL 2 PHASES OF THE PROJECT.

TROUT UNLIMITED IS WORKING WITH AN IRRIGATION DISTRICT, PRIVATE LANDOWNER, AND OTHER PARTNERS TO IMPROVE STREAMFLOWS IN SWAUK CREEK TO INCREASE HABITAT AND PASSAGE FOR SWAUK CREEK FISH WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY IMPROVING LANDOWNER WATER RELIABILITY (IRRIGATION AND EMERGENCY FIRE PROTECTION). THE PROJECT WILL REPLACE AN EXISTING WATER DELIVERY PIPELINE USED FOR IRRIGATION DELIVERY WITH A LARGER PIPELINE THAT WILL DELIVER WATER TO THE LANDOWNER (UP TO TWO CUBIC-FEET-PER-SECOND) AND UP TO FIFTEEN CUBIC-FEET-PER-SECOND OF SUPPLEMENTAL STREAMFLOW TO SWAUK CREEK. SUPPLEMENTAL WATER WILL IMPROVE STREAMFLOW IN UP TO ONE MILE THAT WILL HELP IMPROVE PASSAGE TO OVER TWENTY MILES OF HABITAT IN SWAUK CREEK AND ITS TRIBUTARIES, AND WATER DELIVERED TO THE LANDOWNER WILL ALLOW FOR GREATER IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY AND FIRE PROTECTION. REQUESTED FUNDS WILL SUPPORT PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION, AND PIPELINE DESIGN, PERMITTING, AND IMPLEMENTATION.

THE UPPER FLINT ROCK FISH PASSAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN TROUT UNLIMITED AND THE MONTANA NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE PROGRAM AND OTHER PROJECT PARTNERS AND AIMS TO IMPLEMENT INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS THAT ENHANCE FISH PASSAGE, INSTALL FISH SCREENS ON IRRIGATION DITCHES, AND IMPROVE WATER DELIVERY AT SIX IRRIGATION DIVERSION SITES IN THE FLINT ROCK WATERSHED WITHIN THE UPPER CLARK FORK RIVER BASIN IN WESTERN MONTANA. FLINT CREEK AND ROCK CREEK ARE CRITICAL HABITATS FOR IMPERILED POPULATIONS OF NATIVE BULL TROUT AND WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT. IRRIGATION DIVERSION STRUCTURES NEGATIVELY IMPACT FISHERIES HEALTH BY FRAGMENTING HABITATS AND ENTRAINING MIGRATORY FISH. ADDITIONALLY, OUTDATED DIVERSION INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRIBUTES TO INEFFICIENT IRRIGATION WITHDRAWALS, WHICH FURTHER REDUCE STREAMFLOWS AND STRESS THREATENED POPULATIONS OF BULL TROUT AND OTHER NATIVE AND WILD FISH. THROUGH THIS EFFORT, THE PROJECT TEAM WILL COLLABORATE WITH WATER USERS AND LANDOWNERS TO MODERNIZE IRRIGATION DIVERSION INFRASTRUCTURE BY IMPLEMENTING PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED DESIGNS THAT WILL IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY FOR NATIVE FISH POPULATIONS. THIS PROJECT WILL RECONNECT 36 MILES OF CRITICAL BULL TROUT HABITAT, BENEFITING WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT AND SUPPORTING THE RECOVERY OF FEDERALLY THREATENED BULL TROUT POPULATIONS UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT WITHIN THE GREATER UPPER CLARK FORK RIVER BASIN. THE PROPOSED PROJECT WILL IMPLEMENT DESIGN PLANS TO UPGRADE IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE ON PUBLIC WATERWAYS PRIMARILY LOCATED ON PRIVATE LANDS IN WESTERN MONTANA. KEY PROJECT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SECURING NECESSARY PERMITS AND CONTRACTING QUALIFIED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND CONSTRUCTING SIX IRRIGATION DIVERSION UPGRADES AND FISH SCREENING PROJECTS IN TWO PHASES. PHASE 1 CONSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN IN 2025, WITH COMPLETION OF ALL SIX PROJECTS EXPECTED WITHIN FOUR YEARS, BY DECEMBER 2029.

THE UPPER GREENBRIER RIVER WATERSHED FISH PASSAGE PROJECT WILL ALLOW THE TU, USFWS, AND FOREST SERVICE PARTNERSHIP TO REMOVE 7 CULVERTS THAT ACT AS BARRIERS IN THE UPPER GREENBRIER WATERSHED AND REPLACE THEM WITH STREAM SIMULATION DESIGNED SPAN STRUCTURES TO RECONNECT 25 MILES OF HABITAT FOR BROOK TROUT (REGIONAL PRIORITY SPECIES), GREEN FLOATER (CANDIDATE SPECIES), EASTERN HELLBENDER (NRCS WORKING LANDS FOR WILDLIFE PRIORITY SPECIES), AND CANDY DARTER (FEDERALLY ENDANGERED). THIS PROJECT IS PART OF A LARGER 10 YEAR EFFORT TO REMOVE ALL BARRIERS IN THE WEST FORK AND EAST FORK GREENBRIER WATERSHEDS TO CREATE A NETWORK OF 105 MILES OF CONNECTED COLDWATER HABITAT ACROSS A 132 SQUARE MILE AREA. THE PROJECT WILL OPEN HABITAT IN TRIBUTARIES AS WELL AS PROVIDE CONNECTIVITY ALONG THE MAINSTEM, ENHANCING ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCY TO CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS BY PROVIDING A NETWORK OF HIGH ELEVATION, COLDWATER MAINSTEMS AND TRIBUTARIES LARGE ENOUGH TO HELP SUSTAIN THIS LANDSCAPE AND SPECIES. THE INTERCONNECTED WATERSHEDS ALLOW FOR RECOVERY FROM ENVIRONMENTAL DISTURBANCE AND RESILIENCE AGAINST CHANGING CLIMATE SCENARIOS. THE PROJECT WILL IMPROVE FLOOD RESILIENCY AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST AND PROVIDE MULTIPLE BENEFITS FOR CENSUS TRACTS IDENTIFIED AS DISADVANTAGED. PARTNERS INCLUDE USFS, WV DNR, WV DOH, WV DEP, FWS. MATCHING FUNDS FROM WVDOH AND USFS BIL LEGACY ROADS AND TRAILS PROGRAM WILL BE LEVERAGED AS PART OF THIS WATERSHED EFFORT. THIS FUNDING REQUEST WILL FILL THE FUNDING GAPS AND MOVE ALL OF THESE PROJECTS TO CONSTRUCTION. THIS PROJECT IS IN A SWIM PRIORITY WATERSHED FOR THE NORTHEAST REGION OF THE SERVICE.

RESTORING COHO SALMON HABITAT AND POPULATIONS WITHIN THE LOST-COAST DIVERSITY STRATA

TROUT UNLIMITED, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PACIFICORP AND THE BEAR RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATION COMMITTEE, WILL RESTORE STREAM FLOWS TO FOUR MILES OF THE HEADWATERS OF PARIS CREEK, LOCATED IN SOUTH-EAST IDAHO. THE PROJECT WILL ADDRESS THE DECLINE OF THE BONNEVILLE CUTTHROAT TROUT IN A PORTION OF THE BEAR RIVER WATERSHED WHERE BASE FLOWS IN THE CREEK ARE CURRENTLY BEING DIVERTED FOR NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR. THE PROJECT PARTNERS WILL DECOMMISSION AND REMOVE THE PARIS HYDROPOWER PLANT AND ASSOCIATED FEATURES, RESTORING A NORMATIVE HYDROGRAPH TO THIS REACH OF PARIS CREEK AND IMPROVING FISH PASSAGE AND HABITAT. IN ADDITION, THE PARTNERS WILL REDUCE WATER LOSS IN A SINK HOLE AND CONSTRUCT A NEW IRRIGATION DIVERSION WITH A FISH SCREEN AND TWO STOCK WATER SYSTEMS TO MEET WATER DELIVERY REQUIREMENTS. THE PROJECT IS A COLLABORATIVE ENDEAVOR AMONG PACIFICORP, THE BEAR RIVER ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE (COMPRISED OF FEDERAL, STATE, NON-PROFIT, AND TRIBAL REPRESENTATIVES), CANAL COMPANIES, AND STOCK-WATER INTERESTS AND IS OUTLINED IN THE PARIS CREEK RESTORATION AGREEMENT AND A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING REGARDING PARIS CREEK PROJECT DECOMMISSIONING.

BIG BLACKFOOT CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED IS PROPOSING TO COLLABORATE WITH THE BLM AND OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, AND PRIVATE PARTNERS TO IMPROVE STREAM HABITAT, RIPARIAN CORRIDORS, WATER QUALITY AND QUANTITY CONDITIONS IN THE BLACKFOOT RIVER NEVADA CREEK WATERSHEDS. THE GOAL IS TO IMPROVE AQUATIC HABITATS IMPORTANT TO WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT, OTHER NATIVE NON-SALMONIDS AND THE THREATENED BULL TROUT THAT INHABIT THE STREAM BASIN, INCLUDING PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY WATER TO THE BLACKFOOT RIVER, THE LIFELINE OF THE IMMEDIATE REGION THROUGH STRONG PARTNERSHIPS, FOLLOWING A SCIENCE-BASED APPROACH. PROPOSED WORK WILL INCLUDE PROJECTS THAT RESTORE FISH PASSAGE, RIPARIAN FUNCTION, FLOODPLAIN CONNECTION, INSTREAM HABITAT AND WATER QUALITY CONDITIONS WITHIN THE OVERALL BLACKFOOT RIVER AND NEVADA CREEK WATERSHEDS. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES INCLUDE SEVERAL STREAM CROSSING UPGRADES, ROAD DECOMMISSIONING, STREAM, AND RIPARIAN RESTORATION, GRAZING MANAGEMENT, FISH SCREENS AND OTHER LOW-TECH PROJECTS AIMED TO RESTORE FLOODPLAIN CONNECTION. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE NATIVE TROUT POPULATIONS, MACROINVERTEBRATES, AND OTHER SPECIES DEPENDENT ON HEALTHY RIPARIAN AREAS INCLUDING MIGRATORY SONG BIRDS, SANDHILL CRANES, WATERFOWL, GRIZZLY BEARS, AND AMPHIBIANS. BANK STORAGE THROUGH FLOODPLAIN CONNECTION, WATER TEMPERATURE DECREASES, AND THE REJUVENATION OF A HEALTHY, SELF-SUSTAINING, NATIVE RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEM WILL ALL CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE RESILIENCY.

THIS PROJECT IS THE FINAL PIECE FOR A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN THE RIO COSTILLA WATERSHED OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS. WORK TO DATE HAS INCLUDED ERADICATION OF NON-NATIVE SPECIES AND THE REINTRODUCTION OF PURE RIO GRANDE CUTTHROAT TROUT, RIO GRANDE SUCKER, AND RIO GRANDE CHUB INTO 120 STREAM MILES, 10 LAKES, AND ONE RESERVOIR. THE VISION OF THE PROJECT HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO ESTABLISH THE LARGEST METAPOPULATION OF RIO GRANDE CUTTHROAT TROUT WITHIN ITS HISTORIC RANGE, AND THIS PROJECT WILL CULMINATE IN REALIZING THAT VISION BY ADDRESSING AND REMOVING EVERY REMAINING FISH PASSAGE BARRIER WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA OF THE RIO COSTILLA WATERSHED. ADDITIONALLY, THE PROJECT AIMS TO EXPEDITE FISH PASSAGE WORK IN THE PONIL CREEK WATERSHED FOR THE CANADIAN LINEAGE RIO GRANDE CUTTHROAT TROUT.

TROUT UNLIMITED NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP TO RESTORE COASTAL WATERSHEDS AND FISHERIES HABITAT

PROJECT ABSTRACTTHE SPRAGUE RIVER IS A MAJOR SUBWATERSHED AND TRIBUTARY OF UPPER KLAMATH LAKE. HISTORICALLY THE RIPARIAN AND RIVERINE HABITATS PROVIDED COOLER STREAM TEMPERATURES A GREATER COMPLEXITY OF WOODY RIPARIAN VEGETATION AND OVERBANK FLOW CONNECTION TO FLOODPLAIN EVERY FEW YEARS. THESE HISTORIC CONDITIONS WERE CRITICAL IN MAINTAINING HABITAT FOR A VARIETY OF FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES THE BEATTY GAP PORTION OF THE SPRAGUE RIVER IS HIGHLY IMPACTED BY PAST LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES INCLUDING CONVERSION TO AGRICULTURAL USES STREAM CHANNELIZATION AND STRAIGHTENING BY THE ARMY CORPS AND LEVEE CONSTRUCTION FOR FLOOD ATTENUATION. RESTORATION OF THE HISTORIC CONDITIONS IS ESSENTIAL BUT WILL REQUIRE DETAILED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS MAJOR CHANGES IN LAND MANAGEMENT RESTORATION OF RIPARIAN COMMUNITIES LEVEE REMOVAL AND ADDITIONS OF LARGE WOOD TO THE STREAM. IT IS ALSO A HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL AREA FOR THE KLAMATH TRIBES AND THEIR INPUT FOR RESTORATION PLANS IS ESSENTIAL FOR SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT. THE FUNDS REQUESTED IN FY 2024 WILL GO TOWARDS PHASE I PRIMARILY TO DESIGN THE RESTORATION PLAN FOR ABOUT 5.0 RIVER MILES COVERING 5 PRIVATE PROPERTIES IN THE BEATTY GAP AREA. A LARGE PORTION OF THE FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR INSTALLING RIPARIAN FENCING IN CONJUNCTION W STOCK WATER WELLS FUNDED THROUGH NONPARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDIFE SOURCES AND SECURING LARGE WOOD FOR INSTREAM WORK. THIS PROJECT WILL DIRECTLY IMPROVE AND CREATE HABITAT FOR LOST RIVER AND SHORTNOSE SUCKERS TWO ENDANGERED SPECIES THIS REACH IS ALSO DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THESE SPECIES REDBAND TROUT AND CHINOOK SALMON SHOULD THEY RETURN TO THE AREA AFTER KLAMATH RIVER DAM REMOVALS. BENEFITS ALSO INCLUDE THE REDUCTION OF EROSION AND CAPTURE OF EXCESS SEDIMENT INPUTS THEREBY IMPROVING WATER QUALITY DECREASES IN WATER TEMPERATURE PROVIDING THERMAL REFUGIA AND SUBSTRATE SORTING CREATING ADDITIONAL SPAWNING AREAS BY THE CREATION OF RIFFLE POOL WOODY STRUCTURE COMPLEXES AND HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE PROPOSED THREATENED NORTHWESTERN POND TURTLE. CURRENT CONDITIONS SUCH AS EXTREME INCISION AND LACK OF INSTREAM STRUCTURE CONTRIBUTE TO POOR WATER QUALITY AND PROVIDE LITTLE TO NO FISH HABITAT. THIS SECTION OF THE SPRAGUE RESEMBLES MORE OF A CANAL DITCH THAN A NATURAL RIVER. CATTLE ARE ALLOWED TO ACCESS THE RIVER FOR DRINKING WATER AND THE RIPARIAN IS NOT PROTECTED. IN ORDER TO PROTECT RIPARIAN AREAS IT IS CRITICAL TO PROVIDE OFFSTREAM DRINKING WATER FOR CATTLE AND STOCKWATER WELLS HAVE PROVEN TO BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE RELIABLE AND COSTEFFICIENT WAY TO PROVIDE WATER. THESE WILL BE INSTALLED WITH SEPARATE FUNDS NONPARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE FUNDS IN CONJUNCTION WITH RIPARIAN FENCING TO PROTECT THE BANKS AND RIVER.

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL WORK WITH AN IRRIGATION COMPANY THE JONES SHOTWELL DITCH COMPANY TO REPLACE AN OPEN EARTHEN IRRIGATION DITCH WITH A PRESSURIZED PIPE AND REMOVE THE ASSOCIATED IRRIGATION DELIVERY PUMP STATION TO MAKE THE SYSTEM MORE EFFICIENT. TU WILL OVERSEE ALL ELEMENTS OF THE PROJECT INCLUDING CONTRACTING WITH ENGINEERS TO DESIGN THE PROJECT AND A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO INSTALL THE PIPE AND UPGRADE THE PUMP STATION. THE PROJECT WILL RESULT IN A FULLY PIPED IRRIGATION DELIVERY SYSTEM AND A MODERNIZED PUMP STATION THAT OPERATES ON DEMAND ALLOWING MORE WATER TO REMAIN IN THE WENATCHEE RIVER. THE PROJECT WILL IMPROVE WATER AND ENERGY USE EFFICIENCY FOR THE JONES SHOTWELL DITCH COMPANY WHICH IS ONE OF THE LARGEST IRRIGATION PURVEYORS IN THE WENATCHEE RIVER BASIN AND ENHANCE INSTREAM FLOWS IN 6.5 MILES OF THE LOWER WENATCHEE RIVER BY UP TO 15 CUBIC FEET PER SECOND THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER IRRIGATION SEASON WHEN STREAM FLOWS AND WATER TEMPERATURES ARE SUBOPTIMAL FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE. THE PROJECT WILL ALSO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY BY ELIMINATING WARM TAILWATER THAT RETURNS TO THE RIVER FROM THE DITCH AFTER BEING EXPOSED TO AGRICULTURAL CHEMICALS. ADDITIONALLY THE PROJECT WILL HELP ADDRESS A THERMAL PASSAGE BARRIER WHERE HIGH TEMPERATURES BLOCK MIGRATORY FISH MOVEMENT DURING THE SUMMER AND FALL CAUSED BY LOW STREAM FLOWS IN THE LOWER WENATCHEE RIVER.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT THE ALTA HARRIS CREEK BOISE RIVER SIDE CHANNEL PROJECT (PROJECT) WILL IMPROVE AQUATIC HABITAT IN THE BOISE RIVER BY RESTORING SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT FOR SALMONID FISHES AND PROVIDE FISH PASSAGE CONNECTING THE LOWER BOISE RIVER TO BARBER POOL. THE PROJECT ENTAILS THE CONSTRUCTION OF 1,600 FEET (ABOUT 487.68 M) OF SIDE CHANNEL AND A FISH PASSAGE FACILITY SOURCING WATER FROM BARBER POOL. THE ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED APPROXIMATELY 450 FEET OF THE CHANNEL WOULD BE A CLEAN OUT OF AN EXISTING BACK CHANNEL AN ADDITIONAL REMAINING 450 FEET WOULD BE EXCAVATED ON LAND A PORTION OF THE EMBANKMENT WILL BE EXCAVATED AND A FISHWAY WITH A WATER CONTROL HEAD GATE AND A TRASH RACK WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON THE UPSTREAM SIDE DOWNSTREAM OF BARBER POOL A BOX CULVERT WILL BE INSTALLED, SUFFICIENT TO HANDLE VEHICLES ON LYSTED ROAD, AN UNPAVED DRIVEWAY TO THE BARBER DAM POWERHOUSE APPROXIMATELY 700 FEET OF THE CHANNEL WILL BE NATURE-LIKE AND CONNECT TO THE EXISTING ALTA HARRIS CREEK SIDE CHANNEL. IN THIS SECTION WE WILL INCLUDE A SERIES OF POOLS AND STEPS FEATURING LARGER ROCKS, WOOD AND BOULDERS AND THESE HABITAT FEATURES WILL ALLOW FOR RESTING AREAS FOR FISH THAT MAY BE MIGRATING UPSTREAM IN THIS SECTION BECAUSE IT WILL BE HIGHER GRADIENT THAN ANY OTHER PORTION OF THE SIDE CHANNEL MONITOR THE PROJECT DURING AND AFTER CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETE AND WATER IS FLOWING IN THE CHANNEL. THE EXPECTED DELIVERABLES OR OUTCOMES THE EXPECTED DELIVERABLES FROM THE PROJECT INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS TO THE BOISE RIVER CORRIDOR: RECONNECT 2.5 MILES (ABOUT 4 KM) OF MAIN BOISE RIVER HABITAT FOR AQUATIC SPECIES AND MORE THAN ONE MILE (ABOUT 1.6 KM) OF SIDE CHANNEL HABITAT FOR SPAWNING AND REARING OF YOUNG OF YEAR FISH, AND AN ASSOCIATED RIPARIAN AREA ON APPROXIMATELY FIVE ACRES PROVIDE AN EXTRA OUTLET FROM BARBER DAM THAT WILL PROVIDE ASSURANCE OF FLOWS TO THE LOWER BOISE RIVER WHEN HYDROPOWER OPERATIONS ARE INTERRUPTED AND IN TURN DISRUPT RIVER FLOWS THAT BENEFITS IRRIGATORS AND WATER USERS RIPARIAN COVER OF THE SIDE CHANNEL WILL HELP MODERATE HIGHER TEMPERATURES THAT OCCUR FROM SOLAR EXPOSURE DURING SUMMER MONTHS A HALF MILE (ABOUT 0.8 KM) OF BOISE RIVER WHERE RISK OF FISH ENTRAINMENT INTO AN IRRIGATION CANAL WILL BE BYPASSED BY THE SIDE CHANNEL RUSSIAN OLIVE TREES (INVASIVE) WILL BE REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH WILLOW AND COTTONWOOD PLANTINGS (NATIVE) CONSTRUCT A VIEWING AREA OF THE SIDE CHANNEL STREAM WITH INTERPRETIVE SIGNS. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES WHILE SOME BENEFICIARIES MAY BE OBVIOUS, LIKE AQUATIC SPECIES AND WILDLIFE IN OUR RIVER RESTORATION AND FISH PASSAGE PROJECT, OTHER BENEFICIARIES INCLUDE RECREATIONALISTS, WATER USERS AND IRRIGATORS FROM THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS INVESTED IN THE BOISE RIVER THROUGHOUT A MULTITUDE OF DISCIPLINES, OUTLINED IN MULTIPLE PLANNING DOCUMENTS FOUND THROUGHOUT OUR APPLICATION. ANY SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES, IF KNOWN. THIS PROJECT WILL BE AWARDED TO AND MANAGED BY TROUT UNLIMITED THERE WILL NOT BE ANY SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES.

THE QUINN RIVER MANAGEMENT UNIT (QU) CONTAINS SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT HABITAT FOR ESA-LISTED LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT (LCT ONCORHYNCHUS HENSHAWI) ACROSS THE SPECIES RANGE. TROUT UNLIMITED, THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, AND MANY OTHER PROJECT PARTNERS HAVE WORKED IN THE QU FOR DECADES TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR LCT. THIS PROJECT IS FOCUSED ON RESTORING INSTREAM AND RIPARIAN HABITATS ACROSS 25 MILES OF STREAM IN FOUR QU SUB-WATERSHEDS (I.E., RISER CREEK, WASHBURN CREEK, CROWLEY CREEK, POLE CREEK) TO INCREASE LCT RESILIENCY TO CLIMATE CHANGE, MINING, AND OTHER STRESSORS AND TO HELP RECONNECT LCT INTO LARGER HABITAT FRAGMENTS AND RESTORE THEIR MIGRATORY LIFE-HISTORY. INSTREAM RESTORATION ACTIONS WILL FOLLOW LOW-TECH PROCESS-BASED RESTORATION (LTPBR) TECHNIQUES WHICH RELY ON USING HAND CREWS TO BUILD LOW-RISK, TEMPORARY WOOD ELEMENTS (E.G., WOODY DEBRIS JAMS AND BEAVER DAM ANALOGS) TO INITIATE VERTICAL AND LATERAL HYDROLOGIC CONNECTIVITY. SPECIFICALLY, LTPBR ACTIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO RAISE GROUNDWATER LEVELS, INCREASE LATE SUMMER BASEFLOW, COOL SUMMER WATER TEMPERATURES, AND INCREASE HABITAT COMPLEXITY. THIS PROJECT DIRECTLY ADDRESSES QU LCT MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES ESTABLISHED IN THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES 2019 UPDATED LCT RECOVERY PLAN. IN ADDITION, INSTREAM RESTORATION ACTIONS WILL HAVE MYRIAD BENEFITS FOR OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES IN BLMS RESTORATION LANDSCAPE AREA #9, INCLUDING SAGE GROUSE, MULE DEER, AND PRONGHORN. THE FUNDS FROM THIS AWARD WILL BE USED TO HIRE LTPBR HAND CREWS TO INSTALL BEAVER DAM ANALOGS AND OTHER WOODY DEBRIS STRUCTURES TO ACCOMPLISH PROJECT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. ECOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF RESTORATION ACTIONS WILL BE MONITORED AND ASSESSED BY TROUT UNLIMITED WITH RESULTS SHARED WIDELY WITH THE LCT COORDINATING COMMITTEE AND OTHER COLLABORATORS.

DEER CREEK IRRIGATION DISTRICT FISH PASSAGE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PHASE II

THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO CREATE A COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP TO RESTORE WILDERNESS CHARACTER AND IMPROVE STREAM HABITAT WITHIN THE BEAVER BASIN WILDERNESS ON LOWNEY CREEK AT PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE. THROUGH MUTUAL EFFORT, NPS AND THE RECIPIENT WILL DEVELOP RESTORATION OBJECTIVES, PRACTICAL ALTERNATIVES, AND DESIGNS, IMPLEMENT RESTORATION ACTIVITIES, AND MONITOR RESTORATION EFFECTIVENESS. THE PROJECT WILL BENEFIT COMMUNITY PARTICIPANTS, BROOK TROUT POPULATIONS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE LAKESHORE, AND ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION IN THE LAKE SUPERIOR WATERSHED.

IN NOVEMBER 2022, THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION ISSUED A LICENSE SURRENDER ORDER FOR THE LOWER KLAMATH RIVER HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT. DAM REMOVAL WILL START WITH COPCO 2 DAM IN 2023 AND COPCO 1 DAM, IRON GATE DAM AND J.C. BOYLE DAM IN 2024. WATER LEVELS ON J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR AND IRON GATE RESERVOIR WILL BE DRAWN DOWN IN THE SPRING OF 2024 AND EXPOSE THE LAKE BOTTOMS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE DAM CONSTRUCTION. IRON GATE DAM WAS COMPLETED IN 1964 AND J.C. BOYLE DAM WAS COMPLETED IN 1958. THE NEWLY EXPOSED SEDIMENT AND RIVERBANKS NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED IN ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY ESTABLISH NATIVE VEGETATION. THIS PROJECT WILL INSTALL A RIPARIAN BUFFER FENCE ON J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR AND IRON GATE RESERVOIR AT THE HIGH-WATER MARK TO EXCLUDE RANGE CATTLE, FERAL HORSE GRAZING, DELETERIOUS ATV USE, AND PROTECT HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SITES IN THE RESERVOIR FOOTPRINT. ON J.C. BOYLE RESERVOIR, FENCING WILL PROTECT THE MOUTH OF SPENCER CREEK AND ON IRON GATE RESERVOIR, FENCING WILL PROTECT THE MOUTH OF JENNY CREEK, LONG CREEK, DUTCH CREEK AND SCOTCH CREEK, WHICH WILL BE RESTORED AS PART OF THE RESERVOIR DRAWDOWN PROCESS. THE FENCE WILL HAVE WALKTHROUGH AREAS TO ALLOW ACCESS FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. NATIVE PLANTING AND SEEDING IN THE RESERVOIR FOOTPRINT WILL BE COMPLETED BY PROJECT PARTNERS AS PART OF THE DAM REMOVAL RESTORATION PROCESS. PROJECT PARTNERS INCLUDE KLAMATH RIVER RENEWAL CORPORATION (KRRC), RESOURCE ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS (RES), BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM), OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE (ODFW), MODOC NATION, AND GREEN DIAMOND RESOURCE COMPANY.

BULL TROUT RESTORATION: RESTORING COLD, CLEAN, COMPLEX AND CONNECTED HABITAT IN THE BLACKFOOT RIVER WATERSHED OF MONTANA.

THE BIG BLACKFOOT CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED (BBCTU) AND THE MONTANA PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE PROGRAM, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS (MTFWP) AND SEVERAL PRIVATE LANDOWNERS, ARE WORKING TO RESTORE HABITAT FOR SENSITIVE FISH SPECIES IN THE BLACKFOOT RIVER WATERSHED IN WESTERN, MT. THIS PROJECT WILL REMOVE ONE AGING AGRICULTURAL DAM, REPLACE TWO CULVERTS WITH STRUCTURES MEETING AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE (AOP) GUIDELINES, AND ELIMINATE FISH ENTRAINMENT AT FIVE AGRICULTURAL DIVERSIONS. COLLECTIVELY, THESE PROJECT ACTIONS WILL OPEN OR IMPROVE PASSAGE THROUGH MORE THAN 55 MILES OF RIVERS AND STREAMS IN WESTERN, MT AND WILL BENEFIT BULL TROUT (SALVELINUS CONFLUENTUS) AND WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS CLARKII LEWISI). IN ADDITION TO ENHANCING THE SPECIES RESILIENCE TO THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE, THESE ACTIVITIES WILL CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO LOCAL WATERSHED RESTORATION EFFORTS AND WILL SUPPORT LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE. SUB-PROJECTS UNDER THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT INCLUDE THE CLEARWATER DAM REMOVAL (CLEARWATER, MT), THE POORMAN CREEK CULVERT REMOVAL 2 (STEMPLE PASS RD, LINCOLN, MT), AND THE COTTONWOOD CREEK FISH PASSAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION PROJECTS (HELMVILLE, MT).

THIS PROJECT SEEKS TO PROVIDE PASSAGE FOR MIGRATORY AND ANADROMOUS FISH IN JOHNSON CREEK BY CORRECTING PASSAGE IMPEDIMENTS AT THE SR 97 AND GREENACRES CROSSINGS THE PROJECT WILL RESTORE FISH PASSAGE TO ROUGHLY 9 MILES OF HABITAT IN JOHNSON CREEK AND REPLACE OUTDATED, UNDERSIZED INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE CROSSINGS PASSAGE AT THESE TWO SITES WILL BUILD ON ROUGHLY 7 YEARS OF PASSAGE WORK IN JOHNSON CREEK AND REPRESENT CORRECTION OF THE FINAL 3 PASSAGE BARRIERS IN THE LOWER 1 2 MILES OF THE STREAM

FY 22 IIJA NFPP PROJECT ABSTRACT - SALMON SUPERHWYFISH PASSAGE BARRIERS IDENTIFIED IN SUBBASIN WIDE CULVERT ASSESSMENTS IN THE TILLAMOOK, NESTUCCA, AND SAND LAKE WATERSHEDS BLOCK ACCESS TO UPSTREAM SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT FOR ESA LISTED COHO SALMON, FALL CHINOOK, WINTER STEELHEAD, ANADROMOUS AND RESIDENT COASTAL CUTTHROAT TROUT, CHUM SALMON, AND TRIBALLY SIGNIFICANT SPECIES OF CONCERN PACIFIC LAMPREY.ROAD-STREAM CROSSING CULVERTS IDENTIFIED BY SALMON SUPERHWY AS FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS ARE OFTEN UNDERSIZED AND PRONE TO BLOCKING UP WITH SEDIMENT AND DEBRIS. AS A RESULT THEY REQUIRE COSTLY MAINTENANCE AND CONTRIBUTE TO CHRONIC FLOODING. WHEN CULVERTS FAIL, THE ROAD IS ALSO FREQUENTLY DAMAGED WHICH CAN CAUSE PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES AS WELL AS TRANSPORTATION DELAY AS ROADS CAN BE CLOSED FOR MANY DAYS. SEVERAL OF THE PRIORITY PROJECTS ARE ON CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR TSUNAMI EVACUATION OR MAY BE THE ONLY ACCESS / EGRESS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.THE PROJECT WILL RESULT IN REMOVAL OF THREE IN STREAM BARRIERS AND REPLACEMENT WITH APPROPRIATELY SIZED STREAM SPANNING STRUCTURES THAT MEET FEDERAL AND STATE FISH PASSAGE STANDARDS AND ALLOW FULL STREAM PROCESSES INCLUDING TRANSPORT OF SEDIMENT, WOOD, AND NUTRIENTS, RESTORING ACCESS TO OVER 4 MILES OF SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT. THE PROJECT WILL PROVIDE ECOLOGICAL, ECONOMIC, AND PUBLIC SAFETY BENEFITS BY ELIMINATING ROAD WASHOUT HAZARDS (UNDERSIZED AND FAILING CULVERTS) AND REPLACING THEM WITH STREAM SPANNING STRUCTURES DESIGNED FOR FULL VOLITIONAL FISH PASSAGE FOR ALL SPECIES AND LIFE STAGES, RESULTING IN SAFE, CLIMATE RESILIENT TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

THREEMILE/CRANE CREEK RECONNECT PHASE 3

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT FOR SALMONIDS (TROUT + SALMON) AS FOR OTHER TAXA OFTEN REQUIRES DECISIONS ON THE ALLOCATION OF SCARCE RESOURCES. THESE DECISI

TROUT UNLIMITED, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MONTANA NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE PROGRAM (NRDP) AND THE CLARK FORK COALITION, WILL DESIGN A SUITE OF INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO PROVIDE FISH AND RECREATIONAL BOAT PASSAGE, SCREEN DITCHES, AND IMPROVE WATER DELIVERY AT TEN IRRIGATION DIVERSION SITES WITHIN THE UPPER CLARK FORK RIVER BASIN LOCATED IN WESTERN MONTANA. THIS PROJECT EXTENDS ACROSS TWO SUBBASINS ENCOMPASSING THE UPPER CLARK FORK RIVER BASIN, THE FLINT ROCK AND UPPER CLARK FORK. THE CLARK FORK IS HOME TO IMPERILED POPULATIONS OF NATIVE THREATENED BULL TROUT AND WEST SLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT. CURRENTLY, IRRIGATION DIVERSION STRUCTURES ARE FRAGMENTING HABITAT, ENTRAINING FISH AND POSING HAZARDS TO FLOATERS AND ANGLERS ON PUBLIC WATERWAYS ALONG THE UPPER CLARK FORK RIVER. THIS STUDY AND DESIGN PROJECT INCLUDES SITE SURVEYS, DATA COLLECTION, AND MAPPING TO INFORM DECISION MAKING AND DESIGN, THE DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN ALTERNATIVES, WATER RIGHTS REVIEWS, AND OUTREACH THROUGH PUBLIC MEETINGS AND WATERSHED MEETINGS, CULMINATING IN A 60% DESIGN PACKAGE FOR THE SELECTED ALTERNATIVE AT EACH SITE. WHEN IMPLEMENTED, THE IMPROVEMENTS WILL RESTORE AND CONNECT 75 MILES OF HIGH-QUALITY MIGRATING AND SPAWNING HABITAT. THE PROJECT IS SUPPORTED BY THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES, THE BEAVERHEAD-DEERLODGE NATIONAL FOREST, LOCAL IRRIGATORS, AND OTHER WATERSHED STAKEHOLDERS.

BLM WY WATERSHED RESTORATION AND FISHERIES IMPROVEMENT

MANASTASH CREEK STOCKWATER ACQUISITION PROJECT ABSTRACTAWARD PURPOSE MANASTASH CREEK IS A RIGHT BANK TRIBUTARY JOINING THE YAKIMA RIVER TO THE SOUTHWEST OF ELLENSBURG, WA WATER FROM THE CREEK SUPPORTS REGIONALLY AND LOCALLY SIGNIFICANT AGRICULTURE AND CULTURALLY IMPORTANT FISHERIES, BUT CHRONIC FLOW ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR PLACE THE FUTURE OF BOTH AT RISK SUBSTANTIAL FLOW RESTORATION WORK OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS HAS IMPROVED CONDITIONS FROM APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER, BUT THE NOVEMBER TO MARCH FLOW CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO SUFFER LITTLE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE FOR THESE WINTER FLOWS DUE TO THE LACK OF AVAILABLE WATER RIGHTS OR FLOW PROJECTS CHANGING PRECIPITATION AND STREAMFLOW CONDITIONS DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE DEMONSTRATE THAT FLOW ISSUES DON T END WHEN THE IRRIGATION SEASON ENDS RATHER, FLOW ISSUES PERSIST WELL INTO THE WINTER THE PROJECT WILL TRANSFER THE WATER RIGHT TO MANASTASH CREEK AND BE PROTECTABLE AS INSTREAM FLOW FROM STREAM MILE 5 6 TO THE MANASTASH CREEK YAKIMA RIVER CONFLUENCE THIS 5 PLUS MILES REACH IS VITAL FOR FISH PRODUCTION AND PASSAGE HOWEVER, LAND USE PRACTICES WATER DIVERSIONS AND CHANNELIZATION HAVE ALTERED THE STREAM AND COMPOUNDED WATER QUALITY QUANTITY ISSUES THE SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WATER RETURNED TO THE CREEK THROUGH THIS PROJECT WILL ENSURE THE STREAM FLOWS THROUGH THE WINTER MONTHS ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED THIS PROJECT WILL REQUIRE A TRANSFER OF 7 08 CFS OF THE 12 08 CFS PARENT RIGHT THE TRANSFER IS FROM A STOCKWATER PURPOSE OF USE WITHIN THE MANASTASH WATER DITCH ASSOCIATION SERVICE AREA TO AN INSTREAM FLOW PURPOSE OF USE IN MANASTASH CREEK EXPECTED DELIVERABLES OR OUTCOMES THE RECIPIENT WILL ENHANCE INSTREAM FLOWS THAT CAN BE FORMALLY PROTECTED THROUGH WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY S TRUST WATER RIGHTS PROGRAM DOWNSTREAM FOR STEELHEAD, SALMON, AND RESIDENT TROUT POPULATIONS MANASTASH CREEK, A RIGHT BANK UPPER YAKIMA RIVER TRIBUTARY, IS CHRONICALLY DEWATERED OR AT RISK OF IT IN BOTH SUMMER AND WINTER THIS WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT STARTING JULY 15, 2022, WITH A COMPLETION DATE OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 INTENDED BENEFICIARIES THIS PROJECT WILL PROVIDE PERMANENT WINTER FLOWS IN THE MANASTASH CREEK TO REMAIN WET THROUGH THE WINTER MONTHS ALLOWING FOR FISH REFUGIA AND PROVIDE CRITICAL HABITAT FOR ESA LISTED SPECIES AND THE HABITAT THEY DEPEND ON SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES IF KNOWN OR SPECIFIED AT TIME OF AWARD N A

PROJECT PURPOSE: REPLACE THREE UNDERSIZED CULVERT FISH BARRIERS: ONE CULVERT ON WISEN CREEK AND TWO CULVERTS ON WISEN BRANCH CREEK.DELIVERABLES: THE OVERALL GOAL IS TO REPLACE THE THREE UNDERSIZED CULVERTS WITH FISH PASSABLE STRUCTURES TO INCREASE THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF ACCESSIBLE SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT FOR COHO, STEELHEAD, AND TROUT SPECIES. CONSTRUCTION WILL BE COMPLETED USING THE DESIGNS COMPLETED EARLY 2022. UPON COMPLETION OF THIS PROJECT, AQUATIC SPECIES WILL GAIN UNIMPEDED ACCESS TO 2.9 KILOMETERS OF QUALITY HABITAT UPSTREAM AS WELL AS IMPROVED ACCESS TO OVER TWO ACRES OF WETLAND AND BEAVER POND HABITAT.ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: PROCURE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR VIA FEDERAL PROCUREMENT STANDARDS; PREP SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION (STAKING, STAGING, ETC.); MOBILIZE TO SITE FOR CONSTRUCTION; COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION (REPLACE THREE CULVERT BARRIERS WITH ALUMINUM PLATE PIPE ARCH X2 AND ALUMINUM BOX CULVERT X1; SEED/MULCH DISTURBED AREAS; COMPLETE ALL INSPECTIONS; AND DEMOBILIZE); COMPLETE FINAL BUDGETING, INVOICING, AND REPORTING; PROJECT COMPLETEDELIVERABLES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES: REPLACE THREE CULVERT BARRIER CULVERTS WITH APPROPRIATE ROAD STREAM CROSSING STRUCTURES THAT ALLOW FISH PASSAGE PER WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE FISH PASSAGE PROTOCOL (FISH PASSAGE INVENTORY, ASSESSMENT, AND PRIORITIZATION MANUAL, 2019)INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: WISEN CREEK SALMON, STEELHEAD, AND RESIDENT FISH; CLALLAM COUNTY ROADS DEPT; FISHERY CO-MANAGERS = QUILEUTE TRIBE AND WA DEPT FISH AND WILDLIFE.SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES: THERE WILL BE NO SUBRECIPIENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROJECT.

WYOMING NATIVE FISH HABITAT AND FISH PASSAGE RESTORATION PROJECTS

THE SUNRISE MOUNTAIN RANCH COVERS APPROXIMATELY 15,000 ACRES IN THE SPRAGUE RIVER WATERSHED, KLAMATH COUNTY, OREGON. IN TOTAL, NEARLY 20 MILES OF MAINSTEM SPRAGUE RIVER, NORTH FORK SPRAGUE, SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE, MERYL CREEK, AND A SMALL SECTION OF LONG CREEK FLOW THROUGH THE PROPERTY. HISTORICALLY, THIS PROPERTY BOASTED EXTENSIVE AQUATIC, RIPARIAN, AND FLOODPLAIN HABITATS USED BY FISH AND WILDLIFE SPECIES IMPORTANT TO THE KLAMATH TRIBES. HOWEVER, THESE HABITATS ON THE PROPERTY HAVE UNDERGONE SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES OVER THE PAST 130 YEARS, CAUSED PRIMARILY BY CATTLE AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE USED FOR GRAZING. FLOODPLAIN CONNECTIVITY HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED DUE TO LEVEE CONSTRUCTION AND CHANNEL INCISION, RIPARIAN VEGETATION COMMUNITIES ARE NOW HOMOGENOUS AND DOMINATED BY NON-NATIVE PASTURE GRASSES, STREAM CHANNELS LACK STRUCTURE AND COMPLEXITY AND ARE NO LONGER DYNAMIC, AND SPRINGS AND WETLANDS HAVE BEEN DISCONNECTED OR CONVERTED TO UPLAND HABITAT. WITH CHANGES TO THE LANDSCAPE AND LAND USE PRACTICES OVER TIME, THE NORTH FORK AND SOUTH FORK ARE NOW MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO SEDIMENTS AND NUTRIENTS INTO THE MAINSTEM SPRAGUE RIVER WHICH ADDS TO POOR WATER QUALITY AND IMPAIRED CONDITIONS FOR NATIVE FISHES. THE PRIORITY AREAS FOR INITIAL RESTORATION ARE NORTH FORK AND SOUTH FORK SPRAGUE, BUT MAY BE EXTENDED TO OTHER AREAS ON THE RANCH (SUCH AS THE MAINSTEM SPRAGUE RIVER) DEPENDING ON FUNDING AVAILABILITY.TROUT UNLIMITED, THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, AND THE LANDOWNER ARE DEVELOPING A CONCEPTUAL AND PRIORITIZED RESTORATION PLAN FOR THE AQUATIC, RIPARIAN, AND FLOODPLAIN HABITATS THROUGHOUT THE RANCH. THE CAUSES OF DEGRADATION ON THE RANCH ARE EXTENSIVE AND WILL NEED A VARIETY OF RESTORATION ACTIONS TO IMPROVE RIVERSCAPE HEALTH WHILE MAINTAINING SUNRISE MOUNTAIN RANCH AS A WORKING CATTLE OPERATION. DEPENDING ON THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH STREAM SECTION ON THE RANCH, RESTORATION PLANS MAY REQUIRE LEVEE REMOVAL, WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE REMOVAL AND MAINTENANCE, DITCH FILLING, RIPARIAN FENCING, FISH PASSAGE AND INSTREAM HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS, LOW-TECH PROCESS-BASED RESTORATION (REFER TO POLLOCK ET AL. 2018 WHEATON ET AL. 2019), VALLEY RESET TO STAGE-0 CONDITION (REFER TO CLUER AND THORNE 2014 POWERS ET AL. 2018 SCHNEIDER ET AL. 2022), RIPARIAN VEGETATION PLANTING, CATTLE EXCLUSION FENCING, CATTLE CROSSING HARDENING, AND STOCK WATER WELL IMPLEMENTATION.OVERALL BENEFITS OF THIS PROJECT INCLUDE: CREATING AND IMPROVING FISH HABITAT, IMPROVING SEDIMENT NUTRIENT CAPTURE BY PLACING INSTREAM STRUCTURES, RECONNECTION REACTIVATION OF THE HISTORIC FLOODPLAIN, RIPARIAN IMPROVEMENT, INCREASE HABITAT COMPLEXITY AND SINUOSITY OF THE STREAMS, BANK STABILITY, AND ADDED CHANNEL ROUGHNESS TO SLOW VELOCITY AND REDUCE IMPACT OF WATER ON THE BANKS. ALTHOUGH THE RANCH IS TECHNICALLY OUTSIDE THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT DESIGNATED CRITICAL HABITAT AND RANGE OF SUCKERS, PROPOSED ACTIONS BENEFIT SUCKERS BY REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF NUTRIENT-RICH SEDIMENTS FLOWING DOWNSTREAM.DUE TO THE COMPLEX ISSUES AND EXPANSIVE RIPARIAN ACRES AND STREAM MILES THROUGH THE PROPERTY, IMPLEMENTATION OF RESTORATION GOALS WILL OCCUR IN PHASES BOTH SPATIALLY AND TEMPORALLY. RESTORATION GOALS DEVELOPED DURING THE DESIGN STAGE WILL ASSESS INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITATIONS, INCORPORATE LANDSCAPE LEVEL IMPROVEMENTS, AND REFLECT THE ECOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS BETWEEN THE CREEKS AND RIVERS ON THE RANCH.

TROUT UNLIMITED RESTORING COHO SALMON HABITAT AND POPULATIONS IN THE LOST-COAST DIVERSITY STRATA

BULL TROUT-COOPERATIVE RESTORATION INITIATIVE

THIS IS PHASE II OF A PROJECT ON THE HEADWATERS OF SPENCER CREEK AND ALONG TRIBUTARIES, SPRINGS AND WETLANDS ASSOCIATED WITH SPENCER CREEK. THIS AREA IS AN IMPORTANT REACH FOR REDBAND TROUT AS WELL AS CRITICAL HABITAT FOR OREGON SPOTTED FROG. FURTHER, SPENCER CREEK HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS AN IMPORTANT REACH FOR REINTRODUCTION OF STEELHEAD AND SALMON AFTER THE KLAMATH DAM REMOVAL PROJECT IS COMPLETED. BECAUSE OF THIS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROTECT RIPARIAN, WETLAND, AND UPLAND HABITATS ON THIS PROPERTY TO ESTABLISH CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO IMPROVING OREGON SPOTTED FROG HABITAT AND PREPARE FOR THE EVENTUAL ARRIVAL OF STEELHEAD AND SALMON. FURTHER, THE NRCS IS DOING A STOCK WATER WELL AND GRAZING MANAGEMENT PROJECT ON THIS PROPERTY AND IS ADDITIVE TO OUR EFFORTS. THE COMPLETED PHASE I INCLUDED RIPARIAN FENCE AND WOODY ENCROACHMENT REMOVAL FROM A WET MEADOW. PHASE 2 IS SEPARATED INTO THREE COMPONENTS: 1) COMPLETION OF FENCING, 2) INSTALLATION OF CULVERTS, 3) RIPARIAN PLANTING, AND 4) REMOVAL OF WOODY ENCROACHMENT FROM A WET MEADOW. IT MUST BE NOTED THAT PHASE II ARE ADDITIONAL ACRES AND SEPARATE FORM PHASE I. BELOW ARE DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH PROJECT COMPONENT. THIS PROJECT WILL BENEFIT REDBAND TROUT, STEELHEAD, SALMON, OREGON SPOTTED FROG, WESTERN POND TURTLE, AND WATERBIRDS. WE EXPECT TO RESTORE, ENHANCE, AND PROTECT 1 MILE OF RIPARIAN HABITAT, 45 ACRES OF WETLANDS (MIX OF SEMI PERM AND SEASONAL), AND 240 ACRES OF FORESTED UPLANDS WITH SIGNIFICANT SEEP AND SPRING SYSTEM THAT ARE THE HEADWATERS OF SPENCER CREEK.

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL RECEIVE FUNDING TO ASSIST WITH AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE IMPROVEMENTS. THE FUNDING WILL BE USED FOR DESIGN CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH REPLACING CULVERTS AT THREE ROAD CROSSINGS OF UPPER PARADISE CREEK. CULVERTS ARE LOCATED AS FOLLOWS CULVERT 1 33.94944 109.64077 CULVERT 2 33.944 109.64005 CULVERT 3 33.93469 109.63315

PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFETU SYCAN RIVER AND BROWN SPRINGS RESTORATION

ADD FUNDING TO COMPLETE PHASE II & III, EXTEND THE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

SALMON KILL ENHANCEMENT AND RESTORATION PROJECT

THIS PROJECT WILL CO CREATE WITH BLM STAFF A SCIENCE BASED FRAMEWORK AND DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS TO HELP ACCESS AND STRATEGIXE THE AGENCY S AQUATIC RESOTRATION OPPORTUNITIES A VARIETY OF DATASETS, TOOLS, AND METHODSHASEMERGED OVER THE PAST DECADETOHELP LAND MANAGERSASSESS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF RIPARIAN HABITATINCLUDING DEGRADATIONFROM LAND USEPRACTICES, IMPACTSFROM CLIMATE CHANGEAND,IMPORTANTLY, THE POTENTIAL FOR RESTORATIONTO MITIGATE THEEFFECTS OF THESEIMPACTS OFTEN ABSENT FROM THESE ROBUST TOOLS AND RICH INFORMATION SOURCESIS A FRAMEWORKFORINTEGRATING,SYNTHESIZING, AND GROUNDINGDATA ANDMODEL OUTPUTSINDAY TO DAYLANDMANAGEMENT DECISIONS OURPROPOSED PROJECTFILLS THIS NEED BY USINGA CO PRODUCTION APPROACH TO MATCH SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT DECISIONNEEDSOF BLM STAFFWITHTHE MOST USEFUL DATA AND INFORMATION RESOURCES, DELIVERED THROUGH A CLEARASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK AND DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS THE GOAL IS TO DEVELOP A DECISION MAKING FRAMEWORKTHAT COMPLEMENTSAND LEVERAGESEXISTING EXPERTISE OF BLM FIELD OFFICESTOTARGET RESTORATION EFFORTS WHERE THEY WILL HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF A CO PRODUCED DECISION SUPPORT FRAMEWORKEXTEND BEYOND THOSE THAT ARISE FROMRESTORING AND REPAIRING RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEMS,TO INCLUDESTRONGERRELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PROGRAMS, PARTNERS, AND COMMUNITIES IN COORDINATION WITH BLM STAFF, THE PROPOSED WORK WILL EVOLVE IN A STATE BY YEAR APPROACH,BEGINNING WITH MEETINGS AND WORKSHOPS TO ASSESS FIELD OFFICE NEEDS, THEN PROGRESSING THROUGH INTEGRATION AND SYNTHESIS OF LANDSCAPE LEVEL ANALYSES USING EXISTING TOOLS AS FOCAL WATERSHEDS ARE IDENTIFIED, WE WILL CONDUCT FINER SCALE ANALYSIS WITH HIGH RESOLUTION DATAIN COORDINATION WITH BLM STAFF AS AN EXAMPLE, INCLUDED HERE IS A FIELD BASED ASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE ON IDAHO BLM LANDS AS THESEANALYSES ARE COMPLETED RESULTS WILL BE COMBINED IN A DECISION SUPPORT TOOL, WITH DELIVERY AND OUTCOMECHARACTERISTICSDEVELOPED, FORMATTED,AND TESTED IN ITERATIVE INTERACTIONS WITHFIELD OFFICE STAFFIN EACH STATE WHERE OUR WORK EXPANDS THE TOOL WILL PROVIDE LANDSCAPE LEVEL FILTERS FOR COMBINING MODEL OUTPUTSIN ADDITION TO THE UNDERLYING DATASETS RATHER THAN A ONE SIZE FITS ALL SOLUTION, THEPAGE 2RESULTING FRAMEWORK AND DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS WILL LIKELY LOOK SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT IN EACH STATE GIVEN THE DIFFERENCES IN LANDSCAPES RIVERSCAPES, MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES, AND ECOSYSTEM THREATS THROUGH A CO PRODUCTION APPROACH, BLM NATIONAL AND STATE STAFF, PARTNERS, AND COMMUNITIES WILL BENEFITIN MYRIAD WAYS FROM THE PROCESS OF BUILDING THE FRAMEWORK AND TOOLSIN ADDITION TOTHE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PRODUCTS TO SUPPORT AQUATIC HABITAT RESTORATION EFFORTS

THE KENO REACH LIES BETWEN THE KENO DAM AND THE LINK RIVER DAM ON THE KLAMATH RIVER. THERE ARE MANY UNSCREENED DIVERSIONS AND TROUT UNLIMITED WILL WORK WITH FAMILY WATER ALLIANCE TO DESIGN AND PERMIT FIVE FISH SCREENS ON THE REACH.

TROUT UNLIMITED, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TOWN OF PAGOSA SPRINGS AND THE UPPER SAN JUAN WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT PARTNERSHIP, WILL IMPROVE A 2.5 MILE STRETCH OF THE SAN JUAN RIVER IN ARCHULETA COUNTY, COLORADO. PROLONGED DROUGHT IN THE AREA HAS CHANGED STREAM HYDROLOGY RESULTING IN LOW FLOWS AFFECTING WATER TEMPERATURE AND AVAILABLE FISH HABITAT, ESPECIALLY FOR NATIVE FISH SUCH AS THE FLANNEL MOUTH SUCKER AND THE BLUEHEAD SUCKER, AS WELL AS REDUCING REACTIONAL RIVER USE. THE PROJECT INCLUDES LOW FLOW CHANNEL SHAPING, PLACEMENT OF GRADE CONTROL STRUCTURES AND HABITAT STRUCTURES, APPROXIMATELY 1,295 LINEAR FEET OF RIPARIAN REVEGETATION, AND STABILIZATION AND REGRADING OF STREAMBANK ALONG THE 2.5 MILE PROJECT AREA. THE RE SHAPING OF THE CHANNEL AND ADDITION OF GRADE CONTROL STRUCTURES WILL INCREASE WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY AND AVAILABILITY AT LOW FLOWS DURING THE LATE SUMMER AND FALL SEASONS. RIPARIAN REVEGETATION WILL PROVIDE SHADED AREAS AND HABITAT DIVERSITY, COOLING WATER TEMPERATURES CRITICAL TO THE VIABILITY AND QUALITY OF THE SPORT FISHERY THROUGH THE TOWN OF PAGOSA SPRINGS. RECREATIONAL USE OF THE RIVER IS AN IMPORTANT ECONOMIC DRIVER FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE STREAM CHANNEL WILL ALSO MAKE THE CHANNEL MORE PASSABLE BY WATERCRAFT DURING LOW FLOW CONDITIONS, EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF TIME WHEN PEOPLE CAN UTILIZE THE RIVER. STREAMBANK STABILIZATION WORK TO REMOVE OLD CARS AND DEBRIS AND REPLACE IT WITH ROCK, WOODY MATERIALS AND VEGETATION WILL PROVIDE ECOLOGIC BENEFITS AND IT WILL ALSO IMPROVE SAFETY. THIS PROJECT IS SUPPORTED BY THE PARTNERSHIP S UPPER SAN JUAN INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN. THE PARTNERSHIP INCLUDES A VARIETY OF STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES, AGRICULTURAL ENTITIES, WATER DISTRICTS, UNIVERSITIES, AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENTITIES.

F18AC00916. SOUTHEAST ALASKA FISH HABITAT PARTNERSHIP (SEAKFHP) COORDINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSERVATION PRIORITIES ⿿ 2018.

AWARD PURPOSE: TO COORDINATE, PLAN, AND DEVELOP HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO BENEFIT ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA)-LISTED STEELHEAD AND SPRING SUMMER CHINOOK SALMON IN THE WENATCHEE, ENTIAT AND METHOW RIVERS. TU IS A LEADER IN WORKING WITH LOCAL, RURAL COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE WEST TO DEVELOP FISH HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS INCLUDING PASSAGE IMPROVEMENT, SCREENING, FLOW AUGMENTATION, AND HABITAT ENHANCEMENT.ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE RECIPIENT SHALL: CONTINUE COLLABORATING WITH CASCADE-COLUMBIA FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT GROUP AND CASCADIA CONSERVATION DISTRICT ON RIPARIAN AND STREAM ENHANCEMENT, FISH PASSAGE BARRIER REMOVALS, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT. CONTINUE THEIR ROLE AS A RESOURCE FOR BEAVER COEXISTENCE, LANDOWNER OUTREACH, AND RELOCATION SERVICES THROUGH WDFWS PILOT BEAVER RELOCATION PERMIT PROGRAM. COLLABORATE WITH WENATCHEE IRRIGATORS AND IRRIGATION DISTRICTS, TRIBES, OTHER PROJECT SPONSORS, AND PARTNERS TO DEVELOP A SUITE OF BOTH LARGE AND SMALL-SCALE WATER CONSERVATION.EXPECTED DELIVERABLES OR OUTCOMES: TO COORDINATE AND DEVELOP PROJECTS TO MEET THE RESTORATION RESPONSIBILITIES WITH FEDERAL COLUMBIA RIVER POWER SYSTEM (FCPRS) ACTION AGENCIES.INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: PUBLIC, ANYONE WORKING WITH HABITAT TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE RIVERS, STREAM AND COLDWATER FISHERIES BENEFITS AND WATERSHED IMPROVEMENTSSUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES (IF KNOWN OR SPECIFIED AT TIME OF AWARD): N A

BLM-[WO], FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES SUPPORT

UKB 2021 RIPARIAN PROTECTION AND INSTREAM HABITAT ENHANCEMENT

TROUT UNLIMITED (TU) PROPOSES A FOUR YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO RESTORE AQUATIC CONNECTIVITY AND ENHANCE COLDWATER HABITAT WITHIN THE SARANAC RIVER BASIN NEW YORK. THIS PROJECT WILL REMOVE CULVERT BARRIERS TO RESTORE NATURAL STREAM FUNCTION AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO CRITICAL SPAWNING HABITATS FOR EASTERN BROOK TROUT AND LANDLOCKED ATLANTIC SALMON. THE PARTNERSHIP WILL FOCUS ON IMPLEMENTING THREE CULVERT REPLACEMENT PROJECTS IN THE MIDDLE NORTH BRANCH SARANAC RIVER WATERSHED. THESE THREE PROJECTS WILL RECONNECT 6.8 MILES OF HIGH QUALITY COLDWATER HABITAT. TU WILL ALSO ADVANCE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT IN THE LOWER WATERSHED AND HEADWATERS TO IDENTIFY AND PREPARE THE NEXT SUITE OF PRIORITY BARRIER REMOVAL PROJECTS. TU WILL LEAD PROJECT DESIGN PERMITTING CONSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT WHILE LEVERAGING LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS AND SCIENTIFIC PRIORITIZATION TOOLS. THIS INITIATIVE CONTINUES TUS COLLABORATIVE SCIENCE BASED APPROACH TO WATERSHED RESTORATION AND SUPPORTS LONG TERM FISH POPULATION SUSTAINABILITY AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN THE LAKE CHAMPLAIN BASIN.

REGIONAL LORA NETWORKS TO IMPROVE HIGH ELEVATION FLOOD IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT

DESCRIPTION:THIS PROJECT PROVIDES FUNDING TO TROUT UNLIMITED, INC. (TU) TO ELIMINATE ONGOING EROSION OF A LEGACY TAILINGS IMPOUNDMENT AT THE BODIE MINE INTO TORODA CREEK, IN NORTH EAST WASHINGTON, BY REMOVING TAILINGS MATERIAL FROM ADJACENT TO THE STREAM, STABILIZING THE STREAMBANK AND RESTORING NATIVE RIPARIAN VEGETATION. ELIMINATING THE ONGOING EROSION OF TAILINGS MATERIAL FROM THE LEGACY MINE INTO TORODA CREEK WILL IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN TORODA CREEK DOWNSTREAM TO THE TOWN OF CURLEW, WHERE IT FLOWS INTO THE KETTLE RIVER. THE PROJECT ADDRESSES PROJECT CATEGORIES 1, 2 AND 3 (ELIMINATING OR REDUCING POLLUTION, CLEANING UP CONTAMINATED SITES, AND IMPROVING WATER QUALITY), AND NUMBER 4 OF THE LISTED PRIORITIES (CLEANING UP CONTAMINATED SITES). ACTIVITIES:TU PLANS TO USE FUNDING PROCURED FROM THE WA DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA), TU, AND OTHER POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS TO ASSESS, FINALIZE, AND IMPLEMENT A CONCEPT-LEVEL DESIGN FOR STABILIZING THE STREAMBANK AND MAINTAINING/RESTORING HABITAT AND GEOMORPHIC CONDITIONS IN THIS REACH OF TORODA CREEK. TROUT UNLIMITED WILL DEVELOP A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN (QAPP), FINAL DESIGN PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COSTS ESTIMATES SUITABLE FOR PERMITTING AND BIDDING FOR CONSTRUCTION. THE PROPOSED DESIGN UTILIZES A COMBINATION OF AN IMPORTED ROCK/RIPRAP TOE FOR SCOUR PROTECTION COUPLED WITH A SERIES OF FABRIC ENCAPSULATED SOIL LIFTS AND AGGRESSIVE REVEGETATION WITH NATIVE SPECIES TO REESTABLISH A STABLE UPPER BANK BY SHIFTING A PORTION OF THE EXISTING BANK TOE RIVERWARD BY UP TO 10 FEET AND THE LEFT (NORTH) BANK WILL BE SHIFTED AN EQUIVALENT AMOUNT MAINTAINING CHANNEL SIZE AND RIVER FLOW, ALL OF WHICH WILL PROVIDE LONG TERM STABILITY AS WELL AS IMPROVED SHADING OF THE STREAM AND RIPARIAN HABITAT FOR BOTH FISH AND WILDLIFE. SUBRECIPIENT:NO SUBAWARDS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT.OUTCOMES:IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THIS PROJECT WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING DELIVERABLES: PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND ESTIMATES, QAPP DEVELOPMENT, SITE SURVEYING, SOIL SAMPLING, HYDROLOGIC MODELING, , PROJECT CONSTRUCTION, AND FINAL REPORTS. SIX PERMITS OR REPORTING DOCUMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE OBTAINED THAT WILL INCLUDE A CRITICAL AREAS REPORT (INCLUDING A WETLAND DELINEATION), A NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION ACT (NHPA) SECTION 106 SURVEY, MODEL TOXICS CONTROL ACT (MTCA) COMPLIANCE, JOINT AQUATIC RESOURCES PERMIT APPLICATION (JARPA), A STATE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (SEPA) CHECKLIST, OKANAGAN COUNTY PERMITS, AND A CLEARING AND GRADING PERMIT. EXPECTED OUTCOMES WILL INCLUDE BANK STABILIZATION OF TORODA CREEK, RIPARIAN REVEGETATION OF AT LEAST 300 NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS, AND THE REDUCED QUANTITY OF MINE TAILINGS TO REACH APPROXIMATELY 0 TONS PER YEAR AND WILL RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN ERODED TAILINGS OF UP TO 1000 TONS OVER A TEN-YEAR PERIOD. THE PROPOSED PROJECT WILL PROVIDE SOURCE CONTROL OF ERODING MINE TAILINGS ON WATER QUALITY IN TORODA CREEK AND DOWNSTREAM IN THE COLUMBIA BASIN.

HARMONY PRESERVE (BAILEY FLAT) RESTORATION

RESTORING THE UPPER COLUMBIA AS A POWERHOUSE OF SALMONID RESILIENCY

WILSON CREEK IS A CLASS 1 COLDWATER TRIBUTARY TO THE BOIS BRULE RIVER LOCATED IN DOUGLAS COUNTY WISCONSIN THE BRULE IS A FAMOUS DESTINATION FOR ANGLERS IN WISCONSIN, SUPPORTING NATIVE BROOK TROUT POPULATIONS THAT CAN REACH TROPHY SIZES IN THE UPSTREAM SECTIONS OF THE WATERSHED WILSON CREEK IS LOCATED IN THE UPPER REACHES OF THE BOIS BRULE WATERSHED AND PROVIDES IMPORTANT SPAWNING AND COLDWATER REFUGIA HABITAT FOR BROOK TROUT, HABITAT TYPES THAT ARE CRITICAL TO SUPPORT WILD BROOK TROUT POPULATIONS NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE DESPITE THE HIGH QUALITY HABITAT FOUND IN WILSON CREEK, TWO CROSSINGS ON COUNTY HIGHWAY P CREATE FULL AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE BARRIERS AOP FOR JUVENILE BROOK TROUT AND SEASONAL BARRIERS FOR ADULT BROOK TROUT THIS PREVENTS BROOK TROUT FROM BEING ABLE TO FULLY UTILIZE HABITAT IN WILSON CREEK, HABITAT THAT WILL BECOME MORE IMPORTANT AS CLIMATE CHANGE CONTINUES TO RAISE STREAM TEMPERATURES MAKING COLD HEADWATER STREAMS LIKE WILSON CREEK PARAMOUNT FOR WILD BROOK TROUT POPULATION SURVIVABILITY REPLACING THESE TWO CROSSINGS WITH AOP FRIENDLY ROAD STREAM CROSSINGS WILL RECONNECT OVER 2 MILES OF CLASS 1 TROUT STREAM THIS PROJECT BUILD OFF A PREVIOUSLY FUNDING NFPP APPLICATION IN 2021 TO REPLACE A FULL AOP BARRIER ON WILSON CREEK LOCATED AT EAST STONE CHIMNEY ROAD THAT CROSSING PLANNED FOR CONSTRUCTION IN 2023 IS LOCATED UPSTREAM OF THESE TWO HIGHWAY 2 CROSSINGS, AND REPLACING ALL THREE BARRIERS WILL FULLY RECONNECT WILSON CREEK TO THE BOIS BRULE WATERSHED THIS PROJECT INVOLVES PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN TROUT UNLIMITED, USFWS, TOWN OF SOLON SPRINGS, DOUGLAS COUNTY, WISCONSIN DNR, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SUPERIOR, AND OTHERS

IMPLEMENTATION OF FISH HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

THE ILLINOIS VALLEY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT, IN COLLABORATION WITH TROUT UNLIMITED, HAVE FORMED THE ILLINOIS VALLEY IRRIGATION MODERNIZATION PARTNERSHIP TO FOCUS ON PRIORITIZED DESIGNS FOR IMPROVING STREAMFLOW AND WATER SECURITY IN THE ILLINOIS RIVER SUBBASIN, LOCATED IN SOUTHWEST OREGON. THE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES CURRENTLY EXPERIENCE DE-WATERING DUE TO WATER WITHDRAWALS FOR IRRIGATION, RESULTING IN REDUCED HABITAT QUALITY AND QUANTITY FOR COHO SALMON, CHINOOK SALMON, SUMMER AND WINTER STEELHEAD, PACIFIC LAMPREY, AND OTHER AQUATIC SPECIES. THE AREA WAS IDENTIFIED AS HAVING A HIGH ECOLOGICAL NEED AND HIGH OPPORTUNITY FOR FLOW RESTORATION BY MULTIPLE PLANNING ACTIVITIES. THIS PARTNERSHIP, WHICH INCLUDES STAKEHOLDERS SUCH AS THE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE, OREGON DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES, NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, ILLINOIS VALLEY WATERSHED COUNCIL, BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, U.S. FOREST SERVICE, AND OTHER LOCAL PARTNERS WILL WORK TO CONSERVE WATER, IMPROVE STREAMFLOW, AND PROVIDE WATER SECURITY TO LOCAL IRRIGATORS. THIS EFFORT WILL INCLUDE THE DESIGN OF 1- 3 IRRIGATION MODERNIZATION PROJECTS ON PRIVATE LAND WITH OUTREACH TO LOCAL IRRIGATORS AND DITCH OPERATORS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF IRRIGATION MODERNIZATION AND WATER CONSERVATION PRACTICES.

THIS PROPOSAL SUPPORTS THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PRIORITIES OF (1) CONSERVING 30 OF AMERICA S LANDS AND WATERS BY 2030, AND (2) CENTERING EQUITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE. THE PROJECT ALSO MEETS THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION PRIORITIES BY ADDRESSING EXECUTIVE ORDER 14008: TACKLING THE CLIMATE CRISIS AT HOME AND ABROAD. SPECIFICALLY, THE PROJECTS THAT WE PROPOSE WILL ENHANCE CLIMATE RESILIENCE BY: RESTORING FLOODPLAIN CONNECTIVITY AND WET MEADOW HABITAT THAT CAN SERVE AS FIRE BREAKS AND ISLANDS OF REFUGE FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE AND HAVE THE ADDED BENEFIT OF NATURAL GROUNDWATER STORAGE THAT CAN IMPROVE DROUGHT RESILIENCE AND ATTENUATE DOWNSTREAM FLOODING. REMOVING BARRIERS TO FISH PASSAGE AT CULVERTS AND DAMS TO ENABLE FISH TO REACH COLDWATER REFUGIA AND SPAWNING HABITAT AND RECOLONIZE HABITATS THAT ARE IMPACTED BY NATURAL DISASTERS UPGRADED ROAD-STREAM CROSSINGS HAVE THE ADDED BENEFIT OF REDUCING FLOOD RISK AND IMPROVING THE RESILIENCE OF COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE. ELIMINATING POLLUTION FROM ABANDONED MINE LANDS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND HABITAT ELIMINATING AML POLLUTION ALSO CAN INCREASE HABITAT CONNECTIVITY JUST AS BARRIER REMOVAL DOES WHEN WATER AND HABITAT THAT HAD REMAINED POLLUTED FOR DECADES IS RESTORED TO SUFFICIENT QUALITY THAT FISH POPULATIONS CAN FLOURISH IN ONCE DEAD WATERS.THESE ACTIONS WILL, OF COURSE, MAKE FISHING FOR NATIVE AND WILD TROUT BETTER, BUT SOME OF THE GREATEST BENEFITS WILL ACCRUE TO THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEARBY. COLLABORATIVE STEWARDSHIP MAKES COMMUNITIES BETTER ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE CHANGING CLIMATE. THESE PROJECTS PROVIDE HIGH-PAYING, FAMILY WAGE JOBS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES. THEY HELP TO IMPROVE DRINKING WATER FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS. THEY DRIVE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY. AND SEVERAL WILL BENEFIT COMMUNITIES THAT THE COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY HAS IDENTIFIED AS MARGINALIZED, UNDERSERVED, AND OVERBURDENED BY POLLUTION. (HTTPS: SCREENINGTOOL.GEOPLATFORM.GOV EN 6.29 37.958 -106.798). TROUT UNLIMITED IS EXCITED TO WORK WITH THE BLM TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER TO APPLY COMMON SENSE TO COMMON PROBLEMS FOR THE COMMON GOOD. THE ROCK CREEK HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WILL RESTORE AQUATIC AND RIPARIAN HABITATS IN THE ROCK CREEK WATERSHED OF WESTERN MONTANA.

TROUT UNLIMITED AND PARTNERS SEEK TO REPLACE AN UNDERSIZED AND FAILING CULVERT ON CLAYBANK CREEK AT PINE CREEK ROAD IN MANISTEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN. THE CURRENT CULVERT IS UNDERSIZED RELATIVE TO THE NATURAL STREAM CHANNEL DIMENSIONS, INHIBITS AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE (AOP) AND DISRUPTS NATURAL ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES. TROUT UNLIMITED AND PARTNERS INCLUDING THE USDA FOREST SERVICE, NOAA, LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS, MANISTEE COUNTY, AND THE MANISTEE COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION HAVE JOINED AN EFFORT TO REPLACE THE CROSSING WITH ONE THAT HAS NUMEROUS IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDING, AOP, FLOOD RESILIENCY AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT. TO DATE, 3 OTHER CROSSINGS IN THE WATERSHED HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THIS IS THE LOWEST CROSSING IN THE WATERSHED AND REPLACING IT WILL FULLY RESTORE CONNECTIVITY. IN TERMS OF AOP, THIS PROJECT WILL RECONNECT 3.5 OF UPSTREAM HABITAT TO THE GREATER WATERSHED, SPECIES THAT WILL BENEFIT INCLUDE BROOK TROUT, MOTTLED SCULPIN, BROWN TROUT, RAINBOW TROUT, COHO AND CHINOOK SALMON. THE RECONNECTED HABITAT IS ALL HIGH QUALITY COLD WATER HABITAT CONSISTING OF PRIMARILY GRAVEL SUBSTRATE. REPLACING THIS STRUCTURE WITH ONE THAT IS ADEQUATELY SIZED WILL ALSO IMPROVE THE FLOOD RESILIENCY OF THE CROSSING, REDUCING THE NEED FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS OR MAINTENANCE.

PROJECT TITLE: SALMON SUPERHWY - TILLAMOOK BASIN FISH PASSAGE RESTORATION PROJECT - FY22THE FOCUS OF THIS PROJECT IS TO WORKS IN PARTNERSHIP TO PROVIDE FISH (AND OTHER AQUATIC ORGANISMS) PASSAGE AND RESTORE AQUATIC CONNECTIVITY FOR THE BENEFIT OF FEDERAL TRUST RESOURCES. THIS PROJECT WILL SUPPORT DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION TO ADDRESS THREE FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS IN THE TILLAMOOK BAY WATERSHED AND REPLACE THEM WITH AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE STRUCTURES THAT WILL RESTORE NATURAL STREAM PROCESSES AND ACCESS FOR FISH TO SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT.TROUT UNLIMITED WILL WORK WITH ENGINEERING SERVICES PROVIDERS TO DESIGN AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE THAT FULLY ADDRESSES THE BARRIERS, WORK WITH PARTNERS TO SECURE FUNDING AND PERMITS, AND OVERSEE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BARRIER REMOVAL PROJECTS.THE PROJECTS WILL RESTORE PASSAGE TO 3.2 MILES OF SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT BENEFITTING CHINOOK, CHUM, AND ESA LISTED OC COHO SALMON, STEELHEAD, CUTTHROAT TROUT, AND LAMPREY, WHILE IMPROVING HUMAN SAFETY BY REMOVING THE RISK OF CATASTROPHIC BARRIER FAILURE.

FUNDS UNDER THIS AWARD WILL BE USED TO CONNECT ANGLERS AND CONSERVATIONISTS ACROSS THE NATION WITH THE SERVICE AND SPECIFICALLY THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE (PARTNERS) PROGRAM. THE EXPANSION OF FISHING OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE NATION WILL BE A FOCUS OF THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE NEXT GENERATION OF UPCOMING ANGLERS. TROUT UNLIMITED IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE COLDWATER FISHERIES CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COUNTRY.

LOCAL OBJECTIVES ARE TO RESTORE AND ENHANCE WATERSHEDS ACROSS DOUGLAS AND CHELAN COUNTIES. LOW TECH PROCESS-BASED RESTORATION WILL OCCUR IN UPPER DOUGLAS CREEK WATERSHED BY RECOVERING STREAMS, ENHANCING WATER QUALITY, AND INCREASING RIPARIAN WIDTHS FOR THE BENEFIT OF NATIVE TROUT AND OTHER SPECIES. THIS PROJECT SUPPORTS WATERSHED RESTORATION IN DOUGLAS CREEK WATERSHED, INCLUDING RECONTOURING OF DISTURBED VALLEYS, RETURNING BEAVER STRUCTURES TO THE RIPARIAN AREA, AND RE-ESTABLISHING NATIVE RIPARIAN VEGETATION.

SLINKARD CREEK DIVERSION RECONSTRUCTION

THE PRIEST RIVER WATERSHED GROUP, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TROUT UNLIMITED, WILL SUPPORT THE NATIVE COLD-WATER FISHERY AND WATER QUALITY OF THE LOWER PRIEST RIVER WATERSHED IN NORTHERN IDAHO THROUGH EDUCATION, OUTREACH, AND BY COMPLETING A WATERSHED RESTORATION PLAN. THE GROUP WILL COMPLETE OUTREACH AND A WATERSHED RESTORATION PLAN FOR THE EAST RIVER FOCUSED ON PRESERVATION OF CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE ENDANGERED BULL TROUT. CLIMATE CHANGE DRIVEN DROUGHT CONDITIONS AND REDUCED RIVER FLOWS HAVE LED TO AN OVERALL DECREASE IN THE BULL TROUT POPULATION WITHIN THE BASIN. CURRENTLY, GROUP MEMBERSHIP CONSISTS OF LANDOWNERS, FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES, THE KALISPEL TRIBE OF INDIANS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY INTERESTS, OUTFITTERS, ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS, AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE PRIEST RIVER AND PRIEST LAKE COMMUNITIES, ALL OF WHOM ARE COMMITTED TO COLLABORATIVELY FINDING SOLUTIONS TO SUPPORT THE WATERSHED. THE GROUP WILL BUILD ON COALITION BUILDING THEY COMPLETED UNDER A PREVIOUS WATERSMART COOPERATIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PHASE I GRANT.

THE SOUTH FORK BOISE WATERSHED COLLABORATIVE, IN COLLABORATION WITH TROUT UNLIMITED, WILL CONTINUE ITS COORDINATION OF WATERSHED RESTORATION PLANNING IN THE LOWER SOUTH FORK BOISE WATERSHED IN SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO. THE COLLABORATIVE REPRESENTS A DIVERSE GROUP OF INTERESTS, INCLUDING LANDOWNERS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENTITIES, RECREATION AND CONSERVATION GROUPS, WATER USE INTERESTS, FEDERAL LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT AGENCIES, STATE AGENCIES AND OTHER AFFECTED STAKEHOLDERS. THE SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE RIVER HAS SEEN AN INCREASE IN RECREATION, CHANGES IN WATER MANAGEMENT, AND A RAPIDLY CHANGING CLIMATE IN RECENT YEARS, CAUSING CONCERNS FOR THEWATER SUPPLIES, AQUATIC AND RIPARIAN ECOSYSTEMS, AND THE PEOPLE WHO RECREATE THERE. THE PROJECT WILL SUPPORT STAKEHOLDER AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH, RESEARCH ON FEASIBILITY OF PROPOSED PROJECTS AND PRODUCTION OF A STAKEHOLDER-DRIVEN WATERSHED RESTORATION PLAN THAT CAN BE USED TO HELP PRIORITIZE AND IMPLEMENT FUTURE PROJECTS IN THE WATERSHED.

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL ESTABLISH A NEW WATERSHED GROUP, SNAKE RIVER HEADWATERS WATERSHED GROUP, TO INCREASE THE HEALTH AND RESILIENCY OF THE SNAKE RIVER HEADWATERS IN NORTHWEST WYOMING. OVER THE PAST DECADE, WATER QUANTITY IN THE SNAKE HEADWATERS WAS NOT A MAJOR CONCERN DUE TO FAVORABLE SNOWPACK CONDITIONS. HOWEVER, 2021 AND 2022 BROUGHT A BELOW AVERAGE SNOWPACK AND DRY CONDITIONS AND CLIMATE FORECASTS PREDICT DECLINING ANNUAL SNOWPACK AND EARLIER RUNOFF. IN ADDITION, TETON COUNTY IS ONE OF WYOMINGS FASTEST-GROWING REGIONS AND SUBSTANTIAL DEVELOPMENT OCCURS IN CRITICAL AREAS LIKE VALLEY BOTTOMS, HISTORIC FLOODPLAINS, AND ALONG THE SNAKE RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. THESE CHANGES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTING THE WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK IN THE WATERSHED, AS WELL AS WATER QUALITY AND AQUATIC, RIPARIAN, AND WETLAND HABITAT CONDITIONS. NUMEROUS FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES, PRIVATE LANDOWNERS, WATER USERS, RECREATIONAL GUIDES AND OUTFITTERS, CONSERVATION NONPROFITS, AND BUSINESS LEADERS ARE INTERESTED IN ENGAGING IN THE NEW WATERSHED GROUP. THE STRONG PARTNERSHIP WILL ENABLE THE GROUP TO TACKLE WATERSHED-SCALE CHALLENGES WITH STREAMLINED PROJECTS, REDUCE MISINFORMATION, EXPAND PUBLIC AWARENESS, AND PROVIDE ELECTED OFFICIALS WITH IMPROVED INFORMATION TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS. PLANNING EFFORTS INCLUDE NATIONAL PARK (GRAND TETON AND YELLOWSTONE) AND NATIONAL FOREST (BRIDGER-TETON) LANDS, WITH A SMALL PORTION OF U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (NATIONAL ELK REFUGE) LANDS, AS WELL AS TWO MAJOR STORAGE RESERVOIRS OF THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATIONS UPPER SNAKE SYSTEM (JACKSON LAKE AND PALISADES RESERVOIR).

WESTERN NATIVE TROUT HABITAT

BARKLEY PIPING FISH HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

TROUT UNLIMITED (TU) AND THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (USFWS) WILL WORK COOPERATIVELY TO RESTORE AND RECONNECT SALMON AND BROOK TROUT HABITAT WITHIN THE SARANAC RIVER BASIN. THREE MAJOR TASKS WILL BE UNDERTAKEN BY THIS EFFORT. (1) TU WILL FACILITATE THE REMOVAL OF BARRIERS TO AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE IN THE LOWER SARANAC RIVER THROUGH PROJECT ADMINISTRATION, OVERSIGHT, AND COORDINATION. (2) TU, USFWS, AND PARTNERS WILL COMPLETE A SALMON AND/OR BROOK TROUT HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT THROUGH NATURAL CHANNEL DESIGN. (3) LASTLY, TU WILL COMPLETE A WATERSHED ASSESSMENT, MANAGEMENT PLAN, AND SURVEY OF A HIGH PRIORITY PROJECT TO PROMOTE FUTURE CONNECTION AND RESTORATION PROJECTS WITHIN THE SARANAC WATERSHED. FOLLOWING THIS COOPERATIVE PROJECT, THE VISION FOR TU IS TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH PARTNERS THROUGHOUT THE WATERSHED TO ACHIEVE RESTORATION OUTCOMES DEVELOPED THROUGH THE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OTHER SHARED OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED BY USFWS.

RUNNING Y AND CALEDONIA WETLAND ENHANCEMENT

LAWRENCE CREEK HYDROLOGIC RECONNECTION OF CRITICAL OFF-CHANNEL SALMONID HABITAT

MATSU SALMON PARTNERSHIP COORDINATION AND OUTREACH

THIS AREA OF THE SPRAGUE RIVER HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS A PRIORITY FOR RESTORATION EFFORTS BY THE PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE STRATEGIC PLAN. THIS PROJECT WILL UTILIZE LARGE WOOD PLACEMENT TO AMPLIFY NATURAL HYDROLOGIC, GEOMORPHIC AND BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES THAT AID IN STREAM RECOVERY. THE STRATEGIC PLACING OF LARGE WOOD WILL ENHANCE FLOODPLAIN CONNECTIVITY AND WILL HELP ENHANCE SIDE-CHANNEL ACTIVATION DURING HIGHER FLOW EVENTS. FLOOD-PLAIN CONNECTIVITY AND SIDE-CHANNEL ACTIVATION DURING FLOOD EVENTS WILL HELP DECREASE POSSIBLE FLOODING DAMAGE TO THIS PROPERTY AND DOWNSTREAM PROPERTIES. ATTENUATION OF WATER WITHIN THE FLOOD-PLAIN AND SIDE-CHANNELS FOR LONGER PERIODS WILL ALSO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND INCREASE SHALLOW GROUNDWATER TABLES FOR THE BENEFIT OF DOWNSTREAM USERS WITHIN THE WATERSHED. LARGE WOOD INCORPORATION INTO RIVERINE SYSTEMS ALSO BENEFIT AQUATIC ORGANISMS BY PROVIDING HABITAT COMPLEXITY AND FORAGING OPPORTUNITIES. THIS PROJECT ALIGNS WITH THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT (16 U.S.C 3771-3774) THAT PROVIDES FOR THE RESTORATION, ENHANCEMENT, AND MANAGEMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS ON PRIVATE LAND BY WORKING WITH LANDOWNERS TO CONDUCT COST-EFFECTIVE HABITAT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE DRAFT DOI STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK 2026-2030. SPECIFICALLY,OBJECTIVE 3.1 (PROMOTE HUNTING AND FISHING SUPPORTING LOCAL AND GATEWAY COMMUNITY ECONOMIES), OBJECTIVE 3.4 (SUPPORT SPECIES POPULATIONS AND HEALTH AND SUPPORT CO-MANAGEMENT WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND TRIBES SUPPORT CO-MANAGEMENT WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS AND TRIBES), AND OBJECTIVE 4.2 (SUPPORT PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS).

COORDINATION & PROJECT DEVEOPMENT IN THE GRANDE RONDE SUBBASIN

WATERSHED IMPROVEMENT

TROUT UNLIMITED, INC. WILL WORK WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO MINIMIZE THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF AN INVASIVE SNAIL, POTAMOPYRGUS ANTIPODARUM. THE PROJECT WILL IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SPECIES SO BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES CAN BE DEVELOPED TO CONTROL IT.

THIS PROJECT IS A COLLABORATION BETWEEN TROUT UNLIMITED AND THE SERVICE S NATIONAL FISH PASSAGE PROGRAM, COASTAL PROGRAM, AND PARTNERS FOR FISH WILDLIFE PROGRAM TO FINALIZE THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENGINEERING DESIGNS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLANS TO REPLACE AN UNDERSIZED CONCRETE BOX CULVERT ON STRAWBERRY CREEK AT THE CENTRAL AVENUE STREAM CROSSING IN MCKINLEYVILLE, CA. THE EXISTING STRUCTURE IS A COMPLETE BARRIER TO UPSTREAM FISH PASSAGE, INCLUDING ALL LIFE STAGES OF COHO SALMON (ESA LISTED), STEELHEAD TROUT (ESA LISTED), COASTAL CUTTHROAT TROUT, AND PACIFIC LAMPREY. IN ADDITION, IT IS UNDERSIZED AND INCAPABLE OF PROPER HYDROLOGIC AND GEOMORPHIC FUNCTIONING DURING LARGE STREAM FLOW EVENTS. THIS PROJECT WILL PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING REQUIRED TO COMPLETE REQUIRED GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF 100 ENGINEERED DESIGN PLANS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING STRUCTURE WITH A PROPERLY SIZED, NATURAL STREAM-BOTTOM ARCHED CULVERT THAT WILL PROVIDE FULL, INIMPEDED FISH PASSAGE FOR ALL SPECIES AND LIFE STAGES OF FISH AND AQUATIC ORGANISMS, AS WELL AS PROPER HYDROLOGIC AND GEOMORPHIC FUNCTIONING OF 100-YEAR FLOOD STREAM FLOWS. TROUT UNLMITED WILL SERVE AS THE FUNDING RECIPIENT AND PROJECT MANAGER FOR THE PROJECT. GHD WILL PROVIDE LEAD ENGINEERING SERVICES AS A SUB-CONTRACTOR, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM MICHAEL LOVE ASSOCIATES (MLA), WHO WILL FINALIZE THE HYDRAULICS ANALYSIS TO SUPPORT CULVERT TYPE SELECTION, AND CRAWFORD ASSOCIATES INC. (CAI) WHO WILL COMPLETE THE GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND REPORT. THE SERVICE WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT THROUGH ASSISTANCE WITH PROJECT COORDINATION, PARTICIPATION IN PROJECT PLANNING MEETINGS, REVIEW AND EDITING OF ENGINEERING DESIGN REPORTS, AND ASSISTANCE WITH PROJECT DATA COLLECTION AS NEEDED.

THE SPRAGUE RIVER IS A KEY SUB-WATERSHED AND TRIBUTARY OF UPPER KLAMATH LAKE, PARTICULARLY AFFECTED BY PAST LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES SUCH AS AGRICULTURAL CONVERSION, STREAM CHANNELIZATION, AND LEVEE CONSTRUCTION. RESTORING THE RIVER TO ITS HISTORICAL CONDITIONS IS ESSENTIAL AND REQUIRES COMPREHENSIVE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND CHANGES IN LAND MANAGEMENT. THIS RESTORATION WILL INCLUDE REMOVING LEVEES, IMPROVING RIPARIAN AREAS, AND ADDING LARGE WOOD STRUCTURES, WHICH IS VITAL FOR LOCAL LANDOWNERS BY ENHANCING AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS AND POSITIVELY IMPACTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY.THE FUNDS REQUESTED FOR FY 2026 WILL SUPPORT PHASE II OF THE RESTORATION PLAN, FOCUSING ON APPROXIMATELY 5.0 RIVER MILES ACROSS FIVE PRIVATE PROPERTIES IN THE BEATTY GAP AREA. IMPLEMENTATION WILL INVOLVE TRANSPORTING MATERIALS AND NECESSARY BANK EARTHWORK.THE PROJECT HAS STRONG SUPPORT FROM PRIVATE LANDOWNERS AND IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE FISHING OPPORTUNITIES, INCREASE GRAZING YIELDS AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY. IT ALIGNS WITH EXECUTIVE ORDERS, INCLUDING PRESIDENT TRUMPS EXECUTIVE ORDER 13855, WHICH EMPHASIZES COLLABORATION AMONG FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL AGENCIES WITH PRIVATE LANDOWNERS FOR SUSTAINABLE LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT. ADDITIONALLY, IT ADHERES TO THE FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT OF 1956 AND THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT, PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND RESPONSIBLE LAND STEWARDSHIP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TROUT UNLIMITED.

THIS AREA OF THE WOOD RIVER HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS A PRIORITY FOR RESTORATION EFFORTS BY THE PACIFIC SOUTHWEST REGION PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE STRATEGIC PLAN. ANNIE CREEK IS A MAJOR TRIBUTARY TO THE WOOD RIVER AND MAY HAVE HAD A VARIETY OF PATHWAYS AND SIDE-CHANNELS THAT MEANDERED THROUGH THIS PROJECT SITE. THIS SECTION OF ANNIE CREEK HAS BEEN HIGHLY MODIFIED FOR AGRICULTURAL USE. DUE TO THESE MODIFICATIONS SHALLOW GROUNDWATER ON THE PROJECT SITE HAS BEEN GREATLY AFFECTED, THE SOILS ARE VOID OF HISTORIC MOISTURE LEVELS, AND THE PASTURE PRODUCTION IS MINIMAL. THIS PROJECT WILL BE BENEFICIAL FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE HYDROLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF ANNIE CREEK, WILL IMPROVE DROUGHT RESILIENCE OF THE PROPERTY BY RECHARGING THE SHALLOW GROUND WATER TABLE, IMPROVE MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOILS WHICH IN TURN INCREASES PASTURE PRODUCTIVITY PROVIDING ECONOMIC BENEFITS, IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND AVAILABILITY TO DOWNSTREAM USERS, AND COULD POSSIBLY CREATE MORE RIPARIAN HABITAT FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE THIS RANCH ALSO ONCE HAD A ROBUST POPULATION OF OREGON SPOTTED FROG (OSF), HOWEVER DROUGHT AND CHANGES IN WATER CALLS HAVE DIMINISHED AND CONCENTRATED THE POPULATION TO A SMALL AREA ON THE PROPERTY. THE USFWS IS PARTNERING WITH TROUT UNLIMITED AND THE LANDOWNER TO RECONNECT A HISTORIC SIDE-CHANNEL BACK TO THE MAINSTEM OF ANNIE CREEK. THE LAST DIVERSION LOCATED ON ANNIE CREEK THAT DELIVERS IRRIGATION WATER TO THE PROPERTY IS SLATED TO BE RETIRED AND WILL BE THE POINT OF RECONNECTION TO THE HISTORIC SIDE-CHANNEL. THERE IS A RIGHT OF WAY CANAL THAT BISECTS THE PROPERTY AND INTERSECTS THE HISTORIC SIDE-CHANNEL, THIS IS A FISH PASSAGE BARRIER AND WILL BE ADDRESSED DURING DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION TO CREATE VOLITIONAL MOVEMENT WITHIN THE SIDE-CHANNEL. THE OREGON WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT BOARD PROVIDED A GRANT FOR THIS PROPERTY FOR THE MONITORING OF OSF RESPONSE TO THE RESTORATION EFFORTS BY THE U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. THIS PROJECT ALIGNS WITH THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT (16 U.S.C 3771-3774) THAT PROVIDES FOR THE RESTORATION, ENHANCEMENT, AND MANAGEMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITATS ON PRIVATE LAND BY WORKING WITH LANDOWNERS TO CONDUCT COST-EFFECTIVE HABITAT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS PROJECT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE DRAFT DOI STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK 2026-2030. SPECIFICALLY, OBJECTIVE 3.1 (PROMOTE HUNTING AND FISHING & SUPPORTING LOCAL AND GATEWAY COMMUNITY ECONOMIES), OBJECTIVE 3.4 (SUPPORT SPECIES POPULATIONS AND HEALTH AND SUPPORT CO-MANAGEMENT WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND TRIBES & SUPPORT CO-MANAGEMENT WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS AND TRIBES), AND OBJECTIVE 4.2 (SUPPORT PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS).

REDBAND TROUT AND SALMON HAB ASSESS AND RESTORATION

FISH PASSAGE IMPROVEMENTS ON THE ST. VRAIN CREEK WATERSHED.

TROUT UNLIMITED - YUBA RIVER FLOW EFFECTS MODELING 4 TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED: ARE AS FOLLOWS 1. REARING HABITAT AVAILABILITY AND DEFICIT ON THE LOWER YUBA RIVER 2. GENETIC ANALYSIS OF CHINOOK SALMON IN THE LOWER YUBA RIVER 3. ANADROMY IN O.MYKISS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO FLOW AND TEMPERATURE IN THE YUBA RIVER 4. PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATION, SUBMITTED SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2020; PRESENTATION TO THE YUBA RIVER MANAGEMENT TEAM, MARCH, 2020

SALMON SUPERHWY TILLAMOOK BASIN FISH PASSAGE RESTORATION

CRANE CREEK IS SPRING FED AND FLOWS THROUGH THE WEST SIDE OF THE WOOD RIVER VALLEY. IT IS A TRIBUTARY TO FOURMILE CREEK, AND IN THE PAST WAS LEVEED AND STRAIGHTENED FOR IRRIGATION USE. THE UPSTREAM HALF OF CRANE CREEK ON PRIVATE PROPERTY (SEVENMILE RANCH LLC) WAS RE-ROUTED FROM THE STRAIGHTENED REACH AND RESTORED IN 2008, AND THE DOWNSTREAM HALF ON PRIVATE PROPERTY (WAMPLER RANCHES LLC) WAS RE-ROUTED AND RESTORED IN 2021. BOTH OF THESE PROJECTS WERE FUNDED LARGELY BY US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TROUT UNLIMITED AND OTHER COLLABORATORS. THERE IS A SMALL SECTION BETWEEN THE TWO RESTORATION PROJECTS WHERE A TOTAL FISH PASSAGE BARRIER EXISTS AND THE CHANNEL IS STILL LEVEED AND STRAIGHTENED. THE BARRIER, A DROP CULVERT THAT USED TO PROVIDE WATER CONTROL FOR IRRIGATION, PROHIBITS PASSAGE YEAR-ROUND FOR NATIVE REDBAND TROUT. WITH THE DOWNSTREAM RESTORATION COMPLETE, THERE IS ALSO THE POSSIBILITY FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT LISTED THREATENED BULL TROUT OR FUTURE ANADROMOUS SALMONIDS TO ACCESS CRANE CREEK, AND THESE POPULATIONS WILL ALSO HAVE UPSTREAM PASSAGE BLOCKED IF THE FISH BARRIER IS NOT REMEDIED.FY 2022 FUNDS WERE GRANTED FOR AN ENGINEER TO DESIGN THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF A CULVERT THAT IS A COMPLETE BARRIER TO FISH PASSAGE (SEE TENTATIVE DESIGN PLAN IMAGE BELOW, FIGURE 1). THE DESIGN DEVELOPED WILL BE SUFFICIENT FOR APPROVAL BY NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, AS NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE HOLDS A WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENT ON THE PROPERTY AND MUST APPROVE ALL ACTIONS. THE NEXT PHASE IS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DESIGN PLAN. FOR THIS PROJECT WE WILL REMOVE THE DROP CULVERT (WHICH IS IMPASSIBLE TO FISH) AND INSTALL A ROUGHENED CHANNEL TO MAINTAIN UPSTREAM WATER SURFACE ELEVATIONS. A NEW ACCESS ROAD CROSSING APPROXIMATELY 350 FT DOWNSTREAM OF THE EXISTING CULVERT WILL BE BUILT. A SECTION OF THE CRANE CREEK CANAL MAY BE DECOMMISSIONED BETWEEN THE EXISTING CULVERT AND WAMPLER RANCH, AND A NEW CHANNEL WILL BE BUILT TO THE EAST THAT UTILIZES EXISTING HISTORIC CHANNEL SCARS AND RECONNECTING PART OF THE WETLAND FLOODPLAIN. IF POSSIBLE, WE WANT TO REBUILD A PART OF THE OLD CRANE CREEK CANAL SO THAT IS LOOKS MORE LIKE A NATURAL STREAM WITH HABITAT SWALES. THIS WILL ADD HABITAT FOR BOTH FISH AND OREGON SPOTTED FROG.

THREEMILE-CRANE CREEK 2021 RESTORATION AND MONITORING

REFUGES: PFW TROUT UNLIMITED ANGLER

THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS PROJECT FOCUS ON IMPROVING RIVER FUNCTION, WATER QUALITY AND WILDLIFE HABITAT AND VALUE ALONG THE SPRAGUE RIVER. IT ALIGNS WITH NRCS STANDARDS DUE TO THE WETLAND RESERVE EASEMENT ON THE PROPERTY, AND FINAL DESIGN APPROVAL WILL BE PROVIDED BY NRCS. THE PROJECT AIMS TO ASSIST THE LANDOWNER OPERATIONS OUTCOMES WHILE DELIVERING ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY. APPROXIMATELY THREE MILES OF FENCING WILL BE INSTALLED, ALONG WITH TWO HARDENED CATTLE CROSSINGS (WATER GAPS).THESE INSTALLATIONS ARE DESIGNED TO PREVENT FURTHER LOSS OF THE LANDOWNERS LAND DUE TO STREAM BANK EROSION. WE AIM TO HELP REMEDY THE EROSION ISSUES THUS SUPPORTING THE RANCHER S CATTLE OPERATIONS BY INCREASING LONG TERM PRODUCTION POTENTIAL WHILE ALSO IMPROVING WATER QUALITY AND FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT IN THE SPRAGUE RIVER. THIS PROJECT WILL ALSO ENHANCE THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND ENCOURAGES PRIVATE LANDOWNER PARTICIPATION AND PROMOTES THE HIRING OF LOCAL CONTRACTORS FOR IMPLEMENTATION, THEREBY FOSTERING ECONOMIC GROWTH WITHIN THE KLAMATH BASIN.THIS INITIATIVE ADHERES TO THE FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT OF 1956 AND THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT, WHICH AUTHORIZE THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO ASSIST PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN HABITAT MANAGEMENT. IT ALSO ALIGNS WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP S EXECUTIVE ORDERS 13855 AND 13834, WHICH EMPHASIZE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND EFFECTIVE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. BY PRIORITIZING COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, THIS PROJECT ADVANCES ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND LANDOWNERS WHILE ENHANCING RESPONSIBLE LAND STEWARDSHIP.

COORDINATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF FISH HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE UPPER SALMON REGION

PENNINGTON CREEK STEELHEAD BARRIER REMOVAL PROJECT

TROUT UNLIMITED ANNIE CREEK BARRIER REMOVAL

AWARD PURPOSE THIS FUNDING PROPOSAL SUPPORTS A COLLABORATION TO IMPLEMENT LOW TECH PROCESS BASED RESTORATION TECHNIQUES (WHICH INCLUDE BEAVER DAM ANALOGS, POST ASSISTED WOODY STRUCTURES, AND OTHER SIMILAR STRUCTURES) THROUGHOUT THE SPRAGUE RIVER WATERSHED IN ORDER TO REDUCE SEDIMENTATION, INCREASE GROUNDWATER STORAGE, AND IMPROVE HABITAT CONDITIONS.ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED THIS PROJECT WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO LOCAL RESTORATION CREWS AND LOCAL RESTORATION PROFESSIONALS, STREAMLINE THE LTPBR PERMITTING PROCESS ON PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LANDS, AND IMPLEMENT HIGH QUALITY LTPBR PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE SPRAGUE RIVER BASIN. THIS EFFORT WILL INCLUDE VOLUNTARY RESTORATION ON PRIVATE LANDS AND RESTORATION ON PUBLIC LANDS (PRIMARILY USFS).EXPECTED DELIVERABLES OR OUTCOMES THE PROPOSED PROJECT WILL BUILD UPON ONGOING LTPBR EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE SPRAGUE BASIN THAT HAVE ALREADY RESTORED 3.2 MILES OF STREAM LENGTH, IN ADDITION TO 12.1 MILES ANTICIPATED IN 2022. WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING SUPPORT FOR THE COLLABORATION, PROJECT PARTNERS PLAN TO GREATLY INCREASE THE SCALE OF THIS WORK, TO AT LEAST 15 MILES PER YEAR. LTPBR, WHICH UTILIZES HAND BUILT NON PERMANENT STRUCTURES TO INCREASE SURFACE WATER RESIDENCE TIME, GROUNDWATER STORAGE, FLOODPLAIN CONNECTIVITY, IN CHANNEL HABITAT COMPLEXITY, AND ECOSYSTEM RESILIENCE, IMPLEMENTED AT A WATERSHED SCALE WILL GREATLY IMPROVE HABITAT CONDITIONS FOR AQUATIC SPECIES AND IMPROVE RESILIENCY TO DROUGHT AND WILDFIRE. FURTHER, LTPBR EFFORTS WILL HELP REDUCE SUSPENDED SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS IN THE SPRAGUE RIVER THAT CONTRIBUTE TO ALGAE BLOOMS AND ASSOCIATED POOR WATER QUALITY IN UPPER KLAMATH LAKE AND THE KLAMATH RIVER DOWNSTREAM.INTENDED BENEFICIARIES KLAMATH TRIBES, LOCAL COMMUNITIESSUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES KLAMATH TRIBES PROJECT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION. KLAMATH WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP PROJECT PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION. SUSTAINABLE NORTHWEST OUTREACH AND EDUCATION COORDINATION. THE NATURE CONSERVANCY TECHNICAL SUPPORT.

DESCRIPTION:THIS PROJECT PROVIDES FUNDING TO MONTANA TROUT UNLIMITED TO IMPLEMENT ITS PROJECT, WHICH WILL EXPAND THE GEOGRAPHIC EXTENT OF PREVIOUS IDENTIFICATION OF TOXINS IN COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN WATER AND FISH. EXPANDED FISH SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS, ALONGSIDE WATER SAMPLING WILL LEAD TO UPDATED FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES FOR THE ENTIRE UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SYSTEM IN MONTANA, WHICH WILL BETTER PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH, BETTER INFORM THE PUBLIC ABOUT COLUMBIA BASIN TOXICITY CONCERNS, AND IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUTURE TOXIN REDUCTION EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT'S GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE.ACTIVITIES:THIS PROJECT WILL PROVIDE A MUCH-NEEDED ANALYSIS OF THE GEOGRAPHIC EXPANSE, SEVERITY AND LIKELY SOURCES OF TOXINS POSING RISK TO HUMAN HEALTH AND THE AQUATIC RESOURCES OF THE UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN IN MONTANA. IT WILL DO SO BY GREATLY EXPANDING INITIAL RESEARCH AND ENGAGING IN BROAD, PLANNED PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH. THE PROJECT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: DEVELOPMENT OF A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN; FISH SAMPLE COLLECTION AND TISSUE ANALYSIS FOR TOXIC POLLUTANTS FROM 17 SITES ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER; DEPLOYMENT OF PASSIVE WATER QUALITY SAMPLERS AND SAMPLING AT 19 SITES ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER; OUTREACH AND EDUCATION TO THE PUBLIC IN WESTERN MONTANA ON PROJECT GOALS AND BENEFITS, AS WELL AS TOXICITY ISSUES IN THE UPPER COLUMBIA BASIN; RECEIVE, ANALYZE AND SUMMARIZE LAB ANALYSIS OF FISH SAMPLES AND PASSIVE WATER SAMPLES; CREATE AND DISTRIBUTE CLEAR, CONSISTENT INFORMATION/MESSAGING ON STUDY RESULTS OF TOXINS IN THE CLARK FORK; AND PRODUCE A NEW FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORY. THE PROJECT TIMELINE WILL RUN FROM OCTOBER 2022, FIRST WITH PROJECT PLANNING AND RECONNAISSANCE, INITIAL PUBLIC OUTREACH, FISH AND WATER QUALITY SAMPLING, AND EXTENSIVE OUTREACH BASED ON PROJECT RESULTS CULMINATING THE END OF 2024. FISH SAMPLING AND PASSIVE WATER SAMPLER DEPLOYMENT AND RETRIEVAL WILL EXTEND FROM SPRING-FALL 2023 DURING WHICH TIME PUBLIC OUTREACH ON PROJECT GOALS AND BENEFITS WILL ALSO COMMENCE. DATA ANALYSIS AND SUMMARY WILL TAKE PLACE FALL 2023-WINTER 2024. ALSO, DURING THAT TIMEFRAME, FINAL PROJECT REPORT WRITING, ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES (FCA), AND PRODUCTION OF FCA OUTREACH MATERIAL WILL HAPPEN. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH ON PROJECT RESULTS, REVISED FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES, AND IDENTIFICATION OF FUTURE CONTAMINANT CLEANUP ACTIONS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH SPRING-FALL 2024, ALONG WITH AT LEAST TWO COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THIS TIME WINDOW.SUBRECIPIENT:SUBAWARDS ARE PART THE COST-SHARE FOR THIS PROJECT AND INCLUDES $42,636 OF IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION FROM PROJECT PARTNERS COVERING PERSONNEL FOR PROJECT PLANNING, FISH SAMPLING, TRAVEL, DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION, SUPPLIES, OUTREACH/EDUCATION, AND GRANT REPORTING. OUTCOMES:IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THIS PROJECT WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING DELIVERABLES: A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN, DATA FROM FISH SAMPLING AT 17 SAMPLING SITES, DATA FROM PASSIVE WATER QUALITY MONITORING AT 19 SITES, SUMMARY OF DATA FROM BOTH FISH SAMPLING AND WATER QUALITY SAMPLING, NEW DATA FROM PROJECT INCORPORATED INTO 14 EXISTING FISH CONSUMPTION ADVISORIES, DIRECT S TO MEMBERS; SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS; NEWSLETTER STORIES; TRADITIONAL MEDIA STORES (PRINT, RADIO, TV). OUTCOMES WILL BE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF TARGET TOXIN LEVELS (PCBS, FURANS, AND DIOXINS) IN BOTH FISH TISSUE AND WHOLE BODY FISH AND IN THE WATER COLUMN AVAILABLE FOR UPTAKE BY AQUATIC ORGANISMS. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES WILL LEAD TO A BETTER UNDERSTANDING BY THE PUBLIC OF PCBS, FURANS AND DIOXINS IN COMMONLY ANGLED GAME FISH THROUGHOUT THE CLARK FORK BASIN AND, HENCE, AN IMPROVED AWARENESS BY THE PUBLIC OF ASSOCIATED RIVER, AQUATIC LIFE AND HUMAN HEALTH CONCERNS. THE PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES WILL BE THE CITIZENS WITHIN MONTANA AND IN PARTICULAR TO PEOPLE WHO LIVE NEAR AND RECREATE ON THE CLARK FORK RIVER.

FY2020 - WYOMING NATIVE FISH PASSAGE AND HABITAT RESTORATION

TU MELHASE DIVERSION

WILDCORPS

SUN CREEK 2021 INSTREAM HABITAT ENHANCEMENT

TU UPPER BASIN RIPARIAN ENHANCEMENT

AQUATIC HABITAT MONITORING

THE BLM IN WYOMING AND TROUT UNLIMITED HAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP. THE PROJECTS IN THIS NEW PROPOSAL REFLECT THAT. MUDDY CREEK AND SAVERY CREEK PROJECTS ARE ONGOING AND ARE MULTI-PHASED, THEY BOTH HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED EXCELLENT OUTCOMES. THIS FUNDING WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE MUDDY CREEK AND SAVERY CREEK TRUE NATIVE FISH AND HABITAT RESTORATION SUCCESS STORIES.

THE CLARK FORK RIVER IS THE LARGEST RIVER IN WESTERN MONTANA WITH A NEED FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN RURAL AND URBAN LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO FULLY SUPPORT THE RECOVERY OF THE RIVER ECOSYSTEM. TROUT UNLIMITED WILL DEVELOP FOUR PROJECTS IN THE CLARK FORK RIVER CORRIDOR NEAR MISSOULA MONTANA THAT WILL IMPROVE FISH PASSAGE AND ELIMINATE ENTRAINMENT FOR BULL TROUT AND OTHER NATIVE FISH BY EVALUATING THE IRRIGATION DISTRICTS DIVERSION DAMS, CANAL SUPPLY SYSTEM AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOP PLANS TO RECONSTRUCT OR REPLACE THE DIVISION IN A WAY THAT IMPROVES FISH PASSAGE, IMPROVES WATER CONVEYANCE AND MANAGEMENT, IMPROVE RECREATIONAL AMENITIES AND MINIMIZE THE SAFETY HAZARD POSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. ADDITIONALLY, THE WEST BROADWAY PROJECT WILL EVALUATE OPPORTUNITIES TO ENCOMPASS IN-STREAM AND RIPARIAN RESTORATION, ADJACENT TRAILS AND CONNECTIONS, AND IN-STREAM RECREATIONAL FEATURES. PROJECT ACTIVITIES TOWARDS THIS EFFORT INCLUDES THE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF NUMEROUS LOCAL, STATE, AND REGIONAL PARTNERS.

THE BOIS BRULE RIVER WATERSHED INCLUDES A NETWORK OF COLDWATER STREAMS THAT SUPPORT AND PROVIDE SPAWNING HABITAT FOR NATIVE BROOK TROUT AND OTHER COLDWATER SPECIES. DESPITE THE HIGH QUALITY HABITAT ROAD STREAM CROSSINGS FRAGMENT MANY OF THE TRIBUTARIES THAT FLOW INTO THE BOIS BRULE RESTRICTING ACCESS TO COLD HEADWATER STREAMS THAT PROVIDE IMPORTANT SPAWNING AND THERMAL REFUGE HABITAT. THIS ALSO PREVENTS MOVEMENT BETWEEN POPULATIONS POTENTIALLY LIMITING GENETIC DIVERSITY AND THREATENING NATIVE SPECIES RESILIENCY. ALL TOGETHER THESE BARRIERS IMPACT FISH POPULATIONS TODAY AND SPECIES CLIMATE RESILIENCY INTO THE FUTURE. REPLACING THESE BARRIERS WITH FISH FRIENDLY CROSSINGS WILL HELP TO PROTECT AND RESTORE TROUT POPULATIONS TODAY AND PROMOTE CLIMATE RESILIENT POPULATIONS INTO THE FUTURE.THE CROSSING OVER THE LITTLE BOIS BRULE RIVER A CLASS 1 TROUT STREAM TRIBUTARY TO THE BOIS BRULE RIVER AT RANGER ROAD IS A FULL AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE BARRIER. REMOVING THIS BARRIER WILL RECONNECT AT LEAST 1.5 MILES OF CLASS 1 COLDWATER HABITAT IN THE LITTLE BOIS BRULE. THIS WILL ALSO RESTORE CONNECTIVITY TO SANDY RUN CREEK A CLASS 1 TRIBUTARY THE FLOWS INTO THE LITTLE BOIS BRULE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE MAIN STEM BOIS BRULE RIVER WHICH IS A POPULAR RECREATIONAL RIVER IN NW WISCONSIN. THERE IS A COMPLEMENTARY PROJECT PLANNED ON AN UPSTREAM CROSSING IN SANDY RUN CREEK THAT WILL FURTHER RECONNECT HABITAT IN THIS WATERSHED.

THE NORTH BURNT FORK CREEK RECONNECT PROJECT ON LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WILL REMOVE A MAJOR PASSAGE BARRIER THAT HAS PREVENTED FISH MOVEMENT BETWEEN NORTH BURNT FORK CREEK AND THE BITTERROOT RIVER FOR OVER 40 YEARS. THE PROJECT WILL REMOVE A PAIR OF STANDPIPES OBSTRUCTING AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE AND REPLACE THEM WITH A PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE, RECONNECTING 2.5 MILES OF CREEK HABITAT TO THE BITTERROOT RIVER, WHILE VISITOR MAINTAINING ACCESS THROUGHOUT THE REFUGE'S ADA-ACCESSIBLE TRAIL SYSTEM. THE PROJECT WILL ALSO ESTABLISH NATIVE TREES AND SHRUBS ACROSS 1/2 MILE OF NORTH BURNT FORK CREEK, CURRENTLY DOMINATED BY INVASIVE REED CANARY GRASS. THIS HIGHLY VISIBLE PROJECT IS AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY THAT PARTNERS WILL REALIZE THROUGH SIGNAGE, VOLUNTEER PLANTING DAYS AND PROJECT TOURS. NORTH BURNT FORK CREEK IS DESIGNATED BULL TROUT CRITICAL HABITAT AND ALSO SUPPORTS POPULATIONS OF NATIVE WESTSLOPE CUTTHROAT TROUT, AS WELL AS WILD POPULATIONS OF BROOK, BROWN AND RAINBOW TROUT. THIS PROJECT FALLS WITHIN THE FWS'S 2015 BULL TROUT RECOVERY PLAN STRATEGY (SECTION 2.3.1) AIMING TO "CONSERVE AND ENHANCE BITTERROOT RIVER MIGRATORY POPULATIONS." IT ALSO SUPPORTS LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE'S COMPREHENSIVE CONSERVATION PLAN (2012). FWS FUNDS WILL BE USED PRIMARILY FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING SUBCONTRACTING FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION, CONSTRUCTION OVERSIGHT, BRIDGE FABRICATION, BRIDGE INSTALLATION AND PLANTING. A MINOR PORTION OF FWS FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR PRE-CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING AND PERMITTING. MATCH FUNDS WILL SUPPORT ENGINEERING, PERMITTING AND PROJECT PLANNING COSTS, AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.

SEVENMILE CHANNEL RESTORATION AT MCQUISTON

ANNIE CREEK BARRIER REMOVAL 2021

GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE: ENHANCING SHORELINE AND RIPARIAN FORESTS FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN WEST MIC

THE SALT RIVER WATERSHED GROUP, IN COLLABORATION WITH TROUT UNLIMITED, WILL COORDINATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RESTORATION PLAN FOR THE SALT RIVER WATERSHED LOCATED IN WESTERN WYOMING AND EASTERN IDAHO. THE MAINSTEM SALT RIVER AQUATIC, RIPARIAN, AND WETLAND HABITAT IS DEGRADED FROM HISTORIC CHANNEL MODIFICATIONS AND LAND USE PRACTICES, ALONG WITH ONGOING DEVELOPMENT AND AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES. THE GROUP WILL MEET WITH LANDOWNERS, VISITING PROSPECTIVE PROJECT LOCATIONS, CONDUCTING HABITAT SURVEYS, WATER QUALITY MONITORING, AND DEVELOPING A PROJECT LIST. DEVELOPING THE WATERSHED RESTORATION PLAN WILL BUILD ON WORK COMPLETED UNDER A 2021 WATERSMART COOPERATIVE WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PROGRAM PHASE I GRANT BY CONDUCTING TARGETED OUTREACH TO LANDOWNERS, AGRICULTURAL OPERATORS, RECREATION ENTITIES, RESIDENTS, DEVELOPERS, AND REALTORS TO EXPAND ENGAGEMENT AND PROJECT SUPPORT. THE WATERSHED RESTORATION PLAN WILL ALLOW PARTNERS TO PRIORITIZE AND DEVELOP LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS THAT WILL HAVE A WATERSHED-SCALE BENEFICIAL IMPACT ON HABITAT, STREAM FUNCTION, WATER QUALITY, AND FISHERIES.

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL ESTABLISH A NEW WATERSHED GROUP IN THE LOWER SECTION OF THE SOUTH FORK BOISE RIVER IN SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO. THE GROUP WILL FOCUS ON THREE MAIN SEGMENTS OF THE SOUTH FORK BOISE RIVER BELOW ANDERSON RANCH DAM, A RECLAMATION FACILITY. THE WATERSHED GROUP, COMPRISED OF LANDOWNERS, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, RECREATION AND CONSERVATION GROUPS, STATE, FEDERAL AND TRIBAL AGENCIES, AND OTHER AFFECTED STAKEHOLDERS, WILL COMPLETE ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES AND STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH, AND CONDUCT RESEARCH AND STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS TO IDENTIFY WATERSHED NEEDS, AND COMPLETE AN OUTLINE FOR A FUTURE RESTORATION PLAN. A RECENT POPULATION BOOM IN THE AREA HAS BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY A DRAMATIC INCREASE IN OUTDOOR RECREATION, CAUSING EROSION AND IMPACTING FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT ALONG THE RIVER CORRIDOR. THE WATERSHED GROUP WILL SERVE AS A FORUM TO ALLOW FOR OPEN DIALOGUE BETWEEN WATER USERS COMPETING FOR LIMITED WATER SUPPLIES FROM ANDERSON RANCH RESERVOIR AND WILL FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF COLLABORATIVE SOLUTIONS TO MEET DIVERSE STAKEHOLDER NEEDS.

THE UPPER SAN JUAN WATERSHED ENHANCEMENT PARTNERSHIP, LOCATED IN SOUTHWESTERN COLORADO, WILL EXPAND ON PREVIOUS WATERSHED PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT EFFORTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TROUT UNLIMITED. THE PARTNERSHIP IS A GRASSROOTS, COMMUNITY-BASED COLLABORATIVE COMPRISED OF DIVERSE STAKEHOLDERS THAT IS NEARING COMPLETION OF AN INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE UPPER SAN JUAN RIVER. WATER FROM THE SAN JUAN RIVER IS ESSENTIAL FOR LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS, AND RANCHERS. ADDITIONALLY, A THRIVING RIVER-RECREATION ECONOMY RELIES ON DEPENDABLE INSTREAM FLOWS. WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY IN THE SAN JUAN RIVER ARE THREATENED BY HISTORIC DROUGHT, CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS, AND SIGNIFICANT REGIONAL WILDFIRE RISK. THE PARTNERSHIP WILL DEVELOP ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS, EXPAND OUTREACH EFFORTS, AND COMPLETE DESIGN AND PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING FOR PRIORITY PROJECTS IDENTIFIED THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIP S ONGOING PLANNING EFFORTS.

UPPER SPRAGUE BULL TROUT PASSAGE DESIGN

NFPP, WEBER RIVER FISH PASSAGE IMPROVEMENTS.

THE FOUR FOREST RESTORATION INITIATIVE, IN COLLABORATION WITH TROUT UNLIMITED, WILL DESIGN AND ACQUIRE PERMITS FOR A WATERSHED RESTORATION PROJECT ON THE WEST FORK OF THE BLACK RIVER, LOCATED IN THE APACHE-SITGREAVES NATIONAL FOREST IN EASTERN ARIZONA. THE FOUR FOREST RESTORATION INITIATIVE IS A DIVERSE WORKING GROUP DEDICATED TO LANDSCAPE-SCALE RESTORATION PLANNING IN THE AREA OF THE KAIBAB, COCONINO, APACHE-SITGREAVES, AND TONTO NATIONAL FORESTS. WARMING TEMPERATURES, CHANGING PATTERNS OF PRECIPITATION, AND HISTORIC FIRE SUPPRESSION HAVE LEFT THE FOUR FOREST AREA ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO CATASTROPHIC WILDFIRE, WHICH COULD SIGNIFICANTLY HARM THE WATERSHED. THE WEST FORK BLACK RIVER IS A MAJOR TRIBUTARY OF THE SALT RIVER, A KEY WATER SOURCE FOR OVER 2 MILLION PEOPLE. THE RIVER IS ALSO THE LOCATION OF ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING APACHE TROUT POPULATIONS. THROUGH THIS EFFORT, THE GROUP WILL COMPLETE PLANS FOR A CROSS-BOUNDARY RESTORATION PROJECT THAT WILL CONSIDER CURRENT AND FUTURE CLIMATE CONDITIONS AND HOW AQUATIC RESTORATION CAN BE COMBINED WITH UPLAND FOREST TREATMENT TO BUILD MAXIMUM RESILIENCY IN A WATERSHED.

2020 NATIONAL FISH PASSAGE PROGRAM

TU UPPER BASIN INSTREAM AND RIPARIAN ENHANCEMENT

FACILITATION SUPPORT OF LCT RECOVERY EFFORTS

STRAWBERRY CREEK AT HIGHWAY 101 FISH PASSAGE

SALMON SUPRHWY TILLAMOOK BASIN FISH PASS

THE NORTH FORK OF THE SOUTH BRANCH OF THE POTOMAC PROJECT

FISH PASSAGE IMPROVEMENTS IN COLORADO.

PROJECT ABSTRACT TEMPLATEAWARD PURPOSE: HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS, IMPROVING THE INSTREAM FLOWS AND PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES.ACTIVITIES TO BE PERFORMED: THE PROJECT ACTIVITIES WILL CONSIST OF: PLANNING, COORDINATION, DESIGN, PERMITTING, MONITORING AND OTHER TASKS AS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE A PROJECT TO IMPROVE FISH HABITAT IN CAMP CREEK, A TRIBUTARY OF THE IMNAHA RIVEREXPECTED DELIVERABLES OR OUTCOMES: TROUT UNLIMITED (TU) IDENTIFIES, FUNDS, PERMITS, MANAGES, AND MONITORS PROJECTS MEETING BUREAU OF RECLAMATIONS (RECLAMATION) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. TU AND RECLAMATION HAVE BEEN WORKING COOPERATIVELY ON PROJECTS THAT ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO ASSISTING RECLAMATION IN MEETING ITS OBLIGATIONS AS AN ACTION AGENCY UNDER THE FEDERAL COLUMBIA RIVER POWER SYSTEM (FCRPS) BIOLOGICAL OPINION (BIOP). THIS PARTNERSHIP AND PRIOR COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SUBSTANTIAL HABITAT GAINS BY IMPROVING INSTREAM FLOWS AND HABITAT IN ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT DESIGNATED COLUMBIA RIVER STEELHEAD AND COLUMBIA RIVER SPRING CHINOOK SUB-BASINS. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES: PUBLIC, PARTNERS THAT INCORPORATE HABITAT AND IMPROVING INSTREAM FLOWS TO PROTECT ENDANGERED SPECIES.SUBRECIPIENT ACTIVITIES (IF KNOWN OR SPECIFIED AT TIME OF AWARD):NONE

LANDSCAPE SCALE RESTORATION LINKING FORESTS AND STREAMS THROUGH ON THE GROUND RESTORATION AND EDUCATION

FA-BLM-CO-RGFO-TIGER WETLANDS

THIS PROJECT FUNDS THE COORDINATOR S SALRARY OF THE SOUTHEAST ALASKA FISH HABITAT PARTNERSHIP. TROUT UNLIMITED,IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE SOUTHEAST ALASKA FISH HABITAT PARTNERSHIP (SEAKFHP) SEEKS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGHTHE NATIONAL FISH HABITAT PARTNERSHIP TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT COORDINATION SERVICES OF THE PARTNERSHIP AND TOIMPLEMENT PRIORITY ACTIONS FROM THE PARTNERSHIPS REVISED STRATEGIC ACTION DOCUMENTS INCLUDING THE 2017-2021SEAKFHP FISH HABITAT CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN AND BUSINESS PLAN THAT WERE FINALIZED IN DECEMBER OF 2017 AND ISCURRENTLY UNDER REVISION. THERE WILL BE NO PHYSICAL EARTH WORK PERFORMED WITH THIS PROJECT.

THE DRIFTLESS AREA IS A UNIQUE 24,000 SQUARE MILE NATURAL RESOURCE TREASURE LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN THE STEEP HILLS AND ROCKY BLUFFS OF THE REGION IS HOME TO ONE OF THE COUNTRY S MOST REMARKABLE FRESHWATER RESOURCES MORE THAN 600 COLD WATER LIMESTONE SPRING FED CREEKS SUPPORT A WORLD CLASS TROUT FISHERY TROUT UNLIMITED SERVES AS COORDINATOR OF THE DRIFTLESS AREA RESTORATION EFFORT DARE PARTNERSHIP FUNDS AUTHORIZED BY THE AMERICAN CONSERVATION ACT ARE USED TO COORDINATE, COLLABORATE, AND CARRY OUT SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES WITH CONSERVATION PARTNERS THAT HELP REDUCE SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENTS INPUTS TO DRIFTLESS AREA RIVERS AND STREAMS CONSERVE, RESTORE AND EXPAND HABITATS THAT WILL INCREASE THE NATURAL ABUNDANCE, DIVERSITY, AND HEALTH OF RIVERINE FISHES AND OTHER AQUATIC LIFE INCREASE THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF ANGLING AND OTHER RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND INCREASE AWARENESS ABOUT DRIFTLESS AREA RESOURCES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF AQUATIC CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION THROUGH OUTREACH AND EDUCATION OVER THE PAST 14 YEARS, TROUT UNLIMITED HAS FOSTERED AND STRENGTHENED RELATIONSHIPS AMONG COUNTY, STATE, FEDERAL TROUT UNLIMITED CHAPTERS, AND ACADEMIA TROUT UNLIMITED WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD UPON THE CAPACITY OF OUR PARTNERS TO IMPLEMENT IN STREAM AND RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROJECTS TROUT UNLIMITED WILL 1 ORGANIZE AND HOST FIELD DAYS AND WORKSHOPS ENGAGING LOCAL CONSERVATION OFFICES, VOLUNTEERS, LANDOWNERS AND CONTRACTORS INCREASING THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES TO CARRY OUT HABITAT PROJECTS 2 ORGANIZE AND HOST HANDS OWN REGIONAL WORKSHOPS WHERE CONTRACTORS AND CONSERVATIONISTS CAN VIEW FIRST HAND HOW TO IMPLEMENT CONSTRUCTION OF A STREAM RESTORATION PROJECT 3 PROVIDE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE FISH HABITAT CREWS, TU CHAPTERS AND OTHER CONSERVATION ORGANIZATIONS 4 EDUCATE PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO FARMERS LANDOWNERS ON TARGET STREAMS 5 WORK WITH LANDOWNERS TO ACQUIRE FISHING EASEMENTS WITH STREAM RESTORATION WORK 6 COORDINATE AND HOST THE ANNUAL DRIFTLESS SYMPOSIUM IN WHICH ITS PURPOSE IS TO SHARE THE LATEST IN SCIENCE, RESEARCH, HABIT PROJECTS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF COLD WATER RIPARIAN AREAS ACROSS THE 4 STATE REGION 7 ORGANIZE AND HOST AN ANNUAL BUS TOUR OF RECENTLY COMPLETED STREAM RESTORATION PROJECTS TO DEMONSTRATE SUCCESSES, AND EXPLAIN CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED TO INTERESTED LANDOWNERS AND CONSERVATION PARTNERS AND 8 MAINTAIN A DARE WEBSITE, FACEBOOK AND YOUTUBE CHANNEL SHARING THE UNIQUENESS OF THE DRIFTLES AREA, UPCOMING EVENTS, AND CONSERVATION EFFORTS OCCURRING IN THE AREA TO A BROAD PUBLIC AUDIENCE

LAKE SAMMAMISH URBAN WILDLIFE REFUGE PARTNERSHIP STEWARDSHIP PROJECT

TROUT UNLIMITED UPPER KLAMATH BASIN RIPARIAN ENHANCEMENT 2017

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION FOR MUSKEG CREEK STREAM MONITORING AND HABITAT RESTORATION AIMS TO ADDRESS KEY CONSERVATION PRIORITIES IN THE WISCONSIN LAKE SUPERIOR BASIN AND IT ALIGNS CLOSELY WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF THE HEADWATERS TO COAST INITIATIVE. THIS PROPOSAL REPRESENTS THE SECOND AND FINAL PHASE OF A TWO PHASE PROJECT ENCOMPASSING PRE CONSTRUCTION PLANNING AND MONITORING HABITAT RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES POST RESTORATION MONITORING AND MAINTENANCE AND THE COMPLETION OF A FINAL PROJECT REPORT.MUSKEG CREEK STREAM MONITORING AND HABITAT RESTORATION AIMS TO ADDRESS KEY CONSERVATION PRIORITIES IN THE WISCONSIN LAKE SUPERIOR BASIN AND IT ALIGNS CLOSELY WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF THE HEADWATERS TO COAST INITIATIVE. THIS PROJECT WILL RESTORE A MINIMUM OF 0.3 MILES OF IN-STREAM HABITAT THROUGH THE ADDITION OF LARGE WOODY DEBRIS AND WILL ALSO FOCUS ON TEMPERATURE MONITORING WITHIN MUSKEG CREEK LOCATED IN NW WISCONSIN. MUSKEG CREEK IS A LAKE SUPERIOR TRIBUTARY AND IS A CLASS II TROUT STREAM AND BROOK TROUT RESERVE. RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY IS LEADING A SEPARATE GREAT LAKES RESTORATION INITIATIVE PROJECT NEAR OULU WI WHERE PRIVATE LANDOWNERS HAVE AGREED TO HAVE BARRENS HABITAT RESTORED. THIS PROJECT WILL MONITOR MUSKEG CREEK THERMAL PROPERTIES BEFORE AND AFTER REMOVAL OF WOODY COVER IN THE PROPOSED AREA AND WILL REPURPOSE THE WOOD REMOVED DURING THE RGS BARRENS HABITAT PROJECT TO PROVIDE LARGE WOODY HABITAT IN MUSKEG CREEK. THIS PROJECT DIRECTLY SUPPORTS SEVERAL PRIORITY AREAS OUTLINED BY THE H2C INITIATIVE INCLUDING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT HEALTHY HABITATS AND WATER QUALITY AND HYDROLOGIC INTEGRITY. COLLABORATION WITH RGS PROVIDES A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY LOCALLY IMPROVE WILDLIFE HABITAT BUT ALSO TO MAINTAIN OPTIMAL WATER QUALITY IN MUSKEG CREEK AND PROVIDE HABITAT RESTORATION WITH LARGE WOODY DEBRIS SUPPLIED BY THE PRIVATE LANDOWNERS.SUPERIOR RIVERS WATERSHED ASSOCIATION IS A SUB-RECIPIENT UNDER THIS AWARD AND WILL BE HELPING WITH PROJECT MONITORING AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT. SRWA WAS IDENTIFIED FOR THIS ROLE DUE TO THE ORGANIZATIONS ROBUST EXISTING MONITORING PROGRAM AND TIES TO COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER GROUPS BASED IN THE PROJECT AREA.

WEBER RIVER WATERSHED IMPROVEMENTS TO ENHANCE BCT HABITAT

TROUT UNLIMITED TU WILL BUILD AWARENESS AND SUPPORT OF FISH HABITAT RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION EFFORTS THROUGH COLLABORATION, EDUCATION, AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES TU WILL WORK WITH THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT BLM TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR THE ONGOING RECLAMATION PROJECT ON NOME CREEK, IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE FUTURE PROJECTS, AND BUILD PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT AND HELP IMPLEMENT FUTURE PROJECTS THIS COLLABORATION WILL INFORM TU S STORYTELLING PROJECTS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE VALUE OF AND NEED FOR THIS WORK COMMUNICATION EFFORTS WILL INCLUDE DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT TACTICS, EARNED AND PAID MEDIA, THE PRODUCTION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND VIDEO, AS WELL AS COMMUNITY EVENTS THE PROGRAM WILL FACILITATE A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP TO TRAIN LABORERS IN RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION PRACTICES THIS WILL GROW THE LOCAL LABOR POOL AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION AND HELP EDUCATE PLACER MINERS ON WATERSHED RESTORATION TECHNIQUES FUNDING WILL SUPPORT TU STAFF SALARY, EDUCATION MATERIALS, DIGITAL STORYTELLING PRODUCTS, AND WORKSHOP EXPENSES THE PROGRAM WILL DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTE BY TRAINING AND EDUCATING ALASKANS THROUGH THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP THE PROGRAM WILL ALSO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION THROUGHOUT ALASKA, CREATING GREATER OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALASKANS TO BE EMPLOYED IN FUTURE PROJECTS THE GOALS OF THIS PROJECT ARE DIRECTLY ALIGNED WITH BLM ALASKA AQUATIC HABITAT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM S WORK TO RESTORE AQUATIC RESOURCES AFFECTED BY PAST AND PRESENT IMPACTS THE PROGRAM S FOCUS ON IDENTIFYING AND BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WILL HELP BUILD BROAD COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT AND ENHANCE BLM S ABILITY TO SECURE FUTURE FUNDING MATCHES THIS EFFORT IS ALSO ALIGNED WITH THE PROGRAM S FOCUS ON COLLABORATION WITH PARTNERS AND COMMUNITIES TO FOSTER ADAPTIVE APPROACHES TO RESTORATION THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP WILL ADVANCE THE PROGRAM S FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND OUTREACH AND BUILDING PUBLIC AND INTERAGENCY SUPPORT FOR RESTORATION, AS WILL TU S COMMUNICATIONS EFFORTS THIS PROJECT WILL HELP ENSURE THE NOME CREEK RECLAMATION EFFORTS ARE COMPLETED WITH INCREASED PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT, PRODUCE A SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE RESTORATION AND RECLAMATION NEEDS IN COLD WATER FISH HABITAT IN ALASKA, DEVELOP PARTNERSHIPS TO SUPPORT FUTURE PROJECTS, ORGANIZE AND FACILITATE A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP, AND HELP PROMOTE A PUBLIC THAT IS MORE AWARE AND SUPPORTIVE OF RECLAMATION AND RESTORATION EFFORTS

TROUT UNLIMITED WILL ESTABLISH THE PRIEST RIVER WATERSHED GROUP TO SUPPORT AND ENHANCE THE NATIVE COLD-WATER FISHERY IN THE LOWER PRIEST WATERSHED IN THE NORTHWEST PANHANDLE OF IDAHO. THE PRIEST RIVER IS DESIGNATED AS CRITICAL HABITAT FOR BULL TROUT, A THREATENED SPECIES UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT, AND A SPECIAL RESOURCE WATER, MEANING IT REQUIRES INTENSIVE PROTECTION TO PRESERVE OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS OR TO MAINTAIN CURRENT BENEFICIAL USES. THROUGH THE PROJECT, A BROAD-BASE OF FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, TRIBAL, AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL STAKEHOLDERS WILL WORK COLLABORATIVELY TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION, IDENTIFY ISSUES, AND ANALYZE DATA. THE GROUP WILL PRIORITIZE MAJOR WATERSHED CONCERNS, INCLUDING WATER TEMPERATURE, WATER QUALITY, LAND-USE IMPACTS, AND INCREASING RECREATIONAL USE, IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE POTENTIAL RESTORATION PROJECTS.

THIS PROJECT PROPOSES SEVERAL SITES IN VARIOUS WATERSHEDS ACROSS COLORADO WITH PRIMARY EMPHASIS ON THE UPPER ANIMAS AND ARKANSAS RIVER WATERSHEDS THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD WILL BE TO ALIGN WITH THE BLM ABANDONED MINE LAND AML PROGRAM GOALS, WHICH WILL SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS HUMAN HEALTH AND ECOLOGICAL RISKS THROUGH RESTORATION RECLAMATION OF ABANDONED HARD ROCK MINES ACROSS COLORADO, AND SPECIFICALLY THE UPPER ARKANSAS AND UPPER ANIMAS RIVER WATERSHEDS RISK BASED WATERSHED WIDE APPROACHES WILL BE UTILIZED ON A SUITE OF BOTH SHORT AND LONG TERM PROJECTS SHORT TERM PROJECTS WILL FOCUS ON UPPER ARKANSAS AND ANIMAS WATERSHEDS IN THE AREAS OF IOWA GULCH, CACHE CREEK, BURROWS GULCH, AND PALMETTO GULCH ACTIVITIES AND OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE SHORT TERM PROJECTS WILL INCLUDE UP TO 1,200 FEET OF INSTREAM RESTORATION AND TWO ACRES OF RIPARIAN REVEGETATION ALONG IOWA GULCH, UP TO FOUR ACRES OF MINE WASTE RECLAMATION AND REVEGETATION ON CACHE CREEK, AND UP TO 0 5 ACRES OF MINE WASTE RECLAMATION AND 150 FEET OF CHANNEL STABILIZATION ALONG PALMETTO BURROWS GULCH IN ADDITION TO SHORT TERM PROJECTS, TU IS ALSO PROPOSING A LONG TERM APPROACH TO AML SITES ACROSS COLORADO THROUGH THIS APPLICATION BLM S AML PROGRAM IDENTIFIES, AND INVENTORIES ABANDONED HARD ROCK MINES AND PRIORITIZES THOSE THAT POSE A RISK TO PUBLIC SAFETY, HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

UPPER COLUMBIA REGION HABITAT IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

THE STEWART DITCH DIVERSION MODIFICATION PROJECT IS INTENDED TO ADDRESS MULTIPLE DEFICIENCIES ON THE NORTH FORK OF THE GUNNISON RIVER CAUSED BY THE STEWART DITCH DIVERSION STRUCTURE. THE STEWART DITCH DIVERSION CONSISTS OF A 1,200-FOOT-LONG PUSH-UP ROCK DAM. THE DAM DIVERTS WATER INTO THE STEWART DITCH, WHICH SERVES APPROXIMATELY 236 AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS NEAR THE TOWN OF PAONIA, COLORADO. RECENT REPAIRS TO THE DAM HAVE INCLUDED CONSTRUCTION OF A BOULDER WALL WHICH ELEVATED THE RIVERBED SUBSTANTIALLY AND CREATED A POOL IN FRONT OF THE DIVERSION INTAKE. HISTORIC MAINTENANCE OF THE DAM HAS CAUSED SERIOUS IMPACT TO THE RIVER INCLUDING OVER WIDENING AND EROSION. THE STEWART DITCH AND RESERVOIR COMPANY (SDRC) HOLDS SENIOR WATER RIGHTS ON THE NORTH FORK AND DIVERTS APPROXIMATELY 70% OF THE RIVER FLOW DURING LATE SUMMER AND FALL MONTHS. THE ORIENTATION AND SIZE OF THE DIVERSION STRUCTURE ALONG WITH THE AMOUNT OF WATER DIVERTED RESULTS IN A CONSIDERABLE IMPACT ON THE FISH POPULATIONS IN THE NORTH FORK. AT ALL BUT HIGH FLOWS, THE DIVERSION STRUCTURE IS A BARRIER TO FISH. FISH THAT END UP BELOW THE DIVERSION FROM HIGH SPRING FLOWS ARE UNABLE TO MOVE UPSTREAM ABOVE THE DIVERSION TO FIND REFUGE IN DEEPER AND COOLER WATER AND LIKELY PERISH. MANY FISH ARE ALSO LOST TO ENTRAINMENT IN THE DITCH. MODIFICATION TO THE STEWART DITCH DIVERSION WAS IDENTIFIED AS A PRIORITY IN TWO RECENT WATERSHED PLANNING ASSESSMENTS.THE GOALS OF THIS PROJECT ARE TO IMPROVE FISH PASSAGE AND PASSAGE FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS, REDUCE FISH LOST TO ENTRAINMENT IN THE DITCH, AND STABILIZE THE STREAM CHANNEL, THUS IMPROVING RIPARIAN FUNCTION IN THIS SECTION OF RIVER. PROJECT PROPONENTS WILL ALSO COMMUNICATE LESSONS LEARNED AND PROJECT BENEFITS AND USE THE PROJECT AS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW WATER DEMANDS CAN BE MET WHILE IMPACTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER USERS.PROJECT PROPONENTS WILL MEET THESE GOALS BY REMOVING THE EXISTING PUSH-UP ROCK DAM AND REPLACING IT WITH A MODERN, ENGINEERED DIVERSION STRUCTURE. THE NEW STRUCTURE WILL MEET SDRC REQUIREMENTS WHILE IMPROVING FISH PASSAGE, BOAT PASSAGE, AND CHANNEL STABILITY AND REDUCING FISH ENTRAINMENT INTO THE DITCH. STAKEHOLDERS HAVE HIRED ENGINEERS WHO HAVE SURVEYED THE SITE, CREATED CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS, AND PRODUCED HYDRAULIC 2D MODELS. INITIAL SITE SURVEYS AND HYDRAULIC MODELING HAVE REVEALED THAT THE ELEVATION OF THE DIVERSION DAM CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS THREE FEET WHILE STILL ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE HEAD TO DIVERT WATER INTO THE DITCH.THIS PROJECT IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN TROUT UNLIMITED (TU), SDRC, AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS. WESTERN SLOPE CONSERVATION CENTER (WSCC), A LOCAL NON-PROFIT, IS ASSISTING WITH STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT, OUTREACH AND FUNDING. NEIGHBORING LANDOWNERS AND DELTA COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAVE EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT. TO DATE, THE PROJECT HAS SECURED FUNDING FROM LOCAL CHAPTER OF TU, WSCC, AND THE COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD (CWCB). THESE FUNDS HAVE BEEN USED TO COMPLETE AN EXTENSIVE SURVEY OF THE RIVER AROUND THE DIVERSION AREA, CREATED DESIGN ALTERNATIVES, PRODUCE HYDRAULIC MODELS FOR ALTERNATIVES, AND THE REFINE PREFERRED DESIGN ALTERNATIVE.UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT, TU AND PARTNERS WILL DISSEMINATE THE RESULTS OF THE EFFORT TO VARIOUS FUNDING AGENCIES, WATER USERS AND OTHER PARTIES. ADDITIONALLY, THIS PROJECT WILL INFORM TU'S ONGOING DIVERSION MODIFICATIONS ASSESSMENT AND WILL INFORM FUTURE RESTORATION PROJECTS.

THIS PROJECT WILL REMOVE A CONCRETE BARRIER ON JENNY CREEK AND RESTORE FISH PASSAGE. THE KLAMATH RIVER RENEWABLE CORPORATION IS IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING FOUR MAJOR DAMS: IRON GATE DAM, COPCO 1 DAM, COPCO 2 DAM AND J.C. BOYLE DAM, IN THE HYDROELECTRIC REACH ON KLAMATH RIVER. ONCE THE DAMS ARE REMOVED, ANADROMOUS SALMONIDS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO OVER 400 MILES OF HISTORIC HABITAT. THIS INCLUDES THE TRIBUTARY OF JENNY CREEK WHICH IS PROJECTED TO HAVE SOME OF THE BEST HABITAT IN THE HYDROELECTRIC REACH FOR COHO SALMON (ONCORHYNCHUS KISUTCH), CHINOOK SALMON (ONCORHYNCHUS TSHAWYTSCHA), STEELHEAD TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS IRIDEUS) AND PACIFIC LAMPREY (ENTOSPHENUS TRIDENTATUS). THE PROJECT GOAL IS TO REMOVE THE CONCRETE DAM AND REGRADE THE STREAM BED TO RENEW FISH PASSAGE ON JENNY CREEK.

TRIPLE CREEK FORAGE RESERVE

PROJECT PARTNERS WILL INSTALL LOW TECH PROCESS BASED RESTORATION STRUCTURES IN SNAKE CREEK AND THE SYCAN RIVER AND REPLACE A WATER CONTROL STRUCTURE IN THE POND TO INCREASE FISH PASSAGE IN A RESTORED CHANNEL THE PROPOSED PROJECT WILL DEVELOP A DESIGN TO REPLACE THE EXISTING VERTICAL CORRUGATED PIPE CONTROL STRUCTURE IN THE POND THAT CONTROLS WATER LEVELS A NEW STRUCTURE WILL ALLOW FOR MORE PRECISE CONTROL OF THE WATER LEVELS IN THE POND WHICH WILL RESULT IN MORE FLOW GOING DOWN THE EXISTING CONSTRUCTED PASSAGE CHANNEL THIS EXAMPLE OF ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT WILL RESOLVE THE FISH PASSAGE ISSUE OTHER ACTIONS INCLUDE THE INSTALLATION OF AT LEAST 5 BEAVER DAM ANALOGS BDAS THESE STRUCTURES WILL HELP SPREAD WATER ACROSS THE SNAKE CREEK FLOODPLAIN, STIMULATE NEW RIPARIAN PLANT GROWTH, AND REDUCE SEDIMENT INPUT INTO THE SYCAN RIVER FINALLY, LARGE WOOD STRUCTURES OR POST ASSISTED LOG STRUCTURES WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE MAINSTEM SYCAN RIVER

ANNIE CREEK 2021 RESTORATION

WILSON CREEK AT STONE CHIMNEY ROAD AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE & BOIS BRULE WATERSHED AOP DESIGN PROJECT

RECONNECTING COLD-WATER HABITAT IN BIG CANNON CREEK

TU PUMP DITCH

FY 2020 VA WCAP

YANKEE FORK POLE FLAT HABITAT ENHANCEMENT AND ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

TROUT UNLIMITED DEER CREEK RED BLUFF TRICIA / ANADROMOUS FISH RESTORATION PROGRAM. THIS FUNDING WILL SUPPORT A PROJECT TO IMPROVE DOWNSTREAM JUVENILE AND UPSTREAM ADULT SALMONID MIGRATION AT STANFORD VINA RANCH IRRIGATION COMPANY⿿S (SVRIC) DIVERSION DAM IN DEER CREEK, TEHAMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. THIS PROJECT WILL COMPLETE ONE PORTION OF THE DEER CREEK SVRIC FISH PASSAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT. THIS CURRENT CONDITIONS ASSESSMENT WILL DEVELOP INCLUDE INFORMATION ON HYDROLOGIC, GEOTECHNICAL, SLOPE STABILITY, HYDRAULIC, GEOMORPHIC, SEDIMENT TRANSPORT AND A FISH PASSAGE ASSESSMENT. DEER CREEK IS A TRIBUTARY TO THE UPPER SACRAMENTO RIVER NEAR VINA, CALIFORNIA, IN SOUTHEASTERN TEHAMA COUNTY. THE GOAL OF THIS PROJECT IS TO IMPROVE UNIMPEDED FISH PASSAGE FOR SALMONIDS IN THE LOWER DEER CREEK WATERSHED WHILE ALSO MEETING THE DIVERSION REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIVERSION ENTITY. THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE (SERVICE) SUPPORTS THIS WORK BEING DONE AS IT SUPPORTS OUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES TO RESTORE HABITAT FOR NATURALLY REPRODUCING SALMONIDS. IT ALSO SUPPORTS RECOVERY OF THREE SPECIES LISTED UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531-1543). FISH PASSAGE ON DEER CREEK IN TEHAMA COUNTY IS A HIGH PRIORITY FOR THE CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT IMPROVEMENT ACT (CVPIA) AND THE ANADROMOUS FISH RESTORATION PROGRAM (CFDA 15.648). THE PARTNERSHIP TO WORK ON PRIVATE LAND AT THIS PRIVATE IRRIGATION DIVERSION (STREAM MILE 5) HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY STATE AND FEDERAL FISH BIOLOGISTS OVER SEVERAL YEARS THROUGH THE BEGINNINGS OF ENGAGEMENT WITH LANDOWNERS, DIVERSION OWNERS AND TECHNICAL TEAM PROCESSES. THE LEAD PARTNER IS TROUT UNLIMITED WHO OBTAINED FUNDING IN SUMMER 2017 THROUGH CALIFORNIA⿿S PROPOSITION ONE (I.E. PROJECT 36310) AND LEVERAGED IT WITH THIS FUNDING FROM THE CVPIA ANADROMOUS FISH RESTORATION PROGRAM.

SUNRISE MOUNTAIN RANCH (SMR) COVERS A LARGE AREA (APPROX. 14,000 ACRES) IN THE SPRAGUE RIVER WATERSHED AND INCLUDES PORTIONS OF THE SPRAGUE RIVER, SF SPRAGUE RIVER, NF SPRAGUE RIVER, MERYL CREEK, AND AN INTERMITTENT PORTION OF LONG CREEK. MERYL CREEK IS A SMALL TRIBUTARY OF THE NF SPRAGUE RIVER, DRAINS APPROXIMATELY 57 SQUARE MILES, AND IS IMPORTANT HABITAT FOR REDBAND TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS NEWBERRYI). THE LOWER 3.3 MILES OF MERYL CREEK FLOW THROUGH AN ALLUVIAL VALLEY THAT HISTORICALLY CONTAINED IMPORTANT WET MEADOW HABITATS. MOST OF LOWER MERYL CREEK (2.7 MILES) ARE ON SUNRISE MOUNTAIN RANCH. THE CURRENT CHANNEL IS INCISED, DISCONNECTED FROM THE FLOODPLAIN HABITAT ACROSS THE VALLEY, AND IS ALMOST ENTIRELY DEVOID OF INSTREAM HABITAT FOR NATIVE FISH. THE RIPARIAN IS SEVERELY DEGRADED DUE TO HISTORIC CATTLE OVERGRAZING, AND THERE ARE TWO MAJOR BARRIERS TO FISH PASSAGE ON MERYL CREEK. ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO CRITICAL HABITAT OR OCCUPIED HABITAT FOR ENDANGERED LOST RIVER AND SHORTNOSE (LRSN) SUCKERS ON THE RANCH, POOR WATER QUALITY ORIGINATING ON THE RANCH FLOWS DOWNSTREAM AND MAY IMPACT THESE SPECIES. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS REACH OF MERYL CREEK EXPORTS A LARGE AMOUNT OF SEDIMENT TO THE NF SPRAGUE RIVER WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO POOR WATER QUALITY. THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, TROUT UNLIMITED, AND THE PRIVATE LANDOWNER ARE PARTNERING TO ADDRESS THESE CONDITIONS IN LOWER MERYL CREEK.RESTORATION OBJECTIVES RESTORE ENHANCE 2.7 RIVER MILES OF MERYL CREEK BY REVERSING CHANNEL INCISION REACTIVATE APPROXIMATELY 100 ACRES OF HISTORIC CHANNEL FLOODPLAIN CONNECTION IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF APPROXIMATELY 250 ACRES OF RIPARIAN HABITAT INCREASE INSTREAM HABITAT COMPLEXITY BY INSTALLING APPROXIMATELY 40 80 LARGE WOODY DEBRIS STRUCTURES IMPROVE ACCESS BY REMOVING EXISTING FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS

DEER CREEK IRRIGATION DISTRICT FISH PASSAGE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

TROUT UNLIMITED, INC.

TROUT UNLIMITED IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE SOUTHEAST ALASKA FISH HABITAT PARTNERSHIP (SEAKFHP) SEEKS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH THE NATIONAL FISH HABITAT PARTNERSHIP TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT COORDINATION SERVICES OF THE PARTNERSHIP AND TO IMPLEMENT PRIORITY ACTIONS FROM THE PARTNERSHIPS REVISED STRATEGIC ACTION DOCUMENTS INCLUDING THE SEAKFHP FISH HABITAT CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN THAT WAS FINALIZED IN DECEMBER OF 2017 AND ARE CURRENTLY UNDER REVISION.SEAKFHP PROVIDES A VARIETY OF COORDINATION AND FACILITATION SERVICES TO OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS AS WELL AS OTHER NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGERS AND INTERESTED STAKEHOLDERS THROUGHOUT SOUTHEAST ALASKA. EFFORTS TO DATE HAVE LED TO FOSTERING RELATIONSHIPS THAT PROVIDE A GREATER LEVEL OF INFORMATION SHARING AND IMPROVED COLLABORATION WITHIN THE REGION. SEAKFHP HAS MATURED SIGNIFICANTLY AS A FISH HABITAT PARTNERSHIP AND IS SUCCESSFULLY LEVERAGING OTHER FUNDING SOURCES TO ADDRESS PRIORITY FISH HABITAT CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES. SINCE 2021 SEAKFHP HAS BEEN INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NFHP PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST PROCESS NOW BEING ADMINISTERED BY THE NFHP BOARD PER PASSAGE OF THE ACE ACT IN OCTOBER OF 2020 AND REAUTHORIZED IN DECEMBER OF 2024. PARTNERSHIP COORDINATION IS KEY IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO PARTNER MEMBERS AND WITH CONTINUED SUPPORT THROUGH FY25 NFHP OPERATIONAL FUNDING THESE SERVICES WILL REMAIN STABLE.TROUT UNLIMITED CONTINUES TO SERVE AS A PARTNER MEMBER OF THE SEAKFHP AND PROVIDES THE FISCAL SPONSORSHIP TO THE PARTNERSHIP. CONTINUING TO GROW THE PARTNERSHIP AND FOCUSING ON THE DELIVERY OF HIGH QUALITY SERVICES FOR THE REGION THROUGH PROVIDING ON GOING COORDINATOR SUPPORT IS THE BASIS FOR THIS FUNDING REQUEST.

THE MATSU BASIN SALMON HABITAT PARTNERSHIP (PARTNERSHIP) WAS FORMED IN 2005 TO PROACTIVELY CONSERVE SALMON HABITAT AND THE COMMUNITIES AND INDUSTRIES SALMON SUPPORT IN SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA S MATSU BASIN. GUIDED BY A STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN, THE PARTNERSHIP COMBINES SCIENCEBASED STRATEGIES WITH ONTHEGROUND IMPLEMENTATION TO IMPROVE SALMON HABITAT, REDUCE RISK TO PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, AND STRENGTHEN THE LOCAL ECONOMY. FUNDING FOR THIS PROJECT WILL 1) SUPPORT THE FULLTIME PARTNERSHIP COORDINATOR, WHO WILL PROVIDE COORDINATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY TO MANAGE PROGRAM OPERATIONS 2) DELIVER COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS AND PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS, INCLUDING THE 2025 MATSU SALMON SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION SYMPOSIUM AND 3) ADVANCE OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT TO ENSURE BROAD PARTICIPATION IN SALMON HABITAT EFFORTS THAT STRENGTHEN ALASKA S COMMUNITIES AND ECONOMIES.

ICICLE CREEK-BOULDER FIELD PASSAGE-WILD FISH TO WILDERNESS

TU UPPER KLAMATH BASIN RIPARIAN FENCING

BUCK CREEK AQUATIC PASSAGE INITIATIVE

TU SPRAGUE RIVER AQUATIC HABITAT ENHANCEMENT

REPLACE THE EXISTING UNDERSIZED CULVERT WITH A STRUCTURE THAT, AT A MINIMUM, SPANS THE NATURAL STREAM CHANNEL WIDTH OF 4 FEET FOR THE PETERSON CREEK PROJECT. THE PERKINS CREEK PROJECT WILL REMOVE TWO UNDERSIZED CULVERTS WITH A 4 FOOT CULVERT.

WE PROPOSE TO FUND ON-THE-GROUND LABOR OF CREW(S) THAT WILL BUILD STRUCTURES THAT ENHANCE, PROTECT, OR RESTOREMESIC HABITATS IN THE SAGEBRUSH LANDSCAPE IN THE GREEN RIVER WATERSHED OF WYOMING. CREWS WILL PRIMARILY BEBUILDING ZEEDYK ROCK STRUCTURES OR BEAVER DAM ANALOGS AT APPROPRIATE SITES. PAST SIMILAR PROJECTS IN SOUTHWESTWYOMING HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WITH PERMANENT AGENCY AND NGO STAFF AND VOLUNTEER LABOR. THIS PROPOSAL WILL GREATLY INCREASE THE PACE OF COMPLETING THESE TYPES OF PROJECTS. BASED ON ESTIMATES FROM RECENT SOUTHWEST WYOMING HANDBUILT RESTORATION PROJECTS, THIS AGREEMENT ENHANCE ABOUT 140 ACRES OF WET MEADOW MESIC HABITAT AND 10 MILES OF STREAM IN THE SAGEBRUSH LANDSCAPE. ESTIMATED PROJECT LANDOWNERSHIP FOR PROPOSED PROJECTS IS 50% FEDERAL AND 50%PRIVATE. TROUT UNLIMITED, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, USFWS-PARTNERS FOR FISH WILDLIFE, SUBLETTE COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT, AND OTHER CONSERVATION PARTNERS WILL PROVIDE THE PROJECT PLANNING, PERMITTING ANDOVERSIGHT FOR THE PROJECTS. INITIAL PLANNED PROJECTS ARE ON LOCATIONS WHERE PARTNERS HAVE ALREADY VISITED,DETERMINED THE SITES ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THESE TECHNIQUES, AND HAVE ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE PRIVATELANDOWNER OR LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY. WYOMING PARTNERS FOR FISH WILDLIFE PROGRAM BIOLOGISTS WILL WORK WITH TU,COOPERATING LANDOWNERS, AND OTHER PARTNERS TO WRITE LANDOWNER AGREEMENTS THAT WILL SECURE SPECIFIC PROJECTFUNDING FOR ALL PRIVATE LAND PROJECTS UNDER THIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT. OUTCOMES WILL BE REPORTED IN ACRES OFWET MEADOW HABITAT ENHANCED PROTECTED AND MILES OF STREAM ENHANCED.

MEADOWS SOUTH LEDGE DITCH DIVERSION AND FISH PASSAGE PROJECT

F18AC00863

FA PA FY2019 WS - MR7

TROUT UNLIMITED INC IS SEEKING NATURAL RESOURCE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RESTORATION NRDAR FUNDS TO ADDRESS INSTREAM RESTORATION MAINTENANCE OF STRUCTURES DEGRADED DURING HIGH FLOWS FROM LAST YEAR ON THREE PRIVATE PARCELS. THESE STRUCTURES WERE SOME OF THE FIRST HABITAT FEATURES INSTALLED AFTER REMEDIAL ACTIVITIES WERE COMPLETED AS PART OF SUPERFUND ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA AND ARE ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAINING A CONNECTED STREAM CORRIDOR IN THE UPPER ARKANSAS RIVER VALLEY. PROPOSED MAINTENANCE EFFORTS WILL INCLUDE STREAM RESTORATION FLOODPLAIN RECONNECTION AND STABILIZATION OF THE RIVER CORRIDOR THROUGH NATIVE REVEGETATION PRACTICES THAT ALIGN WITH SUPPORT OF NRDAR PROGRAM GOALS.IT IS IMPERATIVE TO CONDUCT THESE MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES TO REDUCE FLOODINGS RISKS AND POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO AQUATIC HABITAT. TO ACCOMPLISH THIS WORK TU WILL BE WORKING WITH THREE MAIN PRIVATE RANCHES AS WELL AS LAND AND WATER SERVICES INC LWS WHO WAS PART OF THE INITIAL PHASES OF STREAM RESTORATION IN THE AREA. LAND AND WATER SERVICES WOULD BE THE ENGINEER AND HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR FOR WORK INCLUDED IN THIS AGREEMENT WHILE TU WOULD OFFER ADDITIONAL INFIELD ENGINEERING SERVICES COORDINATION REPORTING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT. EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITIES THAT WILL BE PART OF THIS SCOPE OF WORK INCLUDE IN CHANNEL SHAPING CONSTRUCTION OF LOW HEAD DAM FEATURES FOR IRRIGATION AND OFF CHANNEL DIVERSION CONNECTION NATIVE SOD AND WILLOW TRANSPLANTS REPURPOSING OF EXISTING ROCK INTO MOBILE BED RIFFLE AND POCKET WATER HABITAT STRUCTURES TOE WOOD MAINTENANCE AND INSTALLATION AND REPAIR OF STRUCTURES TO MAINTAIN EXISTING RIPARIAN EXCLUSIONARY FENCING.EACH PROPERTY SAW SUBSTANTIAL BANK INSTABILITY HABITAT LOSS EROSION AND VEGETATION LOSS DURING THE RECENT HIGH FLOWS. INCORPORATION OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED TECHNIQUES WILL HAVE THE EXPECTED OUTCOMES OF SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET OF REHABILITATED INSTREAM HABITAT AND IMPROVED BANK STABILITY WHILE ALSO FOCUSING ON RIPARIAN VEGETATION RECRUITMENT ON OVER AN ACRE OF IMPACTED FLOODPLAIN. THE INTENDED BENEFICIARIES OF THIS WORK WOULD DIRECTLY BE THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF WHERE THESE PROJECTS EXIST AS WELL AS NATIVE FISHERIES AQUATIC AND TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEM POPULATIONS THAT UTILIZE THESE HABITATS. THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY OF LAKE COUNTY WILL ALSO BENEFIT FROM A MORE STABLE REACH THROUGH THIS AREA THAT WILL HELP MINIMIZE ANY UPSTREAM OR DOWNSTREAM MIGRATION OF CONTINUED DEGRADATION TO OTHER REACHES OF THE UPPER ARKANSAS AND LAKE FORK RIVER SYSTEMS.

LOWER SOUTH BOULDER CREEK: ENGINEERING, DESIGN AND PERMITTING FOR PRIORITY DIVERSION STRUCTURES INCLUDING FISH PASSAGE AND OPERATIONAL / HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS

THE PURPOSE OF THIS AGREEMENT IS TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO TROUT UNLIMITED FOR NATIVE FISH PASSAGE AND HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS IN WYOMING. WYOMING TU AND US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE HAVE AN ACTIVE HISTORY OF PARTNERING TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH MANY FISH PASSAGE AND STREAM RESTORATION PROJECTS IN WYOMING. WE ANTICIPATE INITIATING APPROXIMATELY 3 NEW PRIVATE LANDOWNER AGREEMENTS, COMPLETING 3 FISH PASSAGE UNITS, AND RESTORING 3.0 MILES OF STREAM IN THE SNAKE RIVER AND GREEN RIVER WATERSHEDS THROUGH THIS AGREEMENT. OUTCOMES WILL BE REPORTED IN ACRES OF HABITAT, MILES OF HABITAT, NUMBER OF FISH PASSAGE BARRIERS REMOVED, OR MILES OF STREAM RECONNECTED. IN ADDITION TO THE DIRECT BENEFIT TO FEDERAL TRUST FISH WILDLIFE SPECIES, LANDOWNERS, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WILL BENEFIT FROM THESE HABITAT CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.

MILL CREEK IS THE LARGEST SUBWATERSHED IN THE UPPER YELLOWSTONE RIVER SUBBASIN SUPPORTS A YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT METAPOPULATION IN 45 STREAM MILES AND IS THEREFORE A HIGH CONSERVATION PRIORITY. NONNATIVE RAINBOW TROUT ARE RAPIDLY EXPANDING THEIR DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE IN THE DRAINAGE AND THREATEN YCT CORE CONSERVATION POPULATIONS IN UPPER MAINSTEM MILL CREEK AND ITS TRIBUTARIES THROUGH HYBRIDIZATION. CHANNELIZATION IN 3 MILES OF WHAT SHOULD BE THE MOST PRODUCTIVE LOW GRADIENT YCT HABITAT ON MILL CREEK HAS RESULTED IN A SIMPLIFIED SINGLE THREAD CHANNEL DEPAUPERATE OF POOLS LWD AND SPAWNING GRAVEL RENDERING IT WELL BELOW ITS POTENTIAL FOR PROVIDING QUALITY YCT SPAWNING AND REARING HABITAT. PRIVATE NONPROFIT STATE AND FEDERAL PARTNERS ARE WORKING COLLABORATIVELY THROUGH A MULTIFACETED APPROACH TO ADDRESS THESE THREATS WITH THE OVERALL GOAL OF SECURING RESTORING AND MAINTAINING YELLOWSTONE CUTTHROAT TROUT CORE AND CONSERVATION POPULATIONS IN THE MILL CREEK SUBWATERSHED THROUGH CONSTRUCTION A FISH BARRIER TO PROTECT TEN MILES OF HEADWATER STREAMS AND THROUGH HABITAT RESTORATION OF THE DEGRADED MEADOW REACH.

MIDDLE FORK ROCK CREEK FISH SCREEN AND STREAM RESTORATION

HABITAT RESTORATION IN THE UPPER CONNECTICUT RIVER BASIN, VERMONT

F14AC01306 - SOUTHEAST ALASKA FISH HABITAT PARTNERSHIP (SEAKFHP) 2014

TU - BEN CANYON CREEK FISH PASSAGE PROJECT

DARE COORDINATION AND PLANNING

RAC 11BNF002 PIERCE CREEK BRIDGE AND JOY LANE CROSSING

ICICLE CREEK- BOULDER FIELD PASSAGE- WILD FISH TO WILDERNESS

2020 NATIONAL FISH HABITAT ACTION PLAN

IMPROVING AQUATIC ORGANISM PASSAGE IN BIG CANNON CREEK AT GILLOW RD. (KALKASKA, MI) AND HINTON CREEK AT FR9997/S. 7 RD.

UPPER SALMON BASIN HABITAT IMPROVEMENTS

APACHE TROUT SPECIES STATUS ASSESSMENT (SSA) AND COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN (CMP)

EAST FORK OF THE RIVER CANAL FISH SCREEN INSTALLATION

THE SPRAGUE RIVER IS A SIGNIFICANT SUB-WATERSHED AND TRIBUTARY OF UPPER KLAMATH LAKE. THE PROJECT PROPERTY SUFFERED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE FROM THE COPPERFIELD FIRE OF 2024, AFFECTING THE UPLANDS, GRASSLANDS, RIPARIAN ZONES, AND FENCING, PARTICULARLY ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE RIVER. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO REPLACE THE FENCING DESTROYED IN THE FIRE TO PREVENT FURTHER DEGRADATION TO THE PROPERTY AND ADJACENT LANDS. BY REESTABLISHING THE FENCING, WE WILL CREATE A PROTECTIVE BARRIER THAT ENABLES THE NATURAL REGROWTH OF VEGETATION AND FIRE AREA RECOVERY WITHOUT FURTHER DISTURBANCE.IN ADDITION TO RESTORING THE FENCING, THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE REPLANTING EFFORTS FOR THE UPLAND FOREST AREA THROUGH A SEPARATE STATE GRANT. THIS COMBINED STRATEGY WILL AID IN RECOVERING THE BURNED AREA LAND WHILE PROMOTING AN ENHANCED LANDSCAPE FUNCTION LONG TERM.THIS INITIATIVE ADHERES TO THE FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT OF 1956 AND THE PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE ACT, WHICH ALLOW THE U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE TO ASSIST PRIVATE LANDOWNERS IN HABITAT MANAGEMENT. IT ALSO ALIGNS WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP S EXECUTIVE ORDERS 13855 AND 13834, WHICH EMPHASIZE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS AND EFFECTIVE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. BY ENGAGING LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS, THIS PROJECT AIMS TO ENHANCE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND LANDOWNERS.