NRCS, State, Private, Tribal Partnership

COOPERATIVE CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

Partnership establishes a model for salmon recovery

Location: Far West

Project Summary: Public-Private-NGO: to Restore Salmon Habitat in the Blue Mountains of the Pacific Northwest

Five years after 1998 meander reconstruction – restored salmonid and riparian. (NRCS photo by Barry Southerland.)

Resource Challenge

The Asotin 325 square mile watershed located in Southeast Washington is an important habitat component for the listed Snake River salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. Most of the past salmonid pool and cover habitat had been obliterated. There are serious concerns regarding sustainability, erosion, and sodic conditions of the shallow soils from contributing drainage areas within the Asotin Watershed. Data indicated that the waters in the main-stem of Asotin Creek did not meet state water quality standards for temperature and bacteria parameters. Past logging practices, road-building, overgrazing, and soil compaction has negatively affected the hydrology of the Asotin Watershed.

Examples of Key Partners

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Asotin County Conservation District

Private landowners and shareholders

Northwest Power and Conservation Council

Bonneville Power Administration

Nez Perce Indian Tribe

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife

Washington State Department of Ecology

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

USDA Forest Service – Umatilla National Forest

Results and Accomplishments

The key participants worked together developing, planning, and implementing the Asotin Creek Model Watershed Plan. The Bonneville Power Administration, WDFW, and USDA-NRCS have funded numerous watershed improvement and salmon habitat restoration practices. Over several hundred practices have been implemented on private, U.S. Forest Service, and State owned lands. Projects include:

Floodplain and meander re-establishment - 1600 feet plus 5300 feet (ongoing)

Riparian, and salmon habitat restoration (spawning, resting, and rearing habitats) - 327 structures

Sediment basins (41), strip cropping, and no-till/direct-seed/mulch till

Riparian fencing - 27,000 linear feet

Sediment retention in heavy use areas to improve water quality and infiltration

Range improvements and management

Alternative livestock watering sources on floodplains 8 units

Spring developments and pipelines for livestock multipurpose ponds

Pasture hayland seeding - 500 acres

Heavy use area protection – animal trials and walkways – improved stream and wetland crossings for minimal disturbance – CREP

Tree and shrub planting –upland and riparian – CREP and EQIP – 36,000 linear feet

Field windbreaks, mulching and tree shrub planting for upland wildlife

Permanent grass cover – 660 acres – Grassed waterways – 3 acres

Innovation/Highlight

Public-private partnerships in planning and implementation of a model watershed salmon recovery

Project Contact

Dr. Barry Southerland
Soil Conservationist

316 W. Boone Ave. Suite 450
Spokane, WA 99201
(509) 323-2970
barry.southerland@wa.usda.gov

Ron Nichols
Public Affairs Officer

316 W. Boone Ave. Suite 450
SpokaneWA 99201
(509) 323-2912
ron.nichols@wa.usda.gov

To request additions or corrections to this case study email the Administrator

Current Conservation Programs