This action initiates a new award with the NEZ perce tribe to restore access to high-elevation spawning grounds for steelhead populations within idahos lolo creek watershed

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the Nez Perce Tribe a cooperative agreement totaling $1,478,352 on October 1, 2026, to restore access to high-elevation spawning grounds for steelhead populations in Idaho's Lolo Creek watershed. The award funds replacement of undersized culvert structures to improve fish passage, advancing efforts to restore fish to harvestable levels.

The project runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029, with place of performance in Lapwai, Idaho. The funding operates under the Habitat Conservation program (CFDA 11.463), which supports habitat restoration and protection activities including stream restoration and fish passage removal, measured in outcomes such as habitat acres restored or stream miles opened to fish passage.

This project focuses on replacing undersized culvert structures to improve fish passage. These improvements advance efforts to restore fish to harvestable levels.