The proposed culvert replacement on the south fork of running creek will restore fish passage improve riparian function and increase climate resiliency for ESA listed snake river steelhead and bull…

This $420,000 Project Grant award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the National Fish Passage Program (CFDA 15.685) will fund the replacement of a culvert on the South Fork of Running Creek in Idaho. The project aims to restore fish passage, improve riparian function, and increase climate resilience for endangered Snake River steelhead and bull trout. Removing the passage barrier will open up 3.84 miles of designated critical habitat with high intrinsic potential, nearly all of which is located within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The Nez Perce Tribe, a federally recognized sovereign nation, will serve as the grant recipient and execute the project over the 5-year award period from September 2024 to August 2029. This grant aligns with the National Fish Passage Program's objective of reconnecting fragmented aquatic habitats to maintain and increase native fish populations.

The proposed culvert replacement on the south fork of running creek will restore fish passage improve riparian function and increase climate resiliency for ESA listed snake river steelhead and bull trout. Removing the passage barrier will open up 3.84 miles of designated critical habitat with high intrinsic potential. Nearly all the habitat upstream of the barrier is located within the selway bitteroot wilderness.