A summary of an integrated stream restoration and native fish conservation 

 strategy for the Blackfoot River basin (see Pierce, Aasheim and Podner 2005 for 

 details) 



Since the fisheries restoration initiative began in 1990, restoration projects have 

 become more inclusive of native fish, water quality, instream flows, landscape protection 

 and many other watershed-level concerns. As a result, the need for a more clearly 

 defined comprehensive, watershed-wide, restoration strategy has emerged. This need 

 originates fi-om 1) an expanded number (and scope) of watershed interest groups, 2) a 

 cadre of recent federal, state and regional fisheries management directives, 3) the 

 development of total maximum daily load (TMDL) plans, and 4) the initiation of a 

 watershed-level long-term drought planning process, among other actions. While 

 undertaking these various programs, it became apparent that consolidating stream 

 restoration, native fish recovery and other supporting activities was necessary. Our 

 rationale for generating a comprehensive restoration strategy was that by integrating all 

 fisheries-related restoration programs into a single guiding document, the Blackfoot 

 Cooperators could better meet a common suite of conservation goals. 



At the request of the Blackfoot Challenge, FWP updated a restoration 

 prioritization matrix established by Pierce et al. (2002). The new prioritization 

 incorporating 1) all 102 inventoried tributaries, 2) six reaches of the Blackfoot River, 3) 

 the DEQ 303(d) list of water quality impaired streams, and 4) the FWP dewatered stream 

 list. Our purpose was to develop a cohesive restoration strategy that directs stakeholder 

 involvement to common priorities involving the needs of native and recreational 

 fisheries, improvements to water quality and instream flow. To this end, the plan 

 provides a comprehensive, native fisheries-based, priority-driven template for restoration 

 projects and expands upon the gains of the existing Blackfoot River Restoration Program. 



Our prioritization scheme attempts to guide the limited resources of the Blackfoot 

 Cooperators to biologically important tributaries located primarily on private lands. 

 Although the prioritization is intended to guide restoration activities, as new information 

 becomes available and as additional limiting factors are identified low priorities may be 

 elevated potentially triggering restoration action. We recognize unique restoration 

 opportunities may be presented, and that continued input fi-om landowners and managers 

 will help guide the Blackfoot River restoration initiative. 



High priority streams 



Of the 1 08 stream bodies, thirty-four received a high total priority rank (Figure 

 63). Projects in these watersheds will be high priorities for fisheries ftinding and project 

 development under this restoration strategy. Streams bodies in this category include 1) 

 three reaches of the mainstem Blackfoot River, 2) all major bull trout spawning streams, 

 and 3) other direct tributaries to the Blackfoot River including several fi-om the Garnet 

 Mountains. These streams are biologically connected to the Blackfoot River, and 

 generally support the strongest native fish populations. 



Tributaries originating in the northern mountains within the watershed are 

 generally the larger streams. Headwaters range fi-om USPS lands with wilderness 

 designation to intensively managed private industrial forestlands. To varying degrees, 

 these streams represent some of the best opportunities to protect, restore and manage 



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