The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), in conjunction with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), is focusing on restoration and management of a viable ecosystem within the Walla Walla River Basin. This Feasibility Report/Environmental Impact Statement (FR/EIS) will evaluate and recommend those alternatives that  (1) contribute significantly to established restoration objectives, (2) benefit biological resources, natural ecosystem functions and processes, and (3) are technically feasible and cost effective.

Many factors have contributed to the decline and limited production of salmonids and lamprey in the basin. In order to increase salmonid and lamprey production, several actions have been proposed for consideration, including ways to increase stream flows, improve water quality and lower river water temperatures. These actions will serve as the basis to generate a range of alternatives that can be evaluated through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Basic issues to be addressed are:  (1) reductions in flow, (2) degraded channel geometry, (3) poor water quality and (4) high water temperatures.

The study will present potential alternatives in a comparative form, defining the issues and providing a clear basis for wise selection(s) from the many options available. In order to compare potential alternatives effectively, a common point of comparison must be established as a baseline. The baseline study will establish current conditions in the basin with respect to surface water, groundwater, and biological communities. This information will in turn, serve as a basis to compare alternatives. The Walla Walla District has received fiscal year 2007 funding for the project.  Work planning and identification of timelines for the current fiscal year are now underway. 

The Walla Walla District plans to issue a contract with an architect/engineering firm in order to complete the analysis of various water exchange measures.  The target completion date for the development of a tentative preferred alternative for the project is end-of-year.  As of the posting of this Web page (Jun 1, 2007), an executive team meeting is scheduled with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation on June 20, 2007.  Meetings are held every other month.

More information about the Walla Walla River Basin Study is available at
www.nww.usace.army.mil/wwrbasin/default.htm.  Click the “Return” button and return to www.nww.usace.army.mil, which includes and links to such subjects as public outreach, restoration measures, milestones, additional information, contacts, frequently asked questions and other studies.  The Web site also provides online capability to input comments on the study.

Questions about this project may be addressed, as follows:

Project Manager, Walla Walla River Basin Project
Planning Branch, Walla Walla District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
E-mail:  CENWWPMPD@usace.army.mil
Phone: 509-527-7257

The authority for this project is Section 206, “Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration,” of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended.  Falling under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers), is authorized to plan, design and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project-specific Congressional authorization.  The purpose of the CAP is to plan and implement projects of limited size, cost, scope and complexity.

This project encompasses the restoration and rehabilitation of certain reaches of Paradise Creek located on the campus of the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho.  This ecosystem restoration project is proposed in cooperation with the University of Idaho (sponsor).  The University of Idaho prepared a master plan in 2000, which includes rehabilitating Paradise Creek not only for environmental improvements, but also for flood control, storm water management and positive visual impact as an entry feature to the campus.

In 2002, the local sponsor for this Ecosystem Restoration requested support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to determine the feasibility of an environmental restoration project on the Paradise Creek waterway that flows through the city.  The University is especially interested in addressing the section of the creek in the area between Line Street and Rayburn Street that has been covered by Paradise Creek Street, for the purpose of improving stream habitat quality by creating a more natural channel that would improve the quality of water that flows throughout the area.  The City of Moscow is also very supportive of this effort.

Currently, the project is wrapping up the feasibility study phase, which is composed of the investigation and recommendation of solutions to ecosystem restoration which includes all necessary environmental compliance and coordination.  To date, all required coordination with the Nez Perce Tribe has been completed.

The Walla Walla District’s continued planning and execution of this project is contingent upon funding.

Questions about this project may be addressed, as follows:

Project Manager, Paradise Creek Study
Plan Formulation Section, Walla Walla District
E-mail: CENWWPMPD@usace.army.mil
Phone: 509-527-7257

The authority for this project is Section 206, “Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration,” of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended.  Falling under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers), is authorized to plan, design and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project-specific Congressional authorization.  The purpose of the CAP is to plan and implement projects of limited size, cost, scope and complexity. 

The Walla Walla District is conducting a stream restoration project on property (the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve) which is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy (TNC) Northeastern Oregon Office.  The proposed Ecosystem Restoration Project is in the Camp Creek drainage within the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve.  The 220 square mile Zumwalt Prairie is the largest and highest quality Palouse bunchgrass prairie remaining in North America and provides habitats for remarkable concentrations of nesting birds of prey and other wildlife.  The 27,000-acre Zumwalt Prairie Preserve includes expanses of deep-soiled bunchgrass together with wooded canyons, Quaking Aspen governs, and spring-fed meadows and draws.  The preserve was purchased by the TNC in November 2000, and encompasses 90 percent of the Camp Creek watershed.  The Zumwalt high plateau generates headwaters of numerous fish-bearing creeks that have been identified in the Wallowa County – Nez Perce Tribe Salmon Habitat Recovery Plan.

Cultural Resources work with tribes occurred during the Project Design phase.  Work on environmental compliance continues.

Questions about this project may be addressed, as follows:

Project Manager, Camp Creek Stream Restoration Project
Planning Branch, Walla Walla District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
E-mail:  CENWWPMPD@usace.army.mil
Phone: 509-527-7257

The authority for this project is Section 206, “Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration,” of the Water Resources Development Act of 1992, as amended.  Falling under the Continuing Authorities Program (CAP), the Secretary of the Army (acting through the Chief of Engineers), is authorized to plan, design and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project-specific Congressional authorization.  The purpose of the CAP is to plan and implement projects of limited size, cost, scope and complexity.

The Salmon River drainage is one of the most important and visible production areas for Endangered Species-listed Snake River salmon and steelhead stocks in the country.  The Bonneville Power Administration works in partnership with the University of Idaho and a consortium of state and local agencies and private individuals organized as a watershed group.  The intent of the Salmon River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project is to restore salmonid habitat quality within a 12-mile reach of the main stem Salmon River near Challis, Idaho.  The approach utilized will be to improve the riparian corridor along with important aquatic habitat attributes by restoring side channels to their original geometry and floodplain functioning, using natural fluvial processes to the extent possible.

Currently, the project is wrapping up the feasibility study phase which is comprised of the investigation and recommendation of solutions to ecosystem restoration which includes all necessary environmental compliance and coordination.  The Walla Walla District has coordinated with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation.

Questions about this project may be addressed, as follows:

Program Manager, Salmon River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project
Plan Formulation Section, Walla Walla District
E-mail:CENWWPMPD@usace.army.mil
Phone: (509) 527-7257

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), Walla Walla District, manages shorelines around Lake Wallula, including both the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Tri-Cities, Washington.  The McNary Lakeshore Management Plan governs private shoreline use of federal lands on Lake Wallula.  The last revision of the Plan was accomplished in 1983.  Environmental and cultural resource requirements have changed significantly, thus necessitating management updates and a review of the permitting process for private boat docks and vegetation modifications.  Therefore, to adjust to changing conditions, laws, policies, and pressures along the shoreline, the Walla Walla District has been updating the Plan. 

An outreach program was designed to educate the tribes and public-at-large, about the regulations and policies that govern shoreline use.  The District invited public participation.  Additionally, the Corps invited tribes to the public scoping meeting designed as an issue session which included a discussion of increasing demands for public shoreline use and possible options for shoreline management.  On Sep 18, 2007, attendees were afforded the opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns and provide ideas for future management.  On Dec 8, 2006, the District offered the tribes government-to-government consultation, to insure that tribal perspectives were identified as management strategies and the decision making process began. 

While developing the revised plan, Walla Walla District scientists and planners have been considering such input from diverse parties, along with information gathered during interagency discussions – all within the framework of environmental and cultural requirements and balanced future management practices.  The District is working on a draft of the Shoreline Management Plan for external review by tribes and the public-at-large. 

Although the 30-day period to provide scoping comments officially concluded on Oct 18, 2006, comments may still be submitted by scrolling to the bottom of the text available through the following link:  www.nww.usace.army.mil/mcnaryshoreline.

Questions about this project may be addressed, as follows:

Project Manager, McNary Shoreline Management Plan
Plans Formulation Section, Walla Walla District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
E-mail:    CENWWPMPD@usace.army.mil
Phone: 509-527-7257

The Walla Walla District is conducting Phase I of a partnership program with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho (Tribes), under authority of Section 203 (“Tribal Partnership Program”) of the Water Resources Development Act 2000.   The District is currently finalizing a draft of the Phase I (Reconnaissance) Report for the tribes’ review.   The reports purpose is to determine whether there’s federal interest in developing a comprehensive plan for ecosystem restoration, erosion control, flood damage reduction, cultural resource protection, water quality and quantity within the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes’ Fort Hall Reservation and adjacent areas.   If federal interest is found, then the tribes and District will commence with Phase II (Feasibility Phase).  A report is currently being prepared in compliance with paragraph 905(b).

Questions may be addressed, as follows:

Project Manager, Tribal Partnership Program
Plans Formulation Section, Walla Walla District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
E-mail:  CENWWPMPD@usace.army.mil
Phone (509) 527-7246