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Selkirk Conservation Alliance Mailing address: Office: 208-265-9670 |
SCA's Current Projects, Programs and Important Issues WILDLIFE
PEND OREILLE RIVER WATER QUALITY Grizzly Video Clip GRIZZLY BEAR AWARENESS PROGRAM Posted August 2, 2008 
SCA works within the southern Selkirk Mountains – south of Canada, between the Pend Oreille River on the west and the Kootenay River on the east, to some uncertain area south of Sandpoint, Idaho. This is grizzly bear habitat. When Lewis and Clark explored the West in the early 1800s, an estimated 50,000 grizzly bears roamed between the Pacific Ocean and the Great Plains, across vast stretches of open and unpopulated land. Today, with the western United States inhabited by millions of Americans, only a few small corners of grizzly country remain, supporting about 1,400 wild grizzly bears. There are only about 40 grizzly bears in the southern Selkirk Mountains. In 1975, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the grizzly bear as a threatened species in the Lower 48 States under the Endangered Species Act, placing the species under federal protection. Every year, residents near places like Bismarck Meadows, south of Nordman, see grizzly bears, just emerged from winter hibernation, and hungry. Grizzlies are omnivores; they eat just about anything. For a hungry grizzly, birdseed and suet, dog food, and garbage scraps are, if not a meal, certainly a delectable appetizer. If an individual grizzly bear gets used to such a food source, it becomes a “problem” or “nuisance” bear. If its presence scares its human neighbors, the most likely outcome at present is death for that bear. The population cannot afford to lose individuals from conflict with humans. Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has the daily management responsibility for grizzly bears within the state. IDFG assesses bear-human interactions and does its best to remedy possibly bad outcomes through human education and bear management. But, in 2007, IDFG had to kill a young male grizzly bear, partially because their tool bag for bear management is not complete. One missing tool uses intensive bear harassment through a Karelian bear dog and human team that makes life miserable for a problem bear and chases it out of the human occupied area. This technique is not a cure-all; sometimes it will not work when bear extremely habituated to human food sources. However, it is effective often enough to attempt it before resorting to euthanizing a bear. The grizzly bear awareness program that SCA is currently developing has two goals:
To realize these goals SCA needs funding. It costs about $5,000.00 per problem bear to take advantage of bear removal expertise. Additional funds are needed to provide grizzly bear education and refuse management. The more funds we can gather toward these efforts, the more people and bears our program can benefit. If you would like to help prevent another unnecessary grizzly bear death, please make a contribution toward bear rescue and human education. Contact us by email or by phone at (208) 265-9670. PRIEST LAKE STATE FOREST PROJECT Posted July 2008 SCA is working with Gonzaga University to develop a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) project on the Priest Lake State Forest. This project is assessing the roads system within the State Forest and looking at the total road system, closed versus open, reportedly closed but in unauthorized use, etc. When completed, this GIS layer will provide an interesting comparison with roads data reported by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL which manages this State Forest). It will, also, provide the basis for a crucial grizzly bear security analysis update for the Priest Lake State Forest Grizzly Bear Management Unit (GBMU). Finally, this project will look at the standing timber volume issue, i.e. how much area is actually available to IDL for logging versus how much is reported. The most positive outcome would be for this data to verify the IDL data. However, we anticipate it will reveal significant errors that, whether intentional or not, have the potential to devastate crucial habitat for grizzly bear, mountain caribou, bull trout and other sensitive resources. SCA will use the results of this project to motivate IDL to complete its unconscionably delayed Habitat Conservation Plan (now over 5 years) and to complete a plan that will provide significant protection to the sensitive resources of the Priest Lake State Forest CARIBOU AERIAL MONITORING PROGRAM Operating under the assumption that a picture is indeed worth a thousand words, SCA began, five years ago, an aerial monitoring program that has been instrumental in photo-documenting the increasing onslaught of motorized "thrill-craft" into once-pristine wildlife habitat. The hundreds of aerial photographs, compiled over a period of years is compelling evidence of the impacts such machines are having on the Selkirk Mountains threatened mountain caribou population for instance... the most endangered large mammal in North America. Introduced into court, and buttressed by the expert testimony of highly respected caribou research biologists, our photographs played a major role in last year's court victory which resulted in protection of crucial habitat for caribou as well as the creation of a critical migration corridor or connecting link from Canada to the southern boundary of the US portion of the Woodland Caribou Recovery Area. The pressure to reopen portions of the restricted area to snowmobiles will not soon end however as the Forest Service, responsive to motorized thrill seekers and individuals with an economic interest in expanding motorized recreation in caribou habitat, will almost certainly attempt to undermine the court ruling by crafting a new Winter Travel Plan that will cater to snowmobilers at the expense of caribou and other wildlife. The draft Winter Travel Plan should be out for public review in late August or early fall. You are urged to review and submit comments back to the Forest Service. Your involvement counts! SCA, in concert with the Idaho Conservation League and Advocates for the West, and armed with this winter's photographs, is prepared to head back to court with irrefutable proof of continued illegal motorized incursions into closed areas. IDAHO'S NORTHERN GRAY WOLVES Posted August 2, 2008 Against the wishes of the Idaho State government as well as sheep and cattle ranchers, some deer and elk hunters and other citizens, the northern gray wolf was reintroduced into Idaho about 10 years ago. Except for in the Panhandle, wolves had been exterminated from the state. When wolves were eradicated from most of Idaho, the ecology changed. Historically, wolves evolved in conjunction with somewhat balanced populations of native deer, elk, moose, antelope, and other species. Reintroduced wolves entered ecosystems dominated by white-tailed deer and elk (preferred by hunters), and sheep and cattle raised by ranchers. Wolves were reintroduced into an unnatural ecosystem of wild ungulates (deer and elk) that had, to some degree, lost their predator avoidance behavior and to domestic livestock. Wolf populations expanded quickly and dramatically, at the expense of native and domestic prey. Then, it wasn’t only wolves howling! There were plenty of cries from hunters and ranchers. Idaho government officials, who include plenty of both, maintained an anti-wolf stance. Along with Montana and Wyoming, Idaho convinced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that de-listing of this species as threatened was in order, and that the States would provide management of wolves adequate to retain them in perpetuity. An Idaho wolf management plan was prepared and submitted for public review. Because we saw it as not very good, pandering shamelessly to anti-wolf sentiment and not even factually correct, SCA provided extensive comments, as did hundreds of other organizations and individuals. A revised plan came out that seemed a little better. 
Then, Idaho prepared its wolf hunting program. The hunting goals, i.e. proposed wolf deaths, were based on data not included in the wolf management plan on which SCA commented, but on unpublished data not made available to the public. Wolf hunting numbers were based on population growth figures never recorded in the wild for Idaho wolf populations. To exacerbate the situation, the Fish and Game Commission decided to add an additional 100 wolves to the hunting program with no scientific basis. Hunters were allowed 438 wolves of the approximately 1,000 in Idaho – almost 50% mortality. Comments were ignored; SCA complaints to the Director of IDFG received no response. Fortunately, the US Fish and Wildlife Service decision to de-list wolves and turn management over to state governments was appealed in federal court by 12 conservation organizations, using Earthjustice as the environmental attorney firm. Earthjustice sought a stay of the federal government’s decision. They won; we won; best of all, the wolves won a stay of execution – literally. Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are considering their options but none of their options seem to consider managing wolves in a responsible fashion. The options are weighed on political ramification, not on recommendations made by field biologists. IDFG biologists know how to manage wolves appropriately; they are not allowed to do so. SCA was not a co-plaintiff in the original litigation and it is unlikely that we will be actively involved in the continuing court case, if that occurs. However, we will monitor what happens, and be supportive those involved, especially those under attack – the wolves. We’ll do what we can do, with your support. BOUNDARY DAM RE-LICENSING PROJECT SCA has been involved in the Boundary Dam re-licensing since early 2007. Originally constructed in the mid-1950s, Boundary Dam is about 300 feet high and it's somewhat logical that there are no fish passage structures. (But read further on that issue.) Boundary Dam is owned by the City of Seattle and run by Seattle City Light (SCL). SCL has been working with FERC and stakeholders since 2006 to provide for relicensing. A sweeping series of studies were undertaken in 2007 and are ongoing in 2008. Studies on hydraulic routing, total dissolved oxygen, toxics, fish movement and distribution, fish stranding and trapping, waterfowl use of the reservoir, water quality, entrainment (passage) of fish through the turbines, etc. SCA provided extensive comments to FERC on the Revised Study Plan (prior to field studies taking place) and has been involved on a regular and ongoing basis through funding provided by the Hydropower Reform Coalition in review and comments on the studies. In early 2008, SCA initiated negotiations with SCL to begin the discussion of protections, mitigations and enhancements Although SCL is reluctant to break into the linear schedule they had established and which relegated such discussions into late 2008 at the earliest, other stakeholders do support SCA's proposal for early PM&E proposals that will be complex and require significant discussion and negotiation. The Selkirk Conservation Alliance was requested by the Hydropower Reform Coalition to be the non-governmental organization responsible for providing oversight to this re-licensing process with a special emphasis on natural resources issues. Jerry R, Boggs, Ph.D., is our representative and has already provided significant comment to FERC on the Revised Study Plan. Comments focused on the above two issues but, also, included issues relating to plans for the Fish Distribution, Timing and Abundance Study; Fish Entrainment and Habitat Connectivity Study; Waterfowl/Waterbird Study; Rare, Threatened and Endangered (RTE) Plant Species Inventory; RTE Wildlife Species Study, Bat Surveys and Habitat Inventory; Recreation Resource Study; and, the Lands and Road Study. This is an ongoing process that will occur over the next couple of years. Right now, we're in a holding pattern while FERC determines the Final Study Plan. Stay tuned. ALBENI FALLS DAM Posted July 2008 The Pend Oreille River flows not very far out of Lake Pend Oreille before passing through Albeni Falls Dam for energy creation. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps). Albeni Falls Dam was constructed in 1955 and produces 200 million KW of electricity/year. Although a log chute was included in its design, no allowances were made for migratory fish (common in that era). In 2000, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issued a Biological Opinion that required the Army Corps to carry out a determination that reads: “The action agencies shall evaluate the feasibility of reestablishing bull trout passage at Albeni Falls Dam.” The Army Corps made very slow progress over the next several years. In 2007, SCA placed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Army Corps to discover what, if any, progress had been made in the last six to seven years. Almost simultaneously, SCA made formal inquiry to the Service to find out why that agency was apparently in dereliction of its duties to ensure the Army Corps did meet its Endangered Species Act obligations under the 2000 Biological Opinion. Without getting into cause and effect determinations, SCA is happy to report that the Army Corps is now actively evaluating the feasibility of fish passage over Albeni Falls Dam. Monthly phone conferences have been established by the Corps to disseminate project information to all stakeholders on a regular basis. A two-day workshop, held in early June of 2008, allowed all stakeholders and the Army Corps to work together on the design of fish passage structures specific for upstream and downstream passage of bull trout and west slope cutthroat trout. The Kalispel Tribe of Indians from Usk, Washington are contracted to carry out fish movement and other studies on bull trout that are relevant to the recovery of bull trout in general and to the fish passage feasibility study at Albeni Falls Dam in particular. Additional field trips are planned to Thompson Falls Dam in August 2008 as well as a field meeting in September at Albeni Falls Dam itself. Progress is being made. The mega-habitat for bull trout that was so dramatically degraded in the 1950s is making its first steps toward at least partial recovery. BOX CANYON DAM This small hydropower dam, located at river mile 34.41 on the Pend Oreille River, is only 62.4 feet high and produces 69 megawatts yearly. Constructed in 1956, it did not include any fish passage. Developed and managed by the Pend Oreille Public Utilities District (PUD), the recent relicensing has been very contentious as the PUD does not wish to spend funds required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for mitigation. The PUD has actively and legally fought mitigations that would improve the situation for bull trout and other salmonids, including fish passage past the dam site. This issue is still unresolved. A side issue is that the PUD is the owner of the facilities at Sullivan Dam and Millpond Dam in the drainage of Sullivan Creek, a major tributary to Boundary Reservoir and recognized in the Bull Trout Recovery Plan as a major stream for recovery of that species. Although the PUD would like to divest all physical or legal ownership of the dam facilities leading out of Sullivan Lake, there are many issues of concern to a variety of publics, e.g. future of bull trout recovery in this stream; future water recreation on both the stream and lake; future lake elevations and how that affects property lease holders along the lakeshore. This issue and how it will play out in relationship to significant ecological issues should be resolved within the next few years. The PUD tried to divest itself this summer of responsibility for these structures through a license surrender process but was rejected by FERC. SCA was not a stakeholder in the Box Canyon Dam relicensing efforts that concluded only a year or so ago. However, SCA has become involved as a stakeholder along with American Whitewater and others in the public meetings being hosted by the PUD and the Colville National Forest to determine the future of Sullivan and Millpond Dams and Sullivan Creek itself. PRIEST LAKE MILFOIL SURVEY Posted July 2008 For a number of years, SCA has been involved in Eurasian milfoil surveys of Priest Lake. Eurasian milfoil has been found in a variety of places in each year of survey since 2006, e.g. in the Bear Creek Wetlands and in the Kaniksu Resort area. With the aid of volunteers and expert Sharon Sorby, the Selkirk Cooperative Weed Management Area Chair, SCA organized a training program for monitors to look for and identify Eurasian Milfoil. This highly destructive invasive aquatic plant is infesting lakes and rivers across the northwest and is enormously expensive to control unless infestations are discovered and removed before they become firmly established. Keeping the invasive variety of milfoil out of Priest Lake is a high priority for SCA and we will expand our monitoring program next summer. Monitoring, however, is only part of the solution. SCA is advocating a mandatory boat cleaning program as the weed is routinely spread by plant fragments attached to boats arriving from other infested lakes and rivers. Jet skis and jet boats are particularly problematic since plant parts are retained in the engine intake and thus easily exhausted into pristine waters. SCA would like to see prohibition of these machines until it can be established that they can be adequately cleaned. We will continue to monitor this problem and with prompt attention and a proactive management plan, we may be able to protect Priest Lake from further infestation. PRIEST LAKE WATER QUALITY MONITORING Posted July 2008 In July of 2007, SCA formally requested, from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), help in setting up a Priest Lake Citizen's Water Quality Monitoring Program. SCA sent a letter to DEQ Water Quality Manager Ed Tulloch requesting DEQ's help in providing equipment and funding laboratory analysis of water samples. In February of this year we did hear from DEQ and they will help SCA with training and lab fees, but the program depends on reliable volunteers to periodically test water quality in Priest Lake. To that end, SCA has formed a Citizens' Volunteer Monitoring Program. This project will compile data useful in protecting Priest Lake's renowned water purity and serve as an early warning tool in identifying hazards before they become insurmountable. In 2008, SCA purchased a dissolved oxygen/temperature monitoring meter for volunteers to use when monitoring the water quality on Priest Lake. We are exploring the possibility of another meter for use on southern Priest Lake. Volunteers, in coordination with DEQ, have worked this project throughout this summer and are providing not only temperature and dissolved oxygen readings to DEQ but also water samples for lab analysis. If you are interested in becoming a part of Citizens' Volunteer Monitoring Program, please contact the SCA office as soon as possible. The initial training session took place in June but new volunteers are welcome and can be trained as they work. SCA will provide all necessary equipment. PEND ORIELLE BASIN COMMISSION Posted August 20, 2008 SCA has recently become regularly involved with the Pend Oreille Basin Commission at its Sandpoint meetings. Many of the issues presented to and discussed by the Commission are of concern to residents in both the Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake areas. Examples include, proposed rule making on septic systems adjacent to lakes, Eurasian milfoil extermination or control, and declining populations of native fisheries. The Pend Oreille Basin Commission was created by Idaho State House Bill 110 in 2003. It is officially the Lake Pend Oreille, Pend Oreille River, Priest Lake and Priest River Basin Commission. Any issue relating to water quality and/or water quantity in the Pend Oreille Basin is of concern to the Commission. The Commission is comprised of eight members, five of whom are local residents, hand-picked and appointed by the Idaho Governor, two are representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and one is from the Idaho State Attorney General's office. In addition, an "ex officio" designee serves from the State of Montana. The Commission is scheduled to meet quarterly – roughly seasonal meetings – on the second Wednesdays of the months of February, May, August, and November. The Pend Oreille Basin Commission meetings reflect relevant issues of concern at the time they are held, and usually feature guest speakers. The public is always invited to attend, and notices of the meetings are posted around the area and in the local newspapers. New this year is the Commission's first staff member who serves as the eyes and ears for the busy Commissioners. Kate Wilson, conducts research on the various issues that effect our lakes and rivers, organizes meetings and agendas, writes press releases, maintains the website, makes contacts, takes minutes, and answers questions and queries directed at the Commission. The Pend Oreille Basin Commission’s work is important for the continued health of both lake ecosystems. SCA urges members and any interested persons to contact Kate Wilson at (208) 263-4984 or visit the Commission website. The website is full of good information. This is a group that has the ear of the Governor and Idaho State legislature. We should take advantage of the good that this group can do for the conservation of conservation values within our lake systems. If you have issues that you think SCA should take up with the Commission, please let us know at by email. Photo credits: |
Keeping the Wild in the Selkirk Ecosystem  |
Home | About SCA | Current Projects | What You Can Do Links | Contact SCA | Join SCA Last updated Wednesday, August 27, 2008 ©2008 Selkirk Conservation Alliance – All rights reserved |