Project Overview:

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:  CENWW-PD-WEB@usace.army.mil
Phone: 509-527-7264

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: CENWW-PD-PF-WEB@usace.army.mil
Phone: 509-527-7615

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:  CENWW-PD-WEB@usace.army.mil
Phone: 509-527-7264

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:CENWW-PD-PF-WEB@usace.army.mil
Phone: (509) 527-7615

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:    CENWW-PD-PF-WEB@usace.army.mil
Phone: 509-527-7246

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:  CENWW-PD-PF-WEB@usace.army.mil
Phone (509) 527-7246

The Walla Walla District’s Real Estate Division is preparing to lease Chiawana Park and the adjoining shoreline downstream to the Road 54 boat launch.  This area was formerly leased by Franklin County, Washington.  The City of Pasco, Washington, has now requested that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lease the Park to the City.  On February 1, 2007, the Walla Walla District sent a letter offering consultation to chairpersons of federally recognized tribes within the Walla Walla District’s assigned area for civil works.

 Questions regarding this leasing action may be addressed to:

Chief, Management and Disposal
Real Estate Division, Walla Walla District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
E-mail:  CENWW-RE-WEB@usace.army.mil
Phone (509) 527-7328

• The Walla Walla District’s Regulatory Division is responsible for regulating work in waters of the United States
   to protect aquatic resources through the Department of the Army Permit Program. 

On Nov 14, 2006, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (HQ USACE) mailed letters to federally recognized tribes throughout the nation, offering consultation about 33 Code of Federal Regulations 325, Appendix “C” (Historic Properties) revisions.  Included in the mailing, were federally recognized tribes within the Walla Walla District’s assigned area for Regulatory matters, which is land within the state boundaries of Idaho.

Questions about District Regulatory actions may addressed to:

Environmental Resource Specialist
Regulatory Division, Walla Walla District
E-mail:  CENWW-RD-WEB@usace.army.mil
Phone:  (509) 527-7153

Channel banks of the lower Snake River have been explored by the National Park Service and Smithsonian Institution.  Of particular significance were the shore lands and rock cliff caverns near the mouth of the Palouse River.  In the 1960s, excavation was conducted in this area by Washington State University archaeologists and students who, by the summer of 1968, made a concentrated effort to finish excavating the Marmes Rock Shelter site prior to the Corps of Engineers raising the pool level behind Lower Monumental Dam.  Because the Walla Walla District is the custodian of the Marmes Rock Shelter Collection, the District is ensuring its safekeeping and proper disposition under applicable laws.

A Walla Walla webpage dedicated to District activities related to the Marmes Collection is currently under construction.  It will provide information about the associated condition assessment and accounting process.  

Questions may be addressed, as follows

Program Manager, Marmes Project Delivery Team Manager
Technical Support Branch, Walla Walla District
E-mail: CENWW-OD-WEB@nww01.usace.army.mil
Phone:  (509) 527-7131

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990, as amended (25 USC 3001 et seq.) and  the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act: Final Rule (43 CFR 10) includes provisions dealing with the intentional excavation and inadvertent discovery of Native American human remains and sensitive cultural items.  The law also established a way for Native Americans (including members of Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Native Alaskan villages and corporations), to request repatriation (return) of human remains and other sensitive cultural items.

The Walla Walla District works with the Mandatory Center of Expertise for the Curation and Management of Archaeological Collections (MCX-CMAC), which was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1994.  The MCX-CMAC is located in the St. Louis District and is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that all Corps districts comply with the Curation of Federally-Owned and Administered Archeological Collections (36 CFR 79) .  The MCX-CMAC helps ensure compliance for collections meeting the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act criteria.  The MCX-CMAC website provides additional information and can be accessed at the following web address:   www.mvs.usace.army.mil/engr/Curation/Home.htm.

Questions may be addressed, as follows:

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Archaeologist
201 North Third Avenue
Walla Walla, WA  99362
Phone:  (509) 527-7278
Fax:  (509) 527-7825
E-mail: CENWW-PD-EC-WEB@usace.army.mil

The Tribal Liaison is dedicated to the facilitation of two-way communication between the District and those Native American tribes with current or aboriginal land that falls within the geographic area assigned to the Walla Walla District by Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.   The Tribal Liaison does not set policy, but functions as a conduit through which tribes can address questions if they need a referral to policy or functional area experts within the District.  The Tribal Liaison also promotes early and frequent information-sharing with tribes about District programs and projects that may interest or impact tribes.  Additionally, the Tribal Liaison develops and promotes District processes that enhance the working relationships between the District and tribes.   The goal is to establish and maintain information flow, to support partnering, and to facilitate a positive path forward.  

• The Corps works with tribes in Regulatory matters (Department of the Army Clean Water Act permits) and also in the civil works arena, because either may interest or impact the cultural and/or natural resources of tribes.  To manage the Corps’ workload, Headquarters divided the country’s geographic area into “regulatory” areas of responsibility and “civil works” areas of responsibility, and assigned the Walla Walla District a specific geographic area in which to manage any permit actions, and a geographic area in which to manage civil works projects.  The boundary lines of one are not an exact overlay of the other.  The following information explains the differences of the two Areas of Responsibility (AORs) and identifies the tribes  with land in them:



• Civil Works  AOR:  A defined boundary that includes portions of six states (Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming and the northernmost parts of Nevada and Utah).  Because a “civil works” AOR is based on watershed boundaries, Walla Walla works with tribes with land that falls in the Snake River Basin and the McNary Lock and Dam area and the limits of its pool, extending to Richland Wash, along the Columbia River. 



• Regulatory AOR:  The Regulatory AOR is the land inside the State of Idaho.  The Regulatory AOR is different than the civil works AOR.  The Walla Walla District’s Regulatory Division administers two laws:  Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.  Regulatory activities with tribes are generated when an application for a standard Department of the Army Permit is submitted to the applicable District.  Before a district begins processing applications for a standard permit, it offers consultation to tribes within that district’s Regulatory AOR, because the action requiring a permit may impact a tribe’s natural or cultural resources.

• Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CCT), Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), Nez Perce Tribe, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, Idaho; Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley and the Wanapum, which are a distinct group, but not federally recognized.

• Sometimes, 100 percent of a tribal government’s land exists within a single district’s civil works AOR.  However, some tribes have land that overlaps the boundaries of two neighboring districts.  In such instances, tribes may work with both districts.

• The following is a quick-reference chart that reflects which tribes within the Walla Walla District’s two AORs:

Alphabetical list of Tribes with Land Located Inside the Walla Walla District’s Civil Works and Regulatory AORs	In Walla Walla Civil Works AOR ?	In Walla Walla Regulatory AOR ?
Coeur d’Alene Tribe – headquarters in Plummer, Idaho.  As a tribe within the State of Idaho, the tribe is within the Walla Walla District’s Regulatory AOR, and the Seattle District’s civil works AOR.	No	Yes
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CCT) – headquarters in Nespelem, Washington. Tribes include the Colville, Nespelem, San Poil Lake, Palus, Wenatchi, Chelan, Entiat, Methow, Southern Okanogan, Moses Columbia and Nez Perce of Chief Joseph’s Band (1) part of the CCT land is within  the Walla Walla District’s civil works AOR (2) CCT land that’s within the State of Washington, is within Seattle District’s Regulatory AOR.	Yes	No
Kootenai Tribe of Idaho – headquarters in Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho. Though Walla Walla is the only district responsible for Regulatory matters for tribes in ID, the Kootenai land is within the Seattle civil works AOR.	No	Yes
Nez Perce Tribe – headquarters in Lapwai, Idaho.  Nez Perce land is within the Walla Walla’s civil works and Regulatory AORs.	Yes	Yes
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes – headquarters at the Fort Hall Reservation, Idaho. Tribes include the Shoshone Tribe and the Bannock Tribes.  The Tribes’ headquarters and reservation lands are in Idaho.	Yes	Yes
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley – headquarters geographic location is in Idaho, but its mailing address is in Owyhee, NV.  Some of the reservation land is in Idaho, and half in Nevada.  Tribes include the Shoshone Tribe and Paiute Tribe.  The entire reservation is within the Walla Walla District’s civil works AOR.  However, the southern half of the reservation falls within the Regulatory AOR of the Sacramento District.	Yes	Partially (See explanation to the left)
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) – headquarters in Pendleton, Oregon. Tribes include the Walla Walla, Cayuse, and Umatilla.  Although CTUIR reservation land is within the Portland District’s Regulatory AOR, the CTUIR chooses to interface with Walla Walla District and the Portland District on watershed issues, because the Umatilla River runs through both Districts.	Yes	No
Wanapum – headquarters in Priest Rapids, Washington (non-federally-recognized).  Although Wanapum land is within the Portland District’s Regulatory AOR, the Wanapum work with the Walla Walla District on civil works matters.	Yes	No
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation – headquarters in Toppenish, WA. Member groups include the Kah-milt-pah, Klickitat, Klinquit, Kow-was-say-ee, Li-ay-was, Oche-chotes, Palouse, Pisquose, Se-ap-cat, Shyiks, Skinpay, Wenatshapam, Wishram, and Yakama.	Yes	No
Additionally, the Walla Walla District’s Regulatory Division works with three additional tribes when Regulatory matters impact specific counties within the District’s Regulatory AOR because of aboriginal land use by the tribes on land that is now in the counties listed below: The Kalispel Tribe, headquartered in Usk, WA (Boundary and Bonner Counties, ID) The Salish and Kootenai Tribes, headquartered in Pablo, MT (Boundary and Bonner Counties, ID) The Spokane Tribe, headquartered in Wellpinit, WA (Benewah, and Bonner Counties, ID)	No	Yes (See  explanation to the left)

Click here for a map of AORs and Tribal Headquarters locations

• If the Tribal Liaison can be of assistance, please refer to the following contact data:

Tribal Liaison
Walla Walla District
201 North Third Avenue
Walla Walla, WA  99362-1876
Phone:  (509) 527-7721
FAX:   (509)  527-7804
E-Mail: CENWW-XA-WEB@usace.army.mil