F -- Newsome Channel and Riparian Restoration Feasibility Study

Newsome Channel and Riparian Restoration Feasibility Study - This project will provide a range of conceptual design alternatives for improvement of the Newsome Creek channel and riparian corridor. The project reach is about 3.5 miles long, the watershed area at the downstream end is about 23 square miles, the valley floor width averages about 200-300 feet, and the bankfull channel width is about 27 feet. Much of the valley floor through the project reach was dredge mined in the early part of the 20th century. Instream fish habitat improvement structures were placed in portions of the stream in the 1970s and 1980s. A system trail, designated for non-motorized access, exists on the valley floor and crosses the stream with fords in several locations. The objectives of the restoration work are to improve channel morphology, water quality, fish habitat, and riparian conditions. Anticipated measures to meet the objectives include reconfiguration and/or relocation of the stream channel, reshaping and relocation of mine tailings, reestablishment of floodplains, instream habitat improvement, soil restoration and revegetation. Public and administrative access must be maintained along Trail #826, which is present along the length of the project area. The expected product of the feasibility study is a written report displaying two to four alternatives which address these objectives at various levels. A basic concept for each alternative will be provided by the Forest Service, in cooperation with the Nez Perce Tribe and various agencies. The vendor will provide information on each alternative, including a narrative description, maps, typical drawings, resource benefits and liabilities, and general costs. The level of information should be adequate to support evaluation of the alternatives through subsequent processes such as environmental disclosure, threatened and and endangered species consultation, and cultural resources clearance. Key anticipated skill needs include hydrology, hydraulic engineering, fisheries biology, soils, botany and cultural resources. The project area is located in the headwaters of Newsome Creek, approximately 12 air miles northwest of Elk City, Idaho. The area is accessed via State Highway 14, then up Forest Road #1858. The project area begins at the upstream end of the private land boundary at the Newsome Townsite and continues for about 3.5 miles to near the mouth of Radcliffe Creek. The project area is located in T30N, R7E, Sections 12, 13, 18, 19, and 30, BM. Project area and vicinity maps will be posted on the Nez Perce National Forest website (www.fs.fed.us/r1/nezperce/). This notice will be updated with the complete URL when the maps are posted. A pre-solicitation site visit is planned for October 22, 2002 starting at 0900 PDT. Meeting location for the tour is at the junction of State Highway 14 and Newsome Creek Road #1858. This is located at MP 37 on Highway 14, about 12 miles west of Elk City and about 48 miles east of Grangeville, Idaho. Prospective bidders are responsible for their own transportation, lunches, and field gear. Waterproof knee-length or hip boots are recommended as there are several stream fords that will be crossed during the tour. THE MAP IS NOW POSTED AT THE FOLLOWING SITE: ftp://ftp2.fs.fed.us/incoming/r1/nezperce/contracting/newsome_chan_fs.zip