Recent Projects
National Resource Inventory
National Resource Inventory
Client: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Idaho, Montana, and Oregon State Offices
Location: Southwestern Idaho, Central and Western Montana, and Northeast Oregon
Whitebark staff conducted NRI Rangeland Field studies across Southwestern Idaho, Central and Western Montana, and Northeast Oregon, evaluating land use status, condition, and trends of rangeland, soil, water, and related resources. Rangeland data was collected at a number of Primary Sampling Units by applying NRCS sampling protocol that assessed the following parameters:
Information collected contributed to a nationwide statistical survey of land use and natural resource conditions and trends on U.S., non-Federal lands. The data is used to evaluate natural resource trends over time.
Sage-Grouse Data Compilation Project
Client: Challis Sage-Grouse Local Working Group
Location: Lemhi and Custer Counties, Idaho
Whitebark compiled a comprehensive document addressing greater sage-grouse population conservation and restoration within Custer and Lemhi counties, north-central Idaho. Incorporating GIS applications, data was collected from a variety of sources focusing on sage-grouse population numbers, their distribution and habitat requirements, associated predator community, and human harvest. A long-term dataset was created that summarizes the grazing history within the project area. The Challis Sage-Grouse Local Working Group used the report implementing habitat restoration programs that aim to recover the species and maintain habitat quality.
Stehekin Valley Road Environmental Assessment
Client: North Cascades National Park Service Complex
Location: Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, Stehekin Valley, Washington
Whitebark developed an Environmental Assessment, which the National Park Service utilized for the evaluation of management options for a flood-damaged portion of Stehekin Valley Road within the North Cascades National Park. Record flooding of the Stehekin River in 1995 and again in 2003 caused severe damage to the upper Stehekin Valley Road. The EA was prepared in accordance with the 1969 National Environmental Policy Act and implementing regulations, 40 CFR Parts 15500-1508l; NPS Director’s Order #12 and Handbook Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Decision-making; and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended, and implementing regulations, 36 CFR Part 800.
Ryegrass Sage-Grouse Summer Habitat Delineation
Client: Wyoming Wildlife Consultants, LLC
Location: Pinedale, Wyoming
A data dictionary was developed to assess sage-grouse summer habitat suitability in the Ryegrass area, located northwest of Daniel, WY. The survey was performed along seeps, springs, draws, and stock ponds on BLM lands. Data collected at each site include: a GPS polygon of each water feature; the primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary forb species and their relative abundance; wildlife and stock utilization rating; wildlife and stock presence/absence; presence, distance to, and type of cover; and extent of succulent vegetation from the water source. These baseline datasets will be used to identify potential offsite mitigation projects and to assess future gas development effects on wildlife and water availability.
Lemhi CWMA Weed Management
Client: Lemhi Cooperative Weed Management Area, a non-profit organization
Location: Lemhi County, Idaho
Whitebark weed management specialists surveyed, mapped, and treated noxious weed populations on federal, state, and privately owned lands within Lemhi County, Idaho. Appropriate herbicide applications were utilized based on weed species and site-specific conditions.
The Lemhi CWMA group coordinates efforts along logical geographic boundaries based on similar land types, use patterns and problem species. The overall goal is to prevent the introduction, reproduction and spread of designated noxious weeds and invasive exotic plants into and within the entire LCWMA. For more information on this critical non-profit organization, click here.
Cultural Resource Inventory
Client: North Wind, Inc. (subcontractor to North Wind on BLM/USFS cultural resources surveys)
Location: Salmon, Idaho; Eastern Oregon; Black Hills Region of South Dakota and Wyoming
Whitebark cultural crews performed a systematic survey of areas identified to contain known and potential sites of cultural significance. Previously documented sites were confirmed and relevant site information collected. New sites were surveyed for inclusion in the region’s cultural database.
Fire Management Planning for the BLM in Idaho
Client: North Wind, Inc., various BLM Offices
Location: Idaho
Whitebark assisted in the completion of Fire Management Plans (FMPs) for all lands managed by the BLM in Idaho. National direction regarding Federal fire management requires all land management agencies with burnable vegetation to complete an FMP. Whitebark assisted in this planning process for all State of Idaho BLM Districts and Field Offices. FMPs were completed in accordance with the national interagency FMP template. Our specialists were significant contributors and/or authors.
L-3AO Biological Assessment
Client: Bureau of Reclamation
Location: Salmon, Idaho
Whitebark completed a Biological Assessment for the replacement of the L-3AO irrigation diversion. The scope included the assessment of project design and construction impacts on federally listed species including fish and terrestrial and animal species.
The L-3AO diversion is a typical "push-up dam" located on the Lower Lemhi River at RM-3.9. Gravel and rock material located in the riverbed are pushed up with a dozer, or riprap is placed with a backhoe to create a berm in the river channel to back water into an irrigation ditch.
The landowner/irrigator was concerned about the risk of injuring ESA listed fish that occurred each time he re-constructed or modified his diversion. However, he was, and is, dependent upon Lemhi River irrigation water for pasture irrigation. The cost to construct a permanent diversion structure, that would also meet NOAA Fisheries criteria for fish passage, would be cost prohibitive for the landowner. Therefore, the landowner proposed that his diversion be replaced utilizing Bonneville Power funding for construction (or another source available through the USBWP or LSWCD). The desired structure would not require annual reconstruction and would provide for fish passage.
Completion of this project eliminates the need for semi-annual reconstruction of this diversion. It also eliminates the risk of injury to fish and ensures passage for bull trout, and migrating salmon and steelhead.
Contact Whitebark, Inc. Statement of Qualifications
117 N. Daisy/P. O. Box 1072 Salmon, ID 83467, USA
phone and fax: 208.756.1456
