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Clearwater Subbasin Dashboard

Council Resources

Goals, objectives & strategies

Goals (from 2004 subbasin plan and data)
Anadromous fish production is limited by habitat quantity, quality and connectivity in portions of the subbasin.
As reflected in the inventory, numerous agencies and entities are implementing programs and projects in the subbasin. Lack of coordination and integration limit the economic, social, cultural and biological benefits of aquatic and terrestrial protection and restoration in the subbasin.
Dworshak reservoir operations and management impact important resident fisheries within the reservoir including kokanee, smallmouth bass, bull trout, rainbow trout, and westslope cutthroat (See Assessment Section 4.11 for background on the dam, 8.1.9 for discussion of resident fish in the reservoir, 8.3.2 (resident fish section) for discussion of Dworshak Reservoir operations and impacts to resident fisheries, and 8.1.7 for discussion of bull trout).
Economic and social factors play an important role in determining the effective and efficient implementation of habitat-related improvement or protection strategies. When they are not considered as part of protection and restoration activities, they can undermine success and reduce activity effectiveness.
Historic and current livestock grazing adversely impacted fish and wildlife habitats and populations in some portions of the subbasin (See Assessment Sections 4.10.7, 6.7.1 and Chapter 9).
In the past, projects have not been successful in conditions where the local groups are not supportive. Long-term program implementation is more successful where projects are locally developed and implemented.
Limited understanding of the composition, population trends, and habitat requirements of the wildlife and plant (terrestrial) communities of the Clearwater subbasin, limits the ability to effectively manage or conserve these species (See Assessment Chapters 5 and 6 for presentation of available data related to terrestrial communities).
Long-term persistence and abundance of native resident fish species within the Clearwater subbasin is threatened by genetic introgression, loss of fluvial population components, genetic interchange, population connectivity, and habitat quality and quantity (See Assessment Sections 8.1.5 through 8.1.9 and 8.3).
Management of hatchery and natural production are not adequately integrated to meet mitigation, restoration, harvest and recovery goals. (See Assessment Sections 8.1 and 8.2 for information about ongoing hatchery practices and existing knowledge of hatchery/wild interactions within and between species).
Out of subbasin factors are primary in limiting adult recruitment in the Clearwater subbasin (See Assessment Section 8.3.1).
Reductions in the extent of mature ponderosa pine habitats in the subbasin have negatively impacted the numerous wildlife species that utilize these habitats.
Road construction, timber harvest and/or fire suppression have altered the size, quality, distribution and juxtapositions in and between habitat patches in the subbasin.
The expansion of urban and rural human development, particularly in the Lower Clearwater AU, has negatively impacted native terrestrial species.
The extensive loss and degradation of the prairie grassland habitats of the Lower Clearwater have negatively impacted numerous native plant and animal species dependent on these habitats.
The introduction of noxious weeds and nonnative plant species into the Clearwater subbasin has negatively impacted native terrestrial focal species.
The loss of late seral forest habitats in the Clearwater subbasin have negatively impacted native terrestrial species that depend on this habitat type.
The loss of wetland and riparian habitats particularly in the Lower Clearwater AU, Lolo-Middle Fork, and South Fork AU has negatively impacted the numerous wildlife species that utilize these habitats.
The loss or dramatic reduction in anadromous fish runs throughout the subbasin has reduced nutrient inputs and reduced habitat suitability for salmon-dependent wildlife.
The reduction in availability of early seral habitats has negatively impacted native terrestrial species.
There is a great need for prioritization of activities addressing limiting factors. The limited resources available need to be used as efficiently as possible. The great diversity of issues and factors that need to be considered make prioritization a large task that will need to be frequently repeated and fine-tuned based on new information. Key data gaps currently limit the effectiveness of assessment, prioritization and planning in the Clearwater subbasin. Data needs also need to be prioritized and addressed.
Water quantity and quality, connectivity, and habitat complexity are key environmental factors that limit the production of anadromous and resident fish species and aquatic wildlife (See Assessment Sections 8.3.2 through 8.3.6).

Limiting factors & actions

Chart.

Click to display the 40 occurrences of impairments by limiting factor affecting multiple species and 121 recommended actions. Click bars for more detail.

External Resources

Programs & plans

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Organizations

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