Clark Fork Project
The new Clark Fork Project License, including both the Noxon Rapids and Cabinet Gorge hydroelectric developments, became effective on March 1, 2001. The new license is the result of the successful efforts of representatives from nearly 40 organizations, who worked together for several years to create the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement. The Settlement Agreement, contains 26 protection, mitigation and enhancement (PM&E) measures addressing impacts of continued operation of the project. The agreement also adopts the term "Living License,"รด a concept that promotes ongoing problem solving through adaptive management. Avista immediately began implementation of the PM&E measures in March of 1999, a full two years before expiration of the existing licenses. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) followed up in an unprecedented action with the issuance of a new license one-year before the existing licenses expired.
The collaborative spirit that was instrumental in the relicensing process continues on in the implementation efforts. The Clark Fork Management Committee (comprised of the signatories to the Settlement Agreement) continues to meet twice annually to approve all implementation activities and monitor the success of implementation efforts. If resource goals are not met, the Management Committee has the ability to make changes in the direction of the program. Terrestrial and water resources advisory committees advise the Management Committee on technical issues. The Cultural Resource Management Group advises the Management Committee on projects that have the potential to impact cultural and historic resources associated with the project.
Just two years into implementation, the Clark Fork Project has achieved monumental tasks including:
- Transporting bull trout over Cabinet Gorge Dam for the first time in 50 years, in an attempt to reestablish historic migration routes.
- Restoring over a mile of Twin Creek (an important bull trout spawning stream) to its historic channel through a multi-party effort lead by Trout Unlimited and partially funded by Avista.
- Purchase of 871-acres of wetland and riparian habitat along Bull River, the largest tributary to Cabinet Gorge Reservoir. These purchases will allow preservation of existing wetland and riparian habitat.
- Obtaining more than $300,000 in grant money to leverage existing funds.
- Receipt of the National Hydropower Association's Outstanding Stewardship of America's Waters Awards award in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.
- Significant improvements to recreational facilities such as Pilgrim Creek Park. Click here to view a map and description of recreation facilities on the Clark Fork River.
