Overview of Organization and CommunityThe Climate Change Adaptation Plan is being

developed by the Nez Perce Tribe’s Water Resources Division.

The “community” encompasses a large and diverse area – the 9,600 square mile Clearwater River Subbasin.

The subbasin includes all or part of six counties in north-central Idaho: Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, and Shoshone.

The community ranges in elevation from 745 to 9,439 feet, mean annual precipitation from 25.7 to 59.0 inches, and average daily temperature from 19 to 86° F.

Primary Climate ConcernsSufficient water quantity for dryland

agriculture, fisheries, water-based recreation, power generation, and municipal water supply

Resultant loss of jobs in forestry, fisheries, tourism, and agriculture

Increase in frequency and severity of wildfires

Loss of forest productivity from insect infestations, diseases, and change in tree species under drought conditions

Spread of invasive nonnative plants favored by hotter, drier climate

Summary of Team Members and ProcessKen Clark, Nonpoint-Source Coordinator, Nez Perce TribeElisabeth Brackney, Wetlands Planner, Nez Perce TribeNez Perce and Clearwater National ForestsUniversity of Idaho students (Geography 501: Climate

Change Seminar)Staffers of Senators Crapo and RischAny earlier steps in the process?NPT team members reviewed any available literature and

data pertaining to climate change in our areaWe are incorporating our findings into a climate adaptation

plan for the Clearwater River SubbasinThe plan will be disseminated to stakeholders in the region

to raise awareness of the issues and solicit cooperation in implementing the plan

Risk Assessment Findings - ForestMore than two thirds of the subbasin are covered with

evergreen forests; most of them are managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Logging activity peaked in the 1970s and has declined significantly since the 1990s.

Once abundant western white pine has been decimated by overharvest and blister rust. Climate change will reduce stands of Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and western larch.

Fire suppression increased the forest’s susceptibility to pathogens and wildfires and reduced early seral tree species.

A warmer, drier climate increases stress on forests resulting in lower productivity and higher incidence of insect infestations , diseases, and forest fires.

Risk Assessment Findings - WaterThe Clearwater River contributes 31% of the flow of the

Snake River and 8% of the Columbia RiverThe subbasin contains nearly 12,000 miles of stream

corridorIt supports over 30 species of fish; several are listed as

endangered or threatenedPrecipitation increases with elevation gain from west to

east across the subbasinA stream temperature increase of 1° F was recorded

over the last 40 yearsSnow water equivalent shows a downward trend at over

the last 40 yearsThe main causes of water quality impairment in the

subbasin are temperature and sedimentation

Risk Assessment - EconomicsAgriculture is an important part of the region’s

economy. Reduced snowpack and early snowmelt will reduce moisture levels in summer and decrease crop yields.

Recreation and tourism are major drivers of the economy in the subbasin. Water-based recreation (rafting, boating, skiing) will be impacted by lower water levels in rivers and lakes or by lack of snow.

Fishing is important in the region for recreation as well as subsistence. Higher temperatures and reduced water levels will affect fish numbers.

The forest industry will also be affected by climate change as explained in a previous slide.

Priority Goals and Objectives

To maintain forest healthReduce catastrophic wildfire risk in wildland-

urban interfaceTo protect and restore water quality and

quantityTo sustain healthy fish populationsFoster regional partnershipsEvaluate and modify existing ordinances

(floodplains, buffer zones)

Ideas for Implementing Our Plan

Promote targeted prescribed burningEducation (WUI, noxious weeds, insect

control, aquatic ecosystem health)Increase quantity and quality of aquatic

habitatRestore migration corridors for wildlifeBring together stakeholders in annual

conferences to share information and develop strategies

Develop floodplain models and share with county officials

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

Serve as a catalyst for more detailed analyses of climate change in the region

Provide a mechanism to strengthen regional partnerships

Increase general awareness of potential climate change impacts

Spur on-the-ground implementation projects to improve water quality, quantity, and aquatic habitat