Overview of Organization and Community The 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 Concerns Sufficient 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 Process Ken Clark, Nonpoint-Source Coordinator, Nez Perce Tribe Elisabeth Brackney, Wetlands Planner, Nez Perce Tribe Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests University of Idaho students (Geography 501: Climate Change Seminar) Staffers of Senators Crapo and Risch Any earlier steps in the process? NPT team members reviewed any available literature and data pertaining to climate change in our area We are incorporating our findings into a climate adaptation plan for the Clearwater River Subbasin The 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 - Forest More 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 - Water The Clearwater River contributes 31% of the flow of the Snake River and 8% of the Columbia River The subbasin contains nearly 12,000 miles of stream corridor It supports over 30 species of fish; several are listed as endangered or threatened Precipitation increases with elevation gain from west to east across the subbasin A stream temperature increase of 1° F was recorded over the last 40 years Snow water equivalent shows a downward trend at over the last 40 years The main causes of water quality impairment in the subbasin are temperature and sedimentation

Risk Assessment - Economics Agriculture 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 health Reduce catastrophic wildfire risk in wildland-urban interface To protect and restore water quality and quantity To sustain healthy fish populations Foster regional partnerships Evaluate and modify existing ordinances (floodplains, buffer zones)

Ideas for Implementing Our Plan Promote targeted prescribed burning Education (WUI, noxious weeds, insect control, aquatic ecosystem health) Increase quantity and quality of aquatic habitat Restore migration corridors for wildlife Bring 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