in-Depth NONPOINT SOURCE SUCCESS STURY
Highlighting the People Behind the Progress
Efforts to Control Sediment Builds Community and Yields
Environmental and Economic Benefits
NORTH FORK COEUR D'ALENE RIVER SUBBASIN, IDAHO
For decades, stakeholders in the North Fork Coeur d'Alene (NFCDA)
River subbasin have worked to reduce sediment pollution and restore
coldwater fisheries habitat by reducing erosion from forest roads and by
restoring riparian and in stream habitats. Water quality in multiple previ-
ously impaired segments has improved, thanks to dedicated individuals,
available funding sources, and a programmatic approach to implementa-
tion and monitoring.
Partners in Success
Ed Lider, U.S. Forest Service (Retired)
Federal Innovator Built Momentum
Ed introduced new ideas about restoration into
timber harvesting procedures and sparked significant
change throughout the region.
Wade Jerome, U.S. Forest Service
Federal Leader Continues Momentum
Wade builds on past projects and incorporates new
restora tion efforts into ongoing Forest Service work.
Kajsa Eagle Van de Riet, Idaho Dept. of
Environmental Quality (DEQ)
State Contact Fosters Communication
Kajsa works with various partners to prioritize
restora tion projects and track progress.
Pat Way, Citizen and Fishing Guide
Citizen Supports Action
Pat supports and promotes restoration efforts while
working in the community.
Skip Quade, N. Idaho Fly Casters Club
Club Member Shepherds Collaboration
Skip's love of fly fishing and his wish to make
a difference helped his club become an active
participant in watershed restoration.
Success Story
Witjhlicjh-tS
•	Pollutant of concern: Sediment
•	Practices implemented:
Decommissioning or repairing eroding
forest roads, removing or upgrading
stream crossings and culverts,
restoring riparian areas and wetlands,
and adding large woody debris to
stream channels
•	Waters restored/improved:
Water quality has improved in many
streams, including 168 miles of
streams that have been removed
from the impaired waters list thanks
to on-the-ground restoration efforts
•	Key elements of success:
» Dynamic leaders with long-term
vision and determination
» Engaged citizen volunteers
» Awareness of environmental, recre-
ational and economic benefits from
projects that ensured local buy-in
» Cooperation between local, state
and federal partners
North Fork Coeur d'Alene River Subbasin, ID
A supplement to Idaho's Nonpoint Source Success Stories featuring multiple waterbodies in the North Fork Coeur
dAlene River Subbasin: Falls, Lost, Jordan, Shoshone, Steamboat, Tepee (Middle and Upper), and Yellowdoa creeks.

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Basin Description
The NFCDA River and its tributaries drain a forested mountainous region in the
northeastern panhandle of Idaho. The streams support important coldwater
aquatic communities, including native westslope cutthroat trout. The NFCDA
subbasin is managed for timber production, mining, recreation, drinking
water supply, and various urban and residential uses. The U.S. Forest Service
manages most (93.5%) of the 895-square-mile NFCDA subbasin as part of the
Idaho Panhandle National Forests-Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District. The
remainder is privately owned (4.3%) or is additional public land managed by
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) (0.6%) or the Idaho Department of
Lands (1.6%).
The NFCDA subbasin is home to
native westslope cutthroat trout.
Problem
Intensive timber harvest has occurred throughout much of the subbasin since
the early 1900s. Many historical logging roads were built in or along streams
and were abandoned with little or no maintenance until restoration activities
began in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s, Forest Service stream assessments
identified many unstable stream channels and sedimentation problems that
impaired cold water aquatic life habitat. DEQ bioassessment sampling con-
firmed many of these impairments. As a result, numerous waters were added to
the Clean Water Act section 303(d) list of impaired waters for sediment.
Programmatic Approach Creates Structure
Restoration efforts have been underway for almost 40 years. Early stream
assessments helped the Forest Service target key areas. In 2001-2002, DEQ
developed a sediment total maximum daily load (TMDL) for the NFCDA subba-
sin, which identified erosion from road encroachment as the largest sediment
source. Erosion problems were aggravated by ongoing recreational activities
(e.g., vehicle use of forest roads and stream crossings) and occasional wild-
fires. In 2008, DEQ and the Forest Service initiated a TMDL five-year review
that included (1) modeling and geographic information system analysis and
(2) field verification monitoring. Since 2008, the Forest Service and DEQ—with
input from the NFCDA Watershed Advisory Group (WAG)—have conducted
ongoing targeted restoration project implementation and verification moni-
toring on waters within the subbasin.
The Number of Restored Waters Continues to Grow
After years of targeted on-the-ground restoration efforts and natural recovery, ongoing monitoring efforts have
identified many NFCDA subbasin waters that are either supporting or close to supporting beneficial uses. Of the 33
assessment units originally listed as impaired for sediment, 11 have been removed from the impaired waters list (168
stream miles total). Seven of these have been featured as Nonpoint Source Success Stories (see map on back page).
With continued restoration and responsible stewardship, more waters should be removed from the impaired waters
list during the next decade.
A Legacy of Mine
Waste Lingers in
the Upper NFCDA
A limited number of NFCDA
subbasin waters are also listed
as impaired by metals from
historic mining operations that
occurred in the headwaters in
the 1880s-1960s before mod-
ern environmental protections.
The Restoration Partnership, a
state-federal-tribal collabora-
tion, is using funds from settle-
ments with mining companies
to restore impacted natural
resources in the Coeur dAlene
Basin, which includes the NFCDA
subbasin. The Partnership was
developed by the Coeur d'Alene
Basin Natural Resource Trustees
as a way to involve the public
in natural resource restoration.
Implementation efforts are
ongoing.
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THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRESS
Ed Lider, U.S. Forest Service (Retired)
Federal Innovator Built Momentum
Ed worked for the U.S. Forest Service in northern Idaho for 30 years (1980-
2010). After his retirement, he worked part-time for the Idaho Department
of Fish and Game conducting fish population monitoring. He is a long-time
member of the North Idaho Fly Casters Club and has participated in the
NFCDA River WAG for many years, first as a Forest Service representative
and then as a representative of the North Idaho Fly Casters Club. Beginning
in the 1980s, Ed encouraged the Forest Service to use more environmentally
sensitive practices in its local approach to timber harvesting, forest road
management and post-harvest restoration. Thanks to Ed's efforts, the Forest
Service began tying restoration and road removal directly into timber sale
contracts. To address existing sedimentation problems, Ed identified funding
for restoration and rallied volunteers to implement restoration projects. Ed's
30-year quest to restore the NFCDA continues to inspire those around him
and has led directly to the improvements seen today.
•	What were the subbasin's water quality issues?
Ed: Erosion and sedimentation. When I started at the Forest Service in 1980,
the agency was focused on cutting trees and building roads, not restoration. I
inventoried the roads in the NFCDA River watershed in 1985 and found huge
failure rates on the culverts. Modeling showed we could reduce sediment in
the streams by removing roads.
•	What was your favorite moment?
Ed: When Forest Service staff began to say, "Instead of building these roads
and walking away from them, we must take responsibility for what we're
doing to the watershed." That was a highlight of my career because that's
when watershed protection became a team effort.
•	How did you involve the watershed community?
Ed: We reached out to local conservation groups like the North Idaho Fly
Casters Club and showed them how the streams recovered after road
removal. They didn't like that we tied the work to timber sales, but we
explained that the timber dollars were funding the restoration. They became
more accepting of the work and spread the word to others.
•	What element surprised you the most?
Ed: How quickly systems stabilized and fish populations rebounded after we
removed sediment sources and added wood to the streams. The many little
projects we've completed have been collectively beneficial to the recovery of
the larger watershed system.
*
V
"The many little
projects have been
collectively beneficial
to the recovery of
the larger watershed
system/'
Ed Lider
Yellowdog Creek Watershed:
Road Density Over Time
Pre-restoration
76 road miles
Roads
Streams
2007
Post-restoration =
30 road miles
Yellowdog Creek is an excellent
example of how removing roads can
add buffers to streams and protect
water quality.
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"Improvement takes
time and patience "
Wade Jerome
Wade Jerome, U.S. Forest Service
Federal Leader Continues Momentum
Wade has lived in Idaho his entire life. He's a biological technician and Contracting
Officer's Representative for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Coeur d'Alene
River Ranger District. He worked closely with Ed Lider for 17 years and has led the
ranger district's hillslope and riparian restoration efforts since Ed retired.
•	How have the Forest Service's efforts evolved?
Wade: 0 ur funding sources and mechanisms are constantly changing, so we no
longer have guaranteed funding sources for hillslope and riparian restoration.
We try to combine hillslope and riparian restoration with upland vegetative
management as much as possible. When opportunities arise, I utilize a service
contract to maximize existing funds for restoration efforts. This is one way I've
been able to keep restoration moving.
•	What has contributed to your ongoing success?
Wade: Including restoration opportunities in our project planning and decisions
is key. There are so many factors involved in getting a project up and running
that it sometimes takes decades. We must also seize unique opportunities to
complete projects or connect two projects. These connections begin to make a
difference in water quality. Improvement takes time and patience.
•	What has impressed you about the restoration effort?
Wade: The perseverance of individuals to take every opportunity to plan,
implement and complete projects whenever funding, personnel and time are
available. I've worked with a team of dedicated, innovative people who can
adapt to change and are committed to continuing the work that started well
over 25 years ago.
•	How do you spread the word about your work?
Wade: I' ve conducted presentations for professional societies, local fishing clubs,
colleges, and led countless field reviews of projects with professionals from
within and outside the agency. DEQ's Kajsa [Van de Riet] has brought unique
attention to the NFC DA restoration effort. Not only is she telling the story,
but she's also brought recognition to the work by proposing the removal of
impaired waters for sediment. She's able to work directly with private landown-
ers and across agency boundaries, which allows her to reach a broad audience.
•	What's your biggest restoration goal?
Wade: At one point our ranger district was one of the most heavily roaded
forests in the nation. By the time I retire, I'd like to have all the major tributar-
ies to the NFCDA River delisted for sediment through our hiilslope and riparian
restoration efforts. We have fewer to delist now, and I continue to restore
hillslopes and tributaries whenever possible.
The Forest Service:
Managing Multiple
Public Resources
The Forest Service manages its
public land for multiple uses,
including timber production,
mineral resources, recreation,
natural resources protection,
invasive species control and
wiidfire prevention.
In the NFCDA subbasin. the
Forest Service's restoration
approach is guided by the Idaho
Panhandle National Forests
Land Management Plan, which
incorporates the 1995 Inland
Native Fish Strategy (INFISH).
INFISH provides management
direction to protect habitat and
populations of resident native
fishes. The direction includes
riparian goals, riparian manage-
ment objectives, and standards
and guidelines (e.g., requiring a
300-foot buffer around fish-
bearing streams).
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Kajsa Eagle Van de Riet, Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality
State Contact Fosters Communication
Kajsa has lived in Idaho for most of her life. She currently serves as the DEQ's
Coeurd'Alene Basin Restora tion Plan Coordinator and Water Quality Analyst.
For the past 13 years, she's been DEQ's facilitator for the NFCDA WAG, a
group of citizens that represent the interests and industries affected by
management of the watershed. WAG members provide Kajsa with local public
input and guidance regarding the NFCDA during the entire TMDL process.
•	What was one key element of the success in the subbasin ?
Kajsa: The emphasis on large-scale, long-term restoration. The Forest Service
identified restoration needs, found funding opportunities, and implemented
projects whenever they've had the chance...over and over again. Ed Lider
started the process, and others have kept it going after his retirement. Plus,
we've had pre- and post-project monitoring, which has allowed us to make
these delistings happen.
•	How has the approach changed over time?
Kajsa: We've learned about the science of restoration and what works. We've
adjusted the practices and approaches as needed. It's been rewarding to see
science and adaptive management in action!
•	What role does the NFCDA WAG play?
Kajsa: Idaho's statutes require that DEQ must work with a WAG when we
develop a TMDL. NFCDA WAG members have participated every step of the
way through the process. Their efforts range from writing letters
of support for grant applications to recommending upcoming
seasonal water quality monitoring sites.
•	What contributes to the NFCDA WAG's ongoing dedication?
Kajsa: Persistence and a willingness to listen to each other. We
have ground rules about respect, and we don't take things per-
sonally. Plus, they love seeing the success stories published - it
keeps everyone motivated!
•	What advice would you give to others working with
diverse groups?
Kajsa: Sometimes getting started is the hardest thing. We've had
a lot of turnover at the different agencies, but we've been able to
maintain momentum. Even though we have many folks involved
who wouldn't consider themselves environmentalists, everyone
ends up being motivated towards the same goals, so it works.
"I love working for the
people of Idaho and
taking care of these
incredible natural
resources
Kajsa Van de Riet
Kajsa conducts field work in the NFCDA subbasin.
5

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The entire community
cores about the river;
and it shows/'
Pat Way
A happy client documents her catch
on a guided fishing trip with Way.
Pat Way, Citizen, Fishing Guide and Timber
Company Employee
Citizen Supports Action
Pat moved to Idaho as a child and began fishing on the NFCDA river in 1990.
He was a corporate member of the North Idaho Fly Casters Club and has been
a NFCDA restoration volunteer for over 20 years. He worked as a professional
fishing guide in 1998-2016 and was part-owner of Northwest Outfitters.
In 2018 he took a job as a sales manager with Idaho Forest Group (IFG), a
sustainable timber company. He also helps with company-led watershed
restoration efforts. IFG recently purchased nearly 2,000 acres in the Prichard
Creek watershed in the NFCDA headwaters and hopes to improve fish habitat
and water quality in this mining-impaired area using grant funding from the
Restoration Partnership. IFG wants to secure a conservation easement and
open the property to the public for day use.
•	What's special about the NFCDA River?
Pat: It's a premier fishery. There aren't many places like this where you can
catch native westslope cutthroat trout. More people are using the river these
days, but the fishing is better than ever. Thanks to education efforts, our
anglers know how to handle, photograph and safely release the fish.
•	What do you love about the local community?
Pat: The entire community cares about the river, and it shows. Local busi-
nesses and groups support environmental protection by providing funding
and volunteers for restoration and cleanup projects. I'm impressed by the way
citizens, agencies and organizations respect the resource and come together
for the common good.
•	How has restoration affected you as an angler and outfitter?
Pat: Cleaner water benefits everyone. I enjoy working on restoration projects
and seeing the fishery rebound afterwards. The projects provide economic
benefits to outfitters and fishing guides like me because the fishing keeps
improving. My clients have good experiences and often return year after year.
•	What ongoing challenges have you seen on the river?
Pat: Pollution from expanding residential development and poorly managed
seasonal camping sites, as well as pollution and erosion from mining areas.
•	How will your work with IFG make a difference?
Pat: It's rewarding to work for a company willing to put funds and energy into
restoration. I'll likely help coordinate community volunteers for IFG's Prichard
Creek project. As one of the coldest tributaries in the NFCDA drainage, it should
serve as a cold water refuge during summer months—but habitat is poor and
there's not much of a resident fish population. We hope to turn that around.

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Skip Quade, North Idaho Fly Casters Club
Club Member Shepherds Collaboration
Skip has lived in northern Idaho for more than 40 years and is an avid fly
fisherman and advocate for stream protection. Now retired from the trucking
industry, he owns a cabin along the Coeur d'Alene River. As a past president
and an active member of the North Idaho Fly Casters Club, he worked with
the Forest Service to apply for restoration grants and to engage club mem-
bers in project implementation.
•	Why was the fishing community concerned about the river?
Skip: We wanted to increase the amount of native fish habitat because we
were finding long stretches of clear, but essentially dead, water. Our river had
few fish but lots of potential.
•	How did the North Idaho Fly Casters Club become involved?
Skip: In the 1980s, Ed Lider from the Forest Service asked for help. Much of
our club's work came about because Ed could find money, motivate people
and ask for what he needed. Fie had the ideas. I helped write grant propos-
als, spread the word and found volunteers to do the work. Ed often found
resources to double or triple the grant money to further support the projects.
We made a great team!
•	What surprised you during the restoration effort?
Skip: Our club helped the Forest Service measure the width and depth of the
river at project sites before and after projects were completed. I was sur-
prised by how much the river constantly shifts and moves bedload. What was
a pool one year might be totally gone the next!
•	What influenced public interest in river protection ?
Skip: In 1992 the movie A River Runs Through It came out, and it changed fly
fishing forever. Suddenly everyone wanted to be involved in fly fishing and
habitat restoration. Our club began receiving more money to do multiple
projects, and the number of people fishing on the river tripled.
•	What's been your favorite part of the restoration effort?
Skip: Getting a group together in support of a common cause. We work hard
at projects, and it's rewarding to return the next spring to see a bunch of cut-
throat trout just below a log dam we built. We love to see our work paying off !
•	What should people know about the fishing community?
Skip: We share a common goal. People gladly volunteer on projects that don't
directly benefit their favorite fly fishing spots, such as cleaning up the river-
side or building docks to allow wheelchair access for disabled anglers.
'Our river had few fish
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Fly Casters Club members help with
a stream restoration project in 1995.
but lots of potential.'
Skip Quade
Volunteers capture fish to transfer
them to the restored section of
Tepee Creek in 2000.
7

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Multiple Benefits Help to Maintain Community's Motivation
NFCDA restoration projects provide natural resource benefits, increased recreational opportunities and an influx of money
into the local economy—all of which continue to play motivating roles in the community. As projects are completed, water
quality improves and fish populations increase in number and diversity, which draws local, national and international anglers
to the area. An increased presence of the native westslope cutthroat trout has been aided by catch-and-release requirements
enacted by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in 2008. Restoration efforts also introduce money into the local economy
through awards of service and construction contracts to local businesses, employment for local residents who work on proj-
ects, rentals of local construction and other equipment, and increased tourism dollars for fishing and recreational pursuits.
Restoration efforts throughout the NFCDA subbasin have been supported by diverse federal, state and local partners.
These partners have contributed funding or helped to secure outside grant funding, provided thousands of volunteer hours,
helped with planning, provided monitoring support, and contributed to communitywide education and engagement. The
story of the NFCDA subbasin shows that an ongoing, thriving timber industry can co-exist with high-quality watersheds.
Idaho
Tepee Creek
—
Sediment-impaired
—
Sediment-delisted
•
Sampled
9.
Surveyed, but not sampled
O
Featured NPS Success Stories
North Fork Coeur d'Alene River Subbasin
Featured Nonpoint Source (NPS) Success Stories
Jordan Creek
Shoshone Creek
Falls Creek
Lost Creek
Steamboat Creek
Yellowdog Creek
0 A
Miles A
Targeted implementation efforts by the Forest Service and its partners have reduced sediment levels in numerous headwater
streams within the NFCDA Subbasin, including many that have been featured as Nonpoint Source Success Stories (circled above).
* Q
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*1 PRO**
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Water
Washington, DC
EPA 841-F-20-001H
April 2020
Fop additional information contact:
Kajsa Eagle Van de Riet
Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality
208-769-1422
kaisa.vanderiet(a>dea. idaho.gov
Wade Jerome
U.S. Forest Service
208-783-2363 x2127
Terry. Jerome(a>usda.gov

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