The purpose of this initiative is to improve drought resiliency, promote aquatic connectivity, and conserve ecosystems, habitats, and the species that depend upon them

This Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under the Aquatic Resources Management program (CFDA 15.244) provides $3,768,283 to Trout Unlimited to design and implement aquatic restoration projects in Idaho. The purpose is to improve drought resiliency, promote aquatic connectivity, and conserve ecosystems and habitats for priority fish species. Key activities include installing low-tech restoration treatments like beaver dam analogues and post-assisted log structures, as well as other bank stabilization efforts and aquatic organism passage projects. Trout Unlimited will collaborate with the BLM to hire engineers, obtain permits, and manage individual restoration projects across the Upper Snake, Challis, and Salmon field offices, monitoring and engaging the community as needed. This 5-year award runs from September 2024 to September 2029.

Activities

If awarded, the funding will be used to design and install low-tech process-based restoration treatments such as beaver DAM analogues (BDA) and post-assisted log structures (pals), as well as other bank stabilization efforts including instillation of riparian fencing. The funding may also be used for design and implementation of aquatic organism passage (AOP) projects where connectivity of streams is being disrupted. In the eastern idaho rivers and plains (eirp), these projects will be focused in the willow creek and blackfoot river subbasins, both home for spawning YCT populations. In the upper salmon river (USR) and adjacent geographies, projects will be implemented on priority streams identified collaboratively by the BLM, with focus on new and ongoing aquatic restoration and occupied by anadromous and native trout species. As part of our efforts, TU will work with BLM to hire engineers to design and develop plans, apply for permitting, and implement projects. Each individual project will be managed by an experienced TU staff member who will carry out construction oversight, appropriate monitoring, and community engagement, as needed.

Intended beneficiaries

The BLM idaho falls district provides opportunities for the public to engage with fish and wildlife species unique to this area. The outcome of the aquatic restoration projects includes improved habitat for more resilient native fish populations, in addition to other aquatic and terrestrial species. IT is essential to improve these habitats for continued community engagement.