The miesen creek restoration project will restore fish passage, reduce sedimentation, and enhance wetland habitat in an important tributary to the ST

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game received a $1.54 million Project Grant award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the National Fish Passage Program (CFDA 15.685) on July 1, 2025, to implement the Miesen Creek Restoration Project in Idaho. The project will deliver comprehensive fish passage and habitat restoration services through December 31, 2027, including replacement of a failing, undersized culvert at St. Joe River Road with a fish-friendly culvert that will reconnect 1.9 miles of habitat for native species such as westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Stream restoration activities on adjacent private and state-managed lands will stabilize eroding banks and reduce sedimentation to improve overall water quality.

In addition to fish passage improvements, the project will expand and enhance wetland habitat from 12 to 25 acres, improving water retention and native vegetation while reducing invasive species encroachment. These restoration activities directly support ecosystem resilience and provide secondary community benefits, including reduced chronic flooding risks to private property and St. Joe River Road—a critical transportation corridor—as well as enhanced recreational opportunities for fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing that support local economies.

JOE river. The project will replace a failing, undersized culvert at ST. JOE river road with a fish-friendly culvert, reconnecting 1.9 miles of habitat for native species such as westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Stream restoration efforts on adjacent private and state managed lands will stabilize eroding banks, reduce excessive sedimentation, and improve water quality. The project will also expand and enhance wetlands, increasing habitat from 12 to 25 acres while improving water retention, supporting native vegetation, and reducing the spread of invasive species. This project directly benefits fish and wildlife while addressing long-term ecosystem resilience. The improvements will reduce chronic flooding risks to private property and the ST. JOE river road, a critical transportation route for local communities, recreationists, and emergency services. The project also enhances recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing, supporting local economies and community access to natural resources.