IDAHO STATE COUNCIL TROUT UNLIMITED NEWSLETTER

Bonneville cutthroat trout in the Bear River drainage have received a reprieve from some of the historical impacts of PacifiCorp’s Soda, Grace/Cove, and Oneida hydroelectric projects in southeast Idaho. TU, along with PacifiCorp, federal and state agencies, and other conservation and whitewater boating groups, have signed a settlement agreement to guide hydro operations at the three projects for the next 30 years.

The agreement resulted from eight months of negotiations among the utility, agencies, and conservationists. Trout Unlimited members in northern Utah led TU’s initial participation in the relicensing process, and Utah member, Ken Theis and Idaho member, Rob Gregoire were integral to the subsequent negotiation process.

“We’re excited to be a part of the long-term solution in terms of solving the myriad natural resource dilemmas that face the Bear River system,” said Retallic, chairman of TU’s Idaho Council. “We also realize that while elements of the agreement constitute a positive step, they are only part of what needs to be a broader effort to restore the degraded river system.”

The settlement agreement contains provisions that provide—for the first time in the projects’ history—minimum flows and fewer hydropower-caused flow fluctuations in certain mainstem river reaches so that fish are better protected. Further, the core of the agreement provides for the development of a long-term Bonneville cutthroat trout conservation strategy for the project area. Funding mechanisms are included to protect and restore habitat, purchase land and water, and develop an innovative hatchery program to emphasize the reintroduction and restoration of native trout. Over $16 million will be dedicated to Bonneville cutthroat trout restoration during the next license term.

“We’re not happy with all the provisions in the agreement, but TU members are ready to roll up our sleeves and work with PacifiCorp, agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure that native trout in the Bear River system are allowed to survive, recover, and eventually flourish,” said Wes Johnson, chairman of TU’s Utah Council.—Scott Yates, Director, TU’s Western Native Trout Program. Contact Scott at (208) 552-0891; syates@tu.org.

IDAHO SNOW FACTS

Melting snow produces more than 75 percent of Idaho’s water. The other 25 percent comes from spring and summer rains.

The National Resources Conservation Service uses 78 automated SNOTEL stations and 100 manually measured snow courses to collect snow information and its water content. The oldest sites began monitoring in the 1990s in Yellowstone National Park and northern Idaho.

Some more tidbits:

· The amount of new snowfall it takes to equal 1 inch of water is about 10 inches.

· Deepest snow ever measured in Idaho was 23.5 feet at Lost Lake in Shoshone County on April 1, 1974.

· The greatest amount of water ever measured in an Idaho snowpack was 9.75 feet at Bear Mountain in Bonner County on May 1, 1974.

· Idaho’s two snowiest places, receiving more than 50 feet of snow each year, are Bear Mountain in Bonner County and Lost Lake in Clearwater County.

· Idaho’s least snowy place is Grand View in Owyhee County, recieving 7.2 inches of snow each year.

Four of five grants requested by the ITU Council and TU chapters were funded in full or in part by TU’s Embrace A Stream 2003 cold water fisheries conservation program. We’re still waiting word on a sixth request that was submitted jointly by the ITU and Wyoming councils, but chances are very good it’s a winner, too.

This is a remarkable display of Idaho TU members’ commitment to conservation and rejuvenation of Idaho’s equally remarkable fisheries resources. Especially significant is the cooperative efforts proposed at both the interstate and intrastate levels as well as nationally between ITU and TU.

Chapter sponsors will receive separate letters on their grants, and, of course, the checks should be in the mail shortly.

(no word yet) Thomas Fork Fish Ladder Construction in Bear River drainage. The ITU Council and Wyoming TU joined forces in sponsoring an EAS grant application for the Thomas Fork Fish Ladder Construction project that would benefit Bonneville cutthroat trout conservation in the Thomas Fork River in southeastern Idaho that headwaters in southwestern Wyoming. The Thomas Fork is a tributary of the Bear River.

The project involves construction of a fish ladder facility on an irrigation diversion on the Thomas Fork just upstream from its merger with the Bear that blocks upstream spawning migrations and impacts BCT populations throughout the drainage. The Wyoming and Idaho councils of Trout Unlimited, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Flyway River Ranch, propose to retrofit this structure with a fish ladder in order to ensure upstream fish passage during seasonal irrigation diversion.

Trout Unlimited volunteers from local chapters in both Idaho and Wyoming will be recruited to aid in both construction and monitoring of fish movement through the facility, especially during crucial spawning runs. Also, with the new TU national focus on building grassroots connections through state councils, this EAS project provides a shared conservation goal that will help strengthen both council organizations.

$2,000 granted for Instream Migration, Habitat Use and Genetics of Trout in Upper Salmon Trout. The ITU Council, in cooperation with its TU chapters and their volunteer resources, sponsored an EAS grant in support of a major study of the seasonal movements and habitat uses by fluvial trout in the Upper Salmon River Basin. Focus is on bull trout, westslope cutthroat and redband rainbow migrations through radio telemetry observations similar to the successful cutthroat studies performed on Bear Valley Creek previously sponsored and accomplished by the Ted Trueblood Chapter.

The project will involve many cooperative educational efforts, including local schools, directed at awareness of the needs of these trout populations that hopefully result in state and federal agencies, as well as landowners, making resource management decisions that benefit native fish populations.

$10,000 granted for Bring Back the Natives in Pahsimeroi drainage. The ITU Council co-sponsored the EAS grant application of TU/BLM for a restoration project in the Pahsimeroi River drainage in Southcentral Idaho as part of the Bring Back the Natives program of TU/BLM. The project focuses on Falls Creek, a tributary that has been dewatered by inefficient irrigation practices for almost 100 years. The work would entail lining 3 primary irrigation channels with pipe and rechannelizing the lower reaches so that they reconnect to the main stem Pahsimeroi, a tributary of the Salmon River. The project would open up historic spawning and rearing habitat for chinook salmon and steelhead, and benefit the resident bull trout population.

The ITU Council is co-sponsoring this project because it's located in a place where we wish to do more work. Plus it involves anadromous fish, which involve an issue where the council wants to show more visible support. Our principal contribution will be in obtaining volunteer help from Idaho TU members for on-the-ground restoration work, as well as in promoting the project through the media as a key example of how Idaho TU members contribute to anadromous fisheries conservation.

* $2,500 granted for Bird Creek Habitat Improvement Project in St. Joe drainage. The Idaho Panhandle Chapter sponsored an EAS grant application for restoration of Bird Creek, a tributary to the St. Joe River, 10 miles upstream from Avery. The purpose of the Bird Creek Habitat Improvement Project is to restore habitat for bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout while maintaining and protecting an important stream valley access road. This proposed project will increase pool habitat and abundance of large woody debris in Bird Creek by constructing 53 habitat improvement structures including j-hook vanes, rock vortex weirs, boulder and log barbs, cover logs, log revetments, and pool enhancement in a 2.6 mile section of stream. Increased pool habitat and abundance of large woody debris will promote recovery of bull trout and increase protection of westslope cutthroat trout in the St. Joe River watershed while maintaining recreational and management access.

*$2,500 granted for Cottonwood Creek Day-lighting Project in Boise. The Ted Trueblood Chapter requested an EAS grant for habitat restoration of Cottonwood Creek in Boise that would literally restore it to the light of day. The creek is currently buried in a 450-foot flume in Julia Davis Park. Once “day-lighted,” Cottonwood Creek will provide fisheries habitat reconnected to the Boise River and endless educational and recreational opportunities in a highly visible urban location in a city park.

The Ted Trueblood chapter intends to apply to other funding sources on this project because it thinks it will be wildly popular in the city, notwithstanding the small flows and not being a big fish producer.

(No funds granted) Habitat Use and Migration of Cutthroat Trout in Coeur d’Alene River. The Idaho Panhandle Chapter asked for an EAS grant application for Habitat Use and Migration of Cutthroat Trout in Coeur d’Alene River to determine why westslope cutthroat populations are not increasing in the river. Primary focus of the effort will be through a radio telemetry study. Data will be directed toward aiding management decisions for the river to protect and enhance conservation of native fish fishery and resolve management conflicts between agencies and other resource users.

CHAPTER NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE OF IDAHO

Ted Trueblood Chapter: Richard Prange is the president of the Ted Trueblood Chapter. The big news from the chapter in southwest Idaho is the Gold Trout award (see related story in this newsletter). Idaho's largest chapter, at 700 members, received the award in recognition of the numerous projects and programs. In the taxonomy of Isaiah Berlin's 1953 essay The Hedgehog and the Fox, ("The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing"), well let's say the Ted Trueblood Chapter is classified as a fox.

The Chapter was awarded a grant from Idaho Fish and Game to aid the project to restore access to several headwater tributaries to the Middle Fork of the Payette River by removing nearly several weirs and structures that blocked fish access. The structures were there from old Forest Service Silver Creek research project.

Chapter member Barry Ross was appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to the Southwest Idaho Resource Advisory Committee where he represents national conservation interests. Barry was successful in getting the RAC to become a funding partner in the Silver Creek Project mentioned above.

In the Boise area the Chapter moves forward with two side channel restoration projects. One is in east Boise in what will be a 15 acre riverfront natural park near the Harris Ranch development. The other project is on Eagle Island. Both projects have funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

These Boise River projects augment the Chapter's focus on the need for better water management, and the Chapter commented to the Bureau of Reclamation on the future of 71,000 acre feet of water soon to be available as contracts in Lucky Peak expire.

The Trout in the Classroom Project expands again, to eleven schools in Boise, Idaho City, Emmett and Kuna. Idaho Fish and Game recently awarded the Chapter a small education grant to help expand this project.

Last February more than 250 enthusiasts came out to the "Trout on Tuesday" event in downtown Boise to view the Trout Unlimited Television episodes filmed at Bear Valley Creek and the Teton River in 2001.

All in all, a busy year.

Hemingway Chapter: A new teacher at Hailey Elementary School has begun a second Trout in the Classroom program there. Our chapter contributed $200 to the effort, the balance coming from the Magic Valley Fly Fishers and IDFG. Total cost $550.

The Elkhorn Creek restoration project for which we received an Embrace A Stream grant last year was completed this spring with construction of fish ladder. This action reconnects Elkhon Creek with the Big Wood River.

John Hardin is seeking someone to replace him as president. Volunteers to re-invigorate the Hemingway Chapter are also welcome. Contact John, or Ken Retallic, ITU Council chair, who also lives in Ketchum.

Southeast Idaho Chapter: Dave Whitworth is the new president of Southeast Idaho Chapter.

Rob Gregoire, former chapter president and ITU Council District 5 director, was transferred to Bozeman by his firm. Idaho’s loss, Montana’s gain. Rob was featured this past summer as one of TU's "Volunteer Heros" on the to.org website.

The chapter established a good connection for Bear River efforts with a person in Preston named Jeff Seamons. Jeff, Rob Gregoire, and Scott Yates met with Utah TU in March to discuss the settlement plan on the Bear River Dam relicensing negotiations. Thanks to Andy Brunelle, Brayton Willis of the Corps contacted us and our chapter may play a role in the removal of a 300-foot concrete "flood" wall on the Portneuf River in the town of Lava Hot Springs. The cost will run around $100,000 but it will be a good thing even if we only donate a small part.

We entered into an agreement with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game that allows us to be reimbursed (if they have the money) for purchases going towards restoring the Portneuf. For example, we were reimbursed by IDF&G for $2,500 of fencing materials bought early this year. Our chapter is currently budgeting $500 per year towards Portneuf maintenance and restoration efforts.

This spring we replaced or repaired 800 feet of fence on the Upper Portneuf! We still have about 1/4 mile of fence that needs to be repaired in the next few years.

Idaho Panhandle Chapter: At the 21st Annual Spring Fever Fundraising Banquet (2002) the chapter netted over $12,000 and used it to make the following allocations:

· $5,000 toward an independent review of the hydrology data contained in the Iron Honey Final Environmental Impact Statement. The Iron Honey project is part of USFS restoration on 20,000 acres in the headwaters of the Upper N. Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River;

· $1,000 to Grouse Creek Enhancement Project;

· $900 to purchase a Living Stream Aquarium for Washington Elementary School;

· $500 to help study Torrent Sculpin throughout the Idaho Panhandle National Forest;

· Donated copies of "A Stump Full of Lures" to area schools.

Reed Gillespie Chapter: We continue to support with labor and funds net pens in Payette Lake to rear approximately 10,000 trout which are released in September and support a local fishery in the south end of the lake.

The chapter pitched in with labor to renovate the old ramp at Little Lake by extending it four feet this past fall. The chapter expects to assist with installation of new docks and an outhouse that are planned for sometime this year. Work is also under way to develop a small craft launching area on Little Lake for float tubes and small boats.

Last summer chapter members spent three workdays, in conjunction with Idaho Fish & Game, planting willows and other woody plants for riparian restoration in the Little Salmon River watershed.

The chapter co-sponsored a free fishing day clinic at the Meadow Creek pond with Fish and Game and the Forest Service last year, and will be doing the same this year.

Magic Valley Fly Fishers: Commercial trout fisheries company, Clear Springs Foods, planted 13,000 lbs. or about 222,000 five-inch fingerlings at 5 different locations in the Magic Valley Region. The planting of commercially raised fish was a breakthrough with IDF&G who finally worked out an agreement to allow this to happen. In the past, if Clear Springs did not have a buyer for the trout, they just buried them. Now any excess fish that can't be marketed can be planted in state waters within the Magic Valley Region--mostly in reservoirs.

Our annual banquet and membership drive in February was a winner. Steve Probasco was our banquet speaker and put on a super show about fly fishing in the Northwest. He also put on a great fly tying seminar at the College of Southern Idaho. The seminar was video taped and made available to members for $10.

We presented a $300 scholarship to CSI Fisheries Management student, Gary Jackson. The scholarship is named the “Ruel Stayner Memorial” in honor of the late Mr. Stayner inventor of the Stayner Ducktail.

Submitted a Challenge Grant proposal to IDF&G to cost share a “bubbler” to aid the oxygen supply during the winter for trout in Mormon Reservoir. The proposal was not funded.

Contributed monies to: Idaho Rivers United; TNC-Silver Creek; TNC-Henry’s Lake; The Henry’s Fork Foundation; the Henry’s Lake Foundation; and Idaho TU for a total of $2,100.

Cost shared a chemical spray to help eradicate smartweed in Mormon Reservoir. The application took place the last week of August. The smartweed was growing profusely on the dry lake portion of the reservoir. About 300 acres was sprayed by contract helicopter. The intent was to reduce the amount of aquatic vegetation that robs fish of oxygen in the winter. It also opens up water to enable better fishing and boating. The project was cost shared by the Idaho Department of Agriculture, the Magic Valley Fly Fishers, and the Ted Trueblood Chapter of TU. Total cost was approximately $10,000.

Coordinated the establishment of a Trout-in-the-Classroom project in the Hailey Middle school. Cooperators were the IDF&G (Jerome), the Magic Valley Fly Fishers, and the Hemingway Chapter of TU. The total Trout-in-the-Classroom projects in the area now number 10.

MVFF representative Ben Collins helped set up bull trout traps on the Middle Fork and the North Fork of the Boise River in August. The traps are part of a West-wide study Idaho is doing on bull trout.

Snake River Cutthroats Chapter: Jim Mathias is the new president of the chapter.

The chapter changed its name to Snake River Cutthroats to avoid confusion with other Upper Snake River organizations.

Salmon River Conservation Project: 15th annual trek to the North Fork of the Salmon River to install in-stream log structures that create improved spawning habitat for Salmon, Steelhead, and other species. The Forest Service biologists have observed salmon using the structures we installed last spring.

Tree Planting on Burns Creek: In building the Burns Creek weir, the road was relocated back from the stream. Jim Fredericks of Fish and Game asked for our help in planting some small trees in the old roadway to help stabilize it and reduce sedimentation.

Fencing of Prichard Creek, South Fork: A project identified by Jim Capurso of the Forest Service, and organized by Matt Woodard of the Home Rivers Project. We fenced approximately a third to quarter mile of Prichard Creek, a small spawning stream, to start protecting riparian areas that have been suffering from grazing. Later this year, the banks of a downcut section will be feathered out, and we will need to go in for a weekend of riparian planting of willows, etc.

Fencing and Riparian Planting on Sheridan Creek, Island Park: The Harriman State Park is restoring the lower end of Sheridan Creek to its original streambed. They are raising funds to install new diversion structures, open the old streambed, fence riparian areas, and undertake wetland plantings.

Also, possibly, a fencing project on Moody Creek above the Rexburg bench off Highway 33.

Funds raised from the 9th Annual East Idaho Fly Tying Expo & Banquet in Spring 2002 were given by the Cutthroats for the following:

· Approved the Home Rivers Initiative grant request for $2,500 toward fencing, etc. to restore Pritchard Creek. Total project is $25,100, partners are IDF&G, One Fly Foundation, and National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.

· Granted the Henry’s Fork Foundation $500 in either cash or credit at Jimmy’s for their Henry’s Fork Days. We have historically provided this support each year and supports a very worthwhile organization.

· Granted the Pocatello Southeast Idaho Fly Fishers $500 for their conservation programs as a token of our appreciation for their outstanding efforts toward and support of the Expo.

· Granted the Idaho State Trout Unlimited Council $750.

· Committed approximately $1,000 of the Expo net toward supporting the Biologically Based System Management (BBSM) study for the Heise to Lorenzo stretch of the South Fork of the Snake River. Partners in this study are National Trout Unlimited and the major underwriter, the Bureau of Reclamation.

· Hold in reserve $500 to be used to participate in Phase 2 of the Henry’s Fork boat ramps and access project during the year 2002.

· Started a "Major Project Reserve Fund" accumulating a substantial fund for use on some future important project where the Cutthroats can make a major contribution. Start by placing $3,000 in a restricted fund.

A Stump Full of Lures still available

A Stump Full of Lures, published last year by Idaho Trout Unlimited, is still available for purchase. The book is a collection of short essays, stories, and poems written by Idaho members of Trout Unlimited.

ITU has broken even on printing costs of the book, but there are still a significant number of books available that to be sold to clear a profit. Proceeds benefit Idaho Trout Unlimited. For the book to provide the most benefit to ITU it must be distributed nationally. Shawn Miller and Ken Retallic are developing a business plan for reprinting and national distribution of the book.

“The authors who contributed to this book tell best the wonders of Idaho fishing,” Retallic said. “The book also should be seen by Idaho Trout Unlimited chapters as one of the best possible ways or presenting their missions to contributors to their fund-raising efforts. The book represents every aspect and region of the state. It can be presented as a gift to major donors in addition to being sold individually as a continuation of the Idaho fishing story.”

The book is available for purchase from Idaho Trout Unlimited via mail, at www.idahotu.org, from local chapters, and fly shops around Idaho.

The price for Trout Unlimited members is $10.00 per book, and $12.00 for nonmembers. Five or more books are $8.00 each. Shipping is $0.50 per copy.

Mail order checks should be written to Idaho Trout Unlimited. Send mail orders to:

IDAHO TROUT UNLIMITED

BOX 4643

KETCHUM, IDAHO 83340

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