Boise River Enhancement Plan
Boise River Enhancement Network Table of Contents
The Boise River P.1-11 “We are a network of people that Part 1 of this plan describes the background and setting of the river, the current need for cooperative planning, live, work and play in the Boise the vision for the river and the process through which this plan was created. River watershed and are dedicated
The plan is designed to convey important and to promoting the ecological complexconcepts through simple text and visual aids. Though supported by previous studies and expert enhancement of the river” opinion, it is not fi lled with detailed source information. This information can be found in the appendices and BREN meeting minutes (available online). (Photo: Charles Knowles/Shutterstock)
Essential Features P.12-29 Boise River Enhancement Plan
Part 2 is divided into four major ecological subject Preferred Citation: areas identifi ed as critical for enhancement of the river: Geomorphology, Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat, Wetland Boise River Enhancement Network (BREN). 2015. Boise River Enhancement Plan. and Riparian Habitat and Water Quality. Boise, Idaho
Each section includes a narrative, clearly identifi ed key Prepared for: issues within the subject area and the most appropriate Boise River Enhancement Network and effective enhancement opportunities identifi ed through the planning process. Prepared by: Ecosystem Sciences Foundation (Photo: Leo. A. Geis) (Photo: Leo. 202 N. 9th Street, suite 400 Boise, Idaho 83702 208.383.0226
Realizing the Vision P.30-40 Disclaimer: Any electronic form, facsimile or hard copy of the original document (email, text, table, Part 3 addresses how the enhancement vision can be and/or fi gure), if provided, and any attachments are realized through summarizing past and current efforts only a copy of the original document. The original within the watershed, examples from other watersheds document is stored by Boise River Enhancement and identifying which types of projects bring the greatest Network. benefi ts to multiple ecological subject areas. The plan Copyright© 2015 by Boise River Enhancement identifi es how, what and where enhancement can be Network. All rights reserved. achieved to bring the most effective benefi ts to the river. Cover photo: Boise River. IDAK/Shuttestock (Photo: Gary O. Grimm/BREN Network)
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Page Page 10 5 Page Page 6 7 8 Caldwell
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Nampa Meridian Boise Page 10
Lake Lowell Page Lower Boise River Watershed 11
The Lower Boise River Watershed is located in the northwestern part of the Snake River Plain, encompassing 836,876 acres of rangeland, forest, agricultural and urban landscapes. The watershed most prominently features the Lower Boise River (henceforth the Boise River or River), which fl ows northwesterly from Lucky Peak Dam southeast of Boise to its confl uence with the Snake River west of Parma. There are several important tributaries and a complex network of diversions and returns throughout this reach. The Boise River provides critical habitat for fi sh and wildlife, as well as numerous economic, social and recreational benefi ts to the Treasure Valley.
The aerial image of the watershed shown here includes an index of images that are displayed in Part 1 (pages 2-11) of this plan. Each index page corresponds to the image of the Boise River displayed on that page.
| ii PART INTRODUCTION1 BOISE RIVER Why is this Plan Needed?
At an October 2011 Boise River Workshop, over 120 participants identifi ed the most important next step to enhance the Boise River; “Continue this group and develop a plan.”
In early 2011, interested local stakeholders The workshop, titled ”From Vision Following the workshop, a group of came together to plan a workshop on to Reality,” brought 106 of the area’s interested organizations came together to environmental enhancement opportunities on practitioners, experts, academics, decision form the Boise River Enhancement Network the Boise River. All interested individuals and makers, and active citizens together for a (BREN). This group received a grant from organizations were welcome to participate to substantive discussion about the challenges the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART foster an open and inclusive planning process. and opportunities for environmental program to establish a watershed group and An Organizing Committee that included non- enhancement of the Boise River. The results write a watershed enhancement plan. BREN profi t and for-profi t staff, volunteers and of the workshop, as measured from breakout then used the results of the workshop to agency representatives agreed on the goal of session input and an online survey, identifi ed design a process and to identify key subject the workshop, “To increase opportunities for key enhancement goals and interests, areas on which to focus the effort. This plan public and private ecosystem enhancement challenges to enhancement, approaches is a result of these efforts to provide the of the Lower Boise River by establishing to enhancements and key next steps. essential next step in the enhancement of the networks, building knowledge, envisioning Participants identifi ed that the most important Boise River. possibilities and tackling challenges.” next step to enhance the Boise River was to “Continue this group and develop a plan.”
Approaches to Restoration Please rate the following approaches to restoration/enhancement on the Boise River (Preferred, Acceptable, Of Limited Use, Unacceptable).
PERCENT OF RESPONSES 70% 19% 19% 17% Preferred Preferred Preferred Preferred 19% 57% 46% 44% Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable Acceptable
3% 2% 5% 8% Unacceptable Unacceptable Unacceptable Of limited use
2% Unacceptable 21% 33% 33% Of limited Of limited Of limited use use use
Watershed-scale, integrated plan Actions funded through existing Efforts mandated as mitigation for Opportunistic actions determined by with guided restoration efforts federal agency programs activities realted impacts landowner interests and desires (Photo: Charles Knowles/Shutterstock) | 1 The Lower
he Lower Boise River Watershed begins at the Lucky Peak Dam where the Boise River Boise River Temerges from the foothills southeast of Boise. Lucky Peak is one of three storage reservoirs located above the watershed that were constructed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Watershed provide irrigation, hydroelectricity and fl ood control to the Treasure Valley. Several irrigation diversion dams are also located below Lucky Peak Dam; the uppermost and largest being Watershed Summary the century-old Boise River Diversion Dam that serves the New York Canal which terminates at Lake Lowell. As the Boise River fl ows from 836,876 acres 1,307 square miles Lucky Peak to its confl uence with the Snake River, land use shifts from primarily urban to 64 river miles. Lower Boise River flows from Lucky agricultural. The River fl oodplain is wooded Peak Dam to its confluence with the Snake River to varying extents throughout this reach, consisting mainly of willow and ecologically important black cottonwood that provide critical of the surface water used in the watershed 90% wildlife habitat. The Treasure Valley is the most originates as snow in the higher elevations of the Boise populous region in the state with a population River basin of nearly 630,000 people. Population growth, changing water demand and land use patterns 949,700 acre-feet (AF) of water can be stored coupled with climate change will put pressure in three major reservoirs (Lucky Peak, Arrowrock, on natural resources. Anderson Ranch)
Snake River Fort Boise Wildlife Management Area Parma
Boise River
2 |
How the River Works The headwaters of the Boise River are formed by The River historically experienced a different fl ow snow and rain in the mountains of south-central Idaho, regime than it does today due to the fl ow regulation including the Boise, Sawtooth, Smokey and Soldier provided by the storage reservoirs. Historic peak fl ows mountains. This winter snowpack represents the averaged over 13,000 cfs and were recorded over natural storage for the Boise River. Climate change 35,000 cfs (1895). Since the completion of Lucky Peak threatens the future size of this natural reservoir. The Dam in 1955, peak fl ows have averaged around 4,500 three forks of the upper watershed (North, Middle and cfs with a maximum discharge of just below 10,000 cfs South) converge just east of Boise before the river (1983). Without the existing dam infrastructure, recent emerges from the mountains to the plain. Between late fall and winter fl ows would have averaged around 1909 and 1955, three large dams with a storage 1,000 cfs; regulated winter fl ows average below 500 capacity of around 950,000 acre-feet were constructed cfs. Boise Diversion Dam. Water from the Boise
primarily for irrigation with a secondary purpose of (Photo: Charles Knowles/Shutterstock) River is diverted into the New York Canal. fl ood risk reduction. Snowpack 10000
9000 Mores Crk North Fk Boise Monthly Mean Flows 1982-2013 8000 Undammed Flow into Lucky Peak (Calculated) Middle Fk Boise Flow Released from Lucky Peak Dam Area of Focus 7000
Lower Boise River Arrowrock 6000 Reservoir Runoff 5000 New York Canal 4000
Snake River Lucky Peak 3000 Reservoir South Fk Boise Flow in Cubic Feet per Second (CFS) 2000 Lake Lowell Anderson Reservoir Ranch 1000 Reservoir 0 Snake River Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec South Fk Boise The Boise River System of Dams, Reservoirs and Major Diversions. Mean Monthly Flows Comparison. The purple line is a calculated discharge in Major Dam Construction Timeline: 1909 – Boise River Diversion Dam and the New York Canal; the river at Lucky Peak Dam site if the existing dams were not in place. The blue line 1915 – Arrowrock Dam; 1950 – Anderson Ranch Dam; 1955 – Lucky Peak Dam represents monthly mean releases from Lucky Peak Dam. Note that regulated fl ows are lower in the winter and spring and higher in the summer and early fall than unregulated fl ow calculations. (Data from USGS and BoR)
Boise River
Snowpack is Water Storage The March-July runoff season provides the Boise River with 77% of the annual streamflow 4 | (IDWR- TV CAMP Draft) 4270 cfs
Little Pioneer Lucky Peak Ballantyne New Dry Creek/ Middleton Canal New Union Flow Release
Farmers Union and Boise to Boise River North Valley Canals Middleton 127 cfsEagle Drain Capitol View/Riverside Drain Hartley Gulch Village Parma Mammon
Canal Pumps Sebree, Campbell, Willow Creek 234 cfs 234 Lucky Peak Siebenburg 43 cfs 33.5 Baxter 98 cfs Canyon Boise City Dam Andrews Canal Star & Long County Canal Eagle Island Canal Canal Conway Gulch Feeders/ Canals Watts Check Williams 18 cfs 312 cfs Penitentiary
21 cfs 2060 cfs 734 cfs Snake Eagle Parma Notus Caldwell Middleton Glenwood Bridge River Island Barber Dam Diversion Dam 92 cfs 13 cfs
237 cfs South Golden Middleton Fairview Acres/ Gate Drain Thurman Mill Boise City Parks Island Lower Thurman Drain 81 cfs 397 cfs Surprise/Micron Highline Center Bubb, Herrick, Canal Point McManus Meeves, & Rossi Caldwell Highline and 129 cfs Drainage District 3 Mill Haas Teater and Canal Clayton Lateral McConnel
Island Canal 121 cfs Upper Riverside Center Point River Run United Water/ Phyllis and Eureka Canal K Albertson Fifteenmile Mason Creek/ Creek Settlers 13,483 Mason Drain 448 cfs 250 cfs Eureka #2 Ridenbaugh Canal cfs Bowman and Swisher Canals Indian Creek Dixie Slough
Boise River Diversions and Returns 34% 2200 cfs of pre-dam peak flows Flow diagram is scaled to the amount of flow in each Many irrigation systems section of the river, at each diversion and at each return. are released from the New York Canal and drain New York Canal The amount of flow is shown in cubic feet per second (cfs). back to the Boise River 4,562 Flows are shown for mean values during July 2014. cfs Lucky Peak released 4,270 cfs into the river. 2,200 cfs was diverted Mason Creek to the New York Canal. Additional diversions remove a majority of Before Dam After Dam the river flows. When the Boise River merges with the Snake 1895-1943 1955-2013 River the flow was 734 cfs; or 17% of the flow released from Lucky Peak. Mean Peak Flow in Boise River Lake Lowell FLOW cfs RETURN cfs Before and After Lucky Peak Dam (Data from Susan Stacy “As the River Rises” and USGS.) Not shown in the diagram is the interaction between the surface water and the groundwater. Groundwater plays an important role in the river system. IDWR has identified the need for comprehensive aquifer management planning to ensure water demand can be met in the future. A Regulated River (Data from Idaho DEQ) The irrigation water derived from the Boise River has shaped the Treasure Valley and brought prosperity and production to the arid landscape. The water stored in the upper reservoirs I-84 is released throughout the irrigation season and diverted Caldwell Boise River through a vast and complex network of canals and returns. The economic benefi ts of this system are tremendous. However, it has had a dramatic effect on the River ecosystem. Groundwater and surface water quality and quantity, channel form, sediment transport processes, fl oodplain connection and habitat value have all been altered.
| 5 What the River Provides The Boise River ecosystem historically provided There are numerous recreational opportunities abundant fi sh and wildlife habitat. Salmon and other both in and near the water. The River is now a much- native fi sh occupied its waters and the wooded loved amenity to residents and is acknowledged as fl oodplain provided critical wildlife habitat in an contributing to the regional economy, public health arid landscape. The river has always provided for and quality of life. human inhabitants as well; it fi rst provided a water supply, transportation, hunting grounds, fi shing Despite everything that the River provides, opportunities and material resources for Native citizens, scientifi c experts and agency personnel Americans, followed by fur traders, prospectors recognize that the river is not realizing its potential. and early settlers. Most recently it has provided the In an online survey as part of the 2011 workshop, irrigation water that has fueled the economic growth 90% of survey participants rated the Boise River’s of the Treasure Valley. The River has gone through health as “limited and needs improvement” or three distinct periods: it was once wild and untamed, “signifi cant environmental issues exist, but the River then controlled and heavily polluted, and now it is is not imperiled.” This plan identifi es how ecological in a period of stewardship and improvement. Over enhancement can improve the health and function the past 50 years, the River’s health has improved of the Boise River, protecting the investments dramatically through stakeholder investment. Today, stakeholders have made and creating a living legacy (Photo: alexmisu/Shutterstock) the Boise River continues to water hundreds of for future generations to enjoy. (Photo: IDAK/Shutterstock) thousands of acres. Its associated wetland and riparian systems fi lter and dilute pollutants, attenuate fl oods and erosion and provide habitat for many What are your enhancement goals and interests? species of birds and other wildlife. The Boise River In breakout work sessions participants were asked to describe their interests and goals for river enhancement. supports an urban and rural fi shery that includes The tag cloud of words represents the scale of each response with the percentage in parenthesis. native and non-native fi sh, cold water salmonids and PERCENT OF RESPONSES
desirable game fi sh. Water Quantity (2%) Floodplain(12%) Client Needs/Desires (3%)
Fishery/Aquatic Habitat (20%) Recreation (5%) River as Community/Natural Value (7%) Access (9%) Middleton Birds Water Quality(19%) (10%) and Wildlife Terrestrial Habitat (12%) (Data from the 2011 Boise River Workshop)
Boise River
6 | (Photo: Ken Miracle/BREN Network) (Photo: IDAK/Shutterstock) e Boise River provides numerous ecosystem services such as water supply, recreation and aesthetics. Its associated wetland and riparian systems lter and dilute pollutants, attenuate oods and erosion, and provide habitat for many species of birds and other wildlife.
Star
Eagle Island Boise River
Hwy 16
| 7 Eagle Island
Hwy 55
Eagle Island State Park West Boise Wastewater Treatment Plant
Black Cottonwoods
Healthy Riparian Native Trees Trees Provide Shade and Plants and Wildlife Habitat
Connected Floodplain Larger Habitat Patches
Mulituse Recreation Cover for Cool Clean InStream Aquatic Life Water Channel Habitat / Large Complexity Wood A Boise River that provides diverse habitat Sustainable and multiple uses, benefi ting the ecosystem Agriculture and citizens now and into the future. Healthy Substrate 8 | Glenwood VISION Boise River What Could
Ada County Expo the River Be? A healthy, functioning Boise River will offer improved benefi ts to the entire watershed. ENVISION A BOISE RIVER THAT OFFERS: Envision a river that fl ows through broad and diverse wetland and Cool, Clean Water riparian habitats on a connected fl oodplain that supports fi sh and wildlife • Healthy fi sh communities and associated fi sheries and buffers against adjacent land uses; its waters containing complex • Improved water supply for urban and agricultural uses • Clean water for safe swimming and wading habitat and clean, cool water and a healthy fi shery, while supplying ample water for urban and agricultural uses. An enhanced A Healthy Ecosystem Boise River will provide numerous recreation and • Protected areas that preserve natural function educational opportunities, be an economic • A connected fl oodplain that enhances habitat and reduces fl ood risk driver of prosperity in the Treasure Valley, • Improved instream habitat complexity that helps fi sh and serve as an example of what can • Increased native vegetation that benefi ts birds and wildlife • A sustainable black cottonwood forest that shelters a diverse, native understory be accomplished by sustainable, (Photo: Gary O. Grimm/BREN Network) collaborative management. • High quality wildlife habitat Clean Cool Water Sustainable Recreation Whitewater • A healthy fi sh community and robust fi sheries Ecosystem Park
• Better swimming and boating Health Quinn’s Pond
• Safe public access with low impact on the ecosystem V I
• Increased recreation opportunities through multipurpose projects S Recreation Downtown
• A place to connect with nature and with each other I O Boise
N Centerpiece of the Treasure Valley Aesthetics
- • Enhancement of the river that benefi ts all citizens T • A healthy Boise River supports a healthy economy h Increased • Our stewardship will inspire other cities e Connectivity
• Future generations will benefi t from today’s efforts B o i s e Vitality R i v e r
| 9 Plan Development Downtown This plan was developed through From the existing literature and These subject papers inform Boise an extensive literature review and research, summary reports were and serve as four appendices to stakeholder feedback process. Existing created for four ecological subject the Enhancement Plan. Additional literature and data pertaining to the areas: Geomorphology, Fisheries and appendices include: a high-level Julia Davis Boise River was assembled and Aquatic Habitat, Wetland and Riparian geomorphic assessment performed as Park organized into a database. Habitat and Water Quality. These part of the BREN effort, case studies of Major Tasks summary reports were presented to who is doing what within the watershed, stakeholders at four workshops, posted BREN governance and outreach Warm Springs online and reviewed by expert panels. documentation, and project concepts AccomplishingParkcenter the Project PlanGolf Course Boise State The subject papers were then revised from other watersheds. The appendices University and the most pertinent issues and provide the citations, justifi cation and solutions identifi ed for application in the detail behind the Enhancement Plan. COLLABORATION TECHNICAL ENHANCEMENT Enhancement Plan. The Draft Plan was released to the + Team Work ASSESSMENT PLAN public, presented to public and private groups, and underwent a comment and Project Collaboration, Coordination, Exisitng Literature, Reports, Plans, Conditions, Issues, Vision, Management, Outreach and Expert Reviews, Data Analyses and Strategies, Priorities and Actions review period that involved signifi cant Development Techincal Documentation outreach. Boise River
Plan Construction Barber Dam Exisiting BREN Sponsored Existing Projects Literature, Analyze Network Input Research: Case Studies Itemize Ongoing Community Feedback Reports, Data and Workshops Expert Geomorphology Coordinating Solutions Work in the Boise Stakeholder Meetings Plans Organize Online Surveys Review Study Team Input Alternatives River Feedback Sessions 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Summarize Revise Drafts Enhancement Enhancement Plan Plan Summarized Assessments: Final Assessments: Draft Enhancment Plan Final Enhancement Plan Geomorphology Geomorphology Draft plan outreach: with Appendices Fisheries Fisheries 9 week comment period 10 | Riparian/Wetland Riparian/Wetland 22 presentations Water Quality Water Quality More than 500 people reached TV, radio and newspaper coverage A Plan for the River There is a diverse set of stakeholders has hindered efforts to address critical The goal of this Enhancement Plan is necessary to achieve the vision. Important in the Lower Boise River Watershed – watershed issues, including habitat loss, to provide an overview of the ecological next steps include continuing outreach, municipalities; water users; local, state fl oodplain development, water pollution and condition of the river, and to identify the key research, funding and identifi cation of site- and federal agencies; water delivery ecosystem function. The Boise River’s future issues and most effective enhancement specifi c actions. entities; recreationists; Tribes; water and health relies on proper comprehensive opportunities in the areas of Geomorphology, power companies; land owners; non- management that focuses on the critical Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat, Wetland and profi t organizations; and others – each of issues and utilizes Majoreffective solutions. RiparianTasks Habitat and Water Quality. The which have their own goals, jurisdictions Cooperative planning is essential for Plan also identifi es those projects that bring and constituents. Insuffi cient coordination successful management and enhancement the greatest benefi ts to multiple ecological and cooperation among stakeholders of the Lower BoiseAccomplishing River. subjectthe Project areas and the Plancollaborative approach
VISION ECOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT COLLABORATION CONDITION
Describes a realistic vision for an Summarizes existing information on the Identifies and prioritizes enhancement Explores examples of successful collaboration enhanced Boise River. current river condition and identifies key opportunities. Identifies enhancement to enhance rivers. Identifies next steps (e.g. issues affecting multiple ecological projects that benefit multiple subject funding, research, site-specific actions). subject areas. areas. Defines BREN's collaborative approach.
Barber Pool Conservation Area
New York Canal
Hwy 21 Diversion Lucky Peak Dam Dam Lucky Peak Reservoir
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