Boise River Enhancement Plan

Boise River Enhancement Network Table of Contents      

The Boise River P.1-11 “We are a network of people Part 1 of this plan describes the background and setting of the river, the current need for cooperative planning, that live, work and play in the the vision for the river, and the process through which this plan was created. Boise River watershed dedicated

The plan is designed to convey important and complex to promoting the ecological concepts through simple text and visual aids and therefore is not filled with source information and is not enhancement of the river” highly technical.

Essential Features P.12-29 Boise River Enhancement Plan

Part 2 is divided into four major ecological subject Prefered Citation: areas identified as critical ecosystem components for enhancement of the river: Geomorphology, Fisheries and Boise River Enhacement Network (BREN). 2015. Lower Boise River Enhacment Plan. Aquatic Habitat, Wetland and Riparian Habitat and Water Boise, Idaho Quality. Prepared for: Each section includes a narrative, clearly identified key Bureau of Reclamation issues within the subject area, and the most appropriate United States Department of the Interior and effective enhancement opportunities identified PO Box 25007 through the planning process. Denver, Colorado 80225-007

Prepared by: Entity Entity Number Road Road Realizing the Vision P.30-36 Boise, Idaho 83702 Part 3 addresses how the enhancement vison can be 555.555.5555 realized through summarizing past and current efforts within the watershed, examples from other watersheds, Disclaimer: Any electronic form, facsimile or hard and identifying which types of projects bring the greatest copy of the original document (email, text, table, benefits to multiple ecological subject areas. The plan and/or figure), if provided, and any attachments are seeks to identify how, what and where enhancement can only a copy of the original document. The original be achieved to bring the most effective benefits to the document is stored by Boise River Enhancement river. Network. Copyright© 2015 by Boise River Enhancement Network. All rights reserved.

Cover photo: Credit; Boise River

Part Introduction1 Boise River Why is this Plan Needed?

At an October 2011 Boise River Workshop, over 120 participants identified 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 to Reality,” Following the workshop, a group of came together to plan a workshop on brought 106 of the area’s practitioners, interested organizations came together to environmental enhancement opportunities on experts, academics, decision makers, and form the Boise River Enhancement Network the Lower Boise River (LBR). All interested active citizens together for a substantive (BREN). This group received a grant from individuals and organizations were welcome discussion about the challenges and the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSmart to participate to foster an open and inclusive opportunities for environmental enhancement program to establish a watershed group and planning process. An Organizing Committee of the LBR. The results of the workshop, as write a watershed enhancement plan. BREN that included non-profit and for profit staff, measured from breakout session input and then used the results of the workshop to volunteers and agency representatives an online survey, identified key enhancement design a process and to identify key subject agreed on the goal of the workshop, “To goals and interests, challenges to areas on which to focus the effort. This plan increase opportunities for public and private enhancement, approaches to enhancement, is a result of these efforts to provide the ecosystem enhancement of the Lower Boise and key next steps. Participants identified essential next step in the enhancement of the River by establishing networks, building that the most important next step to enhance LBR. knowledge, envisioning possibilities and the Lower Boise River was to “Continue this tackling challenges.” group and develop a plan.”

Approaches to Restoration Please rate the following approaches to restoration/enhancement on the Lower 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 17% 3% 2% 5% 8% Unacceptable Unacceptable Unacceptable Of limited use

2% 44% 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

| 1

Reach 1 Sinuosity

CONDITIONTARGET CONDITIONTARGET

Meander Width/Depth TARGET TARGET

CONDITION CONDITION Belt Width Ratio POOR POOR CONDITION CONDITION 1 CONDITIONTARGET

TARGET TARGET TARGET CONDITION Essential Feature CONDITION CONDITION POOR Floodplain CONDITION Embed- Example of Reach Example of Reach Width dedness in Poor Condition Meeting Target Condtion

Reach 2 Sinuosity Bank Bed Composition Armoring Meander Width/Depth TARGET Belt Width Ratio CONDITION In-Channel CONDITIONTARGET Structure

TARGET

CONDITION POOR Floodplain Embed- Geomorpholgy CONDITION Width dedness Reach 3 Boise River Enhancement Plan Sinuosity Meander Width/Depth Belt Width Ratio Bank Bed

CONDITIONTARGET Composition Armoring TARGET The LBR has been transformed from a Current channel capacity ranges between 3,500 In-Channel CONDITION

TARGET Structure

CONDITION meandering, braided gravel bed river that supported cfs and 10,000 cfs, although channel capacity POOR Floodplain CONDITION Embed- large runs of salmon to a channelized, regulated varies in time and space due to changing conditions. Width dedness Reach 4 urban and agricultural river that provides flood However, flood damage increases drastically above Sinuosity

control, irrigation water conveyance and recreational 6,500 cfs. Prior to channelization, high flows would Meander Width/Depth Bank Bed Belt Width Ratio

Composition Armoring CONDITIONTARGET opportunities to residents of the Treasure Valley. spread across the historically wide floodplain. Over TARGET In-Channel CONDITION the years, levees have been built and enlarged Structure TARGET Extensive alterations to the floodplain and CONDITION by individual land owners, cities, counties, and POOR Floodplain CONDITION Embed- hydrograph have resulted in a large suite of Width dedness local flood districts, many of which are unstable. Reach 5 geomorphic changes to this alluvial river system. Levees surrounding old gravel pits that now serve Sinuosity These changes include a floodplain that has Meander Width/Depth as ornamental ponds with little habitat value are Belt Width Ratio Bank Bed been drastically narrowed and disconnected CONDITIONTARGET Composition Armoring considered to be flood hazards TARGET In-Channel CONDITION from the current hydrology, Structure as they may increase flood risk TARGET CONDITION a hyporheic zone (where the POOR and result in “pit capture,” which Floodplain CONDITION Embed- local groundwater table and Width dedness can alter the river channel. Large Reach 6 surface water are interacting) snags, vegetation and debris Sinuosity that has been significantly Meander Width/Depth are removed from sections of Bank Bed Belt Width Ratio Composition Armoring CONDITIONTARGET reduced, channel substrate TARGET the river for recreation safety In-Channel CONDITION that has become armored and Structure and flood control reasons. TARGET CONDITION embedded, instream habitat POOR As a result of historic levee Floodplain CONDITION Embed- that has been simplified and Geomorphic Character of River Width dedness Braided/Complex Channelized/Regulated construction and current Reaches sloughs and side channels River Channel River Channel maintenance practices, the Target conditions considered existing that have been reduced. The hydrology but not necessarily development. highly narrowed river channel Bank Bed Given existing hydrology and other Composition Armoring dramatic anthropogenic induced changes to the TARGET lacks roughness elements and in-stream complexity existing geomorphic conditions, targets In-Channel CONDITION hydrology and floodplain have created a geomorphic that historically provided habitat for fish and other were identified representing what could Structure environment that is not aligned with the current reasonably be expected to occur over the aquatic organisms. The current channel form results long-term given a best-case scenario. The goal would be to work toward those hydrology, resulting in impacts to several critical in velocities that preclude refuge for salmonids targets systematically and opportunistically when and where possible. ecosystem processes. Although there are pervasive in many locations during the spring and summer The targets should be used to aim projects in the most appropriate direction, but conditions that affect the entire LBR, each reach should not be used as objectives. The expectation should be to move closer toward and create an abundance of shallow pool or glide targets not necessarily to meet targets across the board (which may never be 100% and site has its own specific suite of conditions that habitat in the late fall, winter and early spring. achievable). (Data From Richardson and Guulinger 2015) need to be evaluated on the appropriate scale. 14 |

Part Realizing the Vision 3 Boise River

30 | Meaningful Enhancement Though Collaborative Efforts

Part 1 outlined the background, setting and Because of the level of investment required to vision for the river; it also explained the need, achieve large-scale ecosystem enhancement, origin and process through which the plan was performing projects that bring multiple benefits formed. Part 2 explored the key issues identified is essential. When the focus is on process and for each of four essential ecosystem components ecosystem function, this can be achieved. No and presents the most appropriate enhancement one entity can achieve this vision; there are opportunities to address these issues. Part 3 numerous entities performing enhancement addresses how to realize the vision. projects along the river. What role each organization is playing and where projects The issues and enhancement actions outlined have been located is identified in this section. in this plan are not easily accomplished. Examples of other watersheds that have been Small projects are worthwhile as they can successful at implementing enhancement on a be achieved in a short time frame, illustrate similar scale are outlined. Finally, the role the concepts, provide benefits, and involve citizens BREN will play in fostering enhancement through and agencies in river enhancement. However, a collaborative approach is provided. larger enhancement efforts intended to influence ecosystem processes require significant effort and expense. They often involve multiple agencies and stakeholders, extensive political and public outreach, collaboration and compromise between numerous entities, and a programmatic approach over several years.

The enhancement actions outlined in this plan are not easily accomplished. Larger enhancement efforts intended to influence ecosystem processes require significant effort and expense. They often involve multiple agencies and stakeholders, extensive political and public outreach, collaboration and compromise between numerous entities, and a programmatic approach over several years.

| 31 Multiple Benefits Boise River Enhancement Plan

The literature review and expert review panel input Based on the literature and expert panel review Passive techniques to achieve this goal include: identified the key issues and most appropriate and process, the following approaches will provide effective enhancement solutions for each essential multiple benefits through protecting and improving • Remove or set-back levees and rip-rap feature of the river ecosystem. Although each issue ecosystem function: to improve channel dynamism and re- and site needs to be carefully analyzed on a case connect the floodplain and side-channels: by case basis, including the political, economic 1. Protect functional areas and areas that reconnecting the hydrology of the river and ecologic setting, actions that result in multiple could be reconnected to river processes. The with existing landforms will promote stream benefits will provide the greatest enhancement of literature and experts agree: protection of functional processes, instream habitat diversity and the river ecosystem. areas is far superior to creation, restoration and wetland and riparian development. enhancement of impaired landscapes. A secondary Several issues are common across the ecological priority for protection is areas where the floodplain • Flow modification: increased winter flow subject areas: channel modification; confinement has been disconnected from the river, but re- volumes, peak flow management and and simplification; floodplain development and connection is feasible. Urban development within the appropriate ramping rates are examples of lack of connection to current hydrology; flow floodplain is a significant stressor to river function. key elements of the flow regime that could be regime modification; and poor water quality, among Once these areas have been developed, there is restored to benefit ecosystem function. others. Ecosystem components are linked through little hope of floodplain re-connection. • Remove obstacles to sediment and fish physical and biological processes. By protecting passage: removing and upgrading irrigation and enhancing ecosystem function, all of the river 2. improve channel form, complexity and floodplain connection. A complex stream channel structures will benefit sediment transport, components will benefit. Passive interventions fish passage, habitat complexity and involve removing stressors to the system. Active with appropriate width to depth ratio and a diverse assemblage of habitat elements will provide benefits recreation opportunities while decreasing interventions involve actions to create new processes fish entrainment. that fit within the current environmental setting and to geomorphic function, fisheries, aquatic habitat, need to be undertaken with great care. Both of these and water quality. By reconnecting the floodplain • Reduce the amount of wood removed from strategies need to be employed to realize the vision and creating a narrower, deeper channel, wetland the river: this must be balanced with flood risk for the Boise River. and riparian habitat will also increase in area and reduction and safety concerns. function.

32 | Active techniques to achieve this goal include:

• Reshaping the channel, excavating new side channels, and lowering floodplain surfaces: these techniques attempt to create the landforms where the river is unlikely to create them given the current setting.

• In-stream habitat elements, such as placement of large woody material: these structures create habitat diversity and promote river processes.

• Native riparian planting and non-native and invasive species removal: where ecosystem processes cannot be restored, creation of functioning wetland and riparian habitats may Connected floodplain. This channel along the Boise River shown Channel confined by levee and rip-rap. Along much of the Boise be appropriate. at low flow conditions is active at higher flows on a seasonal basis. River the channel is confined and simplified. Levees and rip-rap are Wetland and riparian vegetation is abundant along its edges, filtering designed to prevent channel migration and confine water to the main 3. improve water quality. Improved water pollution, creating habitat for wildlife, increasing flood conveyance channel. The former floodplain is then disconnected from the river. quality benefits fisheries and aquatic life, geomorphic and providing refuge for fish from high velocity flows in the main By removing or moving these types of structures back from the main channel. processes, and creates a safe environment for channel and allowing the river to access the existing ground brings multiple benefits, including wetland and riparian development, citizens to enjoy the river. increased habitat for fish and wildlife, and flood conveyance. Passive Techniques: Improve on-site storm water management through green storm water infrastructure to reduce and treat stormwater at its source. In the agricultural landscape, implement on-farm best management practices such as irrigation technique conversion and improved manure management to reduce sediment runoff and increase the quality of return water.

Active Techniques: Re-use of irrigation water and construction of settling ponds and wetlands to intercept and filter irrigation return water will improve water quality in the main channel. Enhancement or planting of streamside vegetation, where applicable, will also help buffer the river from sediment and Great blue heron in a cottonwood tree along the Boise River. Example green stormwater infrastructure project by ACHD. nutrient runoff and provide shading. Riparian and wetland enhancement will result in multiple benefits The Treasure Valley’s tree canopy mitigates 125 million gallons to the river. They are critical ecosystem components that provide of stormwater annually, saving $1.1 million in infrastructure costs. Each location, project, municipality and shade, sediment and nutrient filtration and habitat for fish and Green stormwater infrastructure projects, such as tree systems stakeholder group has a unique suite of conditions wildlife. (Photo: Gary O Grimm) (showcased above), permeable pavers, bio-swales and bio- and values. There is no one prescription for retention areas intercept and treat stormwater before it enters the Boise River. all situations. However undertaking the most appropriate actions to achieve the most benefits is paramount to enhancement of the river. | 33 Ada Coun ty

Ada Coun ty Ada County Highway District

Ada County Highway District Ada County Soil & Water Conservation District Ada County Army Corp of Enginee rs Soil & Water Conservation District Army Corp of Enginee rs Boise River FloodCon trolDistric t #1 0

Boise River EnhFloodCanon cetrolmenDistric t Networkt #10

Boise StateRiver UniversEnhan ceitmeny t Network Projects Boise State Univers ity Canyon Coun ty

is Canyon Coun ty Soil & Water

Conservation District Canyon County Soil & Water City of Boise doing Conservation District City of Boise City of Caldwell

City of Caldwell City of Eagle

City of Eagle City of Greenlea f

City of MeridianGreenl ea f Who What City of Meridian City of Parma

City of Parma City ofStar

City ofStar College of Idaho

EcoCollsysegetem of I dahoScien ces Found ation and GoldenEcosys temEagle Scien Audubonces Found Society ation

Golden Eagle Audubon Society Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Assoc. Where Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Assoc. Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Boise River Enhancement Plan Idaho Department of La nds

Idaho Department of La nds Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Idaho Department of Fish and Game Idaho Department of Water Resou rces The Lower Boise River flows through two that are best leveraged against each other. Interest

Idaho FoundDepartmentations of for Water Parks R esandou Larcendss counties and over seven cities. As a result it is and support of enhancement work has increased Idaho Foundations for Parks and Lands Idaho Power managed by multiple agencies and stakeholders over the past decade; a coordinated plan will help Idaho PoRiverswer United at the federal, state, regional, and city scales. Over focus enhancement on areas of greatest ecological Idaho SmartRivers GrowthUnited the past 20 years, numerous enhancement projects priority. Idaho WatershedSmart Growth Soluti, onInc.s

have been implemented along the Boise River to Idaho Watershed Soluti, onInc.s Land Trust of the Treasure Va lley

improve fisheries, water quality, and wetland and LoLandwer Trust Boise of River the Tr Watershedeasure Va llCey ouncil

riparian habitat. Each entity performs its own suite MLoounwertain Boi Visise Riveron s Watershed C ouncil

Mountain Vision s of enhancement activities. These activities include: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

QuadrantNational Fish Con asultind Wngil, d Ilifnc. e Foundation planning, designing and implementing enhancement

RQuadrantesource CSonystemssulting, Inc. , Inc. project(s); directly supporting the planning, or design,

TRhees ouFreshrce waterSystems Tr us, Inc. t or implementation of a project(s); reviewing and The WetlFreshandswater Gr Troup us,t LLC issuing permits for projects; contributing funding,

TrTheeasu Wetlreands Valley Gr Poupheasan, LLC ts Fo rever in-kind services, advice and expertise or volunteers

Troueasut Unreli Vamitlledey, P Tedheasan Trueblts Foood rever Chpt to a project; identifying potential enhancement UniversTrout Unitliym oitf edIdaho, Ted Trueblood Chpt opportunities; advocacy and education for the Boise University of Idaho U.S. Bureau of Reclama tion River; monitoring conditions of the Boise River; U.S. FishBurea aund o fW Rilecdliflamae Service ti on and adopting policies (plans, laws and ordinances) Treasure Valley public and private organizations and the U.S. GeolFish ogandic WSuilrveyd life Service that may aid or inhibit enhancement projects on roles they play in enhancement of the Boise River. The Ted U.S. Geologic Survey the Boise River. Meaningful enhancement of the Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited has implemented several projects along the Boise River and its tributaries Boise River will require coordinated efforts by Advocacy and Education Planning and Design Funding; In-Kind donation (including the above photo from Heron Creek) to improve Aquatic projects Project Identification Irrigation projects Advocacy and Education Planning and Design Funding; In-Kind donation multiple entities to achieve a shared goal. The habitat for trout, such as gravel augmentation for spawning, Channel projects Recreation Aquatic projects Project Identification Monitoring; Research Irrigation projects Conservation Easement; public and private organizations who participate in riparian planting, and bank stabilization projects. Channel projects RReecgurealatitionon and Permitting Water Quality Open Space Monitoring; Research (Photo: Trout Unlimited) VolConunsetrvatieers on Easement; Riparian & Wetland Regulation and Permitting Water Quality river enhancement activities each play vital roles Open Space Enhancement Riparian & Wetland Volunteers 34 | Enhancement Enhacement Projects byrivermileforCanyon Countyand Ada County withassociatedlocation markers 32 32 Canyon County Canyon County Ada County Ada County

ConfluenceConfluence with Snake with River Snake River0 0 Fort BoiseFort Wildlife Boise Mgmt Wildlife Area Mgmt Area Canyon/AdaCanyon/Ada County border County border North AlkaliNorth Drain Alkali Demonstration Drain Demonstration Project Project (off-channel)(off-channel) 34 34

Star RoadStar Road 2 2 Star RiverStar Walk River project Walk project 36 36 4 4

Parma wastewaterParma wastewater treatment treatment 6 6 38 38 ConfluenceConfluence N and S channelsN and S channels Island CreekIsland Project Creek Project Three RiversThree Ranch Rivers open Ranch space open space 8 8

40 40 US 95 BridgeUS 95 Bridge 10 10 Dixie DrainDixie project Drain project 42 42

Eagle RoadEagle Road 12 12 Jerry GlennJerry wetland Glenn & wetland &

44 44 side channelside restoration channel restoration

Great blueGreat heron blue rookery heron rookery West BoiseWest wastewater Boise wastewater treatment treatment Notus wastewaterNotus wastewater treatment treatment 14 14 West BoiseWest bank Boise stabilization bank stabilization Notus RoadNotus Road

Boise RiverBoise split River split 46 46 Perkins NaturePerkins Area; Nature Area; false indigofalse removal indigo removal

Hyatt HiddenHyatt Lakes Hidden (off Lakes channel) (off channel) 16 16 48 48

GlenwoodGlenwood Bridge Bridge PlantationPlantation side channel side project channel project 18 18

Lander wastewaterLander wastewater treatment treatment 50 50 Veterans VeteransMemorial Memorial Parkway Parkway 20 20 Boise WhitewaterBoise Whitewater Park Park Main StreetMain Bridge Street Bridge 52 52 22 22 Capital BlvdCapital Bridge Blvd Bridge Julia CreekJulia daylighting Creek daylighting CottonwoodCottonwood Creek daylighting Creek daylighting

BroadwayBroadway Bridge Bridge54 54 24 24

PedestrianPedestrian bridge bridge Caldwell wastewaterCaldwell wastewater treatment treatment CottonwoodCottonwood planting planting Indian CreekIndian restoration Creek restoration project project Heron CreekHeron fish Creek spawning fish spawning project project 56 56 US Hwy 26US Hwy 26 Warm SpringsWarm gravel Springs augmentation gravel augmentation

Spring MeadowSpring streambankMeadow streambank rest. rest. 26 26 MiddletonMiddleton wastewater wastewater treatment treatment Loggers CreekLoggers project Creek project Bown CrossingBown Crossingstreambank streambank rest. rest. MiddletonMiddleton Road Road Marriane MarrianeWilliams foodplainWilliams foodplainrest. rest.

58 58 Walling CreekWalling project Creek project

Eckert BridgeEckert Bridge Wetland mitigtaionWetland mitigtaion site site 28 28 Alta HarrisAlta Creek Harris side Creek channel side project channel project Barber DamBarber Dam 60 60 30 30

DiversionDiversion Dam Dam 62 62 32 32

|35 Canyon/AdaCanyon/Ada County border County border Successful Collaborative Watershed Enhancement

(Photo: Henry’s Fork Foundation)

The Lower Boise River conservation community Case Study 2: Henry’s Fork Foundation, Idaho has the capacity and expertise to substantially improve the function of the river ecosystem. However, Wild trout and aquatic habitat in Henry’s Fork, a without a collaborative approach and coordinated tributary to the Snake River in Idaho, has been of plan, conservation efforts have often occurred critical importance to the Henry’s Fork Foundation where opportunities or funding are available, rather (HFF) since its founding in 1984. The Henry’s Fork than focusing on areas of greatest ecological and its major tributaries are highly managed for priority. Further, river management and planning irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. For is inherently complex and at times contentious. this reason, HFF must work collaboratively with This makes cooperation and collaboration among hydroelectric power companies, irrigators, and stakeholders essential for successful management state and federal water managers to ensure that and enhancement of the Lower Boise. An excavator places large conifer logs in Ferguson Creek, river flows benefit wild trout while meeting water which provides cover and habitat for cutthroat trout, rights allocations. The Henry’s Fork Foundation invertebrates, and other aquatic wildlife. Case Study 1: Long Tom Watershed Council, (Photo: Long Tom Watershed Council) also works with landowners, agencies, irrigators, Oregon local counties, and other partners to preserve In 2014, the Long Tom Watershed Council partnered river access and facilitate permanent protection of The Long Tom Watershed Council was formed with eight for profit and non-profit entities, nine public land through conservation easements and other in 1998 as a collaborative effort between a agencies, 52 private landowners and 175 volunteers mechanisms. Successful collaboration is critical diverse group of stakeholders including farmers, to implement 20 habitat restoration projects, remove to meet program goals. To facilitate cooperation foresters, anglers, businesses, scientists, and or replace six fish migration barriers and to plant and promote respect among state and federal conservationists. The Council primarily works with over 85,000 native trees and shrubs within the agencies, non-governmental organizations, water private landowners to implement habitat restoration watershed. The Long Tom Watershed Council also users, private landowners, businesses, and other projects, such as fish passage, plantings for shade has an extensive survey and monitoring program to watershed stakeholders that the Foundation and and habitat, and restoration of prairies, wetlands and better understand the state of the watershed and to the Fremont-Madison Irrigation District created the oak savannas in the Long Tom Watershed, Oregon. track program outcomes; this has helped leverage Henry’s Fork Watershed Council in 1992. funds for the Council’s programs. 36 | and governmental organizations. The purpose of the Commission is to help various local governments and State agencies implement the projects identified in the Blueprint, raise public awareness, and help promote coordination and communication among stakeholders. Using the Blueprint Jordan River, the Jordan River Commission to date has leveraged over $13 million dollars to implement projects, including 40 miles of trail (only 4.5 miles remain) along the Jordan River corridor. The inclusive stakeholder process has resulted in a widely embraced plan throughout the affected Barber Pools communities and state-wide. (Photo: Debbie Smith) Placement of large wood in the Salmon River, Oregon (Photo: the Freshwater Trust) landowners. To better manage this resource, the Friends of Barber Pool Conservation Area was formed Case Study 3: Sandy River Basin, Oregon in 1999, with the mission to “preserve, restore, and To restore salmon habitat in the Sandy River Basin, enhance the functions and values of the Barber Pool the Freshwater Trust, a non-profit river restoration Conservation Area ecosystem through partnerships, group, partnered with a coalition of agencies, private collaborative efforts, and public appreciation.” A Master interests and non-profit groups called the Sandy River Plan was developed in 2002 that provides management Basin Partners and the River Design Group. Years recommendations based upon existing conditions and of mismanagement had left Salmon Creek and Still potential for the BPCA. Work has continued as IDEQ Creek (tributaries to the Sandy River) straightened, provided an update to the plan in 2015 that addresses disconnected from the floodplain and purged of groundwater quality concerns. Jordan River, Utah woody material, which led to a loss of habitat diversity (Photo: Niel Franti) and complexity. Through strong partnerships and a coordinated restoration plan, 30 artificial log jams were The Barber Pools Conservation Area installed and side channels were reactivated, among 40 other restoration actions. To date over 16,200 feet Covering over 700 acres, the Barber Pool of side channel and 7,500 feet of mainstem channel Conservation Area (BPCA) is one of the few protected have been restored. areas along the Boise River, especially within the upper reaches near rapidly urbanizing Boise. The area Case Study 4: Jordan River Commission, Utah was altered by the construction of Baber Dam in the In 2010, the Jordan River Commission was formed early 1900s, resulting in an over-widened channel with to facilitate the implementation of Blueprint Jordan upwards of six feet of sediment deposition. However, River, a comprehensive effort and vision to transform the area contains intact cottonwood stands that provide a neglected river corridor into a defining regional habitat for over 200 bird and wildlife species, including amenity. The Jordan River flows from Utah Lake wintering bald eagle habitat; therefore it is it recognized through 15 cities and 3 counties into the Great Salt as an important community and wildlife resource. The Lake wetlands. The visioning process involved over BPCA is owned by multiple entities, including the Idaho 3,000 residents from multiple stakeholder groups, Foundation for Parks and Lands, the State of Idaho, Ada County, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, the Intermountain technical experts, planners, state legislators, county Barber Pools commissioners, and leaders from private, non-profit Bird Observatory, the Federal government and private (Photo: Idaho Foundation of Parks and Lands)

| 37 BREN’s Collaborative

Approach Community Networking

- Host gatherings for people to share information, ideas and technical Mission: We are a network of people that The Boise River Enhancement Network (BREN) expertise - Increase understanding of the needs live, work and play in the Boise River watershed provides a forum for stakeholders share information, of stakeholders - Provide a neutral forum for diverse dedicated to promoting the ecological enhancement ideas and technical expertise regarding the health interests to collaborate - Represent stakeholders in of the river. of the Boise River. The Coordinating Team, elected watershed decision making processes by BREN members, represents a diverse group of - Operate democratically Vision: The Boise River is recognized stakeholders including agriculture, development, as a valuable resource by all communities in the irrigation, recreation, advocacy, environmental Treasure Valley. Boise River Enhancement Network consulting, among others. Stakeholder participation ENHANCEMENT participants envision a healthy Boise River that Planning and Research and and support is vital to the creation and implementation Facilitation Education enriches the Valley’s quality of life. Imagine a Boise of this Enhancement Plan and the sustainability of - Implement and build on the - Use the Enhancement Plan to community-generated Boise increase understanding of Boise River that: the Network. Through the use of this Plan, BREN River Enhancement Plan River ecology and effective - Bring together decision enhancement strategies. makers and stakeholders to will work to leverage funds and bring together prioritize enhancement - Sponsor free field trips, float • Helps meet our communities’ desire for activities trips and presentations decision makers and stakeholders to implement - Facilitate mitigation and - Compile and share public, outdoor recreation and economic vitality; restoration transactions private and academic research enhancement activities. An aggregator such as -Investigate enhancement - Provide credibility and • Provides irrigation and drinking water to leverage funding for concepts BREN can leverage partnerships created during the enhancement work - Host an interactive community website and publish monthly communities; development of the Enhancement Plan to continue - Advocate for enhancement newsletters • Flows through natural and restored fish and the momentum towards a highly functioning Lower wildlife habitat; Boise River. • Offers clean water for swimming and fishing; and, • Inspires people to better understand and appreciate the river and engage in stewardship efforts.

In 2011, participants at a widely-attended BREN hosts float trips and field trips along The Boise River Enhancement Network The Enhancement Plan was developed workshop identified the need for a all reaches of the Boise River that serve to provides opportunities to meet new people, through an inclusive and peer-reviewed cooperative working group and a watershed- increase our understanding of the River’s share ideas and learn about the Boise River. effort, including workshops, online scale plan, which led to the establishment of ecology and constraints to the system. feedback and expert review. 38 | BREN and the Enhancement Plan. Acknowledgments

Bureau of Reclamation Watersmart Grant Team Expert Reviewers

Land Trust of the Treasure Valley Ecosystem Sciences Foundation (To be included in the final draft) Role: Fiscal Agent, Outreach/Stakeholder Involvement Role: Data acquisition, Enhancement Concept Identification, Geomorphology The LTTV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works Literature Review, Enhancement Plan Development and Fisheries and Aquatic Habitat Construction to conserve natural, scenic, recreational and farm lands Wetlands and Riparian Habitat of the lower Boise River watershed. The LTTV owns land ESF is a 501(c)(3) international environmental science and and easements along the Boise River and has conducted design organization dedicated to bridging the gap between Water Quality community based conservation planning for communities in scientific disciplines and resource management strategies. the lower Boise Watershed. The Foundation advocates the wise application of science and Idaho Rivers United design to protect the environment and uses a collaborative and Coordinating Team multi-disciplinary approach to solving watershed management Role: Structure, Internal Process, Sustainability, Outreach/ challenges. Chair: Tamsen Binggeli, Ecologist, Ecosystem Sciences Stakeholder Involvement Foundation IRU is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in Boise, Vice-chair: Doug Fowler, Project Manager, Harris Ranch Idaho whose members’ use and enjoyment of the Boise River is significantly impacted by water quality and quantity. IRU Secretary/Treasurer: Tim Breuer, Executive Director, Land Trust of the Treasure Valley is capable of promoting sustainable use of water resources Contractor through their established education, outreach and citizen Members: advocacy programs. Mountain Visions Alan Winkle, Board member, Boise City Canal Company The South Boise Water Company Role: Development of BREN website Alex Johnson, Ecosystem Credit Programs Director, Role: Outreach/ Stakeholder Involvement The Freshwater Trust Mountain Visions specializes in creating immersive, The SBWC is an irrigation ditch company with water delivery interactive, 360 degree photographic and multi-media Derek Risso, Watershed Ecologist, Ecosystem Sciences authority incorporated in the state of Idaho in 1917 that diverts “virtual explorations” of outdoor landscapes for collaborative Foundation water from the lower Boise River for multiple uses. Company partnership groups. Gary Grimm, Multimedia communication and environmental shareholders affect, and are affected by, the quality and networking, Mountain Visions quantity of the Boise River, and the Company promotes the sustainable use of water resources. Julie Scanlin, Education and outreach, Idaho Water Resources Research Institute The Ted Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Inc. LeeAnn Garton, Board member, South Boise Water Company Role: Data acquisition, Enhancement Concept Identification Partner Liz Paul, Campaign Coordinator, Idaho Rivers United The Ted Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Inc. is a subsidiary of TU, a national conservation organization, Idaho Water Resources Research Institute Michael McConnell, Environmental Scientist, Idaho Habitat a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The 800 Role: Outreach/ Stakeholder Involvement Works members of this Chapter conserve, protect and restore trout IWRRI was established in 1963 by the University of Idaho Mike Somerville, Farm owner, Canyon County and salmon fisheries and their watersheds through habitat Board of Regents. They support and direct water research Tom “Chel” Chelstrom, Boise River recreation restoration projects and education programs in southwest for the State of Idaho and the region. Idaho. Special Thanks to: Rob Richardson and Jimmy Guilinger for their efforts on the Geomorphic Assessment, feedback and expert input throughout the process.

| 39 Boise River Enhancement Plan

Boise River Enhancement Network