Big Wood River Assessment Now Available for Public Review

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

Twin Falls District Office

Media Contact:

Heather Tiel-Nelson

HAILEY, ID. – The Bureau of Land Management along with the Wood River Land Trust and Trout Unlimited announce the availability of a detailed study of the Big Wood River.

The study examined the significant geomorphic processes operating within the watershed; collected detailed sediment, hydrology and riparian data; identified areas that do not currently function naturally; identified ways to balance ecological and social values within the area; and finally recommended and prioritized actions to support the long term health and function of the Big Wood River system.

There will be a public meeting to review the study on Feb. 17, 2016 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Blaine County Campus, Minnie Moore room (1050 Fox Acres Road, Hailey).

The assessment, conducted by Biota Research and Consulting Inc. out of Jackson, WY, studied 40 miles of the Big Wood River from the confluence of the North Fork down to Magic Reservoir. The study is available for review and is posted here: bit.ly/BigWoodRiverAssessment there is also information on the Wood River Land Trust website: http://woodriverlandtrust.org/bigwoodassessment/.

The data generated by the assessment will be used by conservation partners to prioritize and implement restoration, stream re-connection, and flow enhancement activities within the Big Wood River watershed. In addition, the assessment will help support and inform future management decisions for the river’s aquatic and riparian resources.

For more information, please contact Chad Chorney, Trout Unlimited Big Wood River Project Manager at 208-928-7656; Keri York, Wood River Land Trust Director of Conservation at 208-788-3947 or Codie Martin, BLM Shoshone Field Manager at 208-732-7200.


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.