The US Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with Boise State University to do ecological restoration in the Barber Pool Conservation Area. The project is part of the Army Corps program to help restore areas that have been impacted by their operations, such as the Lucky Peak dam. The ecological restoration project is in the feasibility phase and they are looking input from the public to help them prioritize restoration options.

Some of the options being investigated are:

• Create side channels to improve trout and whitefish spawning habitat.
• Construct habitat features to improve trout and whitefish fry survival.
• Improve riparian and wetland habitats.

Public input will shape what options the Army Corps decides to pursue. Please take a few minutes to give them input by going to their project website . An online presentation is scheduled for Monday Nov 25th. Details on how to join the online public scoping meeting are located on the project’s web page.

BVFF is contributing $10,000 to the investigation phase of the project and we want to be involved in volunteering to help with some of the habitat improvement projects over the coming years. We have a special interest in improving trout spawning and rearing habitat, so we would like to see at least one trout spawning side channel added, as well as improving woody cover. The recent side channel restoration at the Diane Moore Nature Center, just above the Barber Pool, has been a great success and has improved trout spawning and rearing conditions. Side channel restorations should also include adding spawning size gravels, as much of the existing deposition in this section of the river is sandy and not suitable for trout spawning. In addition, we would like to see additional angler access points to the Barber Pool where possible.

Thank you for taking the time to give public input to help shape this project. It is an amazing opportunity to improve the Boise River.  We would like to thank Greg Kaltenecker for his continued vision and leadership, and recognize the contributions of other organizations including Idaho Fish and Game, The City of Boise, Micron, BSU Intermountain Bird Observatory, Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association, The Nature Conservancy, Golden Eagle Audubon Society, Merrick and Company, and the Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands.

And a special thanks goes to all the volunteers that make BVFF's Fly Fishing Expo happen. This is the main fund raising engine that allows BVFF to participate in projects like this.  We hope to see all of you there this year, Friday January 31 and Saturday February 1, 2025.  BRING A FRIEND!