Idaho has an active fish habitat restoration/construction program with the goal of adding more habitat for fish. Things like trees with rootwads, rock and willows are the building-blocks of a successful project. Most of the work is focused on habitat to benefit anadromous (ocean-going) fish because funding sources are tied to lower Snake and Columbia River mitigation programs associated with dam development. Often, we partner with groups like Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts along with the Office of Species Conservation and Bonneville Power Administration to secure funding and identify critical areas and areas of need.
The goal of these projects is to provide pools, cover structures and change velocities so conditions are more suitable to attract fish. We monitor fish numbers and species both pre and post project to make sure we are accomplishing our goal of improving conditions for Idaho's fish. And, just like in the movie, "Field of Dreams," If we build it - the fish always come.