Volunteers needed for Little Salmon River Planting Projects

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is looking for volunteers to help plant native shrubs and trees in an effort to restore native riparian habitats along the Little Salmon River. The plantings are scheduled for June 15, 22 and 29. For more information or to volunteer, contact Mary Dudley at 327-7099. Because of their penetrating root structure, shrubs help stabilize eroding riverbanks. In addition, native shrubs provide shade, cooling the water. "For decades, high water temperatures and a heavy sediment layer have plagued the Little Salmon River," Fish and Game volunteer coordinator Mary Dudley noted. "As native riparian habitats are restored, water quality will improve, creating better habitat for fish and wildlife." Thanks to past volunteer efforts, sections of the Little Salmon River north of New Meadows are showing signs of healing. "Native shrubs planted by volunteers a few years ago are beginning to establish and colonize along the river's banks," Dudley said. "And we simply would not be able to accomplish these planting projects without the excellent help of our volunteers." Past volunteers have included students from Meadows Valley High School, the McCall Chapter of Trout Unlimited and people traveling from as far away as Mountain Home and the Treasure Valley.