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tour of fisheries habitat improvements planned
The Idaho County Soil and Water Conservation District will host a public tour of newly constructed improvements to irrigation water delivery systems and fisheries habitat improvements on June 23, 2006. The tour will start at 10 a.m. local (MST) at the boat access ramp in Riggins City Park. "Interested public and public agency representatives will have an opportunity to learn about the improvements and ask about the potential benefits to both farmers and fish," said Dana Weigel, Bureau of Reclamation. Improvements were made to two irrigation diversion structures in the Rapid River basin, and a diversion dam was removed on Squaw Creek. Other significant changes included changes to the main headgate on the Little Salmon River to provide access for salmon and steelhead into Squaw Creek. The effort was a partnership between the public and private sectors. Funding for both projects was provided through the Office of Species Conservation with Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery. This is the first time irrigation diversion modification project have been implemented in the lower Salmon River area. The tour area includes: Rapid River – (Sponsored by Idaho Soil and Water Conservation District)-rock diversion weirs, headgate and fish screen Little Salmon River, Riggins headgate - gate automation project and modifications Squaw Creek – (Sponsored by the City of Riggins)-dam removal and rock ramp Tour participants will also learn about an upcoming project with Idaho County Road Department involving a culvert passage project. If you are interested in attending this tour please contact Jessica Wells at (208) 983-1046 ext. 3 before 4p.m on Friday, June 16th. |
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