In a recent conversation with Idaho Fish and Game's SW Regional Fisheries Manager, Art Butts, Art pointed out to me that while IDF&G did not adopt BVFF's proposal to manage the Boise River above Barber Dam for wild trout, they did add goals to improve trout habitat which were directly influenced by BVFF's efforts. Art went on to say that these types of changes are much more effective at improving the wild trout population than making changes to the fishing rules. Here is the excerpt from the Fish Management Plan for “Additional Management Directions” for the Boise River that Art was referring to:

Foster efforts to prioritize and improve habitat complexity, water quality, and reconnect floodplain and riparian processes, especially in side channels and tributaries. Collaborate with local and federal agencies and private groups to maintain or enhance in-channel wood and woody debris.

BVFF appreciates IDF&G's continued partnership to improve trout habitat on the river, especially their work to lead the effort to restore year-round flows to a mile of side channel spawning and rearing habitat behind Expo Idaho. BVFF also appreciates IDF&G’s efforts to work with the flood district and fire department to educate them on the importance of wood in the water to provide cover for trout. In fact, much of the technical content of these conservation blogs are based on conversations with SW Fisheries Manager Art Butts, the previous SW Fisheries Manager John Cassinelli and Fisheries Biologist Tim D'Amico, all who have repeatedly emphasized the importance of side channel habitat and woody cover, which has driven much of BVFF’s conservation efforts.

I completely agree with Art's statement that habitat improvement is the best way to improve the Boise River's trout population, and to that end, I am pleased to announce that BVFF is participating in a habitat restoration project in the Barber Pool section of the Boise River and has pledged $10,000 over 3 years to a feasibility study to identify ways to improve habitat conditions on that stretch of river. Project goals are to restore multiple side channels, create wetland habitat, enhance riparian vegetation, and develop recreational infrastructure that protects sensitive areas while providing for limited public access. A public scoping meeting is expected soon—stay tuned for more details. Here is more information about the Barber Pool Conservation Area.

BVFF is grateful to be able to participate in the Barber Pool Project, and we are excited about the potential that the trout habitat improvements represent for the wild trout population. We appreciate the partnership of BSU and the Diane Moore Nature Center and the extraordinary leadership of Greg Kaltenecker. I am excited about the potential this project has and expect there will be many volunteer opportunities for BVFF club members to participate in the coming years.

I want to thank all the people who help make our BVFF Fly Fishing Expo happen every year. It is the fund-raising engine that enables us to invest in great projects like this. BVFF's Fly Fishing Expo continues to grow and we need volunteers. If you are interested in helping, please go to our Expo Volunteer Web Page.