BOISE, Idaho — One of the most valued parts of the Gem State is its vibrant environment, but human intervention has oftentimes played an unnatural role in nature.
A new project has students and organizations looking to improve 700 acres of the Boise River ecosystem in southeast Boise, while also restoring its fish and wildlife habitats.
To help heal the area, Boise State University is partnering with the Army Corps of Engineers on the ecological restoration in the Barber Pool Conservation Area, between Barber Dam and the Diversion Dam.
"This program through the Army Corps of Engineers allows the Corps to go back into areas where their historic activities have caused environmental degradation," Intermountain Bird Observatory Executive Director Greg Kaltenecker said. "So we're talking about when they built Lucky Peak Dam, they forever altered the way the river functions and flows."
The new project is in its feasibility phase, with its partners conducting studies on how to best improve several areas of the river habitat. Up to $10 million of federal funding will be used for the project, with the university matching that funding through its sponsorship of the projects.
"They include some some improvements to the fisheries. So things like in stream cover and structure that will provide more more habitat for fish - also spawning channels, side channels," Kaltenecker said. "Also wetlands creation and wetland enhancement, as well as improvements to riparian vegetation. All of those things are going to benefit not only fish - but birds as well, and other wildlife."