In order to best utilize restoration resources, the SFBWG is assessing the watershed to find issues that can be turned into restorative projects. This assessment will be completed by Spring 2026 and gives a science-based, holistic view of the area. Combing through the watershed, we’re looking for issues involving erosion, recreational access, floodplain disconnection, water quality, fish passage barriers, and more. After the assessment is complete, we will move forward with planning projects to fix those issues. Below are our preliminary findings.
Watershed Assessment
Habitat
The primary habitat condition issues in the SF Boise project area include:
- Significant loss of side channel habitat for spawning and rearing since the dams were built in the 1950s.
- A fire 10 years ago damaged riparian vegetation populations on the mainstem and tributaries.
- The fire resulted in an increase in erosion and sedimentation which may be addressed with planting or BDAs in certain areas.
- Potential overgrazing issues in areas requires collaboration with ranchers.
- Increased usage has resulted in damage to the streambank and riparian vegetation where improvised river access points are.
Water Quality
The primary water quality issues in the SF Boise project area include:
- Human waste issues where campers don’t have access to nearby restrooms.
- Temperatures may be rising in areas where riparian vegetation was eliminated by the fire and the water table receded.
- Sedimentation in high-use areas.
- Livestock contamination of small tributaries.
Recreation and Land Use
The primary recreation and land use issues in the SF Boise project area include:
- Improvised river access points causing erosion issues and damage to riparian zone.
- Lack of restrooms for all camp areas.
- Clear need/demand for better river access points that don’t cause erosion and aren’t impacted by new flow patterns created after the fire.
- Currently working on identifying how much use and what types of recreation are occurring in the area.
Education
The primary education requirements of the SF Boise project area include:
- Leave no trace and pack-in pack-out practices
- Better signage for camping, restrooms, ramps etc
- Many signs are old, faded, or damaged
- Bull trout educational opportunities
- Invasive species education opportunities
- Community outreach
Habitat
The primary habitat condition issues in the SF Boise project area include:
- Significant loss of side channel habitat for spawning and rearing since the dams were built in the 1950s.
- A fire 10 years ago damaged riparian vegetation populations on the mainstem and tributaries.
- The fire resulted in an increase in erosion and sedimentation which may be addressed with planting or BDAs in certain areas.
- Potential overgrazing issues in areas requires collaboration with ranchers.
- Increased usage has resulted in damage to the streambank and riparian vegetation where improvised river access points are.
Water Quality
The primary water quality issues in the SF Boise project area include:
- Human waste issues where campers don’t have access to nearby restrooms.
- Temperatures may be rising in areas where riparian vegetation was eliminated by the fire and the water table receded.
- Sedimentation in high-use areas.
- Livestock contamination of small tributaries.
Recreation and Land Use
The primary recreation and land use issues in the SF Boise project area include:
- Improvised river access points causing erosion issues and damage to riparian zone.
- Lack of restrooms for all camp areas.
- Clear need/demand for better river access points that don’t cause erosion and aren’t impacted by new flow patterns created after the fire.
- Currently working on identifying how much use and what types of recreation are occurring in the area.
Education
The primary education requirements of the SF Boise project area include:
- Leave no trace and pack-in pack-out practices
- Better signage for camping, restrooms, ramps etc
- Many signs are old, faded, or damaged
- Bull trout educational opportunities
- Invasive species education opportunities
- Community outreach
