Powder Basin Watershed Council

Programs: Watershed assessment, planning and monitoring:water quality monitoring continued during 2016-2017 at 74 sites throughout the basin with measurements for temperature, salinity, ph, and turbidity. With the completion of the 2017 field season, data will have been collected for five years at 20 sites and four years at the remaining sites. In addition, idaho power funded one intern to survey flow during the summer months on pine creek. Work continued on a database of bull trout habitat data collected in 2014. The final report on the public opinion survey was completed and integrated into the strategic plan.

watershed restoration:monitoring was completed for the mcmullen slough channel avulsion project and the durkee sage grouse habitat enhancement project. Powder basin watershed council also administered idaho powers water efficiency program. Designs for the clear creek restoration project were completed and funding was pursued for the implementation of those designs. Funds were also raised for the development of restoration designs for the upper pine creek flood restoration project.

watershed outreach and education:powder basin watershed council began work on its off-channel livestock watering campaign, which included development of posters, brochures and an educational display. A direct mailing was conducted to all residents in pine valley with stream-front property. Four landowners were recruited to develop off-channel livestock watering projects and were referred to the soil and water conservation district for implementation. In addition, the powder basin watershed council organized two river cleanups, one recreational paddling event, one educational tour, four speaker events, distributed one issue of its newsletter to 3700 residents, and participated in three different educational events for elementary school children.