A more detailed agenda will come out as we get closer but the general topics are listed below.
Brief committee updates
Slideshow of December 20 site visit
Beaver dam analog presentations and discussion. Location Selection Models, material/tool alternatives based on accessibility, example projects, potential influence on flow and temperature
Green River Side Channel work. Model/report overview for Green River site selection, discussion with TU/USFWS Green River staff
Wild and Scenic eligibility designation discussion- How does being listed as eligible for wild and scenic designation influence potential projects and how could potential projects influence any potential future design for Wild and Scenic designation? What are the pros/cons of official designation?
Trout Unlimited received a grant from the Bureau of Reclamation to initiate and manage a watershed group for the South Fork Boise River and tributaries between Anderson Ranch Dam and Arrowrock Reservoir. The South Fork Boise River is an extremely popular destination for outdoor recreation including fishing, ATV use, camping, hunting, rafting, hiking and birdwatching. It also supports a farming/ranching community and the town of Prairie. Like many other popular natural areas, there are multiple opportunities for improvement that could enhance the long-term health and sustainability of the watershed. The South Fork Boise Watershed Collaborative Group is being developed to identify, prioritize, and seek funding to implement opportunities for improvement in the watershed. As examples, some ideas for potential projects for the group to discuss include improving boat ramp and bathroom facilities along the river, addressing excessive erosion along some sections of road, planting riparian shrubs to help post fire recovery, and investigating the feasibility of increasing side channel connectivity at winter 300cfs flows. If you are interested in the watershed, your knowledge and experience could greatly benefit the process. Even if you haven’t yet visited the area but are interested, you are welcome. You are invited to join the group’s kickoff meeting from 9am-12:30pm on Thursday, October 19th at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Headquarters office at 600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712. Although we would love to see everyone in person for this first meeting, a link is provided below to join virtually through Microsoft Teams. Updates and a detailed agenda will be posted to www.southforkboise.org as we get closer to the meeting date. If you would like to provide input but are unable to attend this meeting or have questions, please reach out to [email protected].
In early 2023, Trout Unlimited (TU) secured funding from the US Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program to establish a new watershed group in the lower South Fork Boise River Watershed. The goal is to foster collaboration and trust related to planning and implementing solutions to address challenges such as degraded water quality, habitat degradation, loss of stream function, and impacts of climate change.
To lead this important initiative, TU recently hired Anthony Prisciandaro as the South Fork Boise River Watershed Manager.
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Name: Anthony Prisciandaro
University/Degree/Background:
BS in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science and Policy from Hartwick College in New York State (2004).
Masters in Natural Resources from University of Idaho (2015).
Anthony is a highly accomplished Fish Biologist, formerly employed by the Bureau of Reclamation (“Reclamation”). With over 17 years of experience, he has excelled in several areas, including facilitating meetings to reach agreements on critical topics related to fish and water management, coordinating interdisciplinary teams for fisheries monitoring and mitigation, securing substantial grant funding, developing and managing programs, and ensuring environmental compliance.
During his time at Reclamation, Anthony made significant contributions to projects involving water management, bull trout ecology, invasive species monitoring, and water quality assessments. His expertise and achievements have been recognized through awards and honors, and he has actively shared his knowledge through presentations and publications.
When asked what he is most excited about in this new role, Anthony responded, “I am most excited about being able to use science to inform a proactive conservation strategy for the South Fork Boise River Watershed.”
Written by Ashlynn Goody, Policy and Outreach Associate for Trout Unlimited based out of Bosie, Idaho.
