Project Overview

The Friends of the Teton River, Inc. (FTR) will stabilize 1,000 feet of stream banks and increase stream flows through water use agreements on Trail Creek, a headwater tributary to the Teton River in southeast Idaho, to benefit Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) migration and spawning habitat. Past channelization work and over-grazing in the proposed project area have significantly reduced fish habitat, passage, and water quality, while irrigation withdrawal during critical YCT life cycle periods limit reproductive success. Restoration of the proposed project area has been prioritized by FTR and agency partners, and is critical to existing and future efforts to restore and stabilize the system. To test the efficacy of this work, FTR will conduct baseline and long-term bilogical monitoring by installing trout monitoring sites and by implementing monitoring activities that are designed to increase the quality of data regarding YCT migration, spawning and life history. This information will allow FTR and groups doing similar work, to tailor future stream flow and habitat restoration efforts and to achieve maximum resource benefit over time. Project partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the private landowner.