L24AC00465

Award purpose: The purpose of this initiative is to improve drought resiliency, promote aquatic connectivity, and conserve ecosystems, habitats, and the species that depend upon them.

This initiative would utilize process-based and low-tech restoration techniques, among other methods to increase aquatic function and productivity, and promoting drought and climate resilience.

Trout Unlimited and the BLM would collaboratively identify, prioritize, and implement restoration projects undertaken through this initiative considering the potential conservation benefits to priority waters and special status species and the opportunity to leverage and coordinate additional restoration investments.

Activities to be performed: If awarded, the funding will be used to design and install low-tech process-based restoration treatments such as Beaver Dam Analogues (BDA) and Post-Assisted Log Structures (PALS), as well as other bank stabilization efforts including instillation of riparian fencing.

The funding may also be used for design and implementation of Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) projects where connectivity of streams is being disrupted.

In the Eastern Idaho Rivers and Plains (EIRP), these projects will be focused in the Willow Creek and Blackfoot River subbasins, both home for spawning YCT populations.

In the Upper Salmon River (USR) and adjacent geographies, projects will be implemented on priority streams identified collaboratively by the BLM, with focus on new and ongoing aquatic restoration and occupied by anadromous and native trout species.

As part of our efforts, TU will work with BLM to hire engineers to design and develop plans, apply for permitting, and implement projects.

Each individual project will be managed by an experienced TU staff member who will carry out construction oversight, appropriate monitoring, and community engagement, as needed.

Intended beneficiaries: The BLM Idaho Falls District provides opportunities for the public to engage with fish and wildlife species unique to this area.

The outcome of the aquatic restoration projects includes improved habitat for more resilient native fish populations, in addition to other aquatic and terrestrial species.

It is essential to improve these habitats for continued community engagement.

Unlimited Trout

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY GOALS 1. ENSURING WATER AVAILABILITY TO SUSTAIN HEALTHY RIPARIAN AND WETLAND AREAS AND AQUATIC HABITATS. 2. RESTORING DEGRADED WATER RESOURCES, RIPARIAN AND WETLAND AREAS, AND AQUATIC HABITATS, WITH A FOCUS ON PROCESS-BASED APPROACHES AND PROMOTING RIVERSCAPE HEALTH. 3. ADVANCING DECISION SUPPORT MODELS, AND THE INVENTORY, ASSESSMENT, AND MONITORING INFORMATION THAT FEEDS SUCH MODELS, TO INFORM THE PROTECTION OF REMAINING HIGH QUALITY HABITATS AND THE STRATEGIC RESTORATION OF DEGRADED SYSTEMS.

15.244 - Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management

BLM Idaho Region [DOI - BLM]

Idaho United States

State-Wide

FY24 IIJA/IRA Bureau of Land Management Idaho (ID) Aquatic Resource Management (L24AS00117)