Efforts underway to re-establish Lemhi River floodplain

The Lemhi River historically included a large active floodplain that contained complex fish and wildlife habitat, Distad said. As the region was settled and developed, the historic floodplain was modified and separated from the river and the river was straightened and channelized. The result was a loss of riparian, side channel and instream habitats for fish.

Plans now call for creating braided channels, meanders, large woody debris structures and deep pools all to help re-establish the floodplain, Distad said.

A challenge is finding enough woody debris to create ideal habitat structures. Fish and Game acquired timber from fire breaks created in 2021 to limit growth of the Trail Creek and Mud Lick fires near Salmon. Fish and Game and Forest Service personnel relocated thousands of downed trees to the Lemhi River for a major project on the Eagle Valley Ranch. The project will realign the river channel, add side channels and expand the floodplain, Distad said. The woody debris will boost habitat for salmon and steelhead. Distad said the project will take several years to complete and more woody debris is needed to finish it.