Several government agencies and representatives from the cities that surround the Boise River went to a forum to look at the state of the Boise River and figure out ways to improve the river moving forward.
The Partners for Clean Water welcomed Ada County Highway Department, Idaho Transportation, US Geological Survey, Boise State University, the City of Boise, Garden City and Trout Unlimited the Ted Trueblood chapter.
"We host an annual conference each year for local interested parties to learn more about river health, stormwater, erosion control and other related issues," said Steve Hubble from the Boise Public Works Department.
Hubble said the presentations showed that there is a trend that water quality in the river has improved over the years. However, this group continues to seek ways to improve that.
One of the projects in the works is to open up Cottonwood Creek. It currently flows under Julia Davis Park, not uncommon in an urban setting.
"It's a small tributary and it tends to be where trout spawn when those eggs hatch they will hang out in those small creeks," said Dan Dauwalter from Trout Unlimited. "That way they don't get eaten by larger predators in the main Boise River."
Dauwalter explained that because of the reservoirs that control the water level the Boise River doesn't have many tributaries so opening up Cottonwood Creek is one way to continue to improve fishing in the Boise River.
"We are going to open that back up it benefits survival," said Dauwalter. "We hope to break ground this fall or next spring. We still have some permits we need to obtain."
It's a joint project between Trout Unlimited, the Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Boise to continue to improve recreational opportunities on the river.
"I can't think of any other place in the country that has the quality of fishery that is in the Boise River," said Dan Dauwalter from Trout Unlimited.
