Protective Fence Along Portneuf River

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Story Published: May 17, 2008 at 8:34 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 9:20 PM MDT

By Wes Horrocks

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Dozens of volunteers spent the day building a new fence along parts of the Portneuf River to help improve water quality and wildlife habitat. But it could be several years before today's efforts start paying off.

This section of the Portneuf River near Chesterfield Reservoir used to be a blue ribbon trout stream. And thanks to grants from the EPA and Trout Unlimited the South East Idaho Fly Fishers are trying to bring it back. Bud Smalley, with SEIFF said, "I saw what the river was 15 years ago versus what it is today, and it's a tremendous difference. There are some beautiful yellowstone cutthroat in here now that weren't there 15 years ago."

Today volunteers built a new fence along the river to keep livestock away. As the grass and bushes are allowed to grow, they help filter the water, making it more hospitable for fish and other wildlife. "You get improved water quality, not only here but also downstream," said Smalley. Richard Scully, a volunteer added, "[It makes] better trout habitat, better habitat for a lot of things-duck nesting and just a whole variety of wildlife."

The fence not only improves the quality of the river, though, it can also help increase property values and the safety of livestock. "Once in a while you'll actually hear a livestock owner say that it helps not to have the cattle in the water. Sometimes calves will get stuck in the mud or something," said Scully.

The South East Idaho Fly Fishers say they'll continue revitalizing the river as long as they have the money and volunteers. Over the last few weeks the fly fishers have built a few miles of fence, and say they always appreciate any volunteers who are willing to help.

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