Region: Jackson Habitat Priority Area Salt Corridor Name: Habitat Area Type (s): Aquatic Terrestrial Combined Stream, riparian, wetland, cottonwood, willow Habitat Issues: Altered and degraded river form and function: Human development and agriculture changed the hydrology with diversions, dewatering, and channelization. Historic and current land uses converted wetlands and riparian area into cultivated vegetative communities or housing developments. Removal of willows and other woody riparian vegetation has destabilized stream banks and resulted in erosion, high sediment stream loads, degraded water quality, and lower quality trout habitat. Reason Selected: The Salt River is at the center of the Star Valley’s economical, cultural, and recreational activities. Private land dominates the valley. In the last 10 years, land and water use transitioned from agriculture and irrigation to residential development and ornamental ponds. The public’s desire for a healthy river provides opportunity to improve water quality and the fishery. However, there is also a history and demand to restrict the natural movement of the river channel and to stabilize the hydrology into its present form. Area Boundary The corridor of the Salt starts at the headwaters of the upper Salt River and Spring Creek downstream to Palisade Reservoir. This flows through Description: 1704010501, three 5th order HUC’s Upper Salt Middle Salt – 1704010502, 1704010503 and Lower Salt River Snake River cutthroat trout (NSS4), bluehead sucker (NSS1), Focal species or species assemblage(s) (limit 6): mountain whitefish (NSS4), mountain sucker, brown trout bluehead sucker, boreal toad, Great Basin spadefoot SWAP Tier 1 species: Solutions or actions: Provide expert advice and review of stream projects implemented by consulting firms, real estate developers, and landowners to minimize impacts and maximize aquatic benefits. Participate on an advisory team for DEQ’s TMDL planning. Conduct inventories and enhancements with land managers and owners. Investigate the feasibility of stabilizing a stream with the geomorphology, natural meander pattern, and agricultural history of the Salt River.
Region: Jackson Habitat Priority Area Name: Salt Corridor Habitat Area Type (s): Aquatic Terrestrial Combined Stream, riparian, wetland, cottonwood, willow Habitat Issues: Altered and degraded river form and function: Human development and agriculture changed the hydrology with diversions, dewatering, and channelization. Historic and current land uses converted wetlands and riparian area into cultivated vegetative communities or housing developments. Removal of willows and other woody riparian vegetation has destabilized stream banks and resulted in erosion, high sediment stream loads, degraded water quality, and lower quality trout habitat. Reason Selected: The Salt River is at the center of the Star Valley’s economical, cultural, and recreational activities. Private land dominates the valley. In the last 10 years, land and water use transitioned from agriculture and irrigation to residential development and ornamental ponds. The public’s desire for a healthy river provides opportunity to improve water quality and the fishery. However, there is also a history and demand to restrict the natural movement of the river channel and to stabilize the hydrology into its present form. Area Boundary Description: The corridor of the Salt starts at the headwaters of the upper Salt River and Spring Creek downstream to Palisade Reservoir. This flows through three 5th order HUC’s – Upper Salt 1704010501, Middle Salt 1704010502, and Lower Salt River 1704010503 Focal species or species assemblage(s) (limit 6): SWAP Tier 1 species: Snake River cutthroat trout (NSS4), bluehead sucker (NSS1), mountain whitefish (NSS4), mountain sucker, brown trout bluehead sucker, boreal toad, Great Basin spadefoot Solutions or actions: Provide expert advice and review of stream projects implemented by consulting firms, real estate developers, and landowners to minimize impacts and maximize aquatic benefits. Participate on an advisory team for DEQ’s TMDL planning. Conduct inventories and enhancements with land managers and owners. Investigate the feasibility of stabilizing a stream with the geomorphology, natural meander pattern, and agricultural history of the Salt River.
JN_G2_A_SaltRiverCorridor.docx