University sponsors new project to improve Boise River habitat, seeks partners

Boise State University is the sponsor of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project to improve habitat conditions on the Boise River at Barber Pool in Southeast Boise. The university and the federal agency share goals of improving water quality, creating functional fish and wildlife habitats, and managing human access along the river.

Building upon a successful project completed in 2021 in which Micron Technology partnered with Boise State's Intermountain Bird Observatory to restore a historic side channel at the Diane Moore Nature Center east of campus, this new project seeks to restore additional side channels, create wetland habitat, enhance riparian vegetation and develop recreational infrastructure that maintains the protection of sensitive areas.

As the project sponsor, Boise State must match up to $10 million in federal funding. The university invites local public and private partners to participate in the planning process and to contribute financial support. Thus far, partners include the City of Boise, Micron Technology, Ada County, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Harris Ranch Wildlife Mitigation Association, The Nature Conservancy of Idaho, Merrick and Company, Golden Eagle Audubon Society, Boise Valley Fly Fishers and the Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands.

The collaboration demonstrates the power of partnerships to make significant improvements to the Boise River, creating an example of best practices in ecological restoration in an urban setting. The project aligns with the mission of the university's new School of the Environment, offering partners the chance to help accomplish significant ecological restoration and build a lasting community legacy.

A public meeting will take place from 2-6 p.m. on Nov. 20 at the Barber Park Education and Events Center, 4049 S. Eckert Road in Boise. All who wish to comment on the project are invited to attend.

For more information about becoming a partner or donating to the project, contact: Greg Kaltenecker, director, Intermountain Bird Observatory, or Melanie Bannister, director of development, College of Arts and Sciences.

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