FTR will be continuing to work with the Idaho Dept. of Water Resources (IDWR) in 2006 to assess and measure irrigation diversion flows in Teton Valley. This work began in 2005 with a comprehensive assessment of the condition of all diversions, the presence of adequate measuring devices, etc. We found that many diversions are in need of repairs, and many lack adequate measuring devices. In addition to measuring flows, FTR is busy installation staff gauges so that flows can be more quickly and efficiently measured in the future.

In 2005, FTR completed the K-12 Teton Watershed Curriculum, a place-based and hands on approach to water science. The curriculum includes teacher lesson plans, student activities and worksheets and instructions for fieldwork. A copy is available on CD-ROM from Friends of the Teton River. The Education Director continues to work with Teton Valley students in the classroom and the field, educating kids about water quality, riparian wildlife, ground and surface water hydrology, the water cycle, fisheries, and much more! FTR has added new components to their adult education program, including classes for college credit. Watch for announcements about upcoming programs.

During the summer of 2005, FTR conducted a comprehensive assessment of 15 of the upper Teton River mountain tributary's trout populations. FTR collaborated with the USFS, IDFG, and WGF in designing the project methodologies and protocol. Approximately five percent of the length of streams on USFS land was sampled in order to quantify trout populations, species composition, species range, and habitat parameters using the USFS protocol. Survey analysis also determined correlations between habitat characteristics and Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) presence. Fin clips collected during the survey (yet to be analyzed) will be used to assess the current genetic condition of YCT, specifically the level of rainbow trout introgression and the extent to which YCT are isolated, and will be reported separately.

In 2003, the Idaho Fish and Game, FTR and Utah State University initiated a new project to investigate the decline in the Teton River’s trout population. The data collected in the fall will identify factors limiting the abundance of new cutthroat and rainbow trout entering the system each year. In addition, the study collected data to analyze the prevalence of whirling disease as a factor in juvenile trout mortality.

In 2005 FTR completed a comprehensive assessment of potential barriers to fish passage on all major tributaries of the upper Teton River. Most barriers are related to irrigation diversions, though road culverts also pose barriers in some locations. We also evaluated entrainment hazards associated with irrigation diversions, which is the tendency for fish to swim into or be swept into irrigation ditches. Approximately 60 barriers were mapped and characterized, of which approximately 13 were characterized as “high” barriers. FTR is currently working with canal companies and local irrigators to design to evaluate options for modifying these barriers to make them more fish friendly, and we have secured funding for reconstruction of several barriers on Trail Creek and Badger Creek for 2006-2007.

In order to understand groundwater movement in the Fox Creek area, FTR measured twenty-five domestic wells on a monthly basis and examined subsurface geology. FTR is also conducting a recharge demonstration project to increase groundwater levels and replenish the springs. FTR collaborated with Teton County, the cities of Driggs, Victor and Tetonia, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Geological Survey to sponsor a study of the aquifer in the Upper Teton Watershed. This study was completed in 2003 and formed the basis for future research.

In October of 2005, FTR met with Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT) to discuss the possibilities of a restoration project on Six Springs Creek as part of TRLT's Six Springs Project. The project is a collaborative effort between agencies, NGOs and consulting firms that are donating services to restore and enhance wetland and riparian habitat on the 848-acre Six Springs Ranch TRLT conservation easement property. As a component of the project, FTR and TRLT decided to plant and fence willows and hawthorn along a 2,200 foot reach of Six Springs Creek that had been degraded by past agricultural practices. The willows and hawthorn will provide forage and shelter for birds and wildlife; provide cover for fish; lower stream temperatures; stabilize stream banks; narrow the stream channel; propagate vertical channel structure; and increase water quality by capturing silt. Approximately 330 willows and 50 hawthorns were planted in 33 planting sites. A total of 34 volunteers helped complete the project including members of the public, staff from FTR, TRLT, Grand Targhee Resort, Snake River Cutthroats, and 17 students from the Teton Valley Community School.

FTR continues to carry out our ongoing Water Quality Monitoring Program, which began in 2001. The program includes monitoring at 12 separate sites, 4-6 times per year, for a range of field- measured and laboratory-analyzed parameters. The sites include four locations on the main stem of the Teton River, 3 “background” sites on mountain tributaries east of the valley, 3 spring creek sites which reflect groundwater conditions, and 2 valley-bottom tributaries. FTR is commited to this program, which will continue each year, indefinitely.

Since 2001, FTR has organized public forums about local watershed issues. Past forums have included topics ranging from Snake River Adjudication Process to the decline in the native Yellowstone Cutthroat trout. Public forums are meant to keep the public informed of FTR research findings and create a venue for citizen education and involvement.

In late fall 2003, FTR started bank restoration work at five sites on the Teton River with three willing landowners. FTR has completed the bank recontouring and riparian willow planting at each site, totaling 2,815 linear feet. About twelve volunteers and the entire Tetonia 4th grade class helped us complete these activities. In the summer 2004 we will finish restoration at these sites by placing wetland sod (coconut mats planted with native grasses and sedges) over the erosion control fabric.

FTR assembled a multi-disciplinary team from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho State University, U.S. Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service to float the Teton River between Fox Creek and Teton Creek and assess habitat conditions. In the fall FTR surveyed ten sites on this stretch of the river, assessed streambank conditions, and riparian and instream habitat

FTR partnered with the Huntsman Family to restore cutthroat trout habitat for spawning, juveniles and adult trout on 1,500 feet of Fox Creek, a major spawning tributary of the Teton River. Instream restoration work included excavation of pools and thalweg, placement of spawning gravel, and placement of pre-vegetated mats to narrow the channel. Additionally, in 2004, eroding banks will be stabilized and revegetated with native grasses, sedges and willows.