News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Draft Henrys Fork Basin Study for Public Comment

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 383-2207, 02/10/2014 07:33
Robert Schattin, rschattin@usbr.gov

For Release: February 10, 2014

BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation has issued the Draft Henrys Fork Basin Study for a 30-day public comment period. The Study includes 12 alternatives that describe strategies to improve water supply conditions in the Upper Snake River basin.

The alternatives represent a menu of adaptation strategies that are intended to have a positive impact on water management. They are broadly grouped to include categories such as water storage, water conservation, groundwater recharge, demand reduction, and water marketing strategies.

The comment period will end on March 6. The final Basin Study will be released on April 30.

"This represents several years of hard work and cooperation among so many groups with diverse interests," said Pacific Northwest Regional Director Lorri Lee. "Everyone who is concerned about the future of Idaho's water supply will recognize this work as a proactive accomplishment."

Reclamation joined the Idaho Water Resource Board in partnership to explore alternatives under the WaterSMART Basin Program. The process was done in collaboration with a stakeholder workgroup under the Henry's Fork Watershed Council, an organization made up of government agencies, irrigation districts, conservation organizations, universities, and the farming community.

The Henrys Fork watershed provides irrigation for over 280,000 acres and sustains a world-class trout fishery.

The Draft Henrys Fork Basin Study is available at: http://on.doi.gov/1zSN7ag .

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/studies/idaho/henrysfork/reports/draftv3.pdf

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/studies/idaho/henrysfork/index.html