News Release Archive

Habitat Improvement Work Will Begin at Minidoka Dam

Media Contact: Edna Rey-Vizgirdas , (208) 378-5212, Ereyvizgirdas@usbr.gov

For Release: August 24, 2017

HEYBURN, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation will begin repair work on the maintenance bridge and habitat improvement in the area located below Minidoka Dam in early September. Work will last for approximately 10 days starting on Sept. 10, 2017.

To mitigate for habitat lost during construction of the new spillway, Reclamation will create a side channel to provide for additional riparian habitat. The work will occur on the south side of the spillway near the road accessing the south side of the reservoir. The area will be excavated so that water can reach a side channel riparian slough, allowing for development of riparian habitat.

The area in the general vicinity will be closed during construction for public safety; however, access to the popular Bishops Hole area will be open.

Minidoka Dam was constructed between 1904 and 1909, making it one of Reclamation’s oldest facilities. The dam is a combined diversion, storage, and power structure located just south of Minidoka, Idaho.

Reclamation asks the public to respect signage and contractor barriers during the construction period.

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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.