ISU joins Pocatello city on Portneuf River project

Walkways and parks are just a few of the goals of the Portneuf River visioning project in Pocatello.

The city has been working on a plan for several months, but now the city is getting some extra help in meeting their goals.

Scientists from Idaho State University have joined the project and are helping the city decide what changes would be best.

The scientists are part of the MILES project, which is Managing Idaho’s Landscapes for Ecosystem Services.

It combines three sciences: physical, biological and social. The goal is to be able to put their research into action.

MILES is providing valuable research and knowledge on the Portneuf River. They provide information on the ecology and environmental conditions. They research the history and flooding of the river, and look at its limitations. They also provide all of the information and 3-D imaging on the river vision’s website.

By providing insight from all the sciences, MILES is hoping to help the city find the safest and most effective plan for the river.

Colden Baxter, one of the scientists working on the project, said it’s a great way to get involved outside of the university.

“The river visioning project is providing a really unique opportunity that is bringing university faculty together with our community in a very healthy way,” said Baxter.

Baxter said it’s also a good way for them to see the science they’re doing have local relevance.

The MILES project and Pocatello City hope to have a complete plan to present to city council by the end of the summer.

For more details on the river vision project, visit the website:http://river.pocatello.us/.