Challenges and successes in the Henry’s Fork Watershed

Bears, noxious weeds, fires, water levels, hydroelectric production, and fishery issues, these were just some of the topics discussed at the Henry’s Fork Watershed Council’s annual meeting.

The conference, held at the SpringHill Marriott in Rexburg, gave local leaders a comprehensive update on the projects and conditions across the Henry’s Fork Watershed.

“This year we focused on a multitude of topics and issues,” said Brandon Hoffner, the executive director for the Henry’s Fork Foundation. “We’ve had a wide range of speakers. Forestry Service, Fish and Game, to talk about the forests the fisheries. We’ll also have Fall River Rural Electric talking about hydroelectric management.”

Many of this year’s challenges are associated with the drought and extra warm weather. “In 2015, we’ve had pretty rough drought conditions. One of the driest three year periods, actually the driest since 1940 to 1942,” said Hoffner. “Items, collaborations like The Henry’s Fork Watershed Council have really allowed us to really narrow down some of the management of the watershed, and allowed us to come better from this drought period than maybe we’ve come out from any other drought period.”

The Henry’s Fork Watershed is primarily in Fremont, Madison, and Teton counties in Idaho, with a small portion in Teton County, Wyoming.