BLACKFOOT RIVER / WILLOW CREEK

The Blackfoot River begins at the confluence of Diamond Creek and Lanes Creek in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest – at the east edge of the Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area. From there, the river flows 135 miles northwest through Blackfoot Reservoir before converging with the Snake River.

Willow Creek is an 84-mile tributary to the Snake River – beginning east of the Blackfoot Mountains before flowing north to Ririe Dam then southwest to the Snake River.

Located in the Columbia River Basin, these rivers traverse a desert canyon of juniper and sagebrush habitat important for big game and upland birds; including blue and ruffed grouse. The rivers themselves support migratory birds and native trout – the Blackfoot River is known as an exceptional Yellowstone cutthroat trout fishery.

Cedar Creek (CE-01)

Established in 2006, the Cedar Creek conservation easement encompasses 31 acres of creek, streamside corridor, and sagebrush upland habitat in Bingham County, Idaho.

 

Conservation values include:

 

• Important wintering habitat for big-game species of economic interest, including elk, mule deer, and moose
• Supports a diversity of wildlife species, including conservation priority species: bald eagles, greater sage-grouse, and Yellowstone cutthroat trout
• Relatively natural habitat for native plants, fish, and wildlife
• Contributes to the ecological viability of the Snake River Watershed
• Working farm/ranch
• Contains habitats that support migratory songbirds and raptors
• Important spawning and rearing habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout

Clarks Valley (CE-20)

Established in 2017, the Clarks Valley conservation easement encompass 230 acres of agricultural rangeland and a wetland complex in Caribou County, Idaho.

 

Conservation values include:

 

• Water quality
• Relatively natural habitat for native plants and wildlife, especially for waterfowl and wetland dependent birdlife
• Working farm/ranch
• Important habitat for moose, elk and mule deer

Dugouts (CE-21)

Established in 2014, the Dugouts conservation easement encompass 400 acres of pastureland, sagebrush steppe habitat, and wetland riparian habitat in Caribou County, Idaho.

 

Conservation values include:

 

• Water quality
• Working farm/ranch
• Transitional and winter range for mule deer
• Greater sage-grouse habitat
• Relatively natural habitat for native plants, fish, and wildlife
• Wetland offers an oasis to Greater sage-grouse, sandhill cranes, and snowy egrets.

Sage Creek and Crow Creek (CE-18 & CE-19)

Established in 2014, the Sage Creek and Crow Creek conservation easements encompass 35 acres of natural vegetation and wetland habitat in Caribou County, Idaho. These easements were part of a mitigation package from Simplot to replace Yellowstone cutthroat trout and elk habitat lost due to expansion of the Smoky Canyon Mine. 

 

Conservation values include:

 

• Relatively natural habitat for native plants, fish, and wildlife
• Wetlands, floodplains, and riparian habitat that are vital for nutrient cycling, water quality, erosion control, and groundwater discharge in the Salt River watershed.
• Transitional range for mule deer and elk
• Scenic view for members of the public recreating in and around the Webster Mountain Range
• Fenced riparian zones