snake river plain

The Snake River Plain is a prominent depression across Southern Idaho. The subsurface of the plain is known for the thousands of water wells and several deep exploration wells for geothermal resources and oil and gas.

In our service area, the Snake River Plain covers the southwest portion of American Falls Reservoir – built for water storage, electric power, and flood control – Arbon Valley, and the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. This landscape is full of rich history, unique geology, and home to a variety of wildlife, including big game and migratory birds.

The Snake River originates in Western Wyoming at its headwaters in Yellowstone National Park, flowing through the Snake River Plain of Southern Idaho, into the rugged Hells Canyon on the Oregon Idaho border, and through the rolling Palouse Hills of Washington before converging with the Columbia River. The Snake River has a long history of providing critical spawning habitat for salmon, and in turn, food for indigenous peoples, early settlers, and fishermen today.

The Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust is working to build and develop relationships with landowners interested in conservation in this landscape.