Instream Flow Characterization of Upper Salmon River Basin Streams, Central Idaho
Background
The Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) is conducting flow characterization studies on the upper Salmon River1. These studies evaluate the potential to improve fish habitat by increasing instream flows, as suggested in the NOAA Biological Opinion of 2000.
The results will be used to prioritize and direct cost-effective actions to improve fish habitat for ESA-listed anadromous and native fish species in the basin. These actions may include leasing or modifying irrigation delivery systems during critical periods to minimize out-of-stream diversions. BOR plans to devote part of each year's budget for the next 10 years to conduct flow characterization studies in the Salmon River Basin.
1as directed under the Reasonable and Prudent Alternative Action 149 of the Federal Columbia River Power Systems Biological Opinion 2000 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA) 2000).
