February 2000
Trout Unlimited Projects
Silver Creek Project
On September 11, 1999 at 9:00 am Trout Unlimited joined the Emmett Ranger
District and Boy Scout Troop 97 to begin work on the Silver Creek Riparian
Restoration Project.
We rehabilitated damaged and eroded stream banks, and began work to develop
an aquatic ecology interpretive sign system, and construct a
handicapped-accessible trail system.
Silver Creek, a tributary to the Middle Fork Payette River, is an extremely
popular destination for fishing and recreation. To decrease the impact to
the area, barbs and tree revetment structures were installed to slow steam
velocities and catch fine sediment. Other groups assisted in approximately
1,500 feet of stream bank plantings with native plants to increase the bank
stability.
Volunteers on the weekend of Sept. 11-12 met their main objectives of placing
tree revetments and barb placement. We spent a good deal of time digging
into the bank and time in the water. With the nice weather the waders were
not necessary; water sandals did the trick just fine.
You can see how much fun we had in the accompanying photos.
Silver Creek is approximately 25 miles north of Crouch. From Boise take
Highway 55 north to Banks, turn east onto the Banks-Lowman Highway (798) and
travel about 10 miles. Turn onto road 698 towards Crouch. Continue north
through town, and follow this road to the forest boundary where the road will
turn to dirt. Stay on this road another 5 miles or so, until you see Trail
Creek Campground on the left. Turn east onto 671 towards Silver Creek.
Follow this road to the Silver Creek Forest Service Campground.
Free camping is available at the Forest Service Campground and at dispersed
sites in the area. There is no running water, but facilities are available.
Camping and cabins are also available at Silver Creek Plunge for a fee. The
Plunge has a hot springs pool that you can enjoy for a few dollars whether
you stay there or not. There are plenty of hiking trails, fishing holes, and
other activities, so bring the whole family.
It was a great weekend with a very rewarding outcome. We look forward to
doing it again in May 2000. See the posting on this web site about our
projects under the Calendar section.
Questions of Comments send to:
tutedtrue@aol.com
Ted Trueblood Chapter Idaho Trout Umlimited
