Feds consider raising Anderson Ranch Dam, public participation needed
The South Fork of the Boise River is prized for its fishing, whitewater and scenery. A Bureau of Reclamation proposal could raise the Anderson Ranch Dam. (Photo by Greg Stahl)
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is considering raising the Anderson Ranch Dam on the South Fork of the Boise River. The agency will host an open house Nov. 8 to provide more information.
The open house will take place at the Wyndham Garden Boise Airport hotel at 3300 S. Vista Ave and run from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A short presentation will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
The prospect of a dam raise has elevated importance because a law passed at the end of 2016 gives the Bureau authority, and likely funding, to proceed directly to construction upon completion of the study that is now underway. Therefore, this is the time for the river community to express to the importance of the South Fork of the Boise River’s fishery and whitewater attributes, to learn more and to ask questions.
Questions you could consider asking:
How would this dam raise impact winter flows for fish both in the South Fork and the Boise River through town?
Will spring flushing flows be protected?
How much will it cost to raise the dam and will other, possibly less expensive, alternatives be considered such as water conservation or efficiency projects?
Will opportunities to provide additional storage for fisheries flows be considered?