PROJECT OVERVIEW​

Across the Big Wood River watershed, local jurisdictions review stream alteration permits, floodplain and riparian development proposals, subdivision applications, and zoning changes. At the same time, the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) processes water-right transfers and new applications that influence in-stream flows and aquatic habitat.

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Some proposals are grounded in science and deserve broad support. Others overlook cumulative impacts, reach-scale processes, or long-term ecological consequences. All require careful review and informed public involvement to protect a resilient river corridor.

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Project Big Wood monitors these actions through a river-systems lens—evaluating ecological effects, identifying opportunities for improvement, and elevating when a proposal should be supported or modified to avoid long-term harm.

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PROJECT GOALS AND BENEFITS

• Promote designs that protect natural processes, native vegetation, and functional floodplains

• Ensure decisions consider reach-scale and watershed-scale effects

• Support strong, river-beneficial projects—including restoration and nature-based solutions

• Recommend improvements to incomplete or high-impact designs

• Reduce harmful outcomes from channel manipulation, vegetation removal, or structural bank hardening

• Protect instream flows by tracking water-right actions that affect river health

• Strengthen community involvement, as informed public comment consistently improves outcomes

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WHAT WE MONITOR

• ​Stream Alteration Permits – Bank stabilization, channel modifications, in-stream structures, and riparian vegetation management

• Floodplain Development – New construction, grading, and land use changes within flood-prone areas

• Riparian Zone Disturbance – Projects affecting stream-side vegetation, setbacks, and critical habitat corridors

• Water Rights Applications & Transfers (IDWR) – New appropriations, change applications, and transfers that may affect in-stream flows, return flows, or groundwater-surface water interactions

• Subdivision & Rezoning Proposals – Land use changes in sensitive watershed areas that could increase impervious surfaces, alter drainage patterns, or fragment habitat

• Conditional Use Permits – Special exceptions that may impact water quality, aquatic habitat, or floodplain function

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PARTNERSHIPS

We collaborate with local governments, conservation groups, and technical experts—hydrologists, geomorphologists, fish biologists, restoration practitioners, and water-rights specialists. But our most important partner is the community. When residents participate, decision-makers listen, and outcomes improve.

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WE NEED YOU

Real decisions are being made right now about the Big Wood's future. Heres a list of things you can do to help out:

• Attend public hearings – Your presence signals that the community cares

• Submit written public comments – Agencies and elected officials rely on community perspectives

• Monitor water rights applications – Check IDWR's online system for new applications or transfers affecting the Big Wood watershed

• Share information – Tell one more person who loves this place to get involved

• Stay engaged – Track agendas and upcoming decisions:

  • Blaine County

  • Ketchum

  • Hailey

  • Bellevue

  • Idaho Department of Water Resources (Water Rights)

 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Policy decisions happen whether we participate or not. When the community engages with knowledge and care, those decisions become more protective of the river and aligned with the long-term health of the Big Wood watershed. This work takes time, but it's how we ensure the river has a voice when it matters most.