A Perfect Place for Getting Outdoors and Enjoying Nature
In addition to the more fast-paced recreational opportunities that would be available with a restored Snake River corridor, there are many quieter ways to enjoy nature:
- Hiking, walking and cycling at water level on a new river path
- Horseback riding
- Backpacking and camping along the path at the new river level
- Photography
- Wildlife viewing
Nature and Opportunity Abound
New campgrounds could be established all along the Snake River corridor as the flat riparian zones are restored. Beaches would come back. Trails could be established, providing access for photographers, hikers and backpackers.
Photo credit: Josh Mills
A Wildlife Habitat
The once-popular river islands providing habitat for wildlife and birds will return as the sand is redeposited by the free-flowing river.
Immerse in Nature
Cyclists and walkers will enjoy a new path running along the river, offering water and wildlife views.
A Rich and Climate Resilient Wildlife Habitat.
The Snake River corridor is characterized by rich and climate resilient wildlife habitat. This habitat naturally supports many migratory and game species, and a rich diversity of raptors, riparian, and upland birds. Loss of riverbank vegetation that accompanied the inundation of the land along the river resulted in a huge loss of wildlife and bird life inhabiting the area. When these riparian zones reappear with restoration of the river, these wild species will re-establish.
Photo credit: Owen Deutsch/American Bird Conservancy.
The Snake River native bird habitat.
- Raptors: prairie falcon, golden eagle, red-tailed hawk, burrowing owl, and rough-legged hawk
- Upland/Steppe: long-billed curlew, common raven
- Game bird species: chukar partridge, California quail, ring-necked pheasants, Canada geese, mallards and mourning dove
Other notable Idaho species include harlequin duck, various owls (flammulated, northern pygmy, great gray, boreal), and woodpeckers
Photo credit: Scott Putnam
Big Game Habitat.
- Big game: mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, bighorn sheep
- Predators: coyote, red fox, mountain lion, bobcat, raccoon, striped skunk
- Small mammals: deer mice, montane voles, porcupine
- Aquatic animals: beaver, river otter, mink
- Snakes: gopher snakes, western rattlesnakes, racers, garter snakes
- Amphibians: inland tailed frog, northern leopard frog, Columbian spotted frog, salamanders
Photo credit: Scott Putnam