SRC members and staff from Rockin’ T Construction problem solve bolt placement before reinstalling the fish screen
Last month I was kindly invited by my predecessor Matt Woodard (avid fly-fisherman, Snake River Cutthroat (SRC) Chapter member and current Idaho State Council Chair) for a day of hard, muddy work on Diamond Creek in the Upper Blackfoot system.
Although retired, Matt has taken it upon himself to help maintain fish screens that were installed during his time as a Project Manager in the area. Using a combination of funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), the Upper Blackfoot Confluence (UBC) and Trout Unlimited (TU), this project aimed to benefit upstream fish passage at the Diamond Creek Irrigation Diversion. These fish screens allow water to pass into the irrigation channel while keeping Yellowstone cutthroat trout and other fish out.
Thanks to the help of friends and colleagues at Rockin’ T Construction, we were able to remove the screens for maintenance which included lifting both screens out of the concrete boxes and clearing sediment and debris built up. We helped to shovel and push additional sediment out that built up in the bottom of the boxes. After some tinkering with bolts and drilling a few new holes on the columns that hold the screens in place, we were ready to reinstall.
Hannah Murphy sprays the inside of the fish screen to help remove sediment and debris before it will be reinstalled
Working on a project that was implemented over ten years ago goes to show how diligent we must be as conservationists and stewards of the land. It felt rewarding to see one of Matt’s projects years later that is still being maintained. Matt’s passion and continued commitment to helping these river systems are part of why TU feels so cohesive, because everyone simply cares. I’m honored to be a part of the Idaho team and work across the Southeast region.
As I’m quickly discovering, there is a ton of work leading up to boots-on-the-ground days in the field. Getting out on the landscape makes computer work and contract preparation even more worthwhile. The field days are undoubtedly the rewarding part. Shout out and huge thank you to Paul, Craig, Andy, Troy, and Josh for the lift and taking the time. I appreciated the opportunity to join.
written by Hannah Murphy, TU Southeast Idaho Project Manager