event_title: 2019 Idaho BHA Craig Mountain WMA Stewardship Project

event_time_zone: America/Denver

event_start: May 31, 2019 17:00

event_duration: 2880

event_end: June 02, 2019 17:00

event_address: zaza road, lewiston, ID, United States

event_description: Idaho BHA is hosting a stewardship project at Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area near Lewiston, ID on May 31-June 2 and volunteers are needed to participate.  This project involves installing a number of faux beaver dams; specifically called Beaver Dam Analogs or BDAs. We will be installing BDAs in Benton Meadows to improve riparian habitat in the meadow. We will be working with Craig Mountain WMA Habitat Biologist Andrew Mackey. See below in italics for more detailed info.  This stewardship project has traditionally served as an opportunity for members from around the state to get together to discuss current hot topics in conservation while also developing a stronger network of conservation advocates. The real work will begin on June 1 at 9:00 am with a presentation by IDFG staff on the history of Craig Mountain, one of Idahos largest Wildlife Management Areas as well as an overview of the BDA project.   Please RSVP if you plan to attend so we have an adequate head count for food. Schedule & LogisticsFriday, May 31 - arrive anytime after 6:00 pm at Benton Meadows Facility (directions to Benton Meadows from Lewiston).Saturday, June 1 - breakfast provided by Idaho BHA                               - 9:00 am presentation by Andrew Mackay                               - Benton Meadow BDAs until done.                                - 6:00 pm dinner provided by Idaho Chapter and movie. Sunday, June 2 - clean up and departCamping/Lodging:  there is camping space at the Benton Facility as well has three cabins that sleep up to four available on a first come first served basis.Food/Beverage:  We will have a grill available for you to use on Friday evening, please provide your own food for that evening.  On Saturday morning the Idaho BHA will provide breakfast, but lunch will be on your own. Plan on staying the night on Saturday, the Idaho BHA will be barbecuing and provide side dishes. On Saturday evening well plan on showing Steven Rinellas new film "Stars in the Sky", literally out under the stars. Please bring all your own beverages.  Alcohol is permitted during non-work hours.  Gear/Attire:  Bring either waders or rubber boots and outdoor work clothing that will get dirty.   If you have spare tools it is advised to bring them but most everything we will need for installation will be provide by IDFG. Kids:  Kids are welcome and encouraged to help.  No childcare will be provided by BHA. Dogs:  Please leave dogs at home unless you plan to have someone stay at the camp to watch them.The Idaho chapter of BHA has enjoyed a long relationship with the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game, particularly on Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Over the years Idaho BHA has partnered with IDFG several times to remove fencing, conduct riparian planting was well and rebuild a backcountry cabin on the WMA. Project Details"The Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Idaho Department of Lands have been working collaboratively to restore meadow hydrology in the upper reaches of West Fork Deer Creek on the Craig Mt Wildlife Management Area.  The goal of the project is twofold; curtail conifer encroachment into the meadow and improve meadow hydrology to facilitate riparian vegetation plantings.  The meadow complexes have seen over 100 years of anthropologic changes such as logging, grazing and mining.  The impacts of these activities has left an everlasting effect.  We hope that we can reverse these changes through the use of ‘BDA’s.  Also, known as a Beaver Dam Analog.  BDAs are temporary structures that slow down water, push water onto the floodplain, catch sediment and provide fish habitat.  After a few years of testing these structures on other meadows, we are ready for full blown implementation.  Idaho Department of Lands came into the site and used their crews to cut down nearly every conifer on site, while also creating snags and even dropping trees directly into the stream.  The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has been using their crews to then use these cut down conifers to build the dams down through the stream channel.  After a few years in place, the Department will begin replanting these sites with woody riparian vegetation in hopes to improve habitat for elk, deer and countless other wildlife that the WMA mitigates for." ~ Andrew Mackey, WMA Biologist Please RSVP if you plan to attend so we have an adequate head count for food. Send questions to Eric & Sean:  woodsbossgmail.com   scarriereidyahoo.com