Canyon Creek Access and Flow Enhancement CC-03

Project Narrative

This project installed a closed irrigation system for a landowner who previously used an open ditch to flood irrigate at the point of use. Approximately 2.26 miles of pipeline, purchased with other funds, was installed to replace the open ditch from the Canyon Creek 3 diversion to two new pivots. The water saved, 4 cfs, will be permanently preserved in the natural channel for 3 miles to the Lemhi River and will facilitate fish survival and access. The new pipeline connects to a new point of diversion with a fish screen that was installed concurrently by IDFG to open 1.9 miles of upstream habitat for fish. As needed for supplementing irrigation water when Canyon Creek water runs out, a new pumping plant was purchased and installed in an existing irrigation well and tied into the system. A new irrigation well was drilled and a new pumping plant purchased installed in it to provide irrigation water to another pivot that had used Canyon Creek water in the past, but no longer does. New electrical wiring was purchased and installed to all pumps and pivots. Two new pivots, purchased with other funds, were installed under this contract. Two flow meters and miscellaneous pipeline fittings were purchased and installed with funds from this contract. IDFG installed a new head gate, grade control structure, and fish screen at the diversion in Canyon Creek which they will report under their own auspices. Canyon Creek is critical habitat for ESA-listed Snake River spring/summer Chinook salmon and steelhead Historically, Canyon Creek supported Chinook salmon spawning but no spawning has been documented for the last 40 years. Juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead have been documented as using Canyon Creek for rearing. Due to irrigation practices that limit water quantity and prevent fish passage, Canyon Creek has been inaccessible to adult life-stage Chinook salmon and steelhead. This project will result in the protection of four CFS stream flow through three miles of Canyon Creek to the confluence with the Lemhi River.