Split River Ranch

Project Narrative

In June 2021 the Nature Conservancy closed on the 257 acre Split River Ranch conservation easement in the Lemhi River Valley. This project secured permanent protection of conservation values, including those associated with 1.5 mile of the Lemhi River, and ensures protection of future conservation outcomes resulting from negotiated river restoration actions. The terms of the conservation easement obligate the landowner to participate in significant river restoration to address juvenile rearing capacity in the Lemhi River. Conceptual designs incorporated into the easement ensure 1) the scale of the restoration, 2) the long-term uses of the restored areas, and 3) the desired habitat outcomes. These upcoming restoration activities will include the construction of side channels, instream habitat work, and activating floodplain connectivity. The terms of the conservation easement stipulate the boundaries of the Natural Area which include the predetermined footprint of restoration activities. Specific steps to securing the conservation easement included: completion of all due diligence such as the baseline report, environmental site assessment, appraisal analysis, negotiation of easement terms, easement drafting, negotiation of restoration outcomes, coordination with partners leading restoration activities, coordination with neighboring landowners. The PCSRF contract was amended to extend the contract deadline and to increase the total contract amount by $57,500.00 due to a higher-than-anticipated appraisal. This project was multi-year funded from FY16 and FY18 PCSRF awards. This project will permanently protect 257 acres of working ranchland and wildlife habitat and permanently protect 1.5 miles of the Lemhi River. The project will also obligate the landowner to river restoration activities that will address juvenile rearing capacity of Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook and Snake River Steelhead limitations in the Lemhi watershed. These activities, to be funded under a future project, will include the construction of side channels, instream habitat work, and activating floodplain connectivity.