Campaign Update

In 2008, the Idaho legislature voted unanimously to spend $400,000 to study replacing "Teton Dam storage." Since then, TU has worked consistently to urge the State and Bureau of Reclamation to spend state and federal funds on a more productive study.  TU launched its campaign by creating a 7-minute video on the canyon, its resources, and the threats of development, showing it to hundreds of people at public meetings, chapter meetings, and other community gatherings. TU's Idaho Water Project staff also worked behind the scenes, lobbying state and federal leaders for a more responsible, useful study that takes into account changing demographics, climate and other factors. Asked by BOR officials what kind of Teton study it could support, TU offered these recommendations:

• Invite all stakeholders and provide broad public participation and transparency from the outset - this will ensure not only that the final recommendations are the best options available but also that they gain the widest possible public support.
• Clearly identify the water problems for which the study will propose solutions. Don't presuppose any particular solution from the outset, such as rebuilding Teton Dam. Only when we know what water supply problems we are trying to solve - for the environment, for irrigators, for municipalities and other industries - can we then thoughtfully appraise possible solutions.
• Study thoroughly the full range of non-structural solutions to water supply problems - for instance, improving efficiency through water markets and reducing demand.
• Invest in the most cost-effective and least environmentally damaging water supply options first - such as ground water recharge and off-stream storage. Rebuilding Teton Dam, by contrast, would be enormously expensive and environmentally destructive.
• Include benefits to stream flows, fish and wildlife as a part of the study's scope and purpose. The study should reflect the fact that the Teton River Canyon is a unique and valuable fishery and wildlife area, deserving of protection. As part of this goal, we'd like the BOR to coordinate with other state and federal assessment processes, notably BLM's study of Teton River Canyon as a candidate for Wild and Scenic River status.

After months of talks, TU was able to persuade Reclamation and the State to broaden the study, now called the Henry's Fork Special Study and expanded under the BOR's WaterSmart planning process, which takes into account environmental factors and innovative alternatives to storage. This was a major victory for TU and other groups pushing for a more comprehensive, innovative and river-friendly study.

The Henry's Fork Special Study is looking at 16 storage alternatives in the Henry's Fork basin. TU staff members are actively involved in the study process, working to eliminate unwise storage alternatives and advocating for innovative alternatives such as water markets, municipal conservation, and strategic aquifer recharge opportunities.