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Wood River Land Trust cleared for Democrat Gulch stream work with conditions
Summary
The Board approved a Wood River Land Trust application for stream alteration permits on Democrat Gulch, Hot Spring Gulch, and Croy Creek to repair irrigation diversion points and reservoirs, noting soil tests reported contaminant levels below applicable EPA thresholds and requiring standard conditions for in‑stream work and revegetation.
The Blaine County Board on May 26 approved a Stream Alteration Permit for the Wood River Land Trust to perform irrigation‑infrastructure repairs and reservoir maintenance at Hailey Hot Springs Ranch on reaches of Democrat Gulch Creek, Hot Spring Gulch Creek, and Croy Creek.
WRLT land protection manager Keri York and Brockway Engineering's Erick Powell told the Board the work is intended to improve irrigation efficiency, allow use of existing water rights, and advance longer‑term restoration goals. York reviewed revegetation plans and excavation procedures; Powell summarized water‑rights administration and diversion alternatives.
Land‑use staff presented new materials including a revised site plan and soil sampling results. Minutes record that the soil testing indicated contaminant levels "below applicable EPA thresholds." Project Big Wood (Kristine Hilt Spangenberger) supported the permit while recommending conditions on removal of temporary in‑stream materials, handling of excavated materials, and revegetation standards; WRLT agreed to conditions and said nature‑based restoration approaches may be considered in future phases.
The Board found that the application met applicable standards and approved the permit subject to the staff‑recommended conditions (motion passed 2/0). County Engineer Jeff Loomis participated in deliberations regarding prior contamination studies and diversion administration.
