Watershed Program

Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Curlew National Grassland Watershed Program

Welcome to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, where clean water and healthy watersheds are at the heart of our mission! This forest is home to legendary rivers and streams—like the Henrys Fork and South Fork of the Snake River—that depend on strong watersheds. Our Watershed Program is all about protecting and restoring these vital water systems so they can support wildlife, fish, and visitors like you for years to come.

What’s a Watershed, Anyway?

A watershed is the land that catches rain and snow, funneling it into streams, rivers, and lakes. Here in Caribou-Targhee, our watersheds feed some of the West’s most famous waters. They’re the lifeblood of the forest—keeping fish swimming, plants growing, and communities downstream thriving. Our program works to keep them healthy and flowing.

What We Do

Our team of experts—think hydrologists, biologists, and forest rangers—rolls up their sleeves to care for these watersheds. Here’s how:

• Restoration Projects: We fix up streams and riverbanks to stop erosion and bring back natural flow. Take the Tincup Creek Stream Restoration—a big win with partners like Trout Unlimited that’s made the water better for fish and wildlife.
• Monitoring Water Health: We check on water quality and flow to spot problems early, like drought impacts or sediment buildup. We use proven best management practices to protect or improve water quality during vegetation management, livestock grazing, and road, trail, & recreational improvement projects.
• Habitat Boosts: By clearing blockagesstabilizing streambanks, elevating water tables, and planting along banks, we create better homes for fish like the native Yellowstone and Bonneville cutthroat trout.
• Teamwork: We partner with groups like the Idaho Departments of Fish and Game and Environmental Quality, Trout Unlimited, Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust, local communities, and even you—our visitors—to tackle big watershed challenges.

Why It Matters

Healthy watersheds do more than just look pretty. They’re key to the forest’s ecosystem. Clean water supports fish, animals, and plants, from beavers building dams to elk drinking at dusk. Plus, these waters flow beyond the forest, helping people, farms, and towns downstream. When we protect watersheds, we’re protecting a whole web of life—and keeping this place great for fishing, hiking, and relaxing.

Success Stories

We’ve got some wins to share! The Tincup Creek project revitalized a stretch of stream, making it a hotspot for trout again. The Joint Chiefs project on the Curlew National Grassland has simultaneously improved wetlands, streams, agriculture, and wildlife habitat. In other spots, we’ve stabilized banks to cut down on mud sliding into rivers, keeping the water crystal clear. These efforts show what’s possible when we work together.

The video Horses and Highwater perfectly depicts the Western way of life bringing together the important tenets of community, collaboration and conservation. 

How You Can Help

You play a part in keeping our watersheds healthy! Here’s what you can do:

• Stick to Trails: Wandering off can trample plants that hold soil—and water—in place.
• Pack Out Trash: Leave no wrappers or fishing line behind. It keeps the water clean.
• Camp Smart: Set up at least 200 feet from streams to avoid stirring up dirt.
• Spread the Word: Tell friends about respecting the forest’s water—it’s a team effort!