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What Is Restoration — And How Do We Know It’s Working?
From moving dirt to measuring change When people hear the word restoration, they often picture heavy equipment in a river — reshaping channels, planting vegetation, and reconnecting floodplains. And to be fair, that’s part of it. But restoration isn’t the work you see on the ground. It’s the change that happens after. What Is River Restoration? At its core, river restoration is about recovering the processes that allow a river to function on its own. That means: reconnecting
Apr 246 min read


Shifting Baseline Syndrome
What we forget, what we accept, and what we choose to restore I didn’t grow up knowing what a “healthy” river or fishery looked like. I had no concept or visual model of what an “intact floodplain” might feel like. I knew the difference between a canal and a creek, but that was about it. Like many people who spend their lives around rivers, my understanding of what’s normal was shaped by what I saw and experienced in front of me. A good day of fishing. A decent run-off year.
Mar 174 min read


Old Board Ranch Annexation Frequently Asked Questions
Who is your partner for the housing construction? Upon approval of the Annexation and Large Block Preliminary Plat, WRLT will convey the developable portion to LEAP Housing , and they will move forward with applications related to the workforce housing component. These will likely include applications for a Planned Unit Development, Preliminary Plat (for the townhouse or cottage sublots), Design Review and Final Plat. All of these applications will be heard publicly befo
Mar 162 min read


Watershed Moment
Planning today's land uses for tomorrow's river. The Wood River Land Trust is commencing a scenario planning project to answer the question: “What zoning regulations, tools and programs can reduce water demand and lessen the negative impacts of development on riparian habitats in Blaine County, Idaho?" As part of a grant award from the Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program, the project will be led by the Community Planning program at the
Nov 19, 20253 min read


Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are native to Blaine County? Check out the native plant lists and resources from the Idaho Native Plant Society or reach out to the Blaine County Chapter at woodriver@idahonativeplants.org to learn about which plants are native to and grow best in Blaine County. You may also reach out to the Trout Friendly business sponsors to learn which native plants are available to purchase locally. Can renters’ yards become Trout Friendly certified? Yes! We’re excited to
Jun 18, 20254 min read


Learn How to Balance Growth while Maintaining Sun Valley’s Character and Beauty
Danya Rumore will discuss community-driven solutions for conservation in the Wood River Valley on March 11 at Ketchum’s Community Library.
Mar 8, 20251 min read


How would federal funding freezes affect valley nonprofits?
Job cuts and federal funding freezes under Trump’s administration may impact Blaine County nonprofits relying on government grants.
Mar 5, 20252 min read


Hailey Hot Springs Ranch funding hits $10.5 million
The Wood River Land Trust has raised $10.5 million toward its $16 million goal to purchase and protect Hailey Hot Springs Ranch, with $5.5 m
Mar 5, 20252 min read


Scientist to Discuss 'Restoring the Dignity of Rivers'
Learn how restoring rivers can revive ecosystems in this insightful talk by a top scientist.
Feb 12, 20252 min read


Wood River Land Trust Offers Visits to Hailey Hot Springs Ranch - Eye on Sun Valley
Wood River Land Trust invites the public to explore Hailey Hot Springs Ranch, showcasing its conservation efforts and future plans.
Jan 27, 20252 min read


Hailey Hot Springs Ranch Acquisition Could Offer Climate Change Resiliency - Eye on Sun Valley
Hailey Hot Springs Ranch acquisition aims to protect water resources, wildlife, and climate resilience in the Wood River Valley.
Jan 27, 20252 min read


Wood River Land Trusts Launches Campaign to Preserve Hailey Hot Springs Ranch
The Wood River Land Trust is launching a $16 million campaign to permanently protect the Hailey Hot Springs Ranch
Jan 15, 20252 min read


New Vision Unveiled for Democrat Gulch - By Mountain Express
Wood River Land Trust plans to create $16 million public preserve The Wood River Land Trust has launched a campaign to raise $16 million...
Jan 15, 20253 min read


Old Cutters Preserve Given to Wood River Land Trust - By Eye on Sun Valley
The Wood River Land Trust has acquired Old Cutters Preserve.
Dec 31, 20242 min read


Land Trust to Open 18th Public Preserve Next Year - By Mountain Express
A private landowner said they donated this 2.5-acre parcel to the Wood River Land Trust to preserve prime wildlife habitat.
Dec 25, 20242 min read


Announcing the Land Trust’s 18th Public Preserve: Old Cutters Preserve
Wood River Land Trust unveils Old Cutters Preserve, safeguarding 2.5 acres of cherished open space.
Dec 20, 20242 min read


What is "Sprawl"
" Sprawl " is one of the most common terms used to describe the " unrestricted and rapid expansion of development " at the periphery of a community. It maintains a low-density character that neither maximizes land use efficiency nor protects natural resources. Rather, sprawling development encroaches on natural habitats and expends natural resources at a rate much higher than compact development patterns. Whether it be on the outskirts of a large metropolitan area, on the
Dec 17, 20246 min read


Land Trust Seeks Solutions on Elk-Vehicle Collisions - By Mountain Express
The Land Trust is launching a study to explore ways to reduce vehicle-elk collisions on state Highway 75.
Nov 22, 20241 min read


County OKs Heagle Park River Project, But Denies Funding - By Mountain Express
Heagle Park restoration gets key permits but loses $107,500 in county funds. Aims: reduce flooding, restore habitat, naturalize riverbanks.
Nov 20, 20241 min read


WRLT Addresses Wildlife Vehicle Collisions
The Wildlife Vehicle Collision Subcommittee is commissioning a road ecology team to assess WVC reduction measures on SH75.
Nov 19, 20242 min read
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