Western Rivers Conservancy has permanently protected a mile of Idaho’s storied St. Joe River and 0.6 miles of Fishhook Creek—a key tributary—by conveying a 585-acre property to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The Fishhook Creek property was an inholding in the national forests and contains some of the best remaining unprotected coldwater habitat in the basin.
Rising in the northern Bitterroot Mountains and flowing 140 miles to Lake Coeur d’Alene, the St. Joe River is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic canyons and abundant wildlife. It also supports the last self-sustaining bull trout population in the greater Lake Coeur d’Alene watershed. Protecting the Fishhook Creek property will safeguard critical habitat for this vulnerable species, while complementing ongoing restoration efforts just upstream.
The property’s towering stands of Douglas fir, larch and pine are home to grizzly bear, Rocky Mountain elk, and Canada lynx. Our efforts also open the property to public access, expanding opportunities to boat, hike, fish, hunt, birdwatch and otherwise explore these forests along one of Idaho’s most treasured rivers.
Because the Forest Service already manages nearly all the land bordering the property, this conveyance closes a key gap in protection and improves conservation management along the river. It’s a meaningful step toward keeping the St. Joe pristine and thriving for fish, wildlife and people alike.
