Gray’s Meadow Restoration

Status: In Progress
Location:
The Gray’s Meadow Restoration project area is located on the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) Coeur d’Alene River Wildlife Management Area within the floodplain of the Coeur d’Alene River near Black Lake in Kootenai County. The site includes areas both upstream and downstream from the Black Lake outlet channel. It includes approximately 300 acres of uplands and 700 acres of potential wetland and floodplain riparian habitat including 5 miles of Coeur d’Alene River streambank and 3,800 feet of Black Lake shoreline.
Background:
Wetlands in the Coeur d’Alene River floodplain are affected by a legacy of mine waste contamination, including metals that are harmful to waterfowl and other wildlife. Wetland habitats have also been altered with installations of ditches and drains for agricultural development. Identifying, conserving, and restoring sites with strong potential for high quality wetland habitat is needed for waterfowl, especially areas where birds can feed without experiencing lead poisoning.
The Gray’s Meadow Restoration property was previously used for hay production and horse and cattle pastures. To facilitate agricultural production a system of ditches and pumps were used to dry the fields. Consequently, Black Lake has a long history of water quality impairment because nutrient-rich water was pumped from the project area’s agricultural fields into the lake. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes somewhat protects the site from contamination in the Coeur d’Alene River’s floodwaters, which allows the site to have relatively low lead concentrations in the soil and low recontamination risk. The beneficial public use values and habitat potential of the site compelled IDFG to acquire the property and initiate this project to cleanup and restore the area.
Progress:
This project will ultimately result in restoration of up to 700 acres of contaminated floodplain, with agricultural lands restored to semi-permanent wetlands and waterfowl habitat. IDFG is leading the project in coordination with EPA and the Restoration Partnership. Progress to date includes:
Plans:
Benefits:
The project will ultimately restore wetlands and waterfowl habitat. These efforts will benefit waterfowl and other wildlife by increasing the amount of functioning, high quality habitat, and improving nutrient filtering and water quality.
Contact:
David Leptich
Regional Wildlife Habitat Biologist
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
2885 W. Kathleen Ave.
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
(208) 769-1414
david.leptich@idfg.idaho.gov
Sponsor:
Partners: