Wetlands Restoration through Conservation Easements
Status: Complete
Location:
Wetlands habitats along the Coeur d’Alene River corridor in Kootenai County, Idaho.
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. Wetlands habitats have also been altered with ditches and drains for agricultural development. There is a need to identify, conserve, and restore sites with strong potential to provide high quality wetlands habitat for waterfowl, especially locations where birds can feed without experiencing lead poisoning.
Restoration Completed:
The establishment of the conservation easement on approximately 251 acres will allow for future cleanup of the lead contamination by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (where needed) and facilitate future restoration to convert drained agricultural lands into productive, functioning wetlands.
Benefits:
The project conserves privately owned property to protect wetlands habitat values and to provide future opportunities for remediation and restoration. Ultimately, this will result in productive, clean wetland habitat that will provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife.
Contact:
Elise Brown
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office
3232 W. Nursery Road
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
elise_brown@fws.gov
Sponsor:
Partners:
