07/17/2026
The Deer Parks Wildlife Mitigation Unit (WMU), located along the Snake River near Menan, Idaho, is the site of a recent floodplain restoration project that displays the importance of habitat conservation for the future of our fisheries and wildlife habitat. By restoring previous agricultural land to a functioning floodplain, the project aims to improve habitat for fish, wildlife, and native vegetation while enhancing the health and resilience of the Snake River ecosystem.
Completed across two sites totaling 14 acres, the project restored natural floodplain function through grading and re-grading of historically farmed properties. Construction created bioswales and gently sloping terrain designed to capture and distribute seasonal water more naturally across the landscape. These restored features will support the establishment of native plant communities, improve wildlife habitat, and increase the floodplain’s ability to retain water during high-flow events. The project was funded through the Bureau of Land Management and completed in partnership with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
The Deer Parks Wildlife Mitigation Unit Floodplain Restoration Project is an investment in the future of eastern Idaho’s fisheries. Through collaboration, local expertise, and thoughtful habitat restoration, this effort will help ensure healthier rivers, thriving fish and wildlife populations, and fishing opportunities for generations to come.
Digging!
