This is great news: after months of behind-the-scenes talks with Trout Unlimited and other groups, the state of Idaho and Bureau of Reclamation have decided to broaden the study of rebuilding Teton Dam to also include water solutions such as conservation and aquifer recharge. These cost-effective alternatives to the dam would have the added benefit of protecting the wild Teton River canyon, a stronghold for Yellowstone cutthroat trout. It’s an encouraging sign that a new model of water planning is emerging in the water-stressed West — one based on collaborative planning and a respect for diverse needs, including the health of rivers and streams.
