In 2015, Boise voters approved a $10 million levy to support the preservation of open space and the implementation of habitat and clean water improvement projects in areas such as the Boise foothills and the Boise River. The funds from this levy are managed by the Open Space and Clean Water Advisory Committee.
Projects recommended for approval by Boise City Council to receive levy funds include:
The project proposes construction of a wildlife overpass at Cerivdae Peak, MP 19.3 on State Highway 21. The City is partnering with the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation (IFWF) on behalf of Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), Idaho Transportation Department D3 (ITD) and many others to fund this project. This will be Idaho’s 1st wildlife overpass project and since 2016, 77 elk and deer have died due to collisions in the area where the wildlife overpass is proposed.
The total expected cost of the project is approximately $3 million. The City’s contribution is up to $40,000.
The project is currently in the design phase with construction expected to occur in 2022.
This project was submitted by the Ted Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Inc. It seeks to daylight about 440 feet of Cottonwood Creek near Julia Davis Park. The creek currently flows through a pipe underground.
This daylighting project will create more than 1/3 acre of riparian habitat and wetland habitat. The process will enhance fish habitat and improve the ecological function of this tributary of the Boise River.
This project is a cooperative effort with the Boise River Enhancement Network (BREN) and the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley. Levy funds will be used to match other grant dollars to complete the project.
Amount of levy funding approved for this project: $200,000
This project, which was submitted by the Boise State University Intermountain Bird Observatory (IBO), proposes improvements to 20 acres of riparian habitat located downstream of the Diversion Dam and between the Boise River and Warm Springs Avenue.
Project managers plan to use levy funding to build bridges and construct pathways that would reduce erosion and sediment loading into the Boise River.
The plan includes restoring a natural side channel of the river to improve fish and wildlife habitat, developing an interpretive trail system, spanning wetlands with raised boardwalks to protect critical habitat, constructing wildlife viewing blinds, restoring upland habitats, and creating pollinator gardens.
Amount of Open Space and Clean Water levy funding approved for this project (with conditions): $440,270
IBO has launched a capital campaign to raise $1.5 million for the overall project.