In 2016, Idaho Fish and Game completed a deal to purchase a 385-acre riverfront and wetland parcel of land in Northern Idaho as part of their continued efforts to create public corridors of access throughout the area.
The 2016 property purchase included wetlands connecting the Black Rock Slough to Bull Run Lake near Rose Lake, and Fish and Game has begun remediation efforts. The wetlands in particular face challenges such as soil contamination due to its downstream orientation from the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, the location of previous mining activities.
As part of the remediation efforts, River Structures Consulting has been contracted as a sub-consultant in partnership with Idaho Fish and Game and Ducks Unlimited to assist with modernizing and improving the Black Rock Slough. Currently, the Black Rock Slough is at a contamination risk when the Coeur d’Alene River is at high flow and flood levels. River Structures will assist in modifying the Black Rock Slough discharge into the Coeur d’Alene River underneath the 72-mile long Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes near Rose Lake to minimize this contamination risk.
The project will include a new earthen embankment with twin intake structures in the slough, including dual 42-inch culverts under the trail bridge. Twin flap gates will discharge overflow into the river, and River Structures will also design improvements to two other existing culverts.
This project will further Idaho Fish and Game’s efforts to remediate public lands in the Northern Idaho area for waterfowl, wildlife, hunters, and outdoor recreationists.
