Croy Creek Restoration
Wetlands Are One of The Most Endangered Land Forms Globally - Let's Grasp This Opportunity to Expand the Croy Creek Wetland!
PROBLEMS AND LIMITING FACTORS AND HISTORY
In 2020, Land Trust purchased the 118.56-acre Simons/Bauer Preserve west of Hailey. In 2022, the Land Trust purchased a conservation easement on the adjacent property, a 22.33-acre parcel owned by the City of Hailey. Together, these properties connect Lions Park to Mountain Humane and will provide public open space, recreational access, and protection of Croy Creek and adjacent riparian areas and wetlands. The Land Trust is partnering with the City of Hailey on management and restoration of both properties and approximately 1.5 miles of Croy Creek.
What once was a vibrant delta at the confluence with the Big Wood River, the Croy Creek wetland complex has diminished to a fraction of its historic footprint. Past land use practices, an increase in drought conditions and higher demand for water upstream has left the area dry in recent years. The result is a stream system isolated from both its floodplain and the groundwater table. This is apparent from the sage brush that makes up its banks, very uncharacteristic of healthy streams in the basin.
PROJECT GOALS & BENEFITS
Land Trust staff have observed the following needs on Croy Creek that warrant further assessment and restoration:
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Locally restore flows and groundwater after spring runoff
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Return natural grade and aggradation processes to stream bottom
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Return mesic and riparian vegetation in certain areas
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Minimize erosion potential during high spring flows
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Increase instream habitat for aquatic life