Photos by Jonathan Longwww.jonlong.com

WATER LINESWATER LINES

3 Education Update 4 The Teton Dam 8 Restoration 9 A Place to Have a Conversation10 Tin Cup Challenge 11 Win a Drift Boat 12 Summer Party Announcement

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY FRIENDS OF THE TETON RIVER Vol. 8, No. 2 SUMMER 2008

The Teton Dam - Past, Present, and Future?

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Welcome to springtime in the NorthernRockies! It is that wonderful time of year whenthe weather changes every few minutes; whenyou can ski in the morning and bicycle in theafternoon. It is also the most exciting time ofyear for a hydrologist, because we never quiteknow if we’ll see a couple of weeks of floodingor several months of gradual runoff. This year isespecially interesting, because as I write this, onMay 12, our snowpack is at 136 percent of aver-age! Temperatures over the next two months willdetermine how and when that snowpack willcome down out of the mountains …

In this issue….

We’re devoting much of this issue of Water Linesto a discussion of the proposed rebuild of theTeton Dam. In the recent Idaho legislative ses-sion, a $400,000 appropriation, which will bematched by federal funds, was secured to studythe replacement of the Teton Dam. Much of thestudy will be conducted over the next 24months. The Teton River is not alone in attract-ing attention for reservoir construction; theTwin Springs Dam on the Middle Fork of theBoise River and the Galloway Dam on theWeiser River are also on a list of study sites. Inthe articles on pages 4 through 7, we provide ahistory of the ill-fated Teton Dam, a look atrepercussions of its failure, and a discussionabout current opinions on a rebuild.

Although FTR’s focus area is the TetonWatershed above Bitch Creek, a Teton Damreconstruction would have such enormousimpacts throughout the upper and lower TetonWatershed that we all need to assess and respondto the proposal. FTR believes that before morepublic funds are committed to dam construc-tion, a long-term water budget incorporatingclimate change modeling and conservation andmanagement alternatives needs to be producedand explained to the public. We also believe thatpublic opinion must be solicited and consideredbefore any decisions are reached. Finally, wecontend that a rebuild of the Teton Dam wouldhave such devastating ecological effects on our

native trout fishery and the pristine river canyonthat all other options for water supplies mustfirst be exhausted. We need to consider waterconservation and management scenarios, waterefficiency schemes, and market-based approach-es to water use before we dust off the dam-build-ing machinery.

If you would like to be kept apprised of newsabout the Teton Dam and public involvement,please drop us an email at info@tetonwater.org.We are compiling a list of interested individualswho we will keep informed.

Updates and Upcoming

2008 has been a tremendous year for conversa-tions about water. Our Wednesday WaterWiseseries has drawn 50 to 60 diverse participantsper session; Teton Creek stakeholders meetmonthly and have produced preliminary plansfor restoration; and we are continuing discus-sions with water-right holders throughout thevalley about rewatering tributary streams duringcritical biological periods for native trout. Wehope that you join us for our summer events sothat we can continue these conversations. We’llbe offering kids’ arts and science programs,xeriscaping classes, our summer party on June28, watershed hikes, and moonlight floats.

Summer is the time when we get to catch upwith you, our members, and hear your ideasabout how we’re doing and what you’re seeingout there in the watershed. Stop by our office,attend our events, and send us a photo of thatgorgeous fish you caught!

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,

LYN BENJAMINBOARD OFDIRECTORS

Andy Steele, PresidentJohn Siverd, Vice PresidentTim Watters, TreasurerPhyllis Anderson, SecretaryBrian BerryDan BurrTom FengerGeordie GillettJim ReinertsenKaren ScheidEric SpitzerDon StreubelLeAnn TalbotDiane Temple

ADVISORYBOARD

Greater Yellowstone CoalitionHigh Country Resource& DevelopmentIdaho Association of SoilConservation DistrictsIdaho Department ofEnvironmental QualityIdaho Department ofFish & GameIdaho National LaboratoryIdaho Rivers UnitedIdaho State UniversityIntermountain AquaticsNatural ResourcesConservation ServiceTeton Conservation District, WYTeton County Planning& Zoning CommissionTeton County PlanningDepartmentTeton Soil Conservation DistrictTrout Unlimited,Teton Valley ChapterU.S. Bureau of Land Mgmt.U.S. Forest Service, Caribou-Targhee National ForestU.S. Geological Survey

Lyn Benjamin, Executive Director

Anna Lindstedt, DevelopmentDirector

Amy Verbeten, Education & OutreachDirector

Mike Lien, Restoration Director

Karin Bivins, Office Manager

36 East Little AvenuePO Box 768 • Driggs, ID 83422

(208) 354-3871info@tetonwater.orgwww.tetonwater.org

Newsletter design by:Powder Mountain Press LLCwww.powdermountainpress.com

EDUCATION UPDATE

8th Annual River Party and Adventure AuctionSaturday, June 28; 5 to 9pmJoin Friends of the Teton River for an evening of food, music, fun, andfriends alongside the beautiful Teton River. Bid on silent and live auctionitems that include fishing trips, artwork, and more! Always a summer-time family favorite, “river folk” of all ages will be there. Tickets are soldin advance or “at the door.” Call FTR for details at 354-3871.

WaterWise Landscaping TourSaturday, July 12Join us for part two of our WaterWise landscaping series, a tour of suc-cessful water-wise landscaping projects throughout Teton Valley. Thanksto sponsorship from First Bank of the Tetons and support from GrandTarghee Sustainable Operations, the series is FREE to a limited numberof participants. Please sign up in advance by calling 354-3871.

Full Moon FloatThursday, July 17Back by popular demand! Join Friends of the Teton River for our annualFull Moon Float and Potluck Dinner. Participants must provide their ownwatercraft or share with a friend. The float is appropriate for all ages andability levels.

Tin Cup ChallengeSaturday, July 19Following in the footsteps of Old Bill’s Fun Run for Charities, the Tin CupChallenge will help Teton Valley nonprofits raise money from donors thatwill be matched by a pool of Community Challengers and Friends of theMatch funds. This year’s race starts at the Driggs City Park and will offer arun/walk event for all ages and abilities. Participants can sign up for themarathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K. All runners and walkers are welcometo a FREE breakfast and associated activities in the park following the run.

The Art of WaterSession 2: Monday–Thursday, July 28-31, 9am to 2pmFor children entering grades 1-3Join Instructors Allison Parker of the Teton Arts Council and Amy Verbetenfrom Friends of the Teton River for this unique, FREE Summer Day Campprogram combining ART and SCIENCE. Through a unique partnershipinvolving the Teton Arts Council, Friends of the Teton River, and the TetonRegional Land Trust, students will explore the Teton River Watershed,learning both science and sculptural art concepts. Contact the Teton ArtsCouncil at 354-4ART or info@tetonartscouncil.com for an entry form andregistration materials.

Watershed HikeFriday, August 1Gain a new perspective on Teton Basin as you hike high into themountains. Ascending through classic limestone and sandstone ter-rain, your hard work will be rewarded as you gain a spectacular viewof the watershed.

Restoration TourTuesday, August 19Spend an afternoon celebrating the successes of FTR’s RestorationProgram as you learn about the work that’s been done to protect andrestore streams and fisheries in Teton Basin.

Equinox Birding FloatFriday, September 19Enjoy an early-morning float down the Teton River, while colorfulfoliage provides a perfect backdrop for learning about the valley’smigrating birds. Participants must provide their own watercraft orshare with a friend.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRONT COVER PHOTOS, top: Right spillway of Teton Dam; bottom: Teton River above the dam. Photos by Jonathan Long.

More than 130 students from Teton Middle School and the TetonValley Community School enjoyed Water Awareness Days on May5th and 6th at the Rainey Fish and Game Access. They joined sixthgraders across the state of Idaho in studying the role of water in theirlives and in the livelihood of their state’s residents. Students learnedabout riparian habitats and wildlife, bird life, groundwater (the

famous edible aquifer), macro-invertebrates, fly casting, and fishanatomy (lots of blood and guts there). Many thanks to our wonder-ful cast of volunteers from FTR, Grand Targhee Resort, Idaho Fishand Game, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, theJackson National Fish Hatchery, Trout Unlimited, the Teton RegionalLand Trust, the Teton Valley Lodge, and the U.S. Forest Service.

by Amy Verbeten, Education and Outreach Director

According to the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the originalTeton Dam was designed to supply supplemental irrigationwater, produce hydroelectric power, provide recreation, andcontrol floods. The project was authorized in 1964, but beforeconstruction could begin, a group of environmental organiza-tions and individuals filed an injunction against it. TroutUnlimited v. Morton alleged that the dam proposal violatednumerous laws, including the National Environmental PolicyAct of 1969 (NEPA). Following a short trial, the injunctionwas denied, as were subsequent appeals to the Idaho DistrictCourt and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, ending the law-suit. The trial did little to slow the dam’s progress, which pro-gressed despite difficulty filling the highly fractured rock alongthe canyon’s north wall.

In the winter of 1975–76, just after the dam began to fill, aseries of Pacific storms deposited a heavy snowpack.Anticipating an above-average runoff, the BOR ProjectEngineer requested permission to double the standard rate offilling. According to the book Cadillac Desert, this was a formal-ity; the main outlet works, designed to control the flow of waterout of the reservoir, were not yet functional. The reservoirwould rise as fast as the river could fill it, and the river seemedintent on pushing the limits, with peak flows exceeding severalthousand cubic feet per second (cfs). The auxiliary outlet works,designed to carry a maximum of 850 cfs, did little to mitigatethe river’s input, and the reservoir filled at more than four timesthe expected rate.

Beginning in early June of 1976, a series of small leaks were dis-covered springing from the north wall of the canyon, down-stream from the dam. On Saturday, June 5, an employee arrivedat work to discover muddy water flowing from the dam’s northabutment. Shortly thereafter, a dark shadow appeared on theface of the dam itself. Within moments, the shadow became atorrent. Two bulldozer operators were directed to fill theexpanding hole on the downstream side, but the leak washedaway the material faster than they could replace it. Two morebulldozer operators drove onto the top of the dam, attempting

to push riprap into a giant whirlpool on the upstream side [seeinterview with Jay Calderwood, page 6]. At 11:57 a.m., thereservoir broke through the north side of the embankment.Remarkably, all four bulldozer operators survived.

When the dam began to leak, downstream towns were advisedto prepare for major flooding. Just before 1:00 p.m., a wall ofwater fifteen feet high, eight miles wide, and traveling at ten tofifteen miles per hour roared out of the mouth of the canyon.The town of Wilford was completely obliterated. A few minuteslater, Sugar City was hit, flooding every one of its buildings.Both towns had been fully evacuated only minutes before.Residents of Rexburg watched in awe from the hillsides abovetown as floodwaters inundated their city. Filled with massivequantities of eroded topsoil, logs from a mill on the outskirts of

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THE TETON DAMPast, Present, and Future?

5

Today, the canyon of the Teton River, upstream from theskeletal dam site, is a quiet place. The river is punctuated bya series of rapids and pools, created by landslides thatoccurred when the reservoir rapidly drained. The pools arefilled with native Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT), andthere is little sound in the canyon aside from that of rushingrapids and the calls of canyon wrens and kingfishers. Mooseslog through the canyon bottom, and elk and deer browse theslopes. Bald eagles soar overhead, and peregrine falcons nestin the canyon walls. This stretch of the Teton River sees few

human visitors other thananglers on tours providedby outfitters like the TetonValley Lodge [see interviewwith Randy Berry, page 7].

According to IdahoDepartmentof Fish and Game FisheriesBiologist Bill Schrader, TetonCanyon is “one of the laststrongholds for fluvial YCT.It’s an extremely importantpopulation. Although thereis some hybridization [withrainbow trout], it’s not near-ly to the extent seen else-where in the state.” Schrader attributes much of this to thequality of the tributary streams that provide critical spawninghabitat. He describes Bitch Creek—which was saved fromreservoir inundation by the dam’s collapse—as “one of the bestcutthroat streams in eastern Idaho.”

“We will rebuild.”These words echo throughout the Teton Flood Museum in Rexburg at the close a film documenting the collapse of the TetonDam. Although the speaker was referring to his home in Rexburg, this indomitable pioneering spirit seems to persist as talk againreturns, more than 30 years later, to rebuilding the dam. This is the story of that dam’s history, and a discussion of factors whichmay shape its future.

The Past

The canyon may be slated forchange. In March 2008, thestate of Idaho set aside $1.8million for “initiating andcompleting the study of addi-tional water storage projects… identifying those projectsthat are feasible, and movingforward with implementationand construction of thosewater projects that most ben-efit the residents of the stateof Idaho.” Of the totalamount, $400,000 was allo-cated to studying replace-ment of the Teton Dam.

According to Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR)Director Dave Tuthill, the adequacy of Idaho’s water supply infra-structure is diminishing. On a recent visit to Teton Valley, Tuthillstated that demand for water will continue to increase in the 21stcentury due to Endangered Species Act requirements [for salmonin the lower Snake River system], increased urbanization, groundwater mitigation, and climate change. “If adequate water is to bemade available for sustainable economies,” he says, “additionalsources must be created.” Asked about the Teton Dam at a confer-ence in Salt Lake City last October, Tuthill said that when it failedin 1976 the Teton Dam “had been totally approved. The waterright was there, all of the environmental approvals were there;availability was there. So, that makes it an attractive opportunity.”

Kim Goodman, Director of Trout Unlimited’s Idaho WaterProject, disagrees. In a recent High Country News article,

“Residents of Rexburg

watched in awe from

the hillsides above

town as floodwaters

inundated their city.”

town, and the remnants of Wilford and Sugar City, the flood-waters devastated Rexburg.

Further downstream, residents of Idaho Falls frantically shoredup infrastructure with sandbags. The BOR rushed to emptyAmerican Falls Reservoir to accommodate the massive rush offloodwater heading its way. Both the sandbags in Idaho Fallsand American Falls Dam held. By June 9, floodwaters had cometo rest in the American Falls Reservoir.

Six people drowned in the Teton Dam flood, and five addition-al deaths were indirectly attributed to the disaster. The TetonFlood Museum reports that 13,000 head of livestock werekilled, 4,000 homes were flooded, and tens of thousands ofacres of farmland were stripped of topsoil. Estimates of mone-tary damage range from one billion to two billion dollars.Congressman Leo Ryan, chairman of the House subcommitteewhich held hearings on the disaster, described it as “one of themost colossal and dramatic failures in our national history.”

The Present

The Future?

The Teton Dam as it looks today. Photoby the US Bureau of Reclamation.

continued on page 6

by Amy VerbetenEducation and Outreach Director

Storm over Teton Dam; Photo by Darren Clark.

Randy Berry has long been anoutspoken critic of the TetonDam, and was one of the plain-tiffs in the original lawsuit.Along with sons Matt andBrian, he owns and operates theTeton Valley Lodge, founded in1919. The Lodge offers guidedday trips into Teton Canyon,

locally referred to as “The Narrows.” The Lodge’s website describes atrip into the Narrows as “one of the fishing stories you will never for-get, and your friends will never believe.”

FTR: What was your objection to the Teton Dam?

Randy: I didn’t want to see a free-flowing stream, and the

incredible trout fishery it supports, destroyed. Flooding thecanyon would have a tremendous impact on our business—that’s a very popular trip. People catch lots of cutthroats andrainbows down there. It would take away one of the three riverswe’re licensed to operate on—a third of our business.

FTR: Proponents of dams often say that reservoirs will pro-vide more recreational opportunities than they destroy. Whatis your response to that?

Randy: That’s ridiculous. People move here to fish on rivers, notreservoirs. Look at Fremont, Island Park, and Palisades [reser-voirs]. The fisheries there are very poor; they can only be main-tained through intensive stocking. The use on the rivers is fargreater than on reservoirs. Free-flowing rivers are where peoplewant to be.

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Goodman was quoted as saying, “even studying therevival of the Teton Dam is a misuse of money. We’respending state and federal funds to find out if [the dam]is feasible or not. But we already proved this dam is notfeasible. Its failure was the ultimate sign.” Goodmanacknowledges that Idaho will have to consider optionsfor water storage in the future, and that dam projectsmay be appropriate if they are “environmentally respon-sible, economically feasible, and [able to be] built in amanner that is safe.” She believes that a dam on theTeton would not meet these requirements, and wouldrequire “massive state and federal subsidies” to support,in addition to harming YCT and other wildlife.

Other critics of the Teton Dam project maintain thatthe fractured rock of Teton Canyon makes it an unsuit-able place for a dam. In hearings following the collapse,geologists from the University of Montana, Universityof Idaho, and United States Geological Survey testifiedthat the site selection for the dam was inappropriate dueto frail and permeable rock, and numerous fractures andfaults surrounding the site. Engineers from the BORargued that other dams had been successfully built insimilar rock. Despite several independent investigationsand a Congressional subcommittee hearing, no defini-tive cause of the original dam failure has been identified.

With the IDWR acknowledgement that “overcomingnegative perceptions may be a challenge,” the future ofthe Teton Dam remains unsettled. At FTR, we believethat we must critically consider the trade-offs thatwould accompany the rebuilding of a dam in TetonCanyon. The social, environmental, and economic costsof this project must be accurately assessed. The lowerTeton River is one of the last strongholds for nativeYCT, and the value of free-flowing streams for wildlifeand humans must be weighed against benefits.Innovative solutions will be required to address Idaho’sdemand for water in the 21st century, and we believethat water conservation and efficiency, combined withmarket-based management strategies, should receive thegreatest priority.

Teton Dam continued from page 5Going Down with the Ship

… Almost

The following is lifelong Teton Valley resident Jay Calderwood’s first-hand account of the construction and failure of the Teton Dam,along with his perspective on the possible rebuilding of the dam.

FTR: Can you give us anoverview of your involvementin the dam project?

Jay: I started working on thedam in March of 1972, for thecontractor Morrison-Knudsen.They started me out as a heavyequipment operator, operating ascraper and then a front-endloader, and eventually made meGeneral Excavation Foreman. ByJune of 1976, we were basicallyfinished. The reservoir was fill-ing up fast—faster than weexpected. As you well know, itwas a Saturday morning whenthe dam broke.When I left workFriday night, the water was fourto five feet below the spillway. Iwas at home when I got the call;they told me the dam was leak-ing. I figured it was probably justa little water coming around thatspillway, and I remember tellingmy wife I’d be home soon—Ididn’t think it was any big deal.

FTR: When did you realize itwas more serious?

Jay: When I drove up and sawwater gushing out the side of thedam. I realized we better try todo something, so I drove upthere and got on my Cat. Therewas a Bureau of Rec[Reclamation] guy up there, andI remember asking him to drivemy pickup off the dam, just incase. We were pushing giant rip-rap into the whirlpool on theupstream side, just hoping that itwould slow the leak. TheGeneral Superintendent was upthere, and I guess he felt the damsettle, and started waving us off.I could see the dam crumblingtoward me, just disintegrating. I

remember thinking, “I’m notgoing to make it. It’s going to fallout from under me. What aremy wife and family going to dowithout me?” [Voice crackingwith emotion, Jay paused for amoment before continuing.]Well, anyway, I made it. All wecould do then was watch. It wasawesome, just awesome … scary.

FTR: What do you thinkabout rebuilding the dam?

Jay: You might be surprised tohear me say this, but I think weshould rebuild. All the reasonsthey built it in the first placehave just increased. Everythingwe do, all the new growth,requires more and more water.We need the water, and we needthe flood control. I think thedam should go right back inwhere they built it the firsttime—we’ve got millions of dol-lars’ worth of infrastructuredown there that could all be usedagain, and I don’t think we’llhave the problems we had thefirst time. If they’d been able toopen that south tunnel [themain channel works], I don’tthink the dam would have failed.

�The dam is breached at 11:57am, the rush of muddy brown water is violent.Photo taken by Mrs. Eunice Olson, June 5, 1976.

AN ANGLER’S PERSPECTIVE ONTHE TETON DAM

Flood waters advancing through downtownRexburg. The photographer is unknown, but thephotograph was provided by Mrs. Eunice Olson.

What remains of the Teton Dam, viewed from the south side of the river. Photo by Darren Clark.

Hello, folks. It’s time onceagain for FTR’s busy streamrestoration season, and we arelooking for volunteers whocan help out with several proj-ects. We at FTR incorporatevolunteer work into our proj-ects in order to provide anopportunity for the public togain intimate knowledge ofTeton Valley’s water resources,to bring the communitytogether for a good cause, toprovide labor for the projects,and to help leverage grantfunding. This summer, volun-teers will be needed to helpgather data for the TetonCreek Stream RestorationProject, retrofit a diversionstructure on South LeighCreek with fish screens, andrestore eroding stream bankson Trail Creek. I would alsolike to invite everyone to cele-brate the success of FTR’sRestoration Program by join-

ing us for a tour of our restoration projects onAugust 19. (Please check our website for moretour information.)

For the Teton Creek Stream RestorationProject, I need help gathering data that will beused to develop restoration plans. Volunteerswill be needed in July and August to help sur-vey cross-sections, gather sediment data, andaid in bank erosion surveys.

The South Leigh Project will consist of retro-fitting the existing Hog Canal diversion struc-ture with new headgates and state-of-the-artfish screens. In the past, hundreds of our nativeYellowstone cutthroat trout perished in thecanal when the headgates were closed and thefish were unable to return to South LeighCreek. The new structure will use rotating ver-tical belt screens to prevent fish from enteringthe canal, while allowing water to pass throughto the canal. Volunteers will be needed inOctober to help revegetate and fence the areaonce construction is complete.

TheTrail Creek stream restoration project, locat-ed south of the City of Victor, is designed to sta-bilize 385 feet of stream bank that is rapidlyeroding. The project will use willow clumps withrock anchors and rock barbs to stabilize the toeof the bank, and willow poles and willow clumpsto stabilize and revegetate the upper portion ofthe bank. Volunteers will be needed at the end ofOctober to help collect and plant willow poles.

If you are interested in volunteering for these orfuture projects, please contact FTR and we willenter your information into our VolunteerDatabase. We will call folks on the volunteer listthree to four weeks in advance of each project.FTR greatly appreciates all the hard work vol-unteers have provided over the years, and welook forward to working with returning andnew volunteers this summer and in the future.

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2008 STREAM RESTORATIONAND SURVEY PROJECTS:

As FTR completed its first series of WaterWisepresentations last week, I was reminded of the1969 classic book The Sound of MountainWater, in which author Wallace Stegnerdescribes cooperation as “the quality that mostcharacterizes and preserves the West” and“gives it the best chance to create a society tomatch its scenery.” As FTR grows older, we’relearning that although science provides the keyto unlocking natural resource problems, thatkey doesn’t necessarily come with the requisiteinstructions for application in human settings.In order to address this need, FTR has hostedfive public meetings about water management,featuring a range of speakers and attracting anaudience of 50 to 60 people per session. Wehave had tremendous question-and-answersessions following the presentations, as well aslengthy, less formal conversations lasting intothe evenings. We hope that in the future theseWaterWise meetings will continue to provide aforum for conversation and constructivedebate about Teton Valley’s water resources.

Our series focused on both science and policyaspects of water supply and management. Ninespeakers addressed topics that included waterlaw; snow pack, reservoirs, climate change, andwater supply; streamflow restoration and watertransaction programs; and the proposed build-ing of new storage reservoirs. The series kickedoff with a session on Idaho Water Law, withJerry Rigby, one of Idaho’s leading water attor-neys; Tony Olenichak, Program Manager forWater District #1; and Kim Goodman,Director of Trout Unlimited’s Idaho Program.The second gathering, hosted by GrandTarghee Resort, featured Ron Abramovitch,Water Supply Specialist with the NaturalResources Conservation Service; and Rob VanKirk, Professor of Mathematics at Idaho StateUniversity. Both speakers focused on how, andhow much, water is supplied to streams andrivers from snowpack, aquifers, and reservoirs;in other words, they addressed the question:

“Where does our surface water come from, andhow reliable are those supplies?”

In April we held several meetings with aWater Management theme. Morgan Case,Staff Biologist with IDWR, presentedsuccess stories about streamflowrestoration from the Upper SalmonWatershed. Bruce Aylward, a consult-ant from Ecosystem Economics who iscurrently working with FTR, dis-cussed the very successful WaterTransaction Program he implementedin the Deschutes Basin of Oregon. Ipresented rationale and strategy forFTR’s “Grow the Flow” campaign.Later in the month, Dave Tuthill,Director of the Idaho Department ofWater Resources, traveled to TetonValley and met with county and cityelected officials, canal company repre-sentatives, and FTR to discuss the“governance gap” for water resources,addressing the question: “Who pro-vides oversight for water resources andwater delivery infrastructure in a rap-idly developing community?” Davealso gave a public presentation, provid-ing an overview of the state’s waterresources and offering a rationale forexpenditures on feasibility studies fornew storage reservoirs (including theproposed Teton Dam).

We are very grateful to all the speakerswho prepared thoughtful, high-qualitypresentations and provided the catalystfor lively discussions. FTR’s WaterWiseseries continues this summer with twosessions devoted to xeriscaping (low-water landscaping). We hope you willbe part of the ongoing conversation aboutwater use in Teton Valley by joining us as webring together the community to discuss thisvital resource.

Creating a place to havea conversation

Written by Lyn BenjaminExecutive DirectorWritten by Mike Lien

Restoration Director

Top to bottom: Hog canaldiversion that will be rebuiltwith fish screens; Volunteersplanting willows; Volunteerscollecting willow poles.

“Wallace Stegnerdescribes

cooperation as‘the qualitythat most

characterizesand preservesthe West’ and‘gives it the

best chance tocreate a societyto match itsscenery.’”

Photo by Kisa Koenig

At this year’s Annual River Party, we’re raffling a gorgeous handmade wooden driftboat crafted by Ray’s River Dories. Enter for your chance to win this 14-foot RougeDrift Boat. Raffle tickets are $20 each or six for $100. Local residents should find anannouncement about raffle tickets and the party in their mailbox soon.

For details and photos of the boat, go the FTR website www.tetonwater.org and lookunder “News.” The boat will be raffled on the evening of June 28; you do not haveto be present to win.

This Model 14 Rogue style drift boat is not your averagewooden boat. Because of extensive epoxy finishing, this boatwill be a very care-free vessel to own. It will stand up toweather and wear, unlike wooden boats of the past. It willaccommodate two people with ease and is very lightweightand maneuverable.

Sign up for our e-newsletter!

�We’re doing our part for the environment by offeringa paperless version of our newsletter.

If you would prefer to receive a digital newsletter via your e-mail address,please contact us at info@tetonwater.org and we’ll add you to our list. We encourage you to help us save paper and postage!In addition, you can always view the most current Water Lines and read past issues on our website www.tetonwater.org

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Membership Donations

Leslie Ryan & David AndersonGary ArnoldWilliam BarsanWendi BellDrs. Bob & Jean BellowsDamion K. BraceJoe & Dot BurnsGreg ConradtElizabeth CoulterChuck Iossi & Tina CulmanSandy & Dick CummingsPete & Mollie FengerGrand Valley LodgingThom & Diane HainesMark HarringtonKent & Judy HastingsRay & Cherie HinchcliffMike & Peggy HinmanLorie & John KalivasDouglas & Colleen KunzGary LangErica LinnellMatt MacMillanRobert & Mary SalsburyJohn SandersRoland & Jenohn SchulerJohn & Margaret StanchfieldRuskin VestMichael Manley &Maryanna VuocoloBetsy & Gene WhiteDavid Whitney

Orvis Fundfor Teton Creek Restoration

J. Gentry & Rachel BardenWilliam B. Cunningham Jr.Dolinsek Insurance ServicesJudith & William EctonKellee FiskeRobert W. HatchCharles HigginsJohn & Julie HuntWilliam F. KosterDan KratvilleStephan & Kathleen McDonaldCraig MooreRiver Rim FoundationStephan SlavikAndy & Sabra SteeleTarghee Hills EstatesVanguard Charitable EndowmentProgram

Education

William Quayle Jr., MD

Grant Support

Arthur B. Schultz FoundationFirst Bank of the TetonsOrvisSilverstar CommunicationsTarghee Environmental Foundation

GROW the FLOW Campaign

Bud AbrahamsonBoots AllenPhyllis AndersonDr. William & Mary BarsanGary & Toni BaugherMichael ComminsLou & Christy CushmanAsa B. DavisJames Kleine & Kimberly DaySkip DempesyRichard & Lindsay FillerupDavid & Deborah FosdickMichael & Elizabeth HaggertyMark & Nell HansonDerek HuttonDavid & Kimberlyn JenningsKim KeeleyRobert & Deborah MalheiroSandy & Mary MasonRichard MillerGene MorandiDonna Molinelli & Charles Ray PondKathleen RodriguezRodney & Jeanette SeeleyArnold Byrd & Sharon ShopperJohn & Nancy SiverdAndy & Sabra SteeleWally & Leesa ThrallMichael Manley &Maryanna VoucoloThomas & Wynne Ann WalshTimothy & Margot WattersRobert & Genie Weppner

MARCH AND APRIL 2008 DONORS

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As you may notice, there are different project funds designated to support clean water, healthy streams, andabundant fisheries in Teton Valley. If you have questions about designating your donation for Teton CreekRestoration, Stream Flow Restoration, Education, or another project, please contact FTR DevelopmentDirector Anna Lindstedt at anna@tetonwater.org

A few months ago, we started referring to the Community Foundation of TetonValley’s (CFTV) upcoming fun run event as theTin Cup Challenge instead of the“new Old Bill’s.” For those of you who were accustomed to donating to Friendsof the Teton River through Old Bill’s Fun Run in September, the new Tin CupChallenge event will take place two months earlier, on July 19.

Essentially, the Tin Cup Challenge will feature the same format and options forgiving as Old Bill’s did. Just like in years past, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley has collected a generous matching fundfrom donors, which will make your contribution go even farther when you donate to FTR. Teton Valley residents should look forthe Tin Cup Challenge brochure, donation form, and race registration in their mailboxes by early June. To make a contributiononline, visit the CFTV website at www.cftetonvalley.org

This year’s race, starting at the Driggs City Park, will offer a run/walk event for all ages and abilities. Participants can sign up forthe marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K. All runners and walkers are welcome to a FREE breakfast and associated activities in thepark following the run.

FTR is counting on your generosity and support to make the Tin Cup Challenge the best fundraiser of the year! Help us reach ourgoals of clean water, healthy streams, and abundant fisheries in Teton Valley. We hope to see you out there on July 19, putting yourbest running feet forward for Teton Valley nonprofits!

*Contributions are accepted starting May 23, and must be received no later than July 25, 2008, a week after the event.

Introducing the Tin Cup Challenge

Thank you toall of ourgenerous

supporters.You are the

ones whomake our

work possible!

If we have missed ormisspelled anyone'sname, please let us

know by emailinganna@tetonwater.org

or calling(208) 354-3871

Features include:

• Old growth Douglas Fir marine plywood (manufactured 20 years ago)• Alaskan Yellow Cedar frame• Eastern White Oak gunwales, chines and caps• Sapele bow stem and knees• Sapele plywood rub rail & fly deck• Bronze and stainless steel fastened• All parts epoxy glued, and epoxy coated (4 coats)

This boat is Coast Guard approved with the appropriate hull identification numbers.

Boat sale includes trailer,oarlocks, cushions and

anchor system.

BUY YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS AND WINTHIS BEAUTIFUL WOODEN DRIFT BOAT!

PERFECT FORFLOATING OURLOCAL RIVERS

BUY RAFFLE TICKETS ATTHE FTR OFFICE OR AT THEFOLLOWING LOCATIONSAROUND TOWN:

• The Farmer’s Market• Three Rivers Ranch• Chamber of Commerce• Habitat in Victor• Dark Horse Books

Save the Date for our 8th Annual River Party!

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage PAIDDriggs, ID Permit #8P.O. Box 768 • Driggs, ID 83422

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Working for clean water, healthy streams and abundant fisheries in Teton Valley.

Don’t forget to mark your calen-dar for the 8th Annual TetonRiver Party and AdventureAuction, slated for Saturday,June 28, just south of the TetonValley Lodge. Join us from 5pmuntil dusk for a beautiful eveningby the Teton River featuring aBBQ dinner, cold beverages,silent auction, drift boat raffle,and river music. Bring the wholefamily to celebrate FTR’s suc-cesses, while dancing to themusic of Ben Winship, ThomasSneed, and friends.

Buy your party tickets in advanceor at the door: $20/person,$30/couple, and $5 youth ticket;kids six and under are free. Formore information, call the FTRoffice at 354-3871.