In conjunction with the arrival of the Smithsonian “Waterways” exhibit at the Sun Valley Museum of History, the library will host a series of programs related to water issues. The “Waterways” exhibit is on display at the Sun Valley Museum of History, 180 1st St., in the Forest Service Park, Ketchum, from July 16 to August 28.
Representatives from the Wood River Water Collaborative will discuss how we are working together to find and create solutions for the many demands we place on our water in this arid region. This collaborative is working to create a flexible and innovative program to resolve limited water supply demands while preserving community values which include:
-Preserve safe, clean drinking water to meet the needs of people.
-Ensure sustainable water use for farming and ranching.
-Conserve riparian and river habitat for fish and wildlife that rely on the Big Wood River, Silver Creek, and their tributaries.
Panel participants:
Carl Pendelton operates a family farm north of Shoshone, Idaho. He is an active member of the Shoshone community and a board member for the Big Wood Canal Company which manages and operates Magic Reservoir.
Rod Hubsmith has ranched and farmed along the banks of the Little Wood River his entire life. He is deeply committed to finding solutions that balance water use for his family’s ranch operation with the health of the Little Wood River.
Michelle Stennett is a state senator representing District 26 and is the Idaho State Senate Minority Leader. She has provided leadership both locally and on the state level to create a locally driven solution to water issues.
Keri York is the director of conservation for the Wood River Land Trust. She is a Wood River Valley native with a background in natural resources and marine fisheries biology.
Greg Loomis is a fly-fishing guide and advocate for trout fisheries. He works with the SaveSilverCreek website and participates in numerous monitoring programs in the Silver Creek area.
Brett Stevenson grew up on her family farm near Silver Creek. Her family is actively working to improve water conservation in a meaningful way through changing irrigation practices in order to help improve flow conditions in the Silver Creek aquifer.