In addition, at least three other aquatic or semiaquatic species of interest are present, including a native pilose crayfish, western pearl shell mussel, and a unique clade of boreal toads. These are all native species with a special management emphasis. Because of the assemblage of these native species and the degraded yet recoverable nature of the system, Trout Unlimited (TU) and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest (CTNF) chose to focus their efforts here.

The primary cause for the degraded state of the stream has been linked to aerial spraying of willows in 1956, which precipitated the subsequent unraveling of the stream system. The project accomplished a long-term vision of restoration for YCT and other native species by focusing on restoring channel and floodplain function and processes. Primary restoration methods included restoring eroding meander bends using bioengineering techniques, reconnecting old meanders, and raising riffle elevations.

The project was not designed to stabilize the stream in place but rather to re-elevate it to restore the functions and processes that make for healthy habitats, floodplains, and riparian zones. By focusing on restoring floodplain connectivity, proper channel dimensions, and old meanders using native willows and sod as well as imported wood, the habitat for native species was improved.

Total project outcomes (2017-2020):

• 4.5 miles of stream were restored
• 23,350 feet of channel were treated.
• 10 historic meander bends were reconnected for a total of 5,140 feet in increased stream length.
• 500 trees with large root wads were placed.
• 88 riparian and wetland acres were improved.
• 5,680 feet of fencing and a cattle guard were installed, and cross-fences were improved.
• 546 volunteer hours were contributed to the project by 3 TU chapters.
• 17 agency, nonprofit, and foundation partners were involved in the success of the project.
• A project video was created and distributed widely, including online and at the American Fisheries Society meeting in 2019.
• Four press releases were distributed and were covered in at least eight media articles.
• Interns from BYU Idaho were involved in mussel surveys for the project.
• The project received an award for Partnerships and Volunteerism from the Intermountain Region of the US Forest Service in 2019.
• A three-panel interpretive signage display was installed overlooking the project area.

Many benefits are expected from the completion of the project, including a healthier floodplain and riparian area – with a shift toward more mesic species in the floodplain as overland flow increases, especially in the spring. Beaver populations and dams are expected to increase as runoff forces are better dissipated on the floodplain instead of staying in-channel. Habitat diversity and complexity are expected to increase with more rearing and hiding cover available to different life stages and different fishes. Northern Leatherside chubs are expected to increase in population density due to greater habitat complexity and beaver activity (especially in the upper reaches of the project area). The sediment load in the system will decrease due to the treatment of eroding banks. Sediment deposition will also decrease as the channel is narrowed and fines are more easily transported down the system. These improvements should result in higher reproductive success and recruitment, with surges expected in the population densities of all native fishes. Most of all, project partners expect to see a healthy and functioning riparian system that continues to improve through time.

The total project contributions by all partners over the project’s four years, both cash and in kind, was $654,107. (Agency costs are likely underrepresented – the project had significant design-build savings by performing the work in-house.)

Human Interest/Community Benefit:
Tincup Creek in Bonneville and Caribou Counties is 37.0 miles in length and flows from an elevation of 9,076 to 5,741 feet. This high elevation stream historically provided locals and visitors with excellent fishing opportunities. By restoring Tincup Creek to its natural, historic state, visitors and locals alike are able to once again enjoy the beauty of a healthy stream filled with fishable fish populations.

In addition to the habitat work, the Western Native Trout Initiative and Desert Fish Habitat Partnership co-funded a three-panel interpretive signage display at the project site, and Trout Unlimited and the US Forest Service produced a film called Together – Tincup Creek, Idaho, about the project.

Throughout the years, the awe-inspiring majesty of many of the United States western waters have been reduced through the damning of rivers and the creation of cities and towns as our population across the country has grown. While the convenience of better jobs, shorter commutes, and access to a plethora of dining and shopping venues are wonderful, the downside is the diminishing appreciation and use of our country’s federal and state lands for hunting, fishing, and general leisure activities. There are now few who regularly enjoy a backdrop as unique and beautiful as the one found at Tincup Creek.

Project Timeline: 
The project was completed over a four-year time frame, starting in August 2017 and completing in 2020.

Partners: 
• Western Native Trout Initiative
• Desert Fish Habitat Partnership
• Trout Unlimited
• U.S. Forest Service: Caribou-Targhee National Forest
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game
• Idaho Department of Transportation
• Caribou County Road and Bridge
• Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
• National Forest Foundation
• Jackson Hole Trout Unlimited
• Jackson Hole One Fly
• Snake River Cutthroats Trout Unlimited
• Star Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited
• Agrium and Bear Lakes Grazing Association
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service