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Project ID:

25-2-01-2

Year:

2025

Date Started:

01/01/2026

Date Completed:

Title:

FROM FLAMES TO FISH: DEVELOPMENT OF A REPRODUCIBLE MODEL OF CO-MANAGEMENT FOR WILDFIRE AND AQUATIC SPECIES AT ZENA CREEK RANCH, IDAHO

Project Proposal Abstract:

Proposal Purpose and Objectives: In recent years, the role of severe drought in exacerbating wildfire size and severity in the Western US has become increasingly evident; new fire regimes necessitate novel management approaches. We propose a place-based partnership at Zena Creek, Idaho, that addresses the following question: 1) How can the dual needs of fire and aquatic species management be achieved through the development of new model-based tools, and on-the-ground design of wetland and Beaver Dam Analog (BDA) structures, while concurrently strengthening partnerships among scientists, managers, tribal agencies and local land-owners? This proposed work follows the three primary components of the framework proposed by Hunter et al., (2022). We will 1) develop new management strategies (the co-management of aquatic and wildfire) 2) implement this strategy through the testing and implementation of BDAs; and 3) evaluate and learn if the models and structures are effective.

Activities to be Performed: This public- private partnership will work at the scale of an actionable watershed to 1) create a model for the co-management of fire and aquatic species that addresses the specific needs of private landowners, scientists, tribes, and agencies co-managing lands for the dual objectives of fire and aquatic habitat within the context of a warming climate; 2) design a “win-win” wetland and design and implement BDA structures on Zena Creek; 3) produce a common-sense toolkit for landowners who seek to reduce fire risk to their property; and 4) train the next generation of scientists and managers though place-based instruction at the Zena Creek field school. A key component of this study is data collection and treatment design will be undertaken by students from Boise State University, The College of Idaho, and the Nez Perce tribe as part of the summer Zena Creek field school. Land managers and scientists from federal agencies, the private sector, and academia will train students via boots-on-the-ground design and field data collection.

Expected Deliverables: Modeling: We will develop a GeoWEPP model of the ~10 km^2 Zena Creek watershed to evaluate the hydrologic impacts of fire on stream conditions. Aquatic Species and Water Quality Monitoring: We will collect an eDNA inventory, perform fish and macroinvertebrate surveys, and assess water quality of Zena Creek to provide critical ecological data pre and post habitat treatments undertaken as part of this proposed work, as well as other treatments that will likely take place in conjunction with future USFS, NRCS and USFW actions. Design and implementation of aquatic habitat improvement structures: We will design and implement BDAs and associated wetlands for the dual role of stream channel restoration and fire risk mitigation.

Benefits to the US Government and Public: The project above provides the science, data and models needed to better understand impacts of fire on aquatic species in small mountainous watersheds, and how ‘win-win’ and cost-effective wetlands and BDAs can reduce wildfire severity and promote aquatic species habitat. This co-management strategy can be used to prioritize (and hopefully reduce) federal funding. This will support presidential priorities to reduce wasteful governmental spending. In addition, a product of this project will be a practical ‘toolkit’ for private landowners in fire prone regions to help navigate private-public partnerships and implement effective fire treatments. This work builds upon and amplifies pre-existing partnerships and collaborations. Zena Creek is a high priority watershed for the Payette National Forest (existing mgmt 2.1 Wild & Scenic Rivers and 3.2 Active Restoration and Maintenance of Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Hydrologic Resources). The landowners are performing fuels reduction treatments (funded by NRCS) and the landowners, Nez Perce tribe, and USFW, are collaborating on a fish passage project on Zena Creek.

Principal Investigator:

Jennifer L. Pierce

Agency/Organization:

Boise State University

Branch or Dept:

Department of Geosciences

Other Project Collaborators

Type	Name	Agency/Organization	Branch or Dept
Agreements Contact	Jessie Esbensen	Boise State University	Office of Sponsored Programs
Budget Contact	Jessie Esbensen	Boise State University	Office of Sponsored Programs
Co-Principal Investigator	Chris Walser	College of Idaho	Department of Biology
Co-Principal Investigator	Emily Iskin	Boise State University	Department of Biological Sciences
Co-Principal Investigator	Sadegh Mojtaba	Boise State University	Department of Civil Engineering
Co-Principal Investigator	Stephanie Lenhart	Boise State University	Public Policy and Administration
Collaborator/Contributor	Dan J. Isaak	Forest Service	RMRS-Aquatic Sciences Lab
Collaborator/Contributor	Dan J. Isaak	Forest Service	RMRS-Aquatic Sciences Lab
Collaborator/Contributor	Morgan Sparks	Forest Service	RMRS-Aquatic Sciences Lab