State Protected Streams

It is the policy of Idaho that a state protected river system be maintained to meet the desires of the citizens of Idaho. The system should provide for the protection of the unique features that exist on various rivers within the state, and should provide the necessary authority and funding to protect such rivers and related lands for recreational, scenic, and natural values. Idahoans have expressed a desire to retain some rivers or river reaches in a free-flowing condition. Idaho Code 42-173A(1) authorizes the Idaho Water Resource Board to protect highly-valued waterways as State protected rivers. The authority to designate "protected rivers" derives from the State's power to regulate the beds of navigable streams and waters within the state. There are six activities that are not allowed in Natural Rivers: Construction of hydropower projects; Construction of Water Diversion works; Construction or expansion of dams or impoundments; Dredge or Placer Mining; Mineral or Sand and Gravel extraction within the stream bed; Recreational Rivers also prohibit these activities but may have exemptions for specific activities.