Restoration of Tincup Creek on the west side of Star Valley was showcased for state and federal agencies on June 6.

Tanner Belknap, Salt River Project Manager for Trout Unlimited, hosted the agencies for a day-long tour of three completed projects along the major watershed area connected to the Salt River.

The Caribou Targhee National Forest, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality  and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department were among the agencies in attendance.

The tour provided a “better understanding of why Tincup is important to Salt River Water shed,” Belknap explained. “This helps them understand the various approaches to stream restoration.”

Tincup restoration work has included three different projects stream improvements, two on the main steam channel, and a third on a high tributary. All three provide connection to the main Salt River in Star Valley.

The first project was coordinated by the Caribou Targhee National Forest and the Montana Conservation Corp in the lower part of the drainage.

The second project followed with a five-mile segment completed in four phases between 2017 and continuing until 2020.

The final work was completed on the North Fork of Tincup.

All of the work is designed to improve fish habitat, much of it through sediment distribution.

“When water spreads out on the flood plain, it seeps back into the ground and then back into the stream,” Belknap explained. “This helps reduce stream temperatures and flow.”

Additional improvements came through Willow restoration work on the stream channel. (See graphics)

Acknowledging the extensive work in recent years, Belknap concluded , “Tincup is headed in the right direction, we have made a positive impact. We can see the improved habitat.”

Trout Unlimited will continue restoration at Tincup, while planning future projects on the Salt River in the Narrows, Stump Creek and McCoy Creek in the Star Valley region.