LavaLakeLamb.com
Recreating a Home for Wildlife at Lava Lake Ranch
September, 2008
If you were to fly over Lava Lake main ranch this month, you might think we were putting in a new housing development. In the middle of our 500 acres of organic alfalfa fields a long wide strip of brown soil has appeared, with huge earthmovers sculpting a sinewy channel running north to south. But this development is a habitat restoration project: the recreation of the historic course of Copper Creek, which flows down to Lava Lake itself.
Its course was moved and its riparian trees and shrubs removed half a century ago to make way for more hay production. After careful study and reconfiguring our alfalfa fields and irrigation system, we are attempting to restore the historic stream course and replant its banks. This is not merely a nostalgic attempt to turn back the clock. The two-mile stretch of streamside trees and shrubs will provide vital nesting and foraging habitat for songbirds, as well as cover and food for innumerable species of wildlife, from insects to mammals.
This project is being undertaken in partnership with the National Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Office of Species Conservation and North American Grouse Partnership.
Right now it resembles a dirt parking lot – but in our minds’ eye we see a ribbon of water flanked by green willows, aspens and wild roses alive with birds.
Aerial view of Copper Creek’s new channel
