Snake River Islands

General Location: Located within a 25-mile segment of the South Fork of the Snake River between Swan Valley and Heise, Idaho

Natural Features: This WSA is comprised of 39 islands, characterized by dense riparian vegetation. An overstory of middle-age cottonwoods occurs on the larger islands with an understory of forbs, grasses and scattered shrubs. The smaller islands that do not support cottonwoods trees are covered with willows, Russian Olives, alder and dogwood.

The WSA is predominantly natural with most of the islands free of human imprints. Fishing from and around the islands is the most popular activity and is directly related to the excellent cutthroat trout fishery in the South Fork. The area provides sites for bald eagle nesting and roosting and hunting sites for other raptors. Elk depend on the islands for forage in the winter, while deer and moose use them year-round.

The islands are within the designated Snake River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and Snake River Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) boundaries.

Total Acres: 770

Acres Supported by BLM for Wilderness Designation: -0-