88 miles of river on public lands flow through some of the most valuable terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat in Idaho.  
       Unique geologic features and rare plants complete the ecology.

The South Fork features one of the most extensive cottonwood riparian-wetland ecosystems in North America and is one of the last well-developed ecosystems of this type in Idaho.  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identifies this area as the highest-quality cottonwood riparian zone in the western U.S. 

The entire stretch - but the South Fork in particular - is a high-quality Yellowstone cutthroat trout fishery.  Brown, lake and rainbow trout also inhabit these waters.  Along the banks and on instream islands, bald eagle, elk, moose, mule and whitetail deer, and dozens of bird species find food and living space.  Fly fishermen working the Henry's Fork will likely also see trumpeter swans, moose, blue heron and muskrat.

Management protections

The BLM Snake River Activity/Operations Plan ensures that recreation does not damage or degrade fragile resources.

In a 20-year partnership with willing landowners and land conservation groups, the BLM has permanently protected from future development more than 18,000 acres of land within the ACEC.