Steven and Jesse Lowe
In times of uncertainty, we often turn to the natural world for solace. For many of us, the Henry’s Fork provides not just a place of beauty, but a profound sense of hope, connection, and peace.
For families like the Lowe family, the Henry’s Fork is more than a river—it’s a thread that ties four generations together. From great-grandfather “Doc” driving to the river in his Model A during the Great Depression to great-grandsons experiencing the river for the first time in the 21st century, the Henry’s Fork has been a spiritual touchstone and a gathering place for generations past and future.
As we face the challenges of rising temperatures and recurring droughts in the West, the Henry’s Fork needs our help now more than ever. That’s why the Henry’s Fork Foundation is launching the ambitious DIRTT Plan—a bold initiative designed to safeguard this cherished river for years to come.
A key component of the DIRTT Plan is improving oxygen levels in Island Park Reservoir and the river downstream, which is vital for the survival of both trout and insects. By enhancing aeration at the dam and introducing additional oxygen into the reservoir, we could increase habitat for these crucial species, giving them a fighting chance as conditions continue to change.
This Giving Tuesday, your donation can help us:
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Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment to preserving this beloved natural treasure for generations to come. Together, we can ensure the Henry’s Fork remains a place of connection and renewal for all who experience it.
Our Aquatic Ecology Program Manager, Dr. Jack McLaren, joined Idaho Falls city and FIPS-Mouche leadership at the opening ceremony parade along the Snake River Greenbelt to welcome competitors to the watershed and to make sure conservation was front and center.
Drone photo of Island Park Dam taken on September 9, 2026 Looking Back on September September brought lows and highs to Island Park. Island Park Reservoir started September at 29% full and quickly fell to a low of 12% full on September 19. The rapid drawdown of the reservoir was the result of managers needing to move water downstream to American Falls (to irrigate farms in the Magic Valley with senior water rights). Such low
This story was written by Audrey Hunter (2026 intern) and was originally published in the Fall 2026 Newsletter. It’s no secret that late summers on Island Park Reservoir haven’t been in perfect conditions in recent years. Warm, turbid, algae-filled water plague reservoir recreationists while diminishing water quality downstream. Cyclical algal blooms decrease water clarity and create less-than-ideal circumstances for the reservoir’s flora and fauna. What’s the solution? HFF’s DIRTT Plan. In-Reservoir Oxygenation Nutrients released from
Drone photo taken on September 9, 2026 The Henry’s Fork Drought Management Planning Committee met on Wednesday, September 16 2026 to develop an updated reservoir management strategy. Downstream of the Henry’s Fork watershed, lower-valley irrigation demand over the rest of the season is anticipated to be slightly lower than projected last week, so Island Park Reservoir and Grassy Lake (in the Fall River drainage) do not need to deliver any more water out of the
