Healing and the Henry’s Fork

Photo courtesy of Tom and Terri Rossi

As scientists, we know that cold, clear water is crucial for trout. But what if it could do more than sustain life—it could heal?

Tom and Terri Rossi discovered the magic of the Henry’s Fork on their very first visit. So much so, that when they adopted an energetic Australian Shepherd, they knew his name had to be “Henry’s Gone Fishing”—or simply, Henry. But Henry wasn’t just a playful pup. He had a genetic condition that caused seizures. After some research, the Rossi’s learned that cold water could stop a seizure. And so, Henry became a dock diving dog—a natural athlete who leaped into water after a toy, quickly making friends wherever he went. If anyone asked where Henry was, the answer was always, “Henry’s Gone Fishing.”

This story of Henry highlights something we all know: time spent in and around water offers more than just beauty—it offers healing. When we fight for places like the Henry’s Fork, we’re not just preserving a landscape; we’re protecting the profound, life-giving benefits it provides to both animals and humans alike.

That’s why the Henry’s Fork Foundation is working tirelessly to protect this treasured river through the DIRTT Plan (Developing Infrastructure to Reduce Temperature and Turbidity). This groundbreaking initiative combines innovative engineering and nature-based solutions to tackle the river’s toughest challenges and ensure it remains a healing force for generations to come.

The DIRTT Plan will help:

• Cooler Water: Lower temperatures in the iconic Ranch Reach, critical for trout.
• Clearer Waters: Reducing turbidity events that impact fishing and aquatic life.
• More Habitat: Increasing dissolved oxygen to create vibrant ecosystems for fish and insects.

The Henry’s Fork isn’t just a river—it’s a source of healing for body, mind, and spirit. With your support, we can ensure that it continues to heal for years to come.