Updated: Dec 2, 2024
HFF honors its dedicated members through various recognition societies. Henry’s Fork Foundation’s Membership Societies acknowledge those whose contributions support the Foundation’s science-based collaboration for healthy fisheries and watersheds across the Upper Snake.
Named after the iconic mayfly species, the Green Drake Society honors annual contributors who make substantial financial commitments. Members receive exclusive event invitations and river experiences to witness the impact of their contributions. New society members receive a custom Green Drake vest and pin.
Life Members make a one-time major contribution, securing their lifelong recognition and commitment to conserving the watershed. They are listed in Foundation materials and are invited to all key events. In addition, they receive a premium rod and reel combo, a custom HFF Life Member hat and pin, membership in the Green Drake Society for one year, and never pay dues again.
The Legacy Society recognizes individuals who include HFF in their estate plans. These visionary members ensure the continued conservation of the watershed through all types of planned gifts such as bequests through wills and trusts or beneficiary designations. Legacy Society members receive unique acknowledgments and invitations, a personalized plaque, and a matching fly box.
The River Guardians are members who commit to annual financial support at varying levels, providing critical resources to HFF. River Guardians are recognized annually on HFF’s River Guardian map and receive exclusive benefits including Life Membership and Green Drake Society recognition. River Guardians also receive custom gifts like specially crafted inscribed bamboo fly rods and reels, highlighting their dedication to the river’s protection.
The Wild Trout Club honors members’ lifetime giving to HFF. These members receive unique recognition, including special outings with HFF scientists and biologists to engage directly in conservation efforts. They receive a personalized plaque and matching fly box for each giving level.
The Henry’s Fork Foundation’s recognition societies highlight the diverse ways members contribute to the river’s conservation. From annual contributions to life-long commitments, each group demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring that the Upper Snake fisheries and watersheds remain world-class and a haven for wildlife, recreation, our community, and future generations.
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
