Boise River Enhancement Network

Riverside Chat: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. What is it and what do they do?
2022-11-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Boise)
Join BREN for a Riverside Chat with Marve Griffith from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. See registration information below.
When: Nov 15, 2022 12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District, Regulatory Program is one of many missions the Walla Walla District administers within the Boise River Watershed.
Please Join Marve Griffith, a Regulatory Project Manager from the Boise Regulatory Office to learn a bit about the history of the Corps Regulatory Program, how that intersects with the Public, and lessons learned which can help support successful restoration projects within the watershed.
Christen Marve Griffith
Senior Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, Regulatory Division.
Marve Griffith has been with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for over 10 years,
primarily as a Project Manager implementing the USACE’s Regulatory Program in Idaho. The
USACE Regulatory Program intersects with most major industry sectors in Idaho and requires
strategic involvement to adapt to the changing needs and diversity of applicants. Marve has
had the pleasure of working across the entire spectrum of industries, to include being the lead
Project Manager, for major mine, water resource, and infrastructure development projects, as
well development groups, local highway departments and “mom and pops”.
Prior to his role with USACE, Marve worked across various trades in residential and commercial
construction.
Marve holds a B.S. in Geosciences from Boise State University (2014).
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqd-Grpz4vG9amOgUAgnW2aV_ZB19eT_GH
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Annual Meeting and Social Hour
2022-11-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Boise Library, 715 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, 83702, United States
Join BREN as we celebrate another successful year protecting the Boise River. The annual meeting will start at 6 pm at the Boise Main Library in the William F. Hayes Memorial Auditorium (first floor through the children’s section). After, we will walk over to Payette Brewing where the first drink will be on us. Hope to see you all there!
Our agenda for the meeting is: Opening Remarks and Call Meeting to Order, Year in Review Video, Financial Reports, Volunteer Recognition, Introduction of 2022 CT Members and Board, Announcements and Adjournment.
Please let us know you will be joining us by registering here.

Crayfish Mercury Project
2022-08-27 08:00 - 17:00
BREN will once again be collaborating with the University of Idaho to collect crayfish for the mercury study. We will be meeting Saturday August 27th to catch crayfish from the Boise River. This is a family friendly event but be aware that these crayfish will not be returned to the river. More info will be posted soon. You can register at this link.

Riverside Chat: Crayfish Mercury Project
2022-07-12 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a Riverside Chat as University of Idaho graduate student Tate Libuano discusses the Mercury Crayfish Project. This multi-year project looks at levels of mercury in the river using crayfish. Zoom registration link can be found here.

Become a Master Water Steward Class
2022-05-14 08:30 - 14:00
The workshop includes a 3-hour classroom session and a 4-hour
hands-on field session at the Boise River. Learn about habitat,
biological, chemical and physical stream assessments. $40.00. Register Here

Riverside Chat: Irrigation and Urbanization
2022-05-06 12:00 - 13:00
Join BREN and Brent Orton, director of Public Works at the city of Caldwell for a Riverside Chat. We will be discussing how irrigation has changed and been affected by increased urbanization in the valley.
Register at the zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pdOyhrDouGtWdNYlLXKqUMnqJPP5YQdoo

Its Idaho Gives Week - Please Donate to BREN!
2022-05-02 00:00 - 2022-05-05 23:59
Idaho Gives week is May 2-5th. This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and we have generous donors willing to match up to $1300. Please help us make our match! Visit Idaho Gives or donate through this website. Give to Boise River Enhancement Network Inc | Idaho Gives

Celebrate Idaho Gives with BREN
2022-04-29 18:00 - 21:00
Join us for an evening by the river with the Boise River Enhancement Network, Golden Eagle Audubon Society, Boise Valley Fly Fishers, and Idaho Whitewater Association in support of Idaho Gives!

The party will be at Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, Sweet Gum #4 on April 29th from 6:00-9:00pm.

We’ll have refreshments, fly casting lessons, birding and plant tours, coloring contests, and more!

Earth Day Litter Clean Up
2022-04-22 14:00 - 16:00
This year BREN and Golden Eagle Audubon will be helping Mother Earth by picking up litter around the Barber Pools. You can join us by registering at the link below. https://www.goldeneagleaudubon.org/events/field-trips22-fythr-mhfnn-wezbe-2xwxb-cmtyb-4bbcd

Riverside Chat: Snow Science and the Boise Watershed.
2022-03-24 11:45 - 13:00 | Online, ID, United States
Peter Youngblood, hydrologist at the National Resources Conservation Service will be talking about snow science in the Boise River watershed. The NRCS uses a network of snow telemetry (Sno-Tel) sensors to understand our snow pack and determine how much water will be contributed to the river. Peter will talk about his field work, illustrate what snow science is, discuss what we know about snow supply for the Boise River, and what we expect from climate change.

Register in advance here:

https://us02web.zoom.us/…/tZ0lf-CppzMoHtTIJZB9We…
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

32nd Idaho Water Quality Workshop
2022-03-16 08:30 - 2022-03-17 17:00
Presented by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. This workshop is free, and attendance is in person or on-line.
To register click here.

March Coordinating Team Meeting
2022-03-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, ID, United States
Wednesday March 9th, 2022, 6-8 pm, via Zoom
All members are invited to the BREN Coordinating Team meetings. If you’d like to participate, please email info@boiseriverenhancement.org and we’ll send you the Zoom link.

Climate Action and River Health with City of Boise
2022-01-19 11:45 - 13:00 | Online, ID, United States
Climate change is impacting the Boise River. Snow pack, river flows, irrigation demand, water temperature, algae growth and riparian ecology are some of the areas that are impacted. The City of Boise has adopted a Climate Action Roadmap that describes steps they will take to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and build resiliency. Steve Hubble, City of Boise Climate Action Manager and Haley Falconer, Environmental Manager will talk about the Roadmap and the associated actions related to water resources and the Boise River.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtduuhqDkvEtzfJSXeL1fsH7T7VqZ2cpzr

BREN Coordinating Team
2022-01-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, ID, United States
All members are invited to attend bi-monthly Coordinating Team meetings. Check back for the agenda. Please email us if you want to attend via Zoom and we’ll email you the link.

Clean Energy and River Health with Idaho Power
2022-01-11 11:45 - 13:00 | Online, ID, United States
Climate change is impacting the Boise River. Snow pack, river flows, irrigation demand, water temperature, algae growth and riparian ecology are some of the areas that are impacted. Idaho Power is working to reduce carbon emissions that contribute to global warming and increase river resilience. Idaho Power Education & Outreach Energy Advisor Russ Weedon will talk about Idaho Power’s Clean Energy Plan and their efforts to increase climate resiliency in the Snake River and its tributaries.
Photo by Gary Grimm made possible by Lighthawk
Please register for this free program at
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrdumsqTgvGNd8tIhkMyXn3o7MeyirmdoN

Volunteer Day at Barber Park
2021-12-10 13:00 - 15:00 | Barber Park, 4049 S Eckert Rd, Boise, ID, 83716, United States
Black cottonwood trees and willows are cornerstone species along the Boise River, but the conditions aren’t right for much natural reproduction. Therefore it’s important to protect existing trees, especially young ones, so they will be there when the older trees die. Join us for a rewarding day by the Boise River in Barber Park where we’ll be caging cottonwoods and willows with wire to protect them from hungry beavers.
Get more information and register at https://brenbarbertrees.eventbrite.com

IBO Boise River Side Channel Project
2021-12-09 11:45 - 13:00 | Online, ID, United States
Construction has begun on the Intermountain Bird Observatory’s side channel restoration project at the Diane Moore Nature Center. IBO Director Greg Kaltenecker will provide an overview of this exciting river health enhancement project and discuss the construction schedule.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAudO6rqjgvGt24CLWeeb8icNYPoPqLIXtB
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Habitat Enhancement at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve
2021-12-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve, 5301 N Maple Grove Rd, Boise, ID, 83704, United States
In 2017, the Boise River Enhancement Network identified the need to re-establish native vegetation in the disturbed uplands at Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve to improve bird and wildlife habitat. Partnerships were created and funding secured to support an intense and very successful 2-year enhancement effort. Hundreds of invasive Russian olive trees were removed, but new trees keep growing. Read more.
This stewardship event is to cut down big and small Russian olive trees and to wrap black cottonwood and willow trees to protect them from beavers. City of Boise staff will be on hand with chainsaws and chippers.
Please register at https://brenhyattdec.eventbrite.com

10 Years Together for the Boise River
2021-11-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Online, ID, United States
Join us online to celebrate the Boise River Enhancement Network’s 10-year birthday. Enjoy a review of 2021, applaud the Volunteers of the Year, thank BREN’s leaders and learn about exciting work coming in 2022. Registration is now open.

Coordinating Team Meeting
2021-11-10 18:00 - 20:30 | Online, ID, United States
All members are invited to attend the bi-monthly Coordinating Team meetings. If you would like to attend, please email us at info@boiseriverenhancement.org and we’ll send you the Zoom link.
Regular Meeting of the Coordinating Team
November 10, 2021 6:8-15 pm
Teleconference via Zoom
6:00 PM Welcome and Call to Order
Additions, Deletions, and Amendments to the Agenda
Approval of the Minutes from Our Previous Meeting
6:05 to 6:15 Welcome and Introduction of New Members of the Coordinating Team
6:15 to 6:30 Election of Officers for 2021/2022
6:30 to 6:35 Financial Report
Report from the Board of Directors
Coordinator’s Report
6:35 to 6:40 Schedule for Future Coordinating Team Meetings
6:40 to 6:45 Status of Annual Members Meeting
6:45 to 7:00 Departure of Liz Paul and Status of the Work of the Transition and Selection Committees
7:00 to 7:30 Status of Cottonwood Creek, Phase 1
The Common and Customary Practice of Agreement by Consensus
Questions and a Vote of the Coordinating Team to Recommend / Not Recommend to the BREN Board of Directors Our Participation in a Phase 2 Grant Application (All Members)
7:30 to 7:45 Status of Barber Dam Relicensing
7:45 to 8:00 Introduction to the Standing Committees (i.e. Outreach and Fundraising) and Recruitment of Chairpersons and Members
8:00 to 8:15 Introduction to the Annual Work Plan, Evaluation of the 2020-2021 Work Plan, and Recruitment of Primary and Secondary Task Leaders for the 2021-2022 Work Plan
8:15 PM Motion to Adjourn

Hot and Dry - Boise River Water Report
2021-09-20 11:45 - 13:00 | Online, ID, United States
2021 has been exceptionally hot and dry in the Boise River watershed and surrounding area. David Hoekema, hydrologist with Idaho Department of Water Resources, will explain just how hot and dry it’s been, how 2021 compares with past years and what the conditions are as the water year draws to a close.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrdeirqD0qGtQKq-VZRhsLVAxpshtfdt5c
The presentation will be recorded and made available on BREN’s YouTube channel.

Crayfishing for Science - Ada County Collection Event
2021-09-11 09:30 - 12:30
BREN is teaming up with University of Idaho to investigate mercury pollution in the Boise River. This community science project depends on YOU to help collect the crayfish that will be studied.
Crayfishing is easy – just wade in the river turning over rocks and have your net ready. BREN will provide nets. We will do our best to find jobs for people of all abilities.
This is our Ada County collection day and we will have supervised teams at three sites. You select your site when you register. They are all great and you might discover a new place on the Boise River.
1) Barber Park
2) Marden Lane/Park Center
3) Westmoreland Park in Garden City
This is a 3-hour outdoor activity that includes being in the water. Participants need to wear sturdy shoes that can get wet, water clothes and gloves. BREN will provide water and snacks.
Advance registration is required. Space is limited.
Please email us if you have questions or want to register a large group.

Coordinating Team September Meeting
2021-09-08 18:00 - 20:00
The BREN Coordinating Team runs the show – establishing goals, fundraising, directing projects, working with stakeholders and everything else needed for a sustainable organization. Meetings are public.
This meeting will conducted via Zoom. Please email us if you’d like the link to attend the meeting.
Coordinating Team Meeting – 8 September 2021
6:00 Call to Order, Additions to the Agenda

Approve of Minutes from 12 May and 14 July Meetings
Additions or other changes to the Agenda (Rob)

6:05 Thank outgoing CT members
6:15 Discuss CT Election

Review slate of candidates
Update on election processing/timing
Establish Member Orientation subcommittee

6:35 Discuss upcoming Officer election and review responsibilities
6:45 Review and Vote on Board Hiring Recommendations for 2022
6:55 Assistance to city of Star in preparing a river ordinance
7:05 Barber Hydro relicensing update
7:15 Recruiting for Annual Meeting subcommittee
7:20 Standing Items

Treasurer’s report
Fundraising
Outreach
Coordinator’s report
Report from the Board

8:05 Motion to Adjourn
Next Coordinating Team Meeting: 10 November 2021 at 6 PM via Zoom.

Deadline to file for seat on Coordinating Team
2021-08-31 00:00 - 23:30 | Online, ID, United States
Are you passionate about the health of the Boise River? Do you want to provide leadership to the Boise River Enhancement Network? Are you interested in learning how to run a successful non-profit (or maybe you’re already an expert)? Are you ready to learn new skills and make new friends? If you answered yes, please consider applying for the BREN Coordinating Team.
All BREN members are invited to apply to serve on the Coordinating Team. The Coordinating Team (CT) is elected by the membership in September. Terms are two years long. There are six meetings per year and CT members are expected to serve on at least one committee.
Applications are due by August 31, 2021.
The Boise River is shared among everyone in the Treasure Valley, and BREN membership and leadership is inclusive. Land owners, elected officials, water users, consultants, researchers, resource managers, river recreationists, teachers, environmental advocates, agency employees, water managers, business owners and all those who live, work and play in the Boise River Watershed are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about the current Coordinating Team, responsibilities and election process at our website. Please complete this Coordinating Team application by August 31. If you have any questions or have some ideas of who we could reach out to, please contact us at info@boiseriverenhancement.org.

Crayfishing for Science - Canyon County Collection Event
2021-08-28 09:30 - 12:30
BREN is teaming up with University of Idaho to investigate mercury pollution in the Boise River. This community science project depends on YOU to help collect the crayfish that will be studied.
Crayfishing is easy – just wade in the river turning over rocks and have your net ready. BREN will provide nets. We will do our best to find jobs for people of all abilities. This project is ideal for Scouts, science classes, Meet-ups and families.
This is our Canyon County collection day and we will have supervised teams at three sites. You select your site when you register. They are all great and you might discover a new place on the Boise River.
1) Idaho Fish and Game Dixie Access near Hwy 95
2) Whittenberger Park and Rotary Pond in Caldwell
3) Idaho Fish and Game Midland Access
This is a 3-hour outdoor activity that includes being in the water. Participants need to wear sturdy shoes that can get wet, water clothes and gloves. BREN will provide water and snacks.
Advance registration is required. Space is limited.
Please email us if you have questions or want to register a large group.

Coordinating Team Meeting
2021-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Online, ID, United States
All members are invited to the BREN Coordinating Team meetings. If you’d like to participate, please email info@boiseriverenhancement.org and we’ll send you the Zoom link.
Coordinating Team Meeting Agenda
July 14, 2021 6-8 pm Zoom
6:00 Call to Order, Additions to the Agenda

Approve of Minutes from 12 May 2021 Meeting
Additions or other changes to the Agenda

6:05 BREN Election and Coordinating Team Recruitment
6:25 Update on progress made by the Transition Team and Selection
6:40 Outreach Event Updates

Founder special event
Crayfish project
Coordinating Team/Board of Directors team-building float trip reminder
Volunteers needed for Idaho Shakespeare Festival on Sept. 10 with Intermountain Bird Observatory
BREN presentation to the Southwestern Idaho Birders Association Sept. 9
Distribution of reprinted Boise River Enhancement Plans

7:10 Work Plan and Special Assignments Reports (Task Leaders to provide a brief overview of ONLY notable developments and progress)
7:25 Results of BREN’s participation in Urban Land Institute Advisory Services panel (Expo Idaho)
7:35 Standing Items

Treasurer’s report
Fundraising report
Coordinator’s report
Report from the Board

8:00 Motion to Adjourn

Boise River Cleanup with Odell Brewing
2021-06-26 09:30 - 11:30
Join the Boise River Enhancement Network and Odell Brewing for a Boise River clean-up in and around Star and Caldwell. We’ll supply the bags and assign clean up areas appropriate for the age and ability of the volunteers. You can meet us at the Star River Walk in Star or at Whittenberger Park in Caldwell. The clean up will be followed by a gathering at Sully’s Pub and Grill in Star. Odell Brewing is providing a complimentary brew or soft drink to all volunteers, and we’ll be giving away some prizes too.

Coordinating Team Meeting
2021-05-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Online, ID, United States
The meeting is open to members and the public. Please email us for the link if you’d like to attend.
Coordinating Team Meeting – 12 May 2021
Online Zoom Meeting
6:00 Call to Order, Additions to the Agenda

Approve of Minutes from 10 March 2021 Meeting
Additions to the Agenda

6:05 Standing Items

Treasurer’s report
Committee reports

Outreach
Fundraising
Special Assignments

Work Plan Reports (very brief overview of notable progress only, Task Leaders)
Coordinator’s report
Report from the Board

6:45 New Business

Report on Expo Idaho scenarios (Marie Kellner). Discussion of BREN’s involvement in Phase 2. Please review the Citizen’s Advisory Committee report in preparation for this item: https://adacounty.id.gov/developmentservices/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/Ada-County-Expo-Idaho-Final-Recommendations-Report_Final-Draft_011221.pdf
Recruitment of CT members and leadership succession
Degree to which BREN should participate in events affiliated with political parties
COVID and reentry into in-person meetings

8:30 Motion to Adjourn

Clive Strong - The Boise River and Idaho's Public Trust Doctrine
2021-05-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Online, ID, United States
Join the Boise River Enhancement Network as we take a close look at Idaho’s public trust doctrine as it pertains to the lower Boise River.
Rooted in Roman law, the public trust doctrine recognizes the public right to many natural resources The public trust doctrine requires Idaho to hold lands submerged below the ordinary high water mark of the Boise River in trust for the benefit of the people. Title to these lands is administered by the Idaho Department of Lands for the public benefit rather than for a specific beneficiary.
Clive Strong is a nationally recognized expert in natural resource and environmental law. Clive joined the Office of the Idaho Attorney General in 1983 as a deputy attorney general in the Natural Resources Division. In January 1985, he was appointed Chief of the Natural Resources Division. During his thirty-four tenure with the Office of the Idaho Attorney General, Clive was responsible for coordinating all natural resource and environmental litigation for the State of Idaho. Clive retired from the Office of the Idaho Attorney General in 2017 and is now the Legal Director of the Natural Resources and Environment for the Conference and Western Attorneys General and a natural resource and environmental law consultant.
Register in advance for this program.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpceGopzsuGNHjuViK8ABbM1AUSVJuwMkC

Farmers Clean Up the Boise River
2021-04-21 11:45 - 13:00 | Online, ID, United States
Millions of dollars have been invested in the last decade to reduce runoff of pollutants from farms into the lower Boise River. The results are measurable and the strategies are catching on. Dan Steenson from the Lower Boise Watershed Council and Stan Haye, Soil Conservation Technician with Canyon Soil Conservation District, will report on the progress that’s been made and the prospects for the future. Co-hosted with the Lower Boise Watershed Council. Please register in advance at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtf-CsrzktGt2Zz8uM3WWFMJCdkuy8VnH1
