APPENDIX X: 

WILD AND SCENIC RIVER 

ELIGIBILITY 

DETERMINATION 
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Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS Appendix X 

APPENDIX X: WILD AND SCENIC RIVER ELIGIBILITY 

DETERMINATION 

The 2009 report documenting the Jarbidge Field Office’s Wild and Scenic River eligibility determinations 

for rivers and streams within and bordering the planning area is inserted into this document in its original 

format. 

A-273 August 2010 
Appendix X Jarbidge Draft RMP/EIS 

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August 2010 A-274 
Jarbid

ge Field Office,

Wild and Scenic River 

 Idaho 

Eligibility Determination 

July 2009 
It is the mission of the Bureau of Land Management to sustain the health, 

diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of 

present and future generations. 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

Chapter I: Introduction................................................................................................................ 1
 

Chapter II: The Wild and Scenic Rivers Inventory Process..................................................... 2
 

Background.................................................................................................................................. 2
 

Inventory of eligible rivers .......................................................................................................... 2
 

Suitability determinations ............................................................................................................ 3
 

Protective management ................................................................................................................ 4
 

Chapter III: Criteria for Evaluating Eligibility ......................................................................... 5
 

Wild and Scenic River inventory process.................................................................................... 5
 

Criteria for inclusion in the inventory and for segmenting rivers ............................................... 5
 

Free-flowing criteria .................................................................................................................... 6
 

General considerations for evaluating outstandingly remarkable values .................................... 6
 

Criteria for each potential outstandingly remarkable value ......................................................... 9
 

Criteria for tentative classification of eligible segments ........................................................... 16
 

Conclusion................................................................................................................................. 17
 

Chapter IV: Evaluating Eligibility on Jarbidge FO Rivers .................................................... 18
 

Chapter V: Description of Eligible River Segments ................................................................ 21
 

Cougar Point Creek ................................................................................................................... 22
 

Dave Creek ................................................................................................................................ 24
 

Jarbidge River ............................................................................................................................ 26
 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, north of Murphy Hot Springs ......................................................... 29
 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, south of Murphy Hot Springs ......................................................... 32
 

Rocky Canyon Creek................................................................................................................. 35
 

Snake River, Three Island Reach .............................................................................................. 37
 
TABLES
 

Table 1. Existing Eligible and Suitable River Segments ................................................................ 7
 

Table 2. Eligible River Segments – 2007 Evaluation ................................................................... 19
 

FIGURES 

Figure 1. Existing Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic River Segments ................................... 8
 

Figure 2. Eligible River Segments – 2007 Evaluation .................................................................. 20
 

APPENDICES 

Appendix 1. Jarbidge FO Wild and Scenic Rivers Evaluation Interdisciplinary Team ............... 40
 

Appendix 2. Rivers in the Jarbidge FO Evaluated for Eligibility ................................................. 41
 

Appendix 3. Jarbidge FO Wild and Scenic River Evaluation Worksheet .................................... 43
 
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 

Congress enacted the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA; 16 USC 1271-1287) on October 2, 

1968, to address the need for a national system of river protection. As an outgrowth of a national 

conservation agenda in the 1950s and 1960s, the WSRA responded to the dams, diversions, and 

water resource development projects that occurred on America’s rivers between the 1930s and 

1960s. The WSRA stipulates selected rivers should be preserved in a free-flowing condition and 

be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. Since 1968, the 

WSRA has been amended many times, primarily to designate additional rivers and to authorize 

the study of other rivers for possible inclusion. 

Section 5 (d) (1) of the WSRA directs Federal land management agencies to consider potential 

Wild and Scenic Rivers in their land and water planning processes, stating, “In all planning for 

the use and development of water and related land resources, consideration shall be given by all 

Federal agencies involved to potential national wild, scenic and recreational river areas.” To 

fulfill this requirement, the United States Department of the Interior (USDI), Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) inventories and analyzes river and stream segments that might be eligible 

for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS) whenever it undertakes a 

land use planning effort such as a resource management plan (RMP). 

The BLM, Twin Falls District, Jarbidge Field Office (FO) is preparing an RMP and 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will provide a single, comprehensive land use 

plan to guide future management of public land administered by the Jarbidge FO. This report is a 

record of the Wild and Scenic Rivers inventory conducted concurrently with the Jarbidge RMP. 

This report documents the BLM’s examination of Jarbidge FO rivers as they relate to eligibility 

and classification criteria in the WSRA. Chapter II describes the Wild and Scenic River 

inventory process. Chapter III describes the Wild and Scenic River inventory criteria. Chapter IV 

describes how the inventory process and criteria were applied to the Jarbidge FO. Chapter V 

describes each of the potentially eligible river segments in more detail. 

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CHAPTER II: THE WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS INVENTORY PROCESS 

Background 

The WSRA seeks to protect and enhance a river’s natural and cultural values and to provide for 

public use consistent with its free-flowing character, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable 

values. Designation affords certain legal protection from development. For instance, new dams 

cannot be constructed, and Federally assisted water resource development projects that might 

negatively affect the designated river values are not permitted. Where non-Federal lands are 

involved, the managing Federal agency works with local governments and private landowners to 

develop protective measures. 

Consideration of whether a river should be designated as a wild, scenic, or recreational river can 

be broken into two phases: 

1.	 Eligibility Determination – Federal agencies conduct an evaluation of river features to 

determine which rivers qualify to be added to the NWSRS, and 

2.	 Suitability Determination – Most commonly, Federal agencies conduct a review and 

then recommend to Congress which rivers should be protected. Only Congress or the 

Secretary of the Interior can designate a river as wild, scenic, or recreational. 

This document provides the reader with the results of the 2007 Wild and Scenic River Inventory 

for the Jarbidge FO. The suitability determination phase will be conducted after the Record of 

Decision is signed for the Jarbidge RMP/EIS. 

Through Section 5 (d) (1), the BLM is required to assess rivers under its management 

jurisdiction and determine eligibility for these rivers by applying standardized criteria through a 

documented evaluation process. Congress established two screening criteria for a river segment 

to be eligible for inclusion in the NWSRS: it must be 1) free-flowing and 2) possess one or more 

outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historical, cultural, or 

other values including ecological values. Chapter III contains a description of these values as 

they are defined for the Jarbidge FO. 

Inventory of eligible rivers 

Eligible rivers must be free-flowing 

In order for a river to become eligible for further study, it must be free flowing. The WSRA 

Section 16 (b) defines free flowing as “existing or flowing in a natural condition without 

impoundment, diversion, straightening, riprapping, or other modifications in the waterway. The 

existence of low dams, diversion works, or other minor structures at the time any river is 

proposed for inclusion in the national wild and scenic river system shall not automatically bar its 

consideration for inclusion.” The intent of Congress and Federal regulations implies rivers must 

be generally free-flowing but not necessarily completely without human modification. Freeflowing rivers can lie between impoundments or dams and may be intermittent. 

2 
Eligible rivers must possess an outstandingly remarkable value 

In order for a river to become eligible for further study as a possible wild, scenic, or recreational 

river, it must have one or more outstandingly remarkable resource values on BLM lands. The 

outstandingly remarkable values fall into categories defined in Section 1 (b) of the WSRA as 

“scenic, recreational, geologic, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, or other similar values.” “Other 

similar values” include, but are not limited to, hydrologic, ecological/biological diversity, 

paleontological, botanical, and scientific study opportunities. 

Minimum size and flow 

The size of a river is not a criterion of eligibility. Rivers are defined in Section 16 (a) of the 

WSRA as “a flowing body of water or estuary or section, portion, or tributary thereof, including 

rivers, streams, creeks, runs, kills, rills, and small lakes.” Rivers considered eligible need not 

have outstanding white water or be navigable. Smaller rivers may be equally important as large 

rivers depending on the context within different ecosystems. Similarly, the length of a river 

segment is also not a criterion of eligibility as long as a specific outstandingly remarkable value 

can be protected if the segment is designated. 

Tentative classification as wild, scenic, or recreational 

River segments found to be eligible are assigned a tentative classification as wild, scenic, or 

recreational based on the development of shoreline, watercourse, and access as they exist at the 

time of the inventory. Different segments of the same river can have different classifications. 

Section 2(b) of the WSRA specifies three classification categories for eligible rivers. 

1. Wild River Areas: Wild river areas are those rivers or sections of rivers free of 

impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines 

essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. 

2.	 Scenic River Areas: Scenic river areas are those rivers or sections of rivers free of 

impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive or shorelines largely 

undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads. “Scenic” does not necessarily mean the 

river corridor has to have scenery as an outstandingly remarkable value. 

3.	 Recreational River Areas: Recreational river areas are those rivers or sections of rivers 

that are readily accessible by road or railroad, that may have some development along 

their shorelines, and that may have undergone some impoundment or diversion in the 

past. “Recreational” does not imply that the river will be managed or prioritized for 

recreational use or development. 

Final classifications are made by Congress or the Secretary of the Interior at the time a segment 

is designated for inclusion in the NWSRS. 

Suitability determinations 

The second and final phase of agency review is suitability. During the suitability phase, the 

agency evaluates the river and considers several factors to determine if the river, in its context, 

should be recommended to Congress for addition to the NWSRS. Current and future uses of the 

surrounding land and water, as well as what values would be preserved, lost, or diminished if the 

3 
river were designated, are considered. Public and local governmental interest in designating the 

river is assessed. Fiscal concerns of acquiring any appropriate land are identified. 

Protective management 

Eligible rivers and their corridors on Federal lands are provided interim protection until the 

suitability phase is complete. Rivers recommended as suitable are protected as potential 

additions to the NWSRS until Congress or the Secretary of the Interior determines whether the 

suitable river will be included in the NWSRS. Rivers deemed nonsuitable revert to land 

management as described in the most recent RMP. The characteristics of eligible and suitable 

segments are managed as described below: 

1.	 Free-flowing values: The free-flowing characteristics of eligible river segments cannot 

be modified to allow stream impoundments, diversions, channelization, or riprapping to 

the extent authorized under law. 

2.	 River-related values: Each segment is managed to protect outstandingly remarkable 

values, subject to valid existing rights. To the extent practicable, such values are 

enhanced. 

3.	 Classification impacts: Management and development of the eligible river and its 

corridor cannot be modified, subject to valid existing rights, to the degree that its 

eligibility or classification would be affected. 

4 
CHAPTER III: CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING ELIGIBILITY 

The following considerations and criteria were developed to guide evaluations for potential 

eligibility of rivers in the Jarbidge FO and for recommendation as a wild, scenic, or recreational 

river. These were approved and agreed upon by an Interdisciplinary (ID) Team specialists in 

wildlife, fisheries, upland and riparian vegetation, recreation, rangeland management, and 

archaeology (Appendix 1). 

In developing the inventory criteria and processes described in this document, the ID Team 

relied on the documents listed below. All direction contained in this document is consistent with 

direction in BLM Manual 8351. The other documents were used as a source for information and 

guidance. 

 BLM Manual 8351, Wild and Scenic Rivers—Policy and Program Direction for 

Identification, Evaluation, and Management (12/22/1993) 

 USDI-US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Guidelines for Eligibility, Classification, 

and Management of River Areas (09/07/1982) 

 The Wild and Scenic River Study Process, Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers 

Coordinating Council (12/1999) 

 A Compendium of Questions and Answers Relating to Wild and Scenic Rivers, 

Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council (06/2006) 

Wild and Scenic River inventory process 

The steps used for this inventory for WSR eligibility include the following: 

 Determine which rivers and river segments to include in the evaluation; 

 Assess rivers and river segments for free-flowing status; 

 Assess rivers and river segments for the presence of outstandingly remarkable values; and 

 Determine tentative classification of rivers as wild, scenic, or recreational. 

Criteria for inclusion in the inventory and for segmenting rivers 

The following sources were used to identify potentially eligible rivers (Appendix 2): 

 Perennial and intermittent rivers and streams included on Jarbidge FO GIS layers; 

 River segments identified in public scoping for the Jarbidge RMP; 

 All rivers included in the Nationwide Rivers Inventory (USDI National Park Service 

2004) or the State of Idaho Comprehensive Water Plan; 

 Any river studied but determined to be ineligible in the Bruneau Wild and Scenic River 

Study Report of August 1976; 

	 The USDA Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest (HTNF) Wild and Scenic 

Rivers Eligibility Report (HTNF 2005), which describes eligibility studies on streams 

that flow from HTNF onto the Jarbidge FO; and 

	 Boundary rivers not previously deemed eligible during evaluation efforts in adjacent 

BLM field offices. 

A river’s inclusion on any of these source lists does not represent an official determination of 

eligibility, and a river’s absence from these source lists does not indicate its ineligibility. 

5 
Ephemeral waterways, which contain water only in response to local precipitation events, were 

not inventoried for eligibility; however, intermittent streams, which contain a predictable 

seasonal flow of water, were included in the inventory. 

Rivers or river segments previously deemed eligible or suitable were not re-evaluated (Table 1; 

Figure 1). All current eligible or suitable segments retain any previously determined status. 

Portions of the suitable segments of the Bruneau and Jarbidge Rivers are named for addition to 

the NWSRS in the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act which was included in the Omnibus 

Public Land Management Act of 2009 (S. 22). 

BLM limited the eligibility study to the lands it administers, per BLM Manual 8351, Wild and 

Scenic Rivers—Policy and Program Direction for Identification, Evaluation, and Management, 

which states, “In cases where a particular river segment is predominantly non-Federal in 

ownership and contains interspersed BLM administered lands, the BLM shall evaluate only its 

segment as to eligibility and defer to the State or to the private landowners’ discretion as to their 

determination of eligibility” (BLM 1993). 

Rivers included in the inventory were segmented where substantial changes in eligibility or 

tentative classification might occur, such as the presence of impoundments or dams, noticeable 

changes in types or amounts of development, and obvious changes in physiographic character or 

land status. 

Free-flowing criteria 

In determining whether a river is free-flowing, the WSRA states “...the existences, however, of 

low dams, diversions works, and other minor structures...shall not automatically bar its 

consideration....” The ID Team established the following minimum criteria to ensure rivers 

having borderline “minor” modifications would be considered: the flow within the segment must 

be substantially unaltered as a result of human activity to the extent that riparian vegetation is 

maintained by stream flows. 

General considerations for evaluating outstandingly remarkable values 

Section 1 (b) of the WSRA describes the rivers to be protected as possessing outstandingly 

remarkable values. Outstandingly remarkable values do not have a clear definition in the Act, yet 

they are crucial components of eligible rivers. Outstandingly remarkable values identified in the 

WSRA include scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historical, cultural, or other 

values including attributes such as river-related paleontologic deposits or unique botanical 

resources. 

Three sideboards were used to consider whether an outstandingly remarkable value could be 

applied to a river. First, the value must be river-related; a value should be directly associated 

with the river or the river corridor, typically considered to be 1⁄4 mile from the ordinary high 

water mark on each side of the river. The values need to contribute substantially to the 

functioning of the river ecosystem or to its public value, or owe its existence to the river. 

6 
 

 

 

The second sideboard is that the values considered should be at least regionally important to be 

deemed outstandingly remarkable. The region of comparison the ID Team used depended on the 

value being evaluated; regions of comparison for each value are noted below in Table 1. 

The third and final sideboard is that within the regions of comparison, the features or 

outstandingly remarkable values being considered need to be rare, unique, or exemplary 

examples of the occurrence of that feature or value. 

Table 1. Existing Eligible and Suitable River Segments 

River Segment 

Description 

Length 

(miles) 

Outstandingly 

Remarkable Values 

Tentative 

Classification 

Current 

Status 

Salmon Falls 

Creek, upperA 

Nevada border to 

Salmon Falls Creek 

Reservoir 

9 Recreational Recreational Eligible 

Salmon Falls 

Creek, lowerA 

Salmon Falls Dam 

to Balanced Rock 

Park 

30 Scenic, Recreational, 

Geological Scenic Eligible 

Snake River, 

Hagerman ReachB 

Lower Salmon 

Falls Dam to Bliss 

Dam Reservoir 

8 

Recreational, 

Geological, Fish, 

Wildlife, Historical 

Recreational Eligible 

Snake River, King 

Hill ReachB 

Bliss Dam to the 

King Hill Bridge 13 

Recreational, 

Geological, Fish, 

Wildlife 

Recreational Eligible 

Bruneau River, 

upperC 

Blackrock Crossing 

to 11 miles 

downstream 

11 

Scenic, Recreational, 

Geological, Fish, 

Wildlife, Cultural, 

Vegetation 

Scenic Suitable 

Bruneau RiverC 

11 miles 

downstream from 

Blackrock Crossing 

to Hot Creek 

60 

Scenic, Recreational, 

Geological, Fish, 

Wildlife, Cultural, 

Vegetation 

Wild Suitable 

Jarbidge RiverC 

East Fork, Jarbidge 

River confluence 

to Bruneau River 

confluence 

29 

Scenic, Recreational, 

Geological, Fish, 

Wildlife, Cultural, 

Vegetation 

Wild Suitable 

Total 160 A Evaluation conducted by the Burley District Office in 1992 and finalized in 2009. B

 Evaluation conducted by the Shoshone District Office as part of the Draft Bennett Hills RMP in 1991. 

C

 Evaluation and study conducted in the Bruneau WSR Study in 1976; ORVs for Bruneau and Jarbidge River 

segments were inferred from the narrative in the Bruneau WSR Study Report. 

7 
 

 

Figure 1. Existing Eligible and Suitable Wild and Scenic River Segments 

Idaho 

Nevada 

C l o v e r C r e e k 

C e d a r C r e e k 

Snake River 

(King Hill Reach) 

Snake River 

(Hagerman Reach) 

Salmon Falls Creek 

(lower) 

Salmon Falls Creek 

(upper) 

Jarbidge River 

Bruneau River 

Bruneau River 

(upper) 

Jackpot, NV 

SN AKE RIV ER 

93 

84 

30 

Buhl 

Bliss 

Filer 

Hagerman 

Roseworth 

King Hill 

Castleford 

Three Creek 

Glenns Ferry 

Murphy Hot Springs 

Existing Suitable Segments Existing Eligible Segments 

0 5 10 

Miles 

Map Date: June 2009 

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land 

Management. The accuracy, reliability, or 

completeness of these data for individual use 

or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. 

8 
Criteria for each potential outstandingly remarkable value 

Outstandingly Remarkable Scenic Value 

Definition 

The landscape elements of landform, vegetation, water, color, and related factors must result in 

notable or exemplary visual features or attractions within the geographic region. The rating area 

must be scenic quality “A” as defined in the BLM Visual Resource Inventory Handbook, H8410-1; the handbook may also be used to assess visual quality and to evaluate the extent of 

development upon scenic values. Additional factors may be considered, such as seasonal 

variations in vegetation, scale of cultural modifications, and the length of time negative 

intrusions are viewed. Scenery and visual attractions may be highly diverse over the majority of 

the river or river segment and not common to other rivers in the geographic region. 

Region of comparison 

The region of comparison for scenic values for the Jarbidge FO includes the northern Great 

Basin, the Snake River Plain, and the Owyhee River watershed. 

Criteria for evaluating scenic value 

Diversity of View: Consider the presence of high relief; severe surface variation; rich color 

combinations including high variety and vivid colors; pleasing contrasts in soil, rock, 

vegetation, and water; views that greatly enhance visual quality; or still or cascading water 

that is dominant in the landscape. River corridors with the greatest diversity and variety of 

views in both foreground and background are of higher value. Consider places that people go 

to see things, which can range from the micro views at pools or waterfalls to the grander 

views and vistas from along a trail or river. 

Special Features: Consider outstanding natural, historical, or cultural features and landforms 

with unusual or outstanding topographic features such as gorges, high relief, rock outcrops, 

canyons, falls, rapids, springs, hot springs, color, and vegetation. River corridors with high 

relief and focal points that are visually striking, particularly memorable, or rare in the region 

are of higher value. 

Seasonal Variations: Consider diversity of vegetation types in interesting patterns, textures, 

color, and contrast. River corridors with the greatest seasonal variation and diversity are of 

higher value. 

Cultural Modifications: Consider human modifications and features within the corridor and 

viewshed. View sheds that are free from aesthetically undesirable sights and influences are 

generally of higher value. Human features that exist may in some cases add to visual appeal. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Recreational Value 

Definition 

Recreational opportunities are, or have the potential to be, unusual enough to attract visitors to 

the geographic region. Recreational opportunities may be rare or unique within the region. 

Visitors are willing to travel long distances to use the river resources for recreational purposes. 

River-related opportunities could include, but are not limited to, sightseeing, wildlife 

observation, camping, photography, hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. Interpretive 

9 
opportunities may be exceptional and attract, or have the potential to attract, visitors from outside 

the geographic region. The river may provide or have the potential to provide settings for 

national or regional commercial usage or competitive events. 

Region of comparison 

The region of comparison for recreational values for the Jarbidge FO includes the Snake River 

Plain south to Interstate 80 in northern Nevada, where there are similar types of water-based 

recreational activities as within the Jarbidge FO. 

Criteria for evaluating recreational value 

Diversity of Use: Consider the number and variety of recreation uses occurring within the 

corridor. Rivers that provide for the largest number and diversity of recreation uses are of 

higher value. 

Experience Quality: Consider the comparative number or percent of similar experiences 

available in the region. Rivers that provide the most unique opportunities are of higher value 

for fishing, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Highly scenic, pristine rivers and corridors are of 

higher value as compared to other areas that are visually monotonous, heavily developed, 

malodorous, or noisy. 

Access: Consider the availability of private and public access points, ease of use, and 

attendant facilities such as parking, boat ramps, and trails. On some rivers, poor access can 

be advantageous to limit crowding. 

Level of Use: A little-used river should not by itself indicate a lower value, and an intensively 

used river may indicate a diminished value due to overcrowding. However, rivers or 

corridors highly used by anglers, hunters, and wildlife viewers are usually of higher value. 

Associated Opportunities: Consider the extent of opportunities for hiking, photography, 

fishing, picnicking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and other similar experiences. Rivers with 

the greatest opportunity for associated recreation are of higher value. 

Attraction: Consider the ability to attract visitors from outside the geographic region. Rivers 

that attract a variety of users with their primary intent to use the river for recreation 

experiences as well as rivers that provide a setting for national or regional competitive events 

are of higher value. 

Sites and Facilities: Consider the extent of or potential for appropriate facility development. 

Rivers with the greatest number of existing or potential recreation facilities may be of higher 

value depending upon the type of recreation opportunity provided. 

Length of Season: Consider the amount of time the river corridor is used or available for 

recreation purposes. Rivers with the longest season of use may be of higher value depending 

upon the type of recreation opportunity provided. 

10
 
Outstandingly Remarkable Geological Value 

Definition 

The river or river corridor contains one or more examples of a geologic feature, process, or 

phenomenon that are rare, unusual, or unique within the region. The feature(s) may be in an 

unusually active stage of development, represent a “textbook” example, and/or represent a 

unique or rare combination of geologic features or landforms (e.g., erosional, volcanic, glacial). 

Region of comparison 

The region of comparison for geological values for the Jarbidge FO includes the northern Great 

Basin, the Snake River Plain, and the Owyhee River watershed. 

Criteria for evaluating geological value 

Feature Abundance: Consider landforms and geologic setting with unusual or outstanding 

geologic features (e.g., gorges, arches, badlands, oxbows, caves, relic shoreline, unusual 

drainage patterns and stream channels, bogs, waterfalls, deep canyons, hot springs, unique 

rock formations and outcrops). River corridors with an abundance of unusual, unique, and 

distinctive geologic features to the region are of higher value. 

Diversity of Features: Consider the number and variety of special geologic features and the 

value of these features to the region. Consider the unique or rare combination of geologic 

features or landforms (e.g., erosional, volcanic, glacial). River corridors with the greatest 

diversity of geologic features are of higher value. 

Educational/Scientific: Geologic features clearly and graphically reveal an interesting or 

unique educational or scientific story of the earth’s history. River corridors that represent 

“textbook” examples of a common feature or are the best example of a feature in the region 

are of higher value. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Fish Value 

Definition 

Fish values may be judged on the relative merits of fish populations, habitat, or a combination of 

these river-related conditions. 

Populations: The river is a nationally or regionally important producer of indigenous, 

resident, and/or anadromous fish species. Of particular significance may be the presence of 

wild or unique stocks and/or populations of Federal- or State-listed (or Candidate) 

Threatened, Endangered, or sensitive species. Diversity of species is an important 

consideration and could, in itself, lead to a determination of “outstandingly remarkable.” 

Habitat: The river provides exceptionally high quality habitat for fish species indigenous to 

the region of comparison. Of particular significance is habitat for wild stocks and/or Federalor State-listed (or Candidate) Threatened, Endangered, or sensitive species. Diversity of 

habitats is an important consideration and could, in itself, lead to a determination of 

“outstandingly remarkable.” 

11
 
Region of comparison
 

The region of comparison for fish values for the Jarbidge FO includes the Columbia River Basin, 

which corresponds to the range of special status aquatic species present in the FO. 

Criteria for evaluating fish value 

Habitat Quality: Consider the presence, extent, and carrying capacity of spawning area, 

rearing areas, and adult habitat, as well as habitat for wild stocks and special status species. 

Areas with the greatest amount and best quality habitat, especially for wild stock and special 

status species, are of higher value. 

Diversity of Species: Consider the number and variety of species present and the value of 

these species. Areas with the greatest diversity of species, including wild stocks and special 

status species, are of higher value. 

Value of Species: Rivers that are of special interest, are highly used by anglers, or offer an 

unusual recreation experience for the region are of higher value. 

Abundance of Fish: Rivers with more fish and/or rivers that have been documented 

historically for sizeable runs are of higher value. 

Natural Reproduction: Rivers with extensive self-sustaining natural reproduction are of 

higher value than those supported mostly by stocking. 

Size and Vigor of Fish: Rivers that produce large, vigorous fish are of higher value. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Wildlife Value 

Definition 

Wildlife values may be judged on the relative merits of terrestrial or aquatic populations, habitat, 

or a combination of these conditions. 

Populations: The river or river corridor contains nationally or regionally important 

populations of indigenous or resident wildlife species dependent on the river environment. Of 

particular significance are species considered to be unique, and/or populations of Federal- or 

State-listed (or Candidate) Threatened, Endangered, or sensitive species. Diversity of species 

is an important consideration and could, in itself, lead to a determination of “outstandingly 

remarkable.” 

Habitat: The river or river corridor provides exceptionally high quality habitat for wildlife of 

national or regional significance, or may provide unique habitat or a critical link in habitat 

conditions for Federal- or State-listed (or Candidate) Threatened, Endangered, or sensitive 

species. Diversity of habitats is an important consideration and could, in itself, lead to a 

determination of “outstandingly remarkable.” Contiguous habitat conditions are such that the 

biological needs of the species are met. 

12
 
Region of comparison
 

The region of comparison for wildlife value for the Jarbidge FO includes the Snake River Plain 

south to Interstate 80 in northern Nevada, which includes similar habitats as occur within the FO, 

but excludes pinyon-juniper communities characteristic of areas further to the south. 

Criteria for evaluating wildlife value 

Habitat Quality: Consider the presence, extent, and carrying capacity of a variety of wildlife 

habitats, including winter range, summer range, transition zones, travel corridors, and calving 

areas. Consider unique habitats or critical links in habitat for special status species. Areas 

with the greatest and best habitat, contiguous habitat, and habitat for special status species are 

of higher value. 

Diversity of Species: Consider the number and variety of species present and the value of 

these species. Rivers with the greatest diversity of species, including special status species, 

are of higher value. 

Abundance of Species: Rivers with the greatest number of wildlife within the river corridor 

are of higher value. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Historical Value 

Definition 

The river or river corridor contains a river-related site or feature associated with a significant 

event, an important person, or a cultural activity of the past that was rare or unusual in the 

region. Many such sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historic sites or 

features are at least 50 years old in most cases. 

Region of comparison 

The region of comparison for historical value for the Jarbidge FO includes southern Idaho and 

northern Nevada. 

Criteria for evaluating historical value 

Significance: Consider segments that contain a site or feature associated with a historically 

significant event, person, or activity of the past (e.g., major trails, mining history, early 

explorers). River-related rare, unique, or unusual sites or features within the region are of 

higher value. 

Site Integrity: Consider the presence of exceptional examples of architecture from a 

significant period in history; sites that are unmodified and retain their original character; and 

features that are exceptional examples within the region. River corridors that contain 

exceptional sites in exceptional condition are of higher value. 

Education/Interpretation: Consider sites that have regional or national importance for 

interpreting significant historic events or people; sites that early and graphically reveal an 

interesting or unique history of the region; and sites that have the ability to attract visitors 

from outside the region. River corridors that represent “textbook” examples of a historic 

13
 
event or provide the best example of a historical culture or river-related event in the region 

are of higher value. 

Listing/Eligibility: Consider corridors that contain sites or features that are currently listed in, 

or are eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as a National 

Historic Landmark. Rivers with such features, particularly if in abundance, are of higher 

value. 

Number of Historic Themes or Periods: River corridors that represent more than one historic 

theme or culture, may have been used concurrently by more than one historic cultural group, 

or have been used for rare or sacred purposes are of higher value. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Cultural Values 

Definition 

The river or river corridor contains a river-related site where there is evidence of current or 

historic occupation or use by Native Americans with unique or rare characteristics or exceptional 

human-interest value. Sites may be nationally or regionally important for interpreting prehistory, 

be rare, represent an area where a culture or cultural period was first identified and described, 

have been or are being used concurrently by two or more cultural groups, or have been or are 

being used by cultural groups for sacred purposes. Many such sites are listed on the National 

Register of Historic Places. 

Region of comparison 

The region of comparison for cultural values for the Jarbidge FO includes the southern 

Columbian Plateau and the northern Great Basin. 

Criteria for evaluating cultural value 

Significance: Consider evidence of significant occupation and use by Native Americans (e.g., 

hunting sites, ceremonial areas, fishing areas). Consider sites that have significant human 

interest value, are rare, or represent an area where a culture was first identified. Rivers with 

cultural significance to Native Americans are of higher value. Rivers that have substantial 

existing cultural use or that have been traditionally used as a Native American fishery are 

also of higher value. Rare, unique, or unusual sites or features within the region are of higher 

value. 

Current Uses: River corridors containing sites or features that are significant to Native 

American populations today are of higher value. 

Number of Cultures: River corridors that represent more than one cultural period, may have 

been used concurrently by more than one cultural group, or have been used for rare or sacred 

purposes are of higher value. 

Site Integrity: Consider the presence of exceptional examples of Native American features 

from a significant period in history; sites that are unmodified and retain their original 

character; features that are in excellent condition and provide an exceptional example within 

14
 
the region. River corridors that contain exceptional sites in exceptional condition are of 

higher value. 

Education/Interpretation: Consider sites that have regional or national importance for 

interpreting significant events, sites, or people; sites that clearly and graphically reveal an 

interesting or unique history of the region; and sites that have the ability to attract visitors 

from outside the region. River corridors that represent “textbook” examples of a Native 

American or other culture or provide the best example of a culture or river-related event in 

the region are of higher value. 

Listing/Eligibility: Consider corridors that contain sites or features that are currently listed in, 

or are eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as a National 

Historic Landmark. Rivers with such features, particularly if in abundance, are of higher 

value. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Vegetation/Ecological Values 

Definition 

Vegetation and ecological values may be judged on the relative merits of either populations or 

communities, or a combination of these conditions. The river or river corridor contains nationally 

or regionally important populations of indigenous plant species. Of importance are species 

considered to be unique or populations of Federal- or State-listed (or Candidate) Threatened, 

Endangered, or sensitive species. Diversity and number of species are also important. The river 

or river corridor may contain nationally or regionally important plant communities. Communities 

may be exceptionally high quality, unusual, or critical communities. 

Region of comparison 

The region of comparison for vegetative and ecological values for the Jarbidge FO includes the 

northern Great Basin and southern Snake River Plain. 

Criteria for evaluating vegetative/ecological value 

Species Diversity: Consider the presence, extent, and diversity of plant communities; 

ecological values that are critical to protection of biological diversity; and critical habitat for 

species conservation (e.g., refugia). River corridors with the greatest diversity and 

importance to species conservation are of higher value. 

Ecological Function: Rivers with rare or unique corridors that are critical and essential for 

species migration and genetic interaction are of higher value. 

Rare Communities: Rivers with rare, sensitive, Threatened, or Endangered species and 

communities are of higher value. 

Educational/Scientific: Consider vegetative and ecological values and features that clearly 

and graphically reveal an interesting or unique educational or scientific story of vegetative or 

ecological form and function. River corridors that represent “textbook” examples of plant 

and animal associations or ecological values and features in the region are of higher value. 

15
 
Criteria for tentative classification of eligible segments 

Eligible segments are assigned a tentative classification of wild, scenic, or recreational, based on 

the following criteria: 

Wild river 

 Free of impoundments. 

 Essentially primitive. Little or no evidence of human activity. 

 The presence of a few inconspicuous structures, particularly those of historic or cultural 

value is acceptable. 

 A limited amount of domestic livestock grazing or hay production is acceptable. 

 Generally inaccessible except by trail. 

 No roads, railroads, or other provision for vehicular traffic within the river area. A few 

inconspicuous existing roads leading to the boundary of the river area are acceptable. 

	 Meets or exceeds Federal water quality criteria or Federally approved State water quality 

standards for aesthetics, propagation of fish and wildlife normally adapted to the habitat 

of the river, and primary contact recreation (swimming), except where water quality 

standards are exceeded by natural conditions. 

Scenic river 

 Free of impoundment. 

 Largely primitive and undeveloped. No substantial evidence of human activity.
 

 The presence of grazing, hay production, or row crops is acceptable. 

 Accessible in places by road. 

 Roads may occasionally reach or bridge the river. The existence of short stretches of 

conspicuous or longer stretches of inconspicuous and well-screened roads or railroads 

paralleling the river area may be permitted. 

	 Meets, exceeds, or is capable of being restored to meet Federal water quality criteria or 

Federally-approved State water quality standards for aesthetics, for propagation of fish 

and wildlife normally adapted to the habitat of the river, and for primary contact 

recreation (swimming), except where water quality standards are exceeded by natural 

conditions. 

Recreational river 

	 Some existing impoundment or diversion; or, may have undergone some impoundment or 

diversion in the past. 

	 The existence of low dams, diversions, or other modifications of the waterway is 

acceptable, provided the waterway remains free-flowing and generally natural and riverlike in appearance. 

 Some development present; or, substantial evidence of human activity. 

 The presence of extensive residential development and a few commercial structures is 

acceptable. 

 Lands may have been developed for the full range of agricultural and forestry uses. 

 Readily accessible by road or railroad. 

 The existence of parallel roads or railroads on one or both banks as well as bridge 

crossings and other river access points is acceptable. 

16
 
	 Meets, exceeds, or is capable of being restored to meet Federal water quality criteria or 

Federally-approved State water quality standards for aesthetics, for propagation of fish 

and wildlife normally adapted to the habitat of the river, and for primary contact 

recreation (swimming), except where water quality standards are exceeded by natural 

conditions. 

Conclusion 

The ID Team used the considerations and criteria described above to conduct the Wild and 

Scenic River Inventory for the Jarbidge FO. The following chapters describe the results of that 

inventory and describe the free-flowing rivers and streams recognized to have at least one 

outstandingly remarkable value that exhibits a rare, unique, or exemplary example of those 

features within the region of comparison. 

17
 
 

 

CHAPTER IV: EVALUATING ELIGIBILITY ON JARBIDGE FO RIVERS 

BLM determined rivers eligible for inclusion into the NWSRS through a process of elimination. 

If a river segment was not free flowing or did not potentially possess at least one outstandingly 

remarkable value, it was not evaluated further. 

In the fall of 2006, the ID Team compiled an initial list of rivers that would be assessed for their 

free-flowing status and for the presence or absence of outstandingly remarkable values. These 

river segments included both perennial and intermittent rivers and streams, but not ephemeral 

waterways, as described in Chapter III. This initial step resulted in a list of 42 rivers or segments 

for further consideration (Appendix 2). 

An in-depth review of these 42 segments on November 29 and 30, 2006, focused on free-flowing 

criteria and outstandingly remarkable values. The ID Team conducted this review using their 

knowledge of the area, informed professional judgment, and available data and information on 

the river, river segment, environment, and the potential outstandingly remarkable values. Only 

rivers that met the free-flowing criteria were assessed for the presence of outstandingly 

remarkable values. As a result of that review, seven rivers were determined not to be freeflowing, and 24 additional rivers were determined not to possess outstandingly remarkable 

values (Appendix 3). The eligibility inventory and the remaining 11 rivers and river segments 

were described in the March 2007 Jarbidge RMP newsletter, which was distributed to the 

Jarbidge RMP mailing list and posted on the RMP website. 

The potential outstandingly remarkable values on the remaining 11 rivers and river segments 

were examined once again by the ID Team on April 6, 2007; four rivers and river segments were 

found to not possess an outstandingly remarkable value when evaluated in the larger regional 

context (Appendix 3). The Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) was briefed on the 

eligibility inventory process and preliminary results in June 2007, in accordance with MOU ID2731

. Cougar Point Creek2 and the Jarbidge River were evaluated for their scenic quality as per 

the BLM Visual Resource Inventory Handbook, H-8410-1, on November 2, 2007; both were 

rated as scenic quality “A.” 

As a result of this inventory and review process, seven rivers and river segments were identified 

as eligible for further study (Figure 2; Table 2; Appendix 3); IDWR was briefed on these 

segments during the fall of 2008. Because the Three Island Reach of the Snake River forms the 

boundary between the Jarbidge and Four Rivers FOs, the Four Rivers FO was consulted 

throughout the evaluation process, reviewed the evaluation of the segment, and concurred with 

the ID Team’s findings. The proposed boundary for each of the eligible segments is 1⁄4 mile from 

the ordinary high water mark on each side of the river or stream, averaging no more than 320 

acres per river mile. Following eligibility determination, each segment was evaluated for its 

1

 Memorandum of Understanding between the Governor, State of Idaho and Regional Foresters, Northern and 

Intermountain Regions Forest Service and State Director, Idaho Bureau of Land Management regarding river 

planning efforts and Wild and Scenic River studies of Idaho’s rivers, dated February 14, 1991.

2

 Cougar Point Creek is an unnamed tributary of the Jarbidge River, East Fork; Cougar Point is the adjacent named 

landmark feature. 

18
 
 

tentative classification (Table 2). Chapter V provides a basic description and a map showing the 

location of each segment. 

Until suitability determinations are reached, BLM will manage the values associated with the 

eligible river segments in a way that will not adversely affect the values contributing to the free 

flow, outstandingly remarkable values, and tentative classification. This management is in place 

until a river segment is determined suitable or nonsuitable during the suitability study phase. 

Table 2. Eligible River Segments – 2007 Evaluation 

River Segment Description Length 

(miles) 

Outstandingly 

Remarkable 

Values 

Tentative 

Classification 

Cougar Point Creek Jarbidge FO boundary to East 

Fork, Jarbidge River confluence 1.0 Scenic Wild 

Dave Creek Private boundary to East Fork, 

Jarbidge River confluence 2.7 Fish Wild 

Jarbidge River Jarbidge FO boundary to East 

Fork, Jarbidge River confluence 10.2 Fish, Scenic Recreational 

East Fork Jarbidge 

River, north 

Downstream private boundary of 

Murphy Hot Springs to Jarbidge 

River confluence 

2.2 Fish Recreational 

East Fork Jarbidge 

River, south 

Jarbidge FO boundary to 

upstream private boundary of 

Murphy Hot Springs 

7.4 Fish Wild 

Rocky Canyon 

Creek 

Headwaters to North Fork, 

Salmon Falls Creek confluence 1.5 Wildlife Wild 

Snake River, Three 

Island Reach 

King Hill Bridge to Hwy 51 

Bridge 25.0 

Recreational, 

Fish, Historical, 

Cultural 

Recreational 

Total 50.0 

19
 
 

Figure 2. Eligible River Segments – 2007 Evaluation 

Idaho 

Nevada 

C l o v e r C r e e k 

C e d a r C r e e k 

Snake River 

(Three Island Reach) 

Jackpot, NV 

SN AKE RIV ER 

93 

Rocky Canyon 

Creek 

Jarbidge 

River 

EF Jarbidge River (North) 

EF Jarbidge River 

(South) 

Dave 

Creek 

Cougar Point 

Creek 

B r u n e a u R i v e r J a r b i d g e R i v e r 

S a l m o n

F a l l s C r e e k 

84 

30 

Buhl 

Bliss 

Filer 

Hagerman 

Roseworth 

King Hill 

Castleford 

Three 

Creek 

Glenns Ferry 

Murphy Hot Springs 

Eligible River Segments - 2007 Evaluation 

0 5 10 

Miles 

Map Date: June 2009 

No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land 

Management. The accuracy, reliability, or 

completeness of these data for individual use 

or aggregate use with other data is not guaranteed. 

20
 
 CHAPTER V: DESCRIPTION OF ELIGIBLE RIVER SEGMENTS 

This chapter provides a description and map of each of the seven river segments identified 

during the Jarbidge FO Wild and Scenic River Eligibility Determination, with a focus on values 

identified by the ID Team as outstandingly remarkable, as well as the segment’s tentative 

classification as wild, scenic, or recreational. The river segments are presented in alphabetical 

order. 

21
 

Cougar Point Creek 

River Name Cougar Point Creek 

Segment Description Jarbidge FO boundary to Jarbidge River, East Fork confluence 

Total Stream Length 1.0 mile 

Free Flowing? Yes 

Tentative Classification Wild; there are few or no human developments occurring along this 

segment. Access is very limited and typically only by trail. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Values 

Scenic 

Criteria met: diversity of view, special features. 

Cougar Point Creek originates in a boulder field near Cougar Point, where 

its water can be heard flowing beneath the boulders for approximately 300 

feet before it emerges to the surface. Cougar Point Creek then traverses 

rolling uplands to drop over 1,000 feet to its confluence with the East Fork 

of the Jarbidge River a mile downstream. The diversity of view in both the 

foreground and background is generated from this steep creek gradient. 

From the river corridor, one can see 1000 feet down into the canyon of the 

East Fork of the Jarbidge River, as well as the Jarbidge Mountains over 

4000 feet above. Foreground scenery is comprised of the boulder field, 

lichens, and dense vegetation in the creek corridor, with a mixture of 

mountain mahogany and aspen stands. 

Cougar Point Creek rates as scenic quality “A” as described in the BLM 

Visual Resource Inventory Handbook, H-8410-1. 

Recreational N/A 

Geological N/A 

Fish N/A 

Wildlife N/A 

Historical N/A 

Cultural N/A 

Vegetation/Ecological N/A 

Comments 

 Not evaluated previously 

 Evaluation requested as part of general scoping comments by Idaho Conservation League and 

Western Watersheds Project 

22
 
 

hT

k e r Cl i ve D

k e re CesuoH

84

k 

D

l arr

ig e

ree Creek Highway 

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

JARBIDGE 

Spring Creek 

Sanovia Creek 

Buck Creek 

Deer Creek 

Cedar Creek 

Three Creek 

Hays Canyon 

Big Flat Cree

Hawes Creek 

C ugar Creek A/ rch Canyon 

Axe Creek 

Fr hters Defeat 

Co Creek 

Cave Creek 

Chimney Creek 

Mud Flat Draw 

Dorsey Creek 

Cowan Ditch 

Wilson Creek 

Deep Creek 

Cherry Creek 

Clover Creek 

Axe Handle Creek 

Fawn Creek 

Camas Slough 

Little Spring Creek 

Deadwood Creek 

Columbet Creek 

EF JARBIDGE 

JARBIDGE 

Cougar Creek 

Tayl ek 

Little House Creek 

Middle Fork Devil Creek 

Cow Cree

Rattlesnake C eek 

e

Nevada 

Idaho 

93 

20 

20 

26 

T13S, R12E 30 

T13S, R10E T13S, R11E T13S, R08E T13S, R09E 

T15S, R09E 

T16S, R09E 

r

a ee

T14S, R08E T14S, R09E

k ve r

k

Murphy Hot

o

Cre

T14S, R11E T14S, R12E T14S, R10E 

T15S, R08E 

T15S, R12E T15S, R10E T15S, R11E 

Three
 

Creek
 

or

T16S, R10E T16S, R08E T16S, R11E T16S, R12E Springs 

C

Miles 

0 6 

Cougar Point Creek 

23
 
 

Dave Creek 

River Name Dave Creek 

Segment Description Private boundary to Jarbidge River, East Fork confluence 

Total Stream Length 2.7 miles 

Free Flowing? Yes 

Tentative Classification Wild; there are few or no human developments occurring along this 

segment. Access is very limited and typically only by trail. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Values 

Scenic N/A 

Recreational N/A 

Geological N/A 

Fish 

Criteria met: habitat quality, value of species, abundance of fish, natural 

reproduction. 

Dave Creek, a tributary to the Jarbidge River, is crucial spawning, rearing, 

foraging, migratory, and overwintering habitat for bull trout within the 

Jarbidge River system (USFWS 2004). Dave Creek also contains the 

highest population of bull trout in the Jarbidge watershed, including both 

resident and migratory (fluvial) fish. These bull trout are the only species 

of fish within the planning area that are Federally listed as Threatened 

under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. 

The Jarbidge River system contains the southernmost existing population 

of bull trout in North America. Genetic analysis of bull trout in the 

Columbia River Basin indicates Jarbidge River system bull trout have a 

shared evolutionarily history with populations in the upper Columbia 

River and Snake River but are genetically distinct. For over 100 years, 

Jarbidge River system bull trout have been geographically isolated from 

other populations in the Snake River by more than 150 miles of marginally 

suitable habitat and several impassable hydroelectric dams on the Snake 

River and diversion dams on the lower Bruneau River. 

Bull trout in the Jarbidge River system are considered significant because 

they occupy a unique and unusual ecological setting and their loss would 

result in a substantial modification of the specie’s range. The bull trout in 

the Jarbidge River are unique in that a portion of their habitat is in an area 

categorized as semi-arid desert. The Rocky Mountain juniper-dominated 

riparian zone interspersed with aspen on BLM portions of the Jarbidge 

River, which grades into aspen and limber pine on Forest Service land, is 

unique to the area. The majority of the other occupied bull trout stream 

habitat is in other coniferous forest types (i.e., Douglas fir, Engelmann 

spruce, and others). 

Wildlife N/A 

Historical N/A 

Cultural N/A 

Vegetation/Ecological N/A 

Comments 

 Not evaluated previously 

 Evaluation requested as part of general scoping comments by Idaho Conservation League; evaluation 

of Dave Creek was specifically requested in scoping comments by Western Watersheds Project 

24
 
k eer Cl i veD

e re k 

ee

CesuoH

k 

waF

eer CF

Three Creek Highway 

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

JARBIDGE 

SpringCreek 

Sanovia Creek 

Buck Creek 

Deer Creek 

Cedar Cr

Three Creek 

Hays Canyon 

Big Flat Cree

Hawes Creek 

C ugar Creek A/ rch Canyon 

Axe Creek 

reighters Defeat 

Corral k 

Cave Creek 

Chimney Creek 

Mud Flat Draw 

Dorsey Creek 

Cowan Ditch 

Wilson Creek 

Deep Creek 

D

Cherry Creek 

Clover Creek 

Axe Handle Creek 

n Creek 

Camas Slough 

Little Spring C er ek 

Deadwood Creek 

Columbet Creek 

EF JARBIDGE 

JARBIDGE 

Cougar Creek 

Tayl ek 

Little House Creek 

Middle Fork Devil Creek 

Cow Creek 

Rattlesnake C eek 

Nevada 

Idaho 

93 

20 

84 20 

26 

30 T13S, R11E T13S, R12E T13S, R10E T13S, R08E T13S, R09E 

T15S, R09E 

T14S, R08E T14S, R09E 

T16S, R09E

r

a eek ve r

k

o

or Cre

T14S, R10E T14S, R11E T14S, R12E 

T15S, R08E 

T15S, R12E T15S, R10E T15S, R11E 

Three
 

Creek
 

T16S, R10E Murphy Hot 

T16S, R08E Springs T16S, R11E T16S, R12E

C

Miles 

0 6 

Dave Creek 

25
 
 

Jarbidge River 

River Name 

Segment Description 

Total Stream Length 

Free Flowing? 

Tentative Classification 

Jarbidge River 

Jarbidge FO boundary to Jarbidge River, East Fork confluence 

10.2 miles 

Yes 

Recreational; improved gravel road with regular motorized traffic borders 

the entire segment. A steel bridge is present at the Buck Creek confluence; 

a wooden bridge is present at the Rattlesnake Creek confluence. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Values 

Scenic 

Criteria met: diversity of view, special features, cultural modifications. 

This river segment is visually striking and particularly memorable. The 

foreground and background vary in texture, color, contrast, and depth. The 

diversity of colors results from the variety of trees, shrubs, and lichens 

within view. The high degree of relief and significant changes in geology 

within a short distance lend to the segment’s scenic quality. Special 

features include hoodoos, window rocks, and little arches. The road 

adjacent to this segment provides an opportunity for the public to view 

scenery similar to that found further downstream, as well as unique 

characteristics of this segment. Besides the road, other cultural 

modifications are minimal and do not detract from the scenic value of the 

segment. 

The Jarbidge River rates as scenic quality “A” as described in the BLM 

Visual Resource Inventory Handbook, H-8410-1. 

Recreational N/A 

Geological N/A 

Fish 

Criteria met: habitat quality, diversity of species, value of species, natural 

reproduction. 

The Jarbidge River is an isolated watershed and contains a natural 

diversity of native fish species. Compared to other rivers in the region, the 

proportion of native to non-native species is unusually high, as there few, 

if any, non-native species present. 

The Jarbidge River system contains the southernmost existing population 

of bull trout in North America (USFWS 2004). Bull trout are the only 

species of fish within the planning area that are Federally listed as 

Threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; the Jarbidge River 

contains one of six populations of bull trout identified for recovery. 

Genetic analysis of bull trout in the Columbia River Basin indicates 

Jarbidge River bull trout have a shared evolutionarily history with 

populations in the upper Columbia River and Snake River but are 

genetically distinct. For over 100 years, Jarbidge River bull trout have 

been geographically isolated from other populations in the Snake River by 

more than 150 miles (240 km) of marginally suitable habitat and several 

impassable hydroelectric dams on the Snake River and diversion dams on 

the lower Bruneau River. 

26
 
Bull trout in the Jarbidge River are considered significant because they 

occupy a unique and unusual ecological setting and their loss would result 

in a substantial modification of the species’ range. The bull trout in the 

Jarbidge River are unique in that a portion of their habitat is in an area 

categorized as semi-arid desert. The Rocky Mountain juniper dominated 

riparian zone interspersed aspen on BLM portions of the Jarbidge River 

grades into aspen and limber pine on Forest Service land is unique to the 

area. The majority of the other occupied bull trout stream habitat is in 

other coniferous forest types (i.e. Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, and 

others). The segment has spawning, over-wintering, and migratory habitat 

for bull trout. This reach is a key migration corridor between other bull 

trout bearing streams, and its deeper pools provide important overwintering habitat. 

Wildlife N/A 

Historical N/A 

Cultural N/A 

Vegetation/Ecological N/A 

Comments 

 Previously evaluated in the 1976 Bruneau Wild and Scenic River Study and deemed ineligible due to 

the lack of recreational values 

 The Jarbidge River downstream from the confluence with the Jarbidge River, East Fork was 

recommended as suitable, with a tentative classification as wild, in the 1976 Bruneau Wild and 

Scenic River Study 

 The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest inventoried the upstream portions of this river as eligible 

 Evaluation requested as part of general scoping comments by Idaho Conservation League; evaluation 

of Jarbidge River was specifically requested in scoping comments by Western Watersheds Project 

27
 
 

hT

k e r Cl i ve D

H

k e re Cesuo

Cl arr

e

ree Creek Highway 

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

JARB DI GE 

Spring Creek 

Sanovia Creek 

Buck Cre k 

Deer Creek 

Cedar Creek 

Three Creek 

Hays Canyon 

Big Flat Cree

Hawes Creek 

C ugar Creek A/ rch Canyon 

Axe Creek 

Freighters Defeat 

Co reek 

Cave Creek 

Chimney Creek 

Mud Flat Draw 

Dorsey Creek 

Cowan Ditch 

Wilson Creek 

Deep Creek 

D

Cherry Creek 

Clover Creek 

Axe Handle Creek 

Fawn Creek 

Camas Slough 

Little Spring C er ek 

Deadwood Creek 

Columbet Creek 

EF JARBIDGE 

JARBIDGE 

Cougar Creek 

Tayl ek 

Little House Creek 

Middle Fork Devil Creek 

Cow Creek 

Rattlesnake C eek 

e

Nevada 

Idaho 

93 

20 

T14S, R11E T14S, R12E T14S, R10E T14S, R08E T14S, R09E 

T15S, R09E 

r

a eek ve r

k

T13S, R08E T13S, R09E

o

Miles 

0 6 

Cre

84 20 

26 

30 

T13S, R12E T13S, R10E T13S, R11E 

T15S, R08E 

T15S, R12E T15S, R10E T15S, R11E 

Three
 

Creek
 

or

T16S, R10E Murphy Hot 

T16S, R08E Springs T16S, R11E T16S, R12E

C

Jarbidge River 

28
 
 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, north of Murphy Hot Springs 

River Name 

Segment Description 

Total Stream Length 

Free Flowing? 

Tentative Classification 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, north 

Downstream private boundary of Murphy Hot Springs to Jarbidge River 

confluence 

2.2 miles 

Yes 

Recreational; human development is present and obvious, as many 

Murphy Hot Springs residences exist at the upstream end of this segment. 

Improved gravel road with regular motorized traffic borders the entire 

segment. Developed campsites are present along the segment. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Values 

Scenic N/A 

Recreational N/A 

Geological N/A 

Fish 

Criteria met: habitat quality, diversity of species, value of species, natural 

reproduction. 

The Jarbidge River, East Fork is an isolated watershed and contains a 

natural diversity of native fish species. Compared to other rivers in the 

region, the proportion of native to non-native species is unusually high, as 

there few, if any, non-native species present. Native fish populations in the 

Jarbidge River, East Fork are largely intact, and habitats between 

drainages are still connected. 

The Jarbidge River system contains the southernmost existing population 

of bull trout in North America (USFWS 2004). Bull trout are the only 

species of fish within the planning area that are Federally listed as 

Threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; the Jarbidge River 

contains one of six populations of bull trout identified for recovery. 

Genetic analysis of bull trout in the Columbia River Basin indicates 

Jarbidge River bull trout have a shared evolutionarily history with 

populations in the upper Columbia River and Snake River but are 

genetically distinct. For over 100 years, Jarbidge River bull trout have 

been geographically isolated from other populations in the Snake River by 

more than 150 miles (240 km) of marginally suitable habitat and several 

impassable hydroelectric dams on the Snake River and diversion dams on 

the lower Bruneau River. 

Bull trout in the Jarbidge River are considered significant because they 

occupy a unique and unusual ecological setting and their loss would result 

in a substantial modification of the species’ range. The bull trout in the 

Jarbidge River are unique in that a portion of their habitat is in an area 

categorized as semi-arid desert. The Rocky Mountain juniper dominated 

riparian zone interspersed aspen on BLM portions of the Jarbidge River 

grades into aspen and limber pine on Forest Service land is unique to the 

area. The majority of the other occupied bull trout stream habitat is in 

other coniferous forest types (i.e. Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, and 

others). The segment has spawning, over-wintering, and migratory habitat 

for bull trout. This reach provides a migration corridor between other bull 

29
 
trout bearing streams, and its deeper pools provide important overwintering habitat. 

Wildlife N/A 

Historical N/A 

Cultural N/A 

Vegetation/Ecological N/A 

Comments 

 Previously evaluated in the 1976 Bruneau Wild and Scenic River Study and deemed ineligible due to 

the lack of recreational values 

 The Jarbidge River downstream from the confluence with the Jarbidge River, East Fork was 

recommended as suitable, with a tentative classification as wild, in the 1976 Bruneau Wild and 

Scenic River Study 

 Evaluation requested as part of general scoping comments by Idaho Conservation League; evaluation 

of Jarbidge River, East Fork was specifically requested in scoping comments by Western Watersheds 

Project 

30
 
 

hT

k e r Cl i ve D

H

k e re Cesuo

k eer Cn

S

ree Creek Highway 

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

JARBIDGE 

Spring Creek 

anovia Creek 

Buck Creek 

Deer Creek 

Cedar Creek 

Three Creek 

Hays Canyo

Big Flat Cree

Hawes Creek 

C ugar Creek A/ rch Canyon 

Axe Creek 

Freighters Defeat 

Corral Creek 

Cave Creek 

Chimney Creek 

Mud Flat Draw 

Dorsey Creek 

Cowan Ditch 

Wilson Creek 

Dee reek 

Cherry Creek 

Clover Creek 

Axe Handle Creek 

Faw

Camas Slough 

Little Spring C er ek 

Deadwood Creek 

Columbet Creek 

EF JARBIDGE 

JARBIDGE 

Cougar Creek 

Tayl ek 

Little House Creek 

Middle Fork Devil Creek 

Cow Creek 

Rattlesnake C eek 

e

Nevada 

Idaho 

93 

20 

T13S, R10E T13S, R08E T13S, R09E 

r

T15S, R09E

ee

T14S, R08E T14S, R09E

k Dave C r

o

Miles 

0 6 

Cre

C

k

84 20 

26 

30 

T13S, R12E 

T14S, R12E T14S, R10E 

T15S, R08E 

T15S, R12E T15S, R10E 

or

T16S, R10E Murphy Hot 

T16S, R08E T16S, R09E Springs T16S, R12E

p Jarbidge River, East Fork, 

north of Murphy Hot Springs 

T13S, R11E 

T14S, R11E 

T15S, R11E 

T16S, R11E

n

Three
 

Creek
 

31
 
 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, south of Murphy Hot Springs 

River Name 

Segment Description 

Total Stream Length 

Free Flowing? 

Tentative Classification 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, south 

Jarbidge FO boundary to the upstream private boundary of Murphy Hot 

Springs 

7.4 miles 

Yes 

Wild; there are few or no human developments occurring along this 

segment. Access is very limited and typically only by trail. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Values 

Scenic N/A 

Recreational N/A 

Geological N/A 

Fish 

Criteria met: habitat quality, diversity of species, value of species, natural 

reproduction. 

The Jarbidge River, East Fork is an isolated watershed and contains a 

natural diversity of native fish species. Compared to other rivers in the 

region, the proportion of native to non-native species is unusually high, as 

there few, if any, non-native species present. Native fish populations in the 

Jarbidge River, East Fork are largely intact, and habitats between 

drainages are still connected. 

The Jarbidge River system contains the southernmost existing population 

of bull trout in North America (USFWS 2004). Bull trout are the only 

species of fish within the planning area that are Federally listed as 

Threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; the Jarbidge River 

contains one of six populations of bull trout identified for recovery. 

Genetic analysis of bull trout in the Columbia River Basin indicates 

Jarbidge River bull trout have a shared evolutionarily history with 

populations in the upper Columbia River and Snake River but are 

genetically distinct. For over 100 years, Jarbidge River bull trout have 

been geographically isolated from other populations in the Snake River by 

more than 150 miles (240 km) of marginally suitable habitat and several 

impassable hydroelectric dams on the Snake River and diversion dams on 

the lower Bruneau River. 

Bull trout in the Jarbidge River are considered significant because they 

occupy a unique and unusual ecological setting and their loss would result 

in a substantial modification of the species’ range. The bull trout in the 

Jarbidge River are unique in that a portion of their habitat is in an area 

categorized as semi-arid desert. The Rocky Mountain juniper dominated 

riparian zone interspersed aspen on BLM portions of the Jarbidge River 

grades into aspen and limber pine on Forest Service land is unique to the 

area. The majority of the other occupied bull trout stream habitat is in 

other coniferous forest types (i.e. Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, and 

others). The segment has spawning, over-wintering, and migratory habitat 

for bull trout. This reach provides a migration corridor between other bull 

trout bearing streams, and its deeper pools provide important overwintering habitat. 

32
 
Wildlife N/A 

Historical N/A 

Cultural N/A 

Vegetation/Ecological N/A 

Comments 

 Previously evaluated in the 1976 Bruneau Wild and Scenic River Study and deemed ineligible due to 

the lack of recreational values 

 The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest did not inventory the upstream portions of this river segment 

 Evaluation requested as part of general scoping comments by Idaho Conservation League; evaluation 

of Jarbidge River, East Fork was specifically requested in scoping comments by Western Watersheds 

Project 

33
 
 

k e

H

Three Creek Highway 

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

JARBIDGE 

Spring Creek 

Sanovia Creek 

Buck Creek 

Deer Creek 

Cedar Creek 

Three Creek 

Hays Canyo

Big Flat Cree

Hawes Creek 

C ugar Creek A/ rch Canyon 

Axe Creek 

Freighters Defeat 

Corral Creek 

Cave Creek 

Chimney Creek 

Mud Flat Draw 

Dorsey Creek 

Cowan Ditch 

Wilson Creek 

Dee reek 

Cherry Creek 

Clover Creek 

Axe Handle Creek 

Fawn Creek 

Camas Slough 

Little Spring C er ek 

Deadwood Creek 

Columbet Creek 

EF JARBIDGE 

ouse Creek 

JARBIDGE 

Cougar Creek 

Tayl ek 

Little House Creek 

Middle Fork Devil Creek 

Cow Creek 

Rattlesnake C eek 

Devil Cre

Nevada 

Idaho 

93 

20 

T13S, R10E T13S, R08E T13S, R09E 

r

T15S, R09E

ee

T14S, R08E T14S, R09E

k Dave C r

o

Miles 

0 6 

Cre

C

k

84 20 

26 

30 

T13S, R12E 

T14S, R12E T14S, R10E 

T15S, R08E 

T15S, R12E T15S, R10E 

or

T16S, R10E Murphy Hot 

T16S, R08E T16S, R09E Springs T16S, R12E

p Jarbidge River, East Fork, 

south of Murphy Hot Springs 

T13S, R11E 

T14S, R11E 

T15S, R11E 

T16S, R11E

n

Three
 

Creek
 

34
 
Rocky Canyon Creek 

River Name Rocky Canyon Creek 

Segment Description Headwaters to North Fork, Salmon Falls Creek confluence 

Total Stream Length 1.5 miles 

Free Flowing? Yes 

Tentative Classification Wild; there are few or no human developments occurring along this 

segment. Access is very limited and typically only by trail. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Values 

Scenic N/A 

Recreational N/A 

Geological N/A 

Fish N/A 

Wildlife 

Criteria met: habitat quality 

Rocky Canyon Creek supports a portion of the Great Basin population of 

the Columbia spotted frog, which is a Candidate species. The Great Basin 

population of Columbia Spotted Frogs was determined to warrant listing 

under the Endangered Species Act, but other species have priority at this 

time. Because habitat for spotted frogs throughout the region is highly 

fragmented and discontinuous, loss of any of the existing populations 

would contribute to the need for listing as a threatened or endangered 

species. 

Rocky Canyon Creek represents the easternmost extent of the Owyhee 

Subpopulation within the Great Basin population (Engle 1998). Columbia 

spotted frogs have been documented in seven tributaries in the North Fork 

Salmon Falls Creek watershed (Columbia Spotted Frog Technical Team 

2003). Rocky Canyon appears to be a stronghold for spotted frogs in this 

watershed; the spotted frog population in this segment is a source 

population within this watershed, dispersing young frogs to tributaries 

downstream. The loss of this population could result in spotted frogs being 

extirpated from the North Fork Salmon Falls Creek watershed. 

Rocky Canyon Creek represents the only occupied habitat for Columbia 

spotted frogs in the Jarbidge FO, based on 2004-2005 monitoring. This 

segment contains perennial springs, active, stable beaver ponds, and 

beaked sedge communities providing high quality breeding, rearing, and 

overwintering habitat. In addition to being regionally significant spotted 

frog habitat, this segment contains a large assemblage of sensitive birds, 

including calliope hummingbird, Lewis woodpecker, as well as habitat for 

mountain quail and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. 

Historical N/A 

Cultural N/A 

Vegetation/Ecological N/A 

Comments 

 Not evaluated previously 

 Evaluation requested as part of general scoping comments by Idaho Conservation League and 

Western Watersheds Project 

35
 
Three Creek Highway 

Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

alat Draw 

D

Deer Canyon 

eer Creek 

Three Creek 

Indian Jim Canyon 

Hays Canyon 

Big Flat Cree

Axe Creek 

Spr ni g Creek 

Cave Creek 

Mud Flat Draw Wilson Creek 

Antelope Canyon 

Cherry Creek 

Clover Creek 

Bro ns Creek 

China Creek 

Sa mon Falls Creek 

Cold Springs Creek 

Cedar Creek 

Camas Slough 

Rocky Canyon 

Middle Canyon 

Corral Creek 

House Creek 

Little House Creek 

Devil Creek 

Nevada 

Idaho 

93 

20 

84 20 

26 

30

k

l

T13S, R13E 

T14S, R13E 

M

T15S, R13E 

T16S, R13E 

T13S, R14E 

T13S, R11E T13S, R12E T13S, R10E 

Miles 

T14S, R10E T14S, R11E T14S, R12E T14S, R14E

T15S, R10E T15S, R11E T15S, R12E T15S, R14E 

Three w

Creek 

T16S, R10E T16S, R11E T16S, R12E T16S, R14E

0
 6
 

Rocky Canyon Creek 

36
 
Snake River, Three Island Reach 

River Name 

Segment Description 

Total Stream Length 

(Miles) 

Free Flowing? 

Tentative Classification 

Snake River, Three Island Reach 

King Hill Bridge to Highway 51 Bridge 

25.0 

Yes 

Recreational; human development is present and obvious. This segment 

can be accessed at multiple locations and is sometimes bordered by roads 

or railroads. 

Outstandingly Remarkable Values 

Scenic N/A 

Recreational 

Criteria met: experience quality, access, level of use, attraction, length of 

season. 

This segment of the Snake River is a regionally popular fishing, hunting, 

and sightseeing area. Some form of recreational activity occurs yearround; four-season use is uncommon within the geographic region. There 

are numerous public access points providing for launching of motorized 

and non-motorized boats, nature study, bird watching, wildlife and scenery 

viewing, waterfowl hunting, and bank fishing opportunities. 

Catch-and-release fishing of sturgeon is an unusual recreation experience 

for the region, and visitors come from outside the geographic region for 

this recreational experience. Catching 4- to 7-foot long fish is common, 

and larger fish are not unusual. 

This segment also offers a variety of hunting opportunities for water fowl 

and upland game birds. 

Geological N/A 

Fish 

Criteria met: habitat quality, value of species, abundance of species, 

natural reproduction, size of fish 

White sturgeon are a BLM Sensitive species. This is the largest fish 

species in the Columbia River system. Because of the free-flowing nature 

of this reach, sturgeon are able to reproduce naturally and do not require 

hatchery supplementation to sustain the population. In fact, this is the 

upper-most reach of Snake River with a self-sustaining population. While 

sturgeon habitat in this segment is not the best within its range, this 

segment contains the best sturgeon habitat upstream of the Hells Canyon 

Dam Complex. 

Wildlife N/A 

Historical 

Criteria: significance, education/interpretation, listing/eligibility 

The primary historical significance of this segment of the Snake River is 

its relationship to the Oregon Trail, which is designated as a National 

Historic Trail. A portion of the Oregon Trail directed emigrants across the 

river at Three Island Crossing, which is located within this reach. A reenactment of this crossing occurs annually, providing a significant 

opportunity for education and interpretation. This segment hosts the only 

37
 
crossing re-enactment on the Snake River. 

Cultural 

Criteria: significance, listing/eligibility 

This segment contains large riverside camps and important Native 

American fishing sites, primarily for salmon and steelhead. Several sites 

within this segment are eligible for listing on the National Register. These 

cultural sites are rare and significant in that they are in Federal ownership. 

Most of the cultural sites along the Snake River are on private land. 

Vegetation/Ecological N/A 

Comments 

 Not evaluated previously 

 Evaluation requested as part of general scoping comments by Idaho Conservation League 

 This reach is adjacent to the Three Island Crossing State Park in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, and borders the 

Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area 

38
 
Jarbidge Field Office Boundary 

King Hill Creek 

Little anyon Creek 

SNAKE RIVER 

Y Canal 

Deer Gulch 

Alkali Creek 

Deadman Creek 

Rosevear Gulch 

Cassia Gulch 

Big Pilgrim Gulch 

Sailor Cree

P

k 

ot Hole Creek 

Browns Gulch 

93 

30 

King 

Hill 

20 

84 

84 84 

20 26 

Glenns 

Ferry Hammett 

C

T06S, R07E T06S, R08E T06S, R09E T06S, R10E T06S, R11E T06S, R12E 

T07S, R07E T07S, R08E T07S, R09E T07S, R10E T07S, R11E T07S, R12E

T08S, R07E T08S, R08E

T08S, R12E T08S, R11E T08S, R09E T08S, R10E 

T09S, R07E T09S, R08E T09S, R09E T09S, R10E T09S, R11E T09S, R12E 

0 T10S, R12E6 

Miles 

Snake River, 

Three Island Reach 

39
 
Appendix 1. Jarbidge FO Wild and Scenic Rivers Evaluation Interdisciplinary Team 

Name Title 

BLM Staff 

Aimee Betts Supervisory Natural Resource Specialist 

Richard Bupp Recreation Technician 

Kate Forster Fisheries Biologist 

Sheri Hagwood Botanist 

Amanda Hoffman Writer/Editor 

Jim Klott Wildlife Biologist 

Arnie Pike Supervisory Rangeland Management Specialist 

Bonnie Ross GIS Specialist 

Jeff Ross Archaeologist 

Max Yingst Outdoor Recreation Planner 

Cooperating Agency Representatives 

Mike McDonald Wildlife Biologist (Idaho Department of Fish and Game) 

Kevin Wright Rangeland Management Specialist (Idaho State Department of Agriculture) 

40
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 2. Rivers in the Jarbidge FO Evaluated for Eligibility 

The following rivers within the Jarbidge FO were included in the evaluation for Wild and Scenic River 

eligibility. Where no specific reach is denoted, the entire river, from headwaters to confluence, was 

assessed where it crossed public land within the Jarbidge FO. 

River segments were identified through several sources, which are listed for each river in the table below. 

All perennial and intermittent rivers and streams included on Jarbidge FO GIS layers were included in the 

inventory. The Nationwide Rivers Inventory (USDI National Park Service 2004) and the State of Idaho 

Comprehensive Water Plan are also sources of rivers to evaluate; however, the only rivers included on 

these source lists have already been recommended as suitable. In addition, evaluation of several rivers 

was requested during public scoping for the Jarbidge RMP. Rivers that were studied during previous 

evaluation efforts or are adjacent to eligible segments on adjoining lands were also studied. 

River 

Source for Consideration 

GIS

WWP

ICL

Bruneau

Bennett

Burley

HTNF 

Bear Creek X X X 

Big Flat Creek X X X 

Bruneau River, above Black Rock Crossing X X X X 

Bruneau River, below Hot Creek X X X X 

Bruneau River, East Fork (Clover Creek) X X X 

Buck Creek X X X 

Cedar Creek Reservoir X X 

Cedar Creek, above reservoir X X X 

Cedar Creek, below reservoir X X 

Cherry Creek X X X 

China Creek X X X 

Columbet Creek X X X 

Cougar Creek X X X 

Cougar Point Creek X X X 

Dave Creek X X X 

Deadman Creek (ID) X X 

Deadman Creek (NV) X X X 

Deadwood Creek X X X 

Deep Creek X X X 

Deer Creek (ID) X X X 

Deer Creek (NV) X X X 

Devil Creek X X 

Dorsey Creek X X X 

House Creek X X X 

Jarbidge River X X X X X 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, north of Murphy Hot Springs X X X X 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, south of Murphy Hot Springs X X X X 

Player Creek X X X 

Poison Creek X X X 

41
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

River 

Source for Consideration 

GIS

WWP

ICL

Bruneau

Bennett

Burley

HTNF 

Pole Creek X X X 

Rocky Canyon Creek X X X 

Sailor Creek X X 

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir X X X 

Salmon Falls Creek, below Balanced Rock X X X X 

Salmon Falls Creek, North Fork X X X 

Shack Creek X X X 

Snake River, Three Island Reach X X 

Snake River, Bliss Dam Reservoir X X X 

Snake River, Upper and Lower Salmon Falls Projects X X X 

Spring Creek X X X 

Taylor Creek X X X 

Three Creek X X X 

42
 

GIS: Jarbidge FO GIS stream layer 

WWP: requested in scoping by Western Watersheds Project 

ICL: requested in scoping by Idaho Conservation League 

Bruneau: previously evaluated in Bruneau Wild and Scenic River Study Report (1976) 

Bennett: previously evaluated in Draft Bennett Hills RMP (1991) 

Burley: previously evaluated by the Burley District (1992) 

HTNF: adjacent to eligible segment identified in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Eligibility 

Report (2005) 
Appendix 3. Jarbidge FO Wild and Scenic River Evaluation Worksheet 

Where no specific reach is denoted, the entire river, from headwaters to confluence, was assessed 

where it crossed public land. 

River Free 

flowing? 

Outstandingly 

Remarkable 

Values? 

Eligible? Tentative 

Classification 

Rivers eliminated following November 2006 review 

Bruneau River, below Hot Creek No not evaluated further No N/A 

Cedar Creek Reservoir No not evaluated further No N/A 

Deadman Creek (ID) No not evaluated further No N/A 

Salmon Falls Creek, below 

Balanced Rock No not evaluated further No N/A 

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir No not evaluated further No N/A 

Snake River, Bliss Dam Reservoir No not evaluated further No N/A 

Snake River, Upper and Lower 

Salmon Falls Projects No not evaluated further No N/A 

Bear Creek Yes None No N/A 

Big Flat Creek Yes None No N/A 

Bruneau River, above Black Rock 

Crossing Yes None No N/A 

Bruneau River, East Fork (Clover 

Creek) Yes None No N/A 

Buck Creek Yes None No N/A 

Cedar Creek, above reservoir Yes None No N/A 

Cedar Creek, below reservoir Yes None No N/A 

Cherry Creek Yes None No N/A 

China Creek Yes None No N/A 

Columbet Creek Yes None No N/A 

Cougar Creek Yes None No N/A 

Deadman Creek (NV) Yes None No N/A 

Deadwood Creek Yes None No N/A 

Deep Creek Yes None No N/A 

Deer Creek (ID) Yes None No N/A 

Deer Creek (NV) Yes None No N/A 

Devil Creek Yes None No N/A 

House Creek Yes None No N/A 

Poison Creek Yes None No N/A 

Pole Creek Yes None No N/A 

Sailor Creek Yes None No N/A 

Spring Creek Yes None No N/A 

Taylor Creek Yes None No N/A 

Three Creek Yes None No N/A 

Rivers eliminated following April 2007 review 

Dorsey Creek Yes None No N/A 

Player Creek Yes None No N/A 

Salmon Falls Creek, North Fork Yes None No N/A 

43
 
 

River Free 

flowing? 

Outstandingly 

Remarkable 

Values? 

Eligible? Tentative 

Classification 

(Timber Canyon) 

Shack Creek Yes None No N/A 

Rivers remaining following April 2007 review 

Cougar Point Creek Yes Scenery Yes Wild 

Dave Creek Yes Fish Yes Wild 

Jarbidge River Yes Scenery, Fish Yes Recreational 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, north of 

Murphy Hot Springs Yes Fish Yes Recreational 

Jarbidge River, East Fork, south of 

Murphy Hot Springs Yes Fish Yes Wild 

Rocky Canyon Creek Yes Wildlife Yes Wild 

Snake River, Three Island Reach Yes 

Recreation, Fish, 

Historic Resources, 

Cultural Resources 

Yes Recreational 

44