Opinion ID: 1449260
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: the channel 1 issue

Text: With respect to channel 1, Judge Kramer found that Simpson was engaged in filling up that channel (as well as channel 2) between 1968 and 1974 and that but for the filling of those two channels, much of the spring flood waters would have flowed through those channels, and that the quantity of and velocity of the water contained in channel 3 during high water periods would have been significantly diminished but for the closing of those two channels. He further found that the alterations of channels 1 and 2 by Simpson caused the Wood River to be channeled directly against the Campion property, damaging and eroding it and causing the property to be continually exposed in the future to the direct attack of the river. The trial court further found that Simpson's actions were intentional, that they were an interference with the public's right in and to the use of the waters of the Wood River, and the beds, channels and banks thereof, and in finding 16 stated: There was evidence that the Defendant [Simpson] by filling Channel 1 and Channel 2 was engaged in an intentional and systematic scheme of enlarging his land holdings, but the evidence also could be construed to be that the Defendant was protecting his property. Despite its findings, the trial court held that Simpson's filling of channel 1 was not actionable as to Campion because channel 1 was not navigable and was not an integral part of the Wood River because it did not carry a substantial quantity of water the year around. In so ruling the trial court erred. As early as 1911 in Fischer v. Davis, 19 Idaho 493, 498-99, 116 P. 412, 413, this court recognized that [a] riparian owner of lands abutting upon a stream has no right to place obstructions out into the stream for the purpose of changing the natural course of the river, or for any other purpose that would do damage to a riparian owner on the opposite side or to owners of land abutting upon said stream either above or below. This rule was reaffirmed in Milbert v. Carl Carbon, Inc., 89 Idaho 471, 406 P.2d 113 (1965); Harper v. Johannesen, 84 Idaho 278, 371 P.2d 842 (1962); Chandler v. Drainage Dist. no. 2, 68 Idaho 42, 187 P.2d 971 (1947). This court has not limited this rule to navigable rivers. In Milbert v. Carl Carbon, supra , we stated: A riparian owner of land abutting upon a stream, whether navigable or non-navigable, has the right to place such barriers as will prevent his land from being overflowed or damaged by the stream, and for the purpose of keeping the same within its natural channel. A riparian owner, however, has no right to place obstruction into the stream for the purpose of changing the natural channel of the stream, or for any other purpose, that would do damage to the riparian owner on the opposite side or to owners of land abutting upon the stream either above or below. Boise Development Company v. Idaho Trust & Savings Bank, 24 Idaho 36, 133 P. 916 (1913); Fischer v. Davis, 19 Idaho 493, 116 P. 412 (1911). (Emphasis added.) 89 Idaho 478. Channel 1 was a natural part of the stream system. Since the trial court found that Simpson placed an obstruction in the stream system which partially blocked it and diverted the waters against Campion's property causing damage thereto, Simpson's wrongful acts give rise to a cause of action for which Campion is entitled to damages.