\\ When you have a tourist-based economy, if the ecosystem isn’t healthy, then the community suffers,” Meyers noted. “Hunters come here for the big bucks, but if the forage is depleted, the animals won’t stay, and the hunters won’t come either. // Jared Meyers
Native plants that were once suppressed by cheatgrass quickly reclaim their space once the invasive grass is removed. Meyers added, “The native plants just get the chance to do their thing, especially in the first couple of years after treatment.” As a result, not only are cheatgrass levels reduced, but native wildflowers and grasses return, creating a healthier ecosystem for wildlife. The Road Ahead The restoration work in the Salmon River Valley is far from over, but the collaborative efforts of the BLM, NRCS, MDF, and IDFG are already making a difference. As cheatgrass is removed and native plants return, wildlife populations are expected to rebound, benefiting hunters, ranchers, and tourists alike. Shallow and her team are committed to continuing this work, identifying new areas for restoration and expanding their efforts. “Neighbors talk, and when they see the positive results, they want the same for their land,” Shallow said. The collaborative model they’ve developed could serve as a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges. “Start with a pilot project,” Rieth advised. “It’s worked out very well for us.” Meyers stressed the importance of prioritizing invasive species with the greatest economic and ecological impact, while also leveraging grants to fund conservation efforts. Shallow, Rieth and Meyers agree that working together is an effective way to restore the landscape of the Salmon River Valley and improve conditions for the big game that make their home there. In the end, resilient wildlife populations do indeed require resilient habitats — and the collaborative work in Idaho’s Salmon River Valley shows that it’s possible to protect both.
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