Stream Channel Protection Program

The Idaho Stream Channel Protection Act requires that the stream channels of the state and their environment be protected against alteration for the protection of fish and wildlife habitat, aquatic life, recreation, aesthetic beauty and water quality. This means IDWR must approve in advance any work being done within the beds and banks of a continuously flowing stream.

What Is Covered By The Act

In general terms, the Stream Channel Protection Act applies to any type of alteration work, including recreational dredge mining, done inside the ordinary high water marks of a continuously flowing stream.

The Act requires that you first get a stream channel alteration permit from IDWR before you begin any work that will alter the stream channel.

A stream channel alteration is defined as any activity that will obstruct, diminish, destroy, alter, modify, relocate or change the natural existing shape or direction of water flow of any stream channel. This includes taking material out of the channel or placing material or structures in or across the channel where the potential exists to affect flow in the channel.

Permit Information

How To Get A Stream Channel Alteration Permit - It typically takes about 60 days (after submitting an application) before your permit is issued.

Emergency Permits - Battling flood conditions? Obtain a permit quickly.

Recreational Dredge Mining Permits - Get your permit before looking for gold.

Note: Stream channel alteration projects may also require you to obtain permits under Federal laws administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Selecting the following link will take you to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulatory information page to help you make that determination.

Rules

Rules Governing Stream Channel Alterations[PDF] 36 pages.

Permits & Applications

Read the instructions carefully before filling out the forms. Mail or fax your request to the nearest address on the form (or see our locations page).

Joint Application For Stream Channel Alteration Permit.[PDF]
This joint application is from Idaho Department of Water Resources, Corps of Engineers, and Idaho Department of Lands.

Joint Application for Permits Applicant Information

Emergency Permit[PDF]
Be sure to send ALL pages of the form when you apply. A fee is generally not be required for emergency permit applications.