HABITAT -- Shade from trees and shrubs is often essential to keeping water temperatures in Idaho forest streams cool enough for healthy fish and other aquatic species.

Many stream organisms also benefit from the deep pools created in streams when large logs fall into the stream.

The Idaho Forest Practices Act recently created new rules to ensure adequate shade and future organic debris recruitment to streams.

University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of Lands are offering “Forest Stream Protection Twilight Tours” to help participants learn how trees provide shade and debris to streams and how to interpret and apply new FPA regulations related to these trees.

A tour based out of Bonners Ferry will depart July 9 at 3 p.m. from the Boundary County Fairgrounds and will be completed by 7 p.m.

Similar tours will be offered in Moscow on June 30 and Santa on July 16.

Cost: $10,covers handouts and refreshments.

Pre-register at the University of Idaho Extension Office in Boundary County by July 2.

Call (208) 267-3235.

Info:  http://www.uidaho.edu/extension/forestry.