At the request of three North Idaho legislators, the Idaho Water Resources board has filed water rights applications to establish minimum flows on four streams in the Clearwater River Basin.

If approved by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, the minimum stream flows would apply to segments of the North Fork and Little North Fork Clearwater River, Cayuse Creek and Kelly Creek.

Sen. Marguerite McLaughlin and Reps. Charles Cuddy and June Judd of District 7 petitioned the board for the water rights. They argued that the minimum stream flows were necessary to protect the outstanding values of the waterways for fish and wildlife habitat, aquatic life, recreation, aesthetic beauty and water quality.

Because the flow rights won’t remove any water from the river, they will not have an impact on downstream users, except to help ensure the water is available.

, DataTimes