Southway Bridge Osprey Platform To Move Soon

Idaho Fish & Game taking steps to protect ospreys from nesting hazards

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Last summer, an osprey died after getting tangled in bailing twine used to make its nest on the Southway Bridge in Lewiston, Idaho. In response, Idaho Fish & Game is taking action to relocate the osprey nesting platform to a safer location and gather volunteers to clean up nearby areas of hazardous bailing twine before the birds return for the season.

Why it matters

Ospreys are a protected species, and their nesting areas near the Southway Bridge are an important part of the local ecosystem. The death of an osprey due to human-caused hazards highlights the need for proactive measures to ensure the birds' safety and continued presence in the area.

The details

Idaho Fish & Game has taken down the existing osprey nesting platform on the Southway Bridge and will be moving it to a new location up the hill, at the same height but on a shorter pole. This will make the platform more easily accessible in case of emergency, without the need to shut down traffic on Snake River Avenue. The new platform will be installed by Avista Utilities next week. Additionally, Fish & Game is gathering a team of volunteers to clean up nearby areas known for having bailing twine, a hazard that led to the death of an osprey last year.

  • Last summer, an osprey died after getting tangled in bailing twine used to make its nest.
  • The new osprey nesting platform is expected to be installed next week.

The players

Idaho Fish & Game

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Idaho's wildlife, including the ospreys nesting near the Southway Bridge.

Avista Utilities

The utility company providing the new pole for the relocated osprey nesting platform.

Joel Sauder

An employee of Idaho Fish & Game who is overseeing the relocation of the osprey nesting platform.

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What they’re saying

“Providing a nest is important, because if they don't have a platform ready, they'll be inclined to nest in the nearby electrical equipment.”

— Joel Sauder, Idaho Fish & Game employee (koze.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.