Avista Corp has won a National Hydropower Association (NHA) stewardship award for its recreation resource management plan for the Clark Fork river project in Idaho and Montana, US.

The plan was drawn up as part of the licensing process for Clark Fork, which includes the Noxon Rapids and the Cabinet Gorge hydro power facilities. The programme was the result of collaboration between Avista and groups including the US Forest Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Idaho Parks and Recreation.

With the aim of making all recreational facilities at the project site accessible, the plan has already brought about improvements to 19 recreation sites along reservoirs and the lower river. Other improvements range from better signage to complete reconstruction.

The news marks the fifth year in a row that Avista has been selected for an NHA stewardship award.