29 years of protecting the rivers you love

Idaho Rivers United is a conservation organization representing all who love the freedom, adventure and solitude of Idaho's rivers. Our mission is to protect and restore the rivers of Idaho.

Since our founding in 1990, IRU has become a powerful force for safeguarding Idaho's imperiled wild steelhead and salmon, protecting and enhancing stream flows and riparian areas, and defending and promoting the wild and scenic qualities of our wild rivers. Our supporters are river lovers who work together to keep Idaho's rivers healthy and flourishing for generations to come.

Events

News

Recent News
Speak up: Ask the Forest Service to Protect the Main Payette in Banks!
Speak up: Ask the Forest Service to Protect the Main Payette in Banks!

Did you know that the Main Payette is an eligible Wild and Scenic River? Ask the Forest Service to protect its outstandingly remarkable values in Banks by March 2nd!

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Updates in Politics and Policy: As Draft EIS for Columbia-Snake River release date approaches, calls throughout PNW for bold leadership and solutions increase
Updates in Politics and Policy: As Draft EIS for Columbia-Snake River release date approaches, calls throughout PNW for bold leadership and solutions increase

As the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Columbia River Systems Operations approaches, voices throughout the region are asking leaders for meaningful action and solutions that will restore salmon and steelhead and protect Lower Snake River stakeholders.

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Scientists Address PNW Policymakers, Member of Congress: Restoration of the Lower Snake River is Required to Save Salmon and Orcas
Scientists Address PNW Policymakers, Member of Congress: Restoration of the Lower Snake River is Required to Save Salmon and Orcas

Five experts in salmon and orcas addressed PNW governors, policymakers, and members of Congress in a letter on February 20th. The letter provided a concise review of the best available science on the relationship between the Lower Snake River dams, Chinook salmon recovery, and Southern Resident population of orcas.

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River Talk Recap: Steve Steubner at Idaho River Sports
River Talk Recap: Steve Steubner at Idaho River Sports

Our River Talk series returned for the 2020 season with a talk by Steve Steubner at Idaho River Sports on February 18th. Steve is an avid hiker, mountain biker, and whitewater enthusiast…

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River RAT Recap: Nez Perce Clearwater Workshop in McCall
River RAT Recap: Nez Perce Clearwater Workshop in McCall

Idaho River United was joined by Friends of the Clearwater at Salmon River Brewery in McCall for a River RAT Workshop (River Advocacy Training) last Thursday, February 20th. Over 20 people attended the workshop, which included an overview of the proposed Nez Perce Clearwater Forest Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and tips for engaging in advocacy.

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For Immediate Release: Energy And Conservation Leaders Call On Elected Officials To Prioritize Urgent Snake River Issues
For Immediate Release: Energy And Conservation Leaders Call On Elected Officials To Prioritize Urgent Snake River Issues

SEATTLE—In a letter to the Governors of Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana, energy company and conservation community leaders called on elected officials across the Pacific Northwest to prioritize collaborative solutions to address the issues surrounding the Lower Snake River, including the long-term decline of salmon and steelhead populations.

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Connect With Us

Recent Instagram Pics

IRU is in DC! We're excited to spend this week in our capital with Gary Lane (Riggins Guide and Outfitter) and Tony Jones (Economist) working with our elected officials and advocating for salmon, steelhead, and Idaho's rivers. We're talking about issues ranging from the Lower Snake River dams to fighting to protect the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, and NEPA process. Stay tuned for a recap of our trip next week!
Join us Thursday at @PowderhausBrew for a River RAT workshop on the Nez-Perce Clearwater Forest Plan. Learn about the proposed changes and how to use your voice to impact policy. Find out more: https://www.idahorivers.org/new-events/2020/2/27river-rat-nez-perce-clearwater-forest-plan-workshop
McCall - see you TONIGHT 6pm at @salmonriverbrewery for a River RAT (River Advocacy Training) workshop! @wildclearwater and IRU will talk about the proposed Nez Perce Clearwater proposed management plan and how you can get involved. See you there!
See you TONIGHT for a River Talk at @idahoriversports featuring adventure author and river enthusiast Steve Stuebner! Come early for refreshments provided by Idaho River Sports! https://www.idahorivers.org/new-events/2020/2/18/river-talk-steve-stuebner
Happy President's Day! We hope you'll celebrate our presidents today out on the river with one of their favorite activities! Check out these 6 Presidents who loved fishing: https://www.hukgear.com/blogs/news/44239107-6-u-s-presidents-who-loved-fishing
McCall - Join us for a River RAT (River Advocacy Training) workshop next Thursday, Feb 20th at @salmonriverbrewery! We'll talk about the proposed Nez Perce Clearwater proposed management plan and how you can get involved. See you there!
Join us next Tuesday, Feb 18th for a River Talk at @idahoriversports featuring adventure author and river enthusiast Steve Stuebner! He will share insight on the Owyhee area and adventures on our rivers. Come early for refreshments thanks to Idaho River Sports! https://www.idahorivers.org/new-events/2020/2/18/river-talk-steve-stuebner
McCall - you have a chance to learn about the USFS proposed management plan for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest! Head over to the Forest Service Supervisor Office at 5:00pm TONIGHT for their open house!
U.S. Representatives Betty McCullom (D-MN) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME), who serve as chair and vice-chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee with oversight of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), along with four of their House colleagues, sent a letter criticizing the USFS decision regarding British Columbia-based Midas Gold’s proposed open pit, cyanide-leach gold mine in central Idaho. Read about it here: https://earthworks.org/media-releases/u-s-representatives-decry-political-interference-over-controversial-idaho-mine/ See the letter: https://mccollum.house.gov/sites/mccollum.house.gov/files/documents/20.0127%20USFS%20joint%20letter.pdf
Tonight, 5pm-7pm, you have a chance to speak up Idaho's salmon and steelhead! The Governors Salmon Working Group is holding a public comment session at the Lincoln Auditorium in the Idaho State Capitol Building: 700 W. Jefferson St. Boise, Idaho 83720. It's a great opportunity to simply listen and learn more and Idaho's salmon and steelhead issue, so show up for salmon! More information: https://www.idahocountyfreepress.com/outdoors/governor-s-salmon-workgroup-meetings-calendar-announced/article_befaf690-374b-11ea-b625-f7f502638054.html
See you TONIGHT at @PayetteBrewing for our workshop on using your voice for salmon! Find out more here: https://www.idahorivers.org/new-events/2020/1/8/salmon-advocacy
"The scope and scale of past mining in the district pales in comparison to the current proposal. Even under good stewardship, large-scale open-pit mining creates environmental risks and challenges that are impossible to accurately predict... There will be years of daily blasting echoing through mountain valleys. There will be permanent massive scars from the pits and tailings, with the ever-present risk of contaminates flowing downriver." - Tor Anderson Originally published by McCall Star News, December 19th 2019 edition, pg 4 Read More: https://www.idahorivers.org/newsroom/2020/1/8/mccallstar12192020stibnite
Join us at @PayetteBrewing this Thursday to learn more about using your voice for salmon! Find out more here: https://www.idahorivers.org/new-events/2020/1/8/salmon-advocacy
Join us next Thursday, Jan 16th at @PayetteBrewing to learn more about using your voice for salmon! Find out more here: https://www.idahorivers.org/new-events/2020/1/8/salmon-advocacy
The new year is almost here! Kick off 2020 with an investment in Idaho's rivers! By making a tax deductible End-of-Year donation to Idaho Rivers United, you are helping to ensure our rivers have a healthy and protected future: https://www.idahorivers.org/give