Idaho Rivers Conservation Fund
Small Change. Healthy Rivers. Lasting Impact.
Rivers are the lifeblood of Idaho. They carve our canyons, fuel our weekend adventures, filter our drinking water, and sustain our incredible wildlife. Whether you are a boater, an angler, or simply someone who loves enjoying a local craft beer brewed with pure Idaho water, our rivers shape our way of life.
As more people fall in love with Idaho’s iconic waterways, pressure on these fragile ecosystems grows. To ensure our rivers remain clean, free-flowing, and wild for generations to come, Idaho Rivers United has launched a new initiative: The Idaho Rivers Conservation Fund.
Inspired by successful conservation funds worldwide that protect wildlife, this fund connects the people who love Idaho directly to the waters that sustain us.
How It Works: Small Change, Massive Impact
We are partnering with forward-thinking, river-dependent Idaho businesses–outfitters, gear shops, and local guides–to create a sustainable, community-driven funding source for river protection.
Micro-Contribution: When you rent gear from a participating business, a nominal fee (think of it as a "river tax" you can actually feel good about) is added to your purchase.
100% Dedicated: Every single cent collected goes directly into the Idaho Rivers Conservation Fund.
Local Action: Idaho Rivers United stewards these funds, deploying them directly into critical protection and advocacy programs across the state.
Just a fraction of your weekend gear rental pools together with thousands of others to fund major, statewide conservation efforts.
Partners for Change
Idaho River Sports is a longtime collaborator with IRU. They specialize in retail and rental of high quality watercraft and gear in the heart of Boise only a stone’s from the river. Their team is dedicated to promoting the joy of being on water and enabling everyone in the Treasure Valley to get out and enjoy Idaho’s rivers.
Are You a Business Owner? Partner With Us!
If you run an Idaho business and believe that healthy communities rely on healthy rivers, joining the Idaho Rivers Conservation Fund is a powerful way to take a stand. It shows your customers that your business doesn't just benefit from Idaho's natural beauty—you actively protect it.Modern consumers want to support brands and local businesses that give back to the places they love, and joining the Idaho Rivers Conservation Fund program will show your commitment to protecting our state’s most precious resource.
Have questions about the fund or want to get your business involved? Contact our Volunteer and Engagement Manager Lindsey Paynter.
Where your money goes
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PROTECT & RESTORE RIVERS
Our rivers are one of Idaho’s most cherished assets and should remain protected, healthy, and wild. We work to increase river protections throughout the state through increasing Idaho’s Wild & Scenic River designations, water policy, education, and advocacy.
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WILD FISH PROTECTION & RECOVERY
For over three decades, IRU has been the leading voice for Idaho’s wild fish, with most of our efforts focused on our declining salmon and steelhead. We work to protect and recover Idaho’s wild fish through advocacy, policy work, engaging with our leaders, community education, and partnerships.
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ENSURE CLEAN WATER ACCESS
We’re committed to protecting the health of our waterways state-wide. Clean water is vital to the health and vitality of our communities and ecosystems. We work to improve the health of our rivers through urban river initiatives, minimizing the impacts of development on rivers, and community engagement. We also do this through hydropower reform work.