News
Keeping you informed of what IRU is doing is vital to our success. Below is a collection of successes and struggles. Sign up for The Currently and stay up to date with our latest news dropping into your email every month!
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IRU encourages Idaho Fish and Game to reopen steelhead season
Idaho Rivers United encourages the Idaho Fish and Game Commission to move quickly to reopen steelhead fishing while awaiting a final permit from NOAA.
Federal Failures Hurt Idaho
Yesterday, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission reacted to the threat of a possible lawsuit over management of the wild steelhead fishery in Idaho, which has been conducted without proper permits since 2010.
IRU and national allies challenge forest's Wild and Scenic planning
IRU joins national river organizations to protest Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest planning process that seeks to dismiss candidate Wild and Scenic rivers.
IRU and allies win Clean Water Act suit for salmon
A federal court ruled in favor of IRU and our allies today and is forcing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead from hot water.
Idaho conservation groups issue harsh rebuke of Gov. Otter after he signs fish accords committing Idaho to failed federal policy
Idaho conservation groups condemn Gov. Otter’s signing of renewed fish accords. “This governor’s action is a grave, reckless and disrespectful act,” said IRU Executive Director Kevin Lewis.
U.S. House passes HR 3144
The U.S. House of Representatives voted against Idaho’s endangered wild salmon and the families who depend on them today when it voted 225 - 189 to approve a bill overturning a federal judge’s order.
South Fork of the Salmon River among America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2018
The South Fork of the Salmon River in Central Idaho was named today as one of America's Most Endangered Rivers.
Study finds energy from lower Snake dams easily replaceable
A study released today by the NW Energy Coalition shows electricity produced by the lower Snake River dams can easily and affordably be replaced.
Appeals court upholds crucial spill for Idaho’s salmon
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Idaho salmon advocates, the Nez Perce Tribe and a dozen others with its ruling to uphold increased spill that would assist with salmon and steelhead survival as they migrate to the Pacific Ocean. With salmon and steelhead runs at historical lows, making safe passage for baby fish is critical.
CuMo mine exploration raises lots of questions for downstream residents
Approximately 200 people attended a meeting at Payette Brewing in Boise to learn more about the CuMo Project and potential impacts from mine exploration and development. The meeting was hosted by local and statewide conservation groups.
Salmon to benefit from new 2018 spill regime
U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon yesterday approved a plan for increased spill at eight dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The plan was developed in response to the court’s April 2017 order requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to spill more water through spillways (as opposed to through turbines) to boost survival of endangered salmon and steelhead.