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.

The work of protecting and defending Idaho’s rivers is bigger than any one organization or person can accomplish. At this year’s annual Auction for the Rivers, IRU recognized eight individuals and/or organizations who have gone above and beyond in their defense of Idaho’s rivers and fish.

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.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers act protects 12,734 miles of the nation’s rivers, but it’s a cornerstone federal environmental law with distinctly Idaho roots.

Ninety-nine years ago today the Idaho Statesman published this article about the contribution salmon abundance makes to Idaho’s economy and well being.

On the banks of Payette Lake, I stood beside land owners, business owners, anglers, kayakers, hunters, boaters, teachers, tribal members and my 5-month old nephew. Myself, and over 200 people on September 1, gathered for the Rally for the South Fork Salmon. We raised our proud, clear voices in uneasy opposition for the Midas Gold Stibnite Project. We spoke our truths, truths which haven’t been tarnished by the Midas dollar.

A column from IRU Executive Director Kevin Lewis.

A Puget Sound orca in late July brought the plight of endangered killer whales to the national and international spotlights when a grieving mother swam with her dead calf on her nose for a week or more. The tragedy was broadcast widely, but one of the underlying causes of the decline of Puget Sound killer whales—the decline of Columbia and Snake river salmon—was practically nonexistent in those stories.

Earl Dodds served as Big Creek District Ranger on the Payette National Forest for more than 25 years. He writes here about Midas Gold an the need for the communities of west central Idaho to push back.

Now in its fourth year, the Free the Snake Flotilla has become a popular fall event for people from around the Pacific Northwest. Join the Flotilla Sept. 7 and 8.

Midas Gold is advancing its work to make partners out of west central Idaho communities and has offered to create a trust in an apparent bid for political support. According to a McCall City Council agenda, Midas is focusing its efforts on McCall, Cascade, Council, Donnelly, New Meadows, Riggins and the village of Yellow Pine, as well as Adams, Idaho and Valley counties; and the West Central Mountains Community Partnership—basically every municipality in proposed mine’s direct area of impact.

Since early May IRU Conservation Associate Ava Isaacson has traveled to every corner of Idaho meeting with dozens of outfitters and hundreds of raft guides. The point of this far-reaching two months of intensive work is to teach the teachers, who collectively have the ability to reach thousands of people in the course of a summer season.