Despite more than $16 billion in federal spending, salmon and steelhead returns in 2018 are as bad as they’ve ever been. Meanwhile, Idaho’s lame duck governor has committed the Gem State to more of the same misguided federal policy. Click through to see how 2018’s returns stack up.

IRU joins national river organizations to protest Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest planning process that seeks to dismiss candidate Wild and Scenic rivers.

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.