Fall 2018 semester, IRU was fortunate to work with Boise State University’s Service Learning Program. We coordinated with Professor Mari Rice’s Environmental Studies class to recruit passionate students to join IRU for a semester. Over the course of the semester, students researched conservation policy, assisted in our education program, and created helpful communication tools we plan to implement over the next several months. These eight students surpassed our expectations.

Idaho Rivers United encourages the Idaho Fish and Game Commission to move quickly to reopen steelhead fishing while awaiting a final permit from NOAA.

Idaho Rivers United teamed up with BSU Environmental Studies students to create river education projects that engaged over 330 students in the Treasure Valley.

IRU had the privilege of working with eight BSU college students to extend specific communications, policy and education projects. The education program paired up with Boys and Girls Club in both the Meridian and Garden City locations.  

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.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission recently closed Idaho’s steelhead season effective December 9, 2018. This is a challenging issue as we value our friends and supporters. We also realize that Idahoans make a good portion of their living from steelhead guiding during the lean winter months. Equally challenging is the deplorable state of Idaho’s wild salmon and steelhead species. We are now in year three of a dramatic downturn of returns and next year could be even worse. Idaho Rivers United would like to offer some clarification about this decision and what it means for Idaho’s communities and fish.

On November 13, the City of McCall concluded their three-part series on the proposed Stibnite Gold Project by discussing potential environmental impacts. The evenings panel consisted of Midas Gold, American Mining Association, The Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Rivers United, NOAA Fisheries, Idaho Conservation League and the Idaho Department of Water Resources. The following piece was delivered at the final lecture by Conservation Associate, Ava Isaacson.

Idaho’s salmon and steelhead are on the brink of extinction, and it is time for Idaho to reclaim leadership and be a voice for our dying fish. This January, along with a variety of stakeholders, IRU aims to drop 5,000 postcards on governor elect Brad Little’s desk as a resounding statement from voters that our native species matter to us and we demand that Idaho take back leadership for our salmon and steelhead policy. Use your voice now.

The Bureau of Reclamation is considering raising Anderson Ranch Dam on the South Fork of the Boise River. A Nov. 8 open house will be a chance to learn more and ask questions.

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.