Five experts in salmon and orcas addressed PNW governors, policymakers, and members of Congress in a letter on February 20th. The letter provided a concise review of the best available science on the relationship between the Lower Snake River dams, Chinook salmon recovery, and Southern Resident population of orcas.

Our River Talk series returned for the 2020 season with a talk by Steve Steubner at Idaho River Sports on February 18th. Steve is an avid hiker, mountain biker, and whitewater enthusiast…

Idaho River United was joined by Friends of the Clearwater at Salmon River Brewery in McCall for a River RAT Workshop (River Advocacy Training) last Thursday, February 20th. Over 20 people attended the workshop, which included an overview of the proposed Nez Perce Clearwater Forest Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and tips for engaging in advocacy.

SEATTLE—In a letter to the Governors of Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana, energy company and conservation community leaders called on elected officials across the Pacific Northwest to prioritize collaborative solutions to address the issues surrounding the Lower Snake River, including the long-term decline of salmon and steelhead populations.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown sent a letter to Washington Governor Jay Inslee on February 11th emphasizing removal of the Lower Snake River dams as the necessary long-term solution for salmon recovery.

January saw political processes related to salmon recovery resume in both Idaho and Washington. 

Late last December, Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s office released a draft Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report. The report contained major takeaways gained from a months-long interview process. Interviewees provided differing responses to questions on what dam breaching would…

Last Thursday, 1/17, 36 people attended Idaho Rivers United’s Salmon Advocacy Workshop at Payette Brewing. The workshop focused on the history of the Lower Snake River, Idaho’s salmon and steelhead, and ways to engage in grassroots advocacy for salmon and steelhead restoration.

Originally published in the McCall Star News, January 19, 2020, 54TH YEAR, NO. 10, pg.4. Click Here to subscribe,

BY TOR ANDERSEN

There was a time when I thought the Stibnite Gold Project may be favorable for Valley County. After all, the proposed location is a previously impacted mine site and is predicted to create many jobs. However, we need to take a closer look at what the Stibnite Gold Project really has to offer.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on December 20th was an important victory for Idaho’s salmon and steelhead. This ruling ensures that federal environmental regulators will be forced to uphold the standards outlined in the Clean Water Act and lower water temperatures in the Columbia River.

Treasure Valley residents will feel the impacts of low steelhead runs in their own backyard this year. For the first time in 20 years, Boise locals won’t have the chance to reel in a steelhead on the Boise River. 

Echoing last year’s trends, the 2019 steelhead runs are reaching historic lows at roughly 40% of the 10-year average.

Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed drastic changes to the implementation of  Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Idaho Rivers United worked with our coalition partners to review and submit comments on the proposed rule changes.

The Governor’s Salmon Work Group returned to Boise November 19th for their latest meeting. A condensed one day format began with discussions on the essential need for public comment opportunity at future meetings, something curiously not afforded to the public this time.