IRU continues work to protect the South Fork of the Salmon River from a large-scale gold mining proposal. The Stibnite Gold Project, proposed by Midas Gold Corporation, is still in the midst of the regulatory process, and we are awaiting the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement sometime in spring 2020.

Some of our local river supporters are also trying hard to pivot their small businesses. We hope we can help just a bit. We hope we can help just a bit. 

Let’s keep working together to keep our communities strong.

While our day to day lives have been radically altered by the spread of COVID-19, the federal government’s DEIS process continues to roll on, largely unchanged.

March 4, 2020 (Seattle, WA)—Instead of taking action to address the hot water crisis killing salmon in the Columbia and Snake rivers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today seeks additional delay.

Did you know that the Main Payette is an eligible Wild and Scenic River? Ask the Forest Service to protect its outstandingly remarkable values in Banks by March 2nd!

As the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Columbia River Systems Operations approaches, voices throughout the region are asking leaders for meaningful action and solutions that will restore salmon and steelhead and protect Lower Snake River stakeholders.

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…