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The rivers in Idaho are incomparable. Over 93,000 miles of rivers and streams flow through the state--providing drinking water, recreation, hydroelectric power and crucial habitat for fish and a number of other species.
Idaho rivers have a dramatic impact on our economy, biodiversity and daily lives:
- Idaho has over 3100 miles of whitewater suitable for rafting, kayaking or canoeing.
- Idaho rivers are home to 19 species of fish that are listed as endangered, threatened, or of "special concern."
- 420,000 anglers annually fish on Idaho rivers.
- 577 miles of Idaho rivers are currently designated as National Wild, Scenic or Recreational Rivers.
- 2000 miles of Idaho rivers are designated as State Protected Rivers due to the efforts of Idaho Rivers United.
- Over 400 miles of Idaho's Rivers have minimum streamflow water rights which help protect fish, wildlife, water quality, and recreational values.
- Idaho water produces nearly 1/3 of the US potato crop.
- There are over 232 major dams and 777 major irrigation diversions on Idaho rivers.
- Idaho hydropower generates enough electricity for 320,000 to 340,000 all-electric homes built to energy efficient standards (or 175,000 built to the present state standard).
No one wants to see Idaho rivers go down the drain, but often, there's a dramatic imbalance between the desires of hydroelectric companies, agribusiness, mining corporations and other entities and the sustainability of our unpolluted rivers and native fish populations.
At Idaho Rivers United, we take a comprehensive look at the many forces that impact rivers and fish, including dams, mining and municipal water use. We legislate to change unsustainable water policy. We initiate local campaigns and have offered grants for water conservation. We strive to place many of Idaho's untouched rivers under state protection or national Wild & Scenic designation. (Hundreds of miles of rivers are now protected by one or both of these programs due to the efforts of IRU.) And, if necessary, we take decisive legal action against forces that threaten the health of our rivers.
To date, we have enjoyed a number of great successes, but with miles of rivers still vulnerable to destructive practices, we need to keep up the fight.
Help protect Idaho's rivers. Keep informed about legislation and actions that impact the rivers in Idaho. Reduce water consumption and use water wise landscaping techniques. And volunteer or become a member of Idaho Rivers United today. |
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