UNITED: Streamtech Boats partners with IRU, builds boats, art that fuel conservation
"United: (verb) come or bring together for a common purpose or action”, Oxford Languages.
Idaho Rivers United's work for the last thirty years to protect and restore the rivers and fisheries has always been assisted and improved through united partnerships from our members and businesses. We are excited to highlight these partnerships and share their efforts in helping to fulfill our mission. These business partnerships and memberships are imperative to Idaho Rivers United's continual work.
Over the last decade, there has been a shift in business priorities to go green and become more eco-friendly. For Link Jackson, owner of Streamtech Boats, protecting rivers and fish was embedded in his plan to pursue his passion of creating fishing boats.
Streamtech Boats began in 1997 when Link developed an inflatable river drift boat that was maneuverable for precision fishing. Initially built for personal fishing enjoyment, it evolved into a business. Since then, Link has added his other passion to his boat business - art. His fish artwork enhances his boats and products and has become an avenue to protect rivers and wild fish.
When Link began his business, he sought out a local company with shared values, Maravia, to build his boats. Working with a local company was an instrumental step for developing exceptional boats and helped ensure a smaller carbon footprint. Over the years, Maravia has partnered with Link to bring his artwork to life by incorporating it into several products, such as a top-quality inflatable drift boat with original artwork, demonstrating the beauty and essence of Idaho's wild fish. Link's artwork has also appeared on Sawyer oars, sides of his Streamtech boats, stickers, and other merchandise that helps raise money for conservation groups protecting rivers and fish.
According to Link, leveraging his artwork to raise money for conservation organizations was his way of "weaponizing" his art in the fight to protect and restore salmon and steelhead. Link's artwork also reminds us of the beauty of these fascinating creatures, and that keeping our rivers clean, clear, and free-flowing is essential to their survival and recovery.
Link was happy to hear about the Columbia Basin Initiative, a proposal from Congressman Simpson (ID-R), that would breach the lower Snake River dams for salmon restoration. "IRU is deeply involved in attempting to save the anadromous salmon and steelhead in the Snake River basin from extinction," said Link. "I have been deeply moved by this effort and support several organizations that contribute to saving these fish."
Link's actions, art, and statements exemplify a partnership that takes creative and bold action for salmon and river restoration. We are grateful for his efforts and his collaborative work.
Partnerships like this are a unique way of uniting us and facilitating change, conversations, and action to protect our precious water and fish.