A special letter from IRU's departing Executive Director: "Leave it better than you found it"by Nic Nelson
Nic running Snowhole rapid on the Lower Salmon River on the IRU trip he planned. Photo credit: IRU staff
Leave it better than you found it – an ethos I have tried to abide by regardless of the situation, and my ultimate goal for my time at Idaho Rivers United. In East of Eden, John Steinbeck writes this passage that predates and propels our best and worst impulses into one line, “Have I done well – or ill?” There’s so much gravity in that sentence. A question that begets an answer; reflection asking for a pause. We exist in a world that is constantly evolving, constantly asking us to produce more, to keep building and expanding, without asking the question of what is good and what isn’t, especially for our rivers. This is why IRU is so incredibly important. What I’ve appreciated the most about IRU, more than any other organization I’ve been a part of, is the foundation in science, coupled with the desire to ask, is it good; is it whole; is it pure; is it honest; and is it true. We understand that we won’t win every fight to save each river, yet the resilience to continue to try persists.
Like the terminus of the Middle Fork into the Main Salmon, even the greatest journeys come to an end. However, in much the same way as a confluence, the waters converge and create a greater flow; the impact of the tributary diminishes over time, but its importance remains forever. When I started writing this piece, I wanted to reflect on the impact I have made to Idaho Rivers United but realized – rather quickly – that my importance to IRU, while impactful, is de minimis. IRU is so much greater than one single person and will continue to be the same, incredibly effective river champion whether I’m at the helm or not. Regardless, I will be departing knowing that IRU is still made up of the greatest staff of ardent river advocates with an incoming Executive Director whose talents surpass my own.
Instead, what I kept noticing was the indelible impact that IRU has had on me. My resolve for safeguarding and protecting rivers is greater now than it has ever been, but the person that departs is far different than the person that started here five years ago. I will depart IRU as a more empathetic person, a more selfless individual, a better listener, and a better steward of our wild places. I am more appreciative of the cadre of river advocates across the state and region. I understand more wholeheartedly the importance every stretch of river or stream can have to someone and for different reasons. I’ve heard the old adage that I came for the cause, but I stayed for the people, but IRU has shown me that the two are one and the same. Our rivers are part of the very essence of each of us who love and safeguard our rivers. The people and the cause are the same.
Idaho Rivers United will always be an important part of my soul – I have my own form of quantum entanglement with IRU, that even though we are disconnected, it will still affect me across distance and time. However, my distance from the organization won’t be far. While June 1st will be my last day as “trip leader” for the most incredible river journey of all time, there is no doubt that I will continue alongside my fellow crew members rowing a support boat. The work at Idaho Rivers United has been and will always be the most important work I’ve ever been part of. I hope to see you on the river.
For our rivers,
Nic
