People of the South Fork Salmon
Sense of place is about finding connection in the world. The people pictured and quoted here have nurtured an intimate connection with the South Fork of the Salmon River, a place threatened by new mining activity at its headwaters.
Study finds energy from lower Snake dams easily replaceable
A study released today by the NW Energy Coalition shows electricity produced by the lower Snake River dams can easily and affordably be replaced.
Appeals court upholds crucial spill for Idaho’s salmon
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Idaho salmon advocates, the Nez Perce Tribe and a dozen others with its ruling to uphold increased spill that would assist with salmon and steelhead survival as they migrate to the Pacific Ocean. With salmon and steelhead runs at historical lows, making safe passage for baby fish is critical.
Poll shows 4 out of 5 Washington voters want to prevent salmon extinction
A public opinion poll of Washington state voters says four out of five Washington state voters believe preventing extinction of wild salmon is very important.
Salmon-Challis collecting comments on Wild and Scenic through May 4
The Salmon-Challis National Forest is continuing to collect public input on rivers and streams it deems eligible for inclusion in the national Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The forest is accepting public comments through May 4.
Survey: Where should historic Salmon River bridge be rebuilt?
The U.S. Forest Service is proposing to rebuild Stoddard Pack Bridge near Middle Fork of the Salmon River's confluence in one of two locations. Please participate in our short survey to let us know which site you prefer.
On the Edge: wild Clearwater B-run steelhead teeter on the precipice
A longtime resident of north Idaho's Clearwater country, Linwood Laughy has watched the decline of the basin's once-prolific B-run steelhead. He discusses watching the dramatic decline.
Public opinion strongly against new mine at Stibnite
The Payette National Forest on February 2 released a summary of the 536 public scoping comments it collected regarding the Midas Gold Stibnite Project. A majority of comments expressed concern. A noteworthy percentage highlight serious apprehensions for environmental quality, human health, and wildlife and species conservation on the forest.
New IRU program aims to empower students
A new Idaho Rivers United program will show students they can make a difference in their local communities and for their local rivers.
What Rivers Mean to Me: IRU Conservation Associate Ava Isaacson
IRU Conservation Associate Ava Isaacson spins some beautiful, relevant prose about why she loves a river for our periodic column: What Rivers Mean to Me.
CuMo mine exploration raises lots of questions for downstream residents
Approximately 200 people attended a meeting at Payette Brewing in Boise to learn more about the CuMo Project and potential impacts from mine exploration and development. The meeting was hosted by local and statewide conservation groups.
Salmon to benefit from new 2018 spill regime
U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon yesterday approved a plan for increased spill at eight dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The plan was developed in response to the court’s April 2017 order requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to spill more water through spillways (as opposed to through turbines) to boost survival of endangered salmon and steelhead.
Lower Snake River commerce hits all-time low
The lower Snake River between Pasco, Wash., and Lewiston, Idaho, is first and foremost a shipping channel dammed in the 1960s and 1970s to make the water deep enough so that barges could safely navigate the canyon. The market, however, has decided against water-borne commerce on the lower Snake River. Shipping there peaked in the late 1990s and has been on a steady decline ever since. That trend continued in 2017.
2017 Year in Review
Fighting for river protections can sometimes feel like an upstream paddle. It’s easy to lose sight of the long-range vision and difference we’re making while working hard for small victories along the way. For that reason and more, compiling an annual review of our year’s challenges and accomplishments offers a much-needed window for reflection and an opportunity to plan for work ahead.