Celebrating Earth Month 2019 with Aveda
Aveda is credited with raising over $60 million dollars through their Earth Month program between 1999 and November 2018. Idaho Rivers United is lucky enough to be one of the beneficiaries of Aveda salon efforts in Boise, Twin Falls, Hailey, Pocatello and Idaho Falls. Join us this April to celebrate Earth Month, our partnership with Aveda and the phenomenal people who make it all possible.
Midas Gold Has No Place in the South Fork of the Salmon, No Place in Boise’s North End
On an advertising panel in Boise’s Camel’s Back Park, Midas Gold lays out the attractions of their proposed Stibnite Project located in the headwaters of the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River. The advertisement claims the project will boost Idaho’s economy, provide employment opportunities, and restore fish migration to the nearby rivers and streams. Nowhere on the sign does Midas acknowledge that the Stibnite Project is a massive open-pit gold mining operation that will put a unique and cherished place at risk of losing its wild heart.
Ruling Favors Local South Fork Payette Community over Placer Mining Interests
This week a judge has ruled in favor of the Forest Service in their case against 35 placer mining claims located along the South Fork of the Payette River. The decision signifies a victory for the numerous local outfitters, rafters, kayakers, businesses, and conservation groups that opposed the development of mining activities along this stretch of river.
The Star-News: Attorney general raises questions on Midas Gold agreement
Following a public meeting where Valley County residents expressed to their commissioners a strong opposition to the proposed agreement, Midas withdrew their offer. Moreover, the Idaho Attorney General’s office has raised valid issues regarding Midas Gold’s Stibnite Advisory Council. At IRU, we were leery about this partnership agreement from the very beginning, Assistant Chief Deputy Brian Kane solidified our concerns.
A Dream for Restoring Wild Snake River Salmon and Steelhead
In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr’s 1963 - I Have a Dream Speech, Bert Bowler shares “A Dream for Restoring Wild Snake River Salmon and Steelhead".”
City of McCall tells Midas Gold 'No'
Midas Gold has been working diligently to convince the communities of the West Central Mountains to sign a partnership agreement which is being touted to investors in exchange for rising stock prices. This past Monday notched a big win for those who oppose the Stibnite Gold Project. After due diligence by the City of McCall, the Council unanimously voted not to sign an agreement with Midas Gold.
More Than Gold: Packrafting Idaho’s South Fork of the Salmon
If I had to describe Idaho’s South Fork of the Salmon in one phrase, I’d call it the rowdy cousin to its more famous and beloved drainage to the east, the Middle Fork. I’d even go a little further and call it the three-bourbons-deep, wrassle-you-to-the-ground, slap-your-ass-and-leave-some-pawprints babe of a cousin to the Middle Fork. I had the pleasure of getting my first taste of a solid South Fork welcoming slap a couple years ago.
We're celebrating our passionate service learning students
Fall 2018 semester, IRU was fortunate to work with Boise State University’s Service Learning Program. We coordinated with Professor Mari Rice’s Environmental Studies class to recruit passionate students to join IRU for a semester. Over the course of the semester, students researched conservation policy, assisted in our education program, and created helpful communication tools we plan to implement over the next several months. These eight students surpassed our expectations.
IRU encourages Idaho Fish and Game to reopen steelhead season
Idaho Rivers United encourages the Idaho Fish and Game Commission to move quickly to reopen steelhead fishing while awaiting a final permit from NOAA.
Grateful for volunteers and our future generation of river advocates
Idaho Rivers United teamed up with BSU Environmental Studies students to create river education projects that engaged over 330 students in the Treasure Valley.
IRU had the privilege of working with eight BSU college students to extend specific communications, policy and education projects. The education program paired up with Boys and Girls Club in both the Meridian and Garden City locations.
Federal Failures Hurt Idaho
Yesterday, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission reacted to the threat of a possible lawsuit over management of the wild steelhead fishery in Idaho, which has been conducted without proper permits since 2010.
What you need to know about Idaho's steelhead closure
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game Commission recently closed Idaho’s steelhead season effective December 9, 2018. This is a challenging issue as we value our friends and supporters. We also realize that Idahoans make a good portion of their living from steelhead guiding during the lean winter months. Equally challenging is the deplorable state of Idaho’s wild salmon and steelhead species. We are now in year three of a dramatic downturn of returns and next year could be even worse. Idaho Rivers United would like to offer some clarification about this decision and what it means for Idaho’s communities and fish.
City of McCall Stibnite Lecture Series and the environment
On November 13, the City of McCall concluded their three-part series on the proposed Stibnite Gold Project by discussing potential environmental impacts. The evenings panel consisted of Midas Gold, American Mining Association, The Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Rivers United, NOAA Fisheries, Idaho Conservation League and the Idaho Department of Water Resources. The following piece was delivered at the final lecture by Conservation Associate, Ava Isaacson.
Call to action: tell Idaho's new governor we value our wild salmon and steelhead
Idaho’s salmon and steelhead are on the brink of extinction, and it is time for Idaho to reclaim leadership and be a voice for our dying fish. This January, along with a variety of stakeholders, IRU aims to drop 5,000 postcards on governor elect Brad Little’s desk as a resounding statement from voters that our native species matter to us and we demand that Idaho take back leadership for our salmon and steelhead policy. Use your voice now.
Feds consider raising Anderson Ranch Dam, public participation needed
The Bureau of Reclamation is considering raising Anderson Ranch Dam on the South Fork of the Boise River. A Nov. 8 open house will be a chance to learn more and ask questions.
2018 salmon returns show we're on the 'precipice of tragedy'
Despite more than $16 billion in federal spending, salmon and steelhead returns in 2018 are as bad as they’ve ever been. Meanwhile, Idaho’s lame duck governor has committed the Gem State to more of the same misguided federal policy. Click through to see how 2018’s returns stack up.
IRU and national allies challenge forest's Wild and Scenic planning
IRU joins national river organizations to protest Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest planning process that seeks to dismiss candidate Wild and Scenic rivers.
IRU and allies win Clean Water Act suit for salmon
A federal court ruled in favor of IRU and our allies today and is forcing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead from hot water.
IRU recognizes outstanding volunteers at annual Auction for the Rivers
The work of protecting and defending Idaho’s rivers is bigger than any one organization or person can accomplish. At this year’s annual Auction for the Rivers, IRU recognized eight individuals and/or organizations who have gone above and beyond in their defense of Idaho’s rivers and fish.
Idaho conservation groups issue harsh rebuke of Gov. Otter after he signs fish accords committing Idaho to failed federal policy
Idaho conservation groups condemn Gov. Otter’s signing of renewed fish accords. “This governor’s action is a grave, reckless and disrespectful act,” said IRU Executive Director Kevin Lewis.