Responsible Recreation & Social Distancing During COVID-19
For those of us fortunate to be home and healthy, social distancing has meant spending more time in nature. However, it is important that we recreate responsibly and stay local during this time. Here are some guidelines to consider when enjoying the outdoors during social distancing and Covid-19.
IRU participates in negotiated rulemaking to ensure our rivers have a voice
IRU continues work to protect the South Fork of the Salmon River from a large-scale gold mining proposal. The Stibnite Gold Project, proposed by Midas Gold Corporation, is still in the midst of the regulatory process, and we are awaiting the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement sometime in spring 2020.
Supporting our small business partners during Covid-19
Some of our local river supporters are also trying hard to pivot their small businesses. We hope we can help just a bit. We hope we can help just a bit.
Let’s keep working together to keep our communities strong.
Despite Covid-19, DEIS Process for Columbia-Snake Hydrosystem Largely Unchanged
While our day to day lives have been radically altered by the spread of COVID-19, the federal government’s DEIS process continues to roll on, largely unchanged.
Press Release: EPA Further Delays Addressing Temperature Pollution from Snake and Columbia River Dams
March 4, 2020 (Seattle, WA)—Instead of taking action to address the hot water crisis killing salmon in the Columbia and Snake rivers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today seeks additional delay.
Speak up: Ask the Forest Service to Protect the Main Payette in Banks!
Did you know that the Main Payette is an eligible Wild and Scenic River? Ask the Forest Service to protect its outstandingly remarkable values in Banks by March 2nd!
Updates in Politics and Policy: As Draft EIS for Columbia-Snake River release date approaches, calls throughout PNW for bold leadership and solutions increase
As the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Columbia River Systems Operations approaches, voices throughout the region are asking leaders for meaningful action and solutions that will restore salmon and steelhead and protect Lower Snake River stakeholders.
Scientists Address PNW Policymakers, Member of Congress: Restoration of the Lower Snake River is Required to Save Salmon and Orcas
Five experts in salmon and orcas addressed PNW governors, policymakers, and members of Congress in a letter on February 20th. The letter provided a concise review of the best available science on the relationship between the Lower Snake River dams, Chinook salmon recovery, and Southern Resident population of orcas.
River Talk Recap: Steve Steubner at Idaho River Sports
Our River Talk series returned for the 2020 season with a talk by Steve Steubner at Idaho River Sports on February 18th. Steve is an avid hiker, mountain biker, and whitewater enthusiast…
River RAT Recap: Nez Perce Clearwater Workshop in McCall
Idaho River United was joined by Friends of the Clearwater at Salmon River Brewery in McCall for a River RAT Workshop (River Advocacy Training) last Thursday, February 20th. Over 20 people attended the workshop, which included an overview of the proposed Nez Perce Clearwater Forest Plan/Environmental Impact Statement and tips for engaging in advocacy.
For Immediate Release: Energy And Conservation Leaders Call On Elected Officials To Prioritize Urgent Snake River Issues
SEATTLE—In a letter to the Governors of Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana, energy company and conservation community leaders called on elected officials across the Pacific Northwest to prioritize collaborative solutions to address the issues surrounding the Lower Snake River, including the long-term decline of salmon and steelhead populations.
OR Gov. Brown Calls for Restoration of Lower Snake River and Salmon Recovery Partnership with WA
Oregon Governor Kate Brown sent a letter to Washington Governor Jay Inslee on February 11th emphasizing removal of the Lower Snake River dams as the necessary long-term solution for salmon recovery.
Updates in Politics and Policy for Salmon & Steelhead: January 2020
January saw political processes related to salmon recovery resume in both Idaho and Washington.
Late last December, Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s office released a draft Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report. The report contained major takeaways gained from a months-long interview process. Interviewees provided differing responses to questions on what dam breaching would…
IRU River RAT Salmon Workshop Recap: 36 attend discussion & workshop at Payette Brewing
Last Thursday, 1/17, 36 people attended Idaho Rivers United’s Salmon Advocacy Workshop at Payette Brewing. The workshop focused on the history of the Lower Snake River, Idaho’s salmon and steelhead, and ways to engage in grassroots advocacy for salmon and steelhead restoration.
In the end, Stibnite project is an open-pit mine
Originally published in the McCall Star News, January 19, 2020, 54TH YEAR, NO. 10, pg.4. Click Here to subscribe,
BY TOR ANDERSEN
There was a time when I thought the Stibnite Gold Project may be favorable for Valley County. After all, the proposed location is a previously impacted mine site and is predicted to create many jobs. However, we need to take a closer look at what the Stibnite Gold Project really has to offer.
IRU, Advocates for the West, and Partners Secure Victory for Salmon & Steelhead: Ninth Court upholds that EPA must reduce Columbia and Snake River Temperatures
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on December 20th was an important victory for Idaho’s salmon and steelhead. This ruling ensures that federal environmental regulators will be forced to uphold the standards outlined in the Clean Water Act and lower water temperatures in the Columbia River.
Poor Steelhead Returns Impact Treasure Valley Residents: No Boise River Steelhead Stock This Year
Treasure Valley residents will feel the impacts of low steelhead runs in their own backyard this year. For the first time in 20 years, Boise locals won’t have the chance to reel in a steelhead on the Boise River.
Echoing last year’s trends, the 2019 steelhead runs are reaching historic lows at roughly 40% of the 10-year average.
IRU, Hydropower Reform Coalition Opposes EPA Rule Changes
Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed drastic changes to the implementation of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Idaho Rivers United worked with our coalition partners to review and submit comments on the proposed rule changes.
Boise Meeting Concludes Salmon Work Group's 2019 Schedule
The Governor’s Salmon Work Group returned to Boise November 19th for their latest meeting. A condensed one day format began with discussions on the essential need for public comment opportunity at future meetings, something curiously not afforded to the public this time.
Boise Salmon Workgroup Meeting Will Not Offer Public Comment Period
The Office of Species Conservation(OSC) released a media advisory on Wednesday, Nov 13th preceding the Salmon Workgroup meeting scheduled for Nov 19th in Boise. The advisory noted that the meeting will only be held for one day, and unlike other meetings held throughout the state, a public comment period has been eliminated from the agenda.