The Senate of the Associated Students of the University of Idaho recently passed a resolution calling for breaching of the Lower Snake River dams. The resolution stated that “the four Lower Snake River Dams cause damage to the Snake River ecosystem, are costly to maintain, fail to produce promised economic benefits and are nearing the end of their useful lifespan”.

April for Idaho Rivers United usually means Aveda Earthmonth celebrations and events. Idaho Rivers United is grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of Aveda salon efforts in Boise, Twin Falls, Hailey, Pocatello and Idaho Falls.

The current federal administration has been no friend to conservation or the environment, rolling back nearly 100 federal regulations since taking office in 2017. Landmark environmental laws have been gutted, including the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and the Clean Water Act (CWA). Since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic captured the full attention of the American public, the scale of rollbacks has dramatically accelerated.

We are proud of the many IRU members who submitted comments for these policies during the review process, and we are grateful that some chose to share their comments with us. Check out these excerpts from public comments made by IRU members!

I’m a lifelong fisherman. As soon as I was able, I walked Colorado streambanks with my dad and grandmother, stalking trout for dinner. I quickly learned to love it – partly because of the fish, but largely because of the captivating beauty of the rivers.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.