IRU dedicates salmon statue to the city of Lewiston in the name of salmon recovery efforts & dam removal

Apr 22

Press contact: Tess McEnroe / tess@idahorivers.org

LEWISTON, IDAHO – Local citizens, river advocates, and the mayor of Lewiston gathered at Steelhead Park on Saturday, April 20th to celebrate the dedication to the city of a metal salmon statue from Idaho Rivers United (IRU). The statue represents the nonprofit’s long standing efforts and relentless work in salmon and steelhead recovery in Idaho.

“On behalf of Idaho Rivers United, we are incredibly proud to dedicate this statue to the city and citizens of Lewiston and the Clearwater River valley. We are grateful for the work being done by the Nez Perce Tribe and others in the area to advance salmon restoration in the region and great state of Idaho,” said Nic Nelson, Executive Director of IRU.

After floating 13 miles down the Clearwater River, IRU’s staff and board members arrived at the park to officially unveil and honor the statue with about 50 people in attendance. The statue is a tribute to Idaho’s majestic Chinook salmon, and all anadromous fish including coho, sockeye, and steelhead.

The sculpture plaque elaborates on their migration journey stating, “The Chinook salmon embodies all that is great about Idaho – beauty, strength, and resilience. The power of Chinook feeds our rivers, cultures, economies, and our souls. We must ensure that they enjoy a long and abundant future.”

“We have to have fish, and this statue represents and awakens people of the importance of having salmon here in perpetuity. I will help with that along with the city of Lewiston,” said mayor Dan Johnson at the ceremony. “We may not agree on all things, but we can find solutions that work for everyone,” he said, referring to the ongoing topic of removal of the four Lower Snake River dams.

LuVerne Grussing, IRU’s board president, donated the sculpture which was conceived and created by local Cottonwood artist Dennis Sullivan. A model was initially carved in wood, and then fabricated in steel to create the resultant eight foot tall piece of public art. “We wanted to make it a public piece of art so that everyone could see its message. It’s called, “Returning,” – and people need to recognize the importance of salmon to our area and culture beyond the city of Lewiston,” said Grussing. “We hope that message will resonate and that we will have a great story in Idaho of returning our salmon home.”