Idaho Conservation League

BREAKING: In response to conservation groups’ appeal of a water quality permit issued for the proposed Stibnite Gold Mine due to its inadequacy to protect water quality in the South Fork Salmon River watershed, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking to revisit the permit to address multiple shortcomings. The Idaho Conservation League and Idaho Rivers United, represented by Advocates for the West, together with Save the South Fork Salmon and Earthworks, appealed the permit for mining company Perpetua Resources’ proposed Stibnite Gold Mine in June 2024, after DEQ dismissed repeated concerns raised during the permitting process. On March 25, after the conservation groups filed a written brief in support of their appeal, DEQ filed a motion to pause the proceedings so it can modify the existing permit to address “new information and changes to the project.” DEQ plans to modify the permit to address numerous concerns the conservation groups raised in their appeal, including failing to consider and protect against the full extent of mercury, arsenic and antimony pollution the Stibnite Gold Mine will cause throughout the headwaters of the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River, and failing to offer a sufficient socioeconomic justification for issuing the permit. Read more in our press release online! https://lnkd.in/g-fzu2q8

Public lands have never been more important to Idaho's quality of life and economy. They've also never been at greater risk. Forest health and wildfire risks have reached crisis levels. Open space is under increasing pressure from development. Budget cuts and staffing shortfalls will lead to decreased capacity to manage public lands and public services. What’s more, some politicians aim to take advantage of this and seek to privatize these lands. On Saturday, Idahoans will come together to celebrate, champion, and defend public lands in a rally at the Capitol building in Boise. Learn more in our press release linked below. We hope to see YOU on Saturday! https://lnkd.in/gRQv-p3a

Do you love Idaho's public lands? Join us in standing up for them! 🌲🏔️ The Idaho Rally for Public Lands is happening on March 22 in Boise—a powerful gathering to protect the wild places we all love. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gq99J9a9 #ProtectPublicLands #IdahoOutdoors #KeepItWild

"We can all agree that federal agencies can improve management of public lands. However, the firing, rehiring, and upcoming Reductions in Force for the “boots on the ground” workers who manage our public lands will only create even more problems and put our way of life at risk. Public bathrooms will go uncleaned. Noxious weeds and invasive species will take over more areas. Critical work like clearing hazard trees along roadways and thinning hazardous fuels around homes will slow down or even stop. This summer Idahoans may well find campgrounds in disrepair, visitor center hours cut short, and trails criss-crossed with deadfall. As if all this isn’t bad enough, there are political opportunists in our midst who are ready to take advantage of the resulting dysfunction as an excuse to take over and sell off public lands." Read more from John Robison, ICL's Public Lands & Wildlife Director, in the Idaho Statesman: https://lnkd.in/gTsvRDP7 Plus, join us on Saturday in Boise for a Rally for Public Lands! Details here: https://lnkd.in/gq99J9a9

The Snake River is one of the most important rivers of the West. It rises in the mountains of western Wyoming and flows through Idaho and Oregon before emptying into the Columbia River in Washington. At 1,078 miles long, this bountiful river has provided for both humans and wildlife alike for centuries. For many people, the Snake River is famous for carrying salmon to the ocean or for the world-class adventures in its rapids. In southern Idaho, the Snake River flows across some of the most arid land in the western United States, and yet has managed to transform this desert landscape into an agricultural powerhouse. While the Snake River and its neighboring aquifer (the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer) have helped humans thrive and prosper for generations, it has come at a cost… Head to our blog to learn more about what's happening with water quality in the ESPA and Snake River, how we can work together to address the worsening problem, and how YOU can be a part of the solution for a cleaner Snake River! https://lnkd.in/gJMEqcQr

 It's National Groundwater Awareness Week! Celebrate my learning more about the importance of Idaho's groundwater resources - our aquifers!    From the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer in North Idaho, to the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer further south, these underground water systems are essential for drinking, irrigation, and keeping our communities thriving. But they need to be taken care of. Groundwater quality in portions of the ESPA, particularly in the Magic Valley region, has declined due to excess amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus, primarily resulting from too much fertilizer and animal waste being put on the land (more than what the crops can uptake) and subsequently leaching into the aquifer. The ongoing contamination of this critical water source is alarming and requires immediate action to protecting our drinking water supplies. Help safeguard Idaho's groundwater by staying informed and involved with efforts to restore and protect clean water in Idaho! Link in bio to learn more about our groundwater and sign up for clean water updates: https://lnkd.in/gUXs7WzY #cleanwater #groundwaterawareness #groundwater #Idaho #SnakeRiver

🎨 Calling all Idaho artists! 🎨 ICL’s Artist in Residence Program is BACK for 2025/2026! 🌿✨ If you’re passionate about Idaho’s environment and want to showcase your art while supporting conservation, this is your chance! This is a 1-year residency open to all visual artists – from emerging talents to established creators! The residency kicks off in June 2025 and will conclude at ICL’s Wild Idaho conference in May 2026. Artists will enjoy a modest stipend and a 3-day winter retreat at White Clouds Preserve. 🚨 Hurry, applications are open for just TWO weeks! 🗓️ Mark your calendars for March 14-31, 2025. We want to see five pieces of your stunning art demonstrating your connection to Idaho’s environment. Let's make a positive impact together! 🔗 For more details, https://lnkd.in/d6RhMvGg 🎨 credit: Taelyn Bazia, ICL's current Artist in Residence!

In Part I of our "Crossroads of Wildlife Conservation" series, we discussed the growing importance of wildlife movement and connectivity in conservation efforts, projects that represent win-win opportunities for people and wildlife alike, and the intersection of wildlife movement and renewable energy. In Part II, we're linking that ecology to ACTION! At our blog and in this series, dive deeper into the role of State connectivity action plans and federal wildlife guidance, nudging local governments in the right direction, and the bigger picture take-home for wildlife advocates. Plus, we have an opportunity for you to take action for Idaho's wildlife today! https://lnkd.in/dT2jmbZV

Five years ago, wildlife conservation in Idaho was largely focused on species listings and reintroductions. 🦌 🐻 🌲 Today, a powerful shift is taking place— 💚 wildlife movement is taking center stage. From corridors and crossings to landscape connectivity, this growing focus is crucial for preserving native species 🐏 , balancing human needs 🚗 , and safeguarding Idaho’s natural heritage. In this blog, we dive into the latest insights for the future of wildlife movement and conservation across Idaho and beyond! https://lnkd.in/gshGTQdG

"Idahoans deserve policies that are well thought out, not dictated by a billionaire’s impulsive whims. Our state’s natural resources and the livelihoods of those who protect them are too important to be treated as pawns in a reckless experiment. Idaho depends on its lands, its rivers, and its people. We must stand up now to protect all three." Read more about the reckless firing of federal resource workers, and the impacts on Idaho, in an Opinion from ICL's Executive Director, Justin Hayes: https://lnkd.in/gQ_mZh9h