Idaho Conservation League

Have you signed our Pesticide Petition yet?

Click the link below to sign and let Idaho legislators and Governor Little know that you want to see public health and legal rights protected, and that pesticide manufacturer's don't deserve shielding from liability!

https://takeaction.idahoconservation.org/nQSGfgX

"Diversification of generation sources and climate resilience should become major objectives of energy planners. Countries that are heavily dependent on hydropower, such as those in southern Africa, have increasingly witnessed how a crisis of water scarcity becomes a crisis of national energy scarcity." Hydropower is a risky climate solution as drought impacts many parts of the world and the American West. It's time to diversify our resource mix and replace aging hydroelectric dams with modern infrastructure. Read more at the link below.

On The Brink: This Year Is A Preview Of Climate Risks To Hydropower Recent droughts and floods underscore hydropower’s vulnerability to a key feature of climate change: shifting hydrological patterns and more extreme flow levels, both high and low.

Water quality stewards are out and about on Lake Pend Oreille! Thirteen locations are being tested for pollution by volunteer citizen scientists, and their samples are undergoing analysis at the lab. We wonder if the results will give us insights into why there are so many reports of dead fish this summer. To be continued...

Wohoo! Big shout out to Blaine County for publishing their Cllimate Action Plan! These efforts will keep Idaho at the forefront of innovation, promote community resilience, and reduce pollution so we can all live happier and healthier lives!

What Blaine County is doing to address climate change Blaine County has officially completed its first climate action plan, with county officials calling it a monumental endeavor.

The Nez Perce Tribe received a $37 million grant from the federal government to support energy efficiency and the development of renewable resources that will replace the lower Snake River dams! Read more at the link below.

Feds give Oregon, Nez Perce $200 million to cut greenhouse gases • Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon’s environmental quality department and The Nez Perce Tribe will invest in solar energy, electric car rebates and building efficiency.

At the urging of ICL staff, the city of Sandpoint added assurances about sewer and stormwater treatment upgrades before adopting the new comprehensive plan. "Ekstrom encouraged the council to add language that emphasized the urgency of Sandpoint’s need for a new wastewater treatment plant.

Ekstrom also suggested including a phrase stating that the city intends to comply with federal regulations for stormwater treatment as Sandpoint approaches a new population threshold. She also suggested slightly revising a goal in the plan to emphasize the need to educate the public about stormwater pollution prevention.

All three revisions were later accepted by the council and integrated into the plan."

Sandpoint council adopts comp plan After the vote passed, many in the audience and several members of the council broke into applause. During a short recess following the vote, Mayor Jeremy Grimm celebrated by high fiving with councilors.

Wanting to stay updated on fires and fire conditions before your weekend adventure? Check out this online fire mapping tool: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/bf5df3a49a624521844a2e5e1ec7df05

During the 2024 Idaho legislative session, pesticide manufacturers proposed a bill that would have given them legal immunity if their products harmed neighbors, farmworkers, farmers, or the environment. The bill died due to a lack of support.
Despite their failure, sponsors of the bill have indicated it will be reintroduced next year.

Sign the petition to let Idaho legislators and Governor Brad Little know that you want to see public health and legal rights protected, and that pesticide manufacturer's don't deserve a free pass.

SIGN THE PETITION: https://takeaction.idahoconservation.org/nQSGfgX

📢 Faces of ICL! Meet Micah Austin.
"The work that ICL does really matters. There is a lot of noise out there, and there are a lot of causes to support and get behind, and you can’t do them all. ICL has done significant, hard things, and accomplished such important things. The work you all do is so important. Keep up the good work."
📖 Read more at https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/faces-of-icl-from-cache-valley-to-conservation-advocate-meet-micah-austin/

Recent federal legislation have provided a once in a generation opportunity to stop burning dirty fossil fuels. But which states are seeing the greatest financial investment? The answer may surprise you:

Biden Is Giving Red Districts an Inconvenient Gift: Green Jobs The White House’s policies have fueled plans for more than $200 billion in cleantech manufacturing investments — mostly in districts with Republican lawmakers opposed to the agenda.

Are you a high school or college student looking to make an impact, or know one that is? 🏔️🌲

Apply today to become a Student Coordinator with Youth Salmon Protectors! 🐟

Make a real difference for your environment by organizing students at your school, planning events and direct actions, educating your peers, participating in legislative meetings, educating youth and getting them excited about their environment. Plus travel opportunities, free shirts and stickers, and so much more!

Run a chapter of YSP on your campus and advocate for salmon, steelhead, orca, and Tribal justice. The salmon need you! 🐟

Applications are due August 21st. Learn more and apply here: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/applications-open-to-become-a-student-coordinator-with-youth-salmon-protectors/

As communities across the state breathe in smoke from wildfires, do your part to reduce fire risk:
- Ensure campfires are fully extinguished (cool to the touch!)
- Follow fire restrictions and rules, and monitor fires that may impact your plans
- Practice vehicle safety and DO NOT park on dry grass
- Check weather, fire warnings, and drought conditions before you go

U.S. Forest Service photo.

Learn more: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/fire-season-whats-in-store-for-24/

Did you get a text from Idaho Power about a potential public safety power shutoff tonight? Let’s break down what that means, and why it’s necessary:

⚡️ Extreme weather conditions forecasted in Ada County (thunderstorms and wind) could require Idaho Power to implement a public safety power shutoff (PSPS) tonight to decrease the risk of wildfires. If this happens, the outage is estimated to start sometime between 5-10 pm. Duration would depend on safety patrols and if there’s any storm damage. 🔌 By proactively turning off power, Idaho Power is reducing wildfire risk and helping to keep customers, communities, employees, and equipment safe.

This news comes as Idahoans deal with the impacts of climate change: Southern Idaho just broke more heat records, wildfires are burning across the Northwest, communities are blanketed in smoke, air quality is dangerous in some areas, and Idaho Power just set a new all-time record for electricity demand.

For tips on what you can do, and to learn more about why this action is necessary, click here: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/idaho-power-might-shut-off-your-power-tonight-heres-why-its-necessary/

We must protect public health and the rights of Idahoans over pesticide manufacturers that want legal immunity if their products harm neighbors, farmworkers, farmers, or the environment. Take action today by letting Idaho legislators and Governor Little know that you want to see public health and legal rights protected!

SIGN THE PETITION: https://takeaction.idahoconservation.org/nQSGfgX

Rebates to help you move away from a methane gas stove to an electric or induction stoves are on their way this year! Check out all the benefits of making the switch (especially to induction) here:

Buying a Gas Stove or Dryer? Read This First. The Inflation Reduction Act could save you thousands of dollars on new and efficient electric appliances. Here’s how to maximize it.

Introducing... the Idaho Panhandle Public Lands Initiative (IPPLI)!

This newly formed collaborative group brings together representatives from diverse interests, including conservation, timber, recreation, local government, Tribes, agriculture, and other sectors. This broad coalition is dedicated to crafting and advocating for federal legislation that enhances the forest management, conservation, economic, and recreational benefits of public lands in Bonner and Boundary Counties.

Learn more: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/introducing-the-idaho-panhandle-public-lands-initiative-ippli/

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case of a California gold miner who violated the Clean Water Act in Idaho. It sends a clear message: if you dredge mine without the proper permits, you will pay the price.

SCOTUS declines to review case of California gold miner who violated Clean Water Act in Idaho • Idaho Capital Sun When the state and feds didn't step in, the Idaho Conservation League brought a citizens' enforcement lawsuit against the gold miner.

With agricultural interests carrying enormous political sway in Idaho, Iowa and Missouri, it's no surprise that these states' legislatures were a testing ground for pesticide manufacturers' efforts to shield themselves from corporate liability. Bayer launched a campaign in each state to push legislation exempting them from lawsuits alleging cancer and other harms.

Luckily, organizations like ICL and public health advocates spoke up to help stop the bill. But it's not the last we will hear of it....

Learn more - and take action by signing our Pesticide Petition - at the link below!

https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/heartland-legislatures-prove-skeptical-of-industrial-ags-efforts-to-dodge-accountability/

Wildland firefighters are all heroes, but they can't stop all fires and it's unfair to expect that. At the link below, find a good discussion on where local communities need to step in and incorporate well-known building practices to minimize damages to structures from wildfires.

Why we should be focusing on fireproofing our homes instead of adapting our forests Those who try to stop or manage devastating wildland fires spend most of their time trying to adapt the forest, but a new study says we should be spending our time making homes in these areas harder to burn.

While Columbia River sockeye are benefitting from habitat improvements and safer dam operations, Snake River sockeye continue to struggle. This year's run of fish will be migrating upstream during a devastating heat wave that threatens to kill hundreds of fish in the lower Snake River. Read more from the Lewiston Tribune below!

A tail of two sockeye runs Sockeye salmon bound for the middle and upper Columbia River are on pace to set a modern-day record but the endangered Snake River run is falling short of expectations and

Summer in Idaho holds endless recreation opportunities, especially when it comes to the water. Every year, we see outbreaks of toxic algae render some of our favorite places unsafe for recreation and our health. In the 3rd part of our toxic algae series, we review how we can tackle the root problem. Click the link below to learn more.
https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/toxic-algae-tackling-the-problem-planning-for-the-future/

BIG NEWS! The Forest Service has withdrawn its approval of Perpetua Resources’ Burntlog Route Geophysical Investigations Project. Perpetua has identified the Burntlog Route as its preferred access route to the controversial Stibnite Gold project, a proposed open pit cyanide vat leach mine underneath the riverbed of the East Fork South Fork Salmon River.

This is welcome news, as this new route would require widening 23 miles of an existing Forest Service road and constructing another 15 miles of new road along the boundary of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Read more in our press release: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/forest-service-withdraws-approval-of-perpetua-resources-burntlog-route-geophysical-investigations-project/

Temperatures are rising 🔥, and with the combination of excessive pollutants 🌱, algae can grow out of control and produce toxic outbreaks. IDEQ, local Health Districts, and others rely on citizen reports to monitor toxic algae. Click the link in our bio to learn how you can help identify and report toxic algae. Click the link below to learn more.
https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/toxic-algae-identifying-and-reporting-habs/

As temperatures rise, Idahoans flock to the beautiful rivers 🛶 , lakes 🌊, and reservoirs 🏊 that make Idaho so special. Unfortunately due to the increase in reoccurring outbreaks of toxic algae, some of them are not always safe. In part 1 of our toxic algae series, we explain what toxic algae is and how these outbreaks occur. Click the link below to learn more! https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/toxic-algae-the-basics/

The Nez Perce Tribe is forging a pathway toward replacing the lower Snake River dams -- by generating their own solar energy. Read more about Project 5311 at the link below.

How the Nez Perce are using an energy transition to save salmon - High Country News The tribe is working to replace the generating capacity of the Lower Snake River dams with solar power.

Live in a fire-prone area of Idaho? (Reality Check: that’s most of us!) Here are simple steps to reduce fire risk:

- Cut and trim brush and vegetation within 100 feet of your home
- Move firewood away from your home
- Cover any exposed soffits, decks, or other gaps where embers can land
- Use fire-resistant building materials for your roof, siding, and decks
- Keep gutters, siding, and landscaping free of pine needles, leaves, grasses, and other “fine fuels”

Learn more: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/fire-season-whats-in-store-for-24/

As more people hit the trails this summer, there are practices to keep in mind to be respectful of our public lands and other people. On this final day of week, dive into some written and unwritten rules for trail users to follow: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/recreating-responsibly-trail-etiquette/

Are you doing your part to reduce wildfire risk for yourself, our communities, natural resources, and firefighters this summer? Learn more on our blog, where we elaborate what's in store for this fire season and what it means for Idaho: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/fire-season-whats-in-store-for-24/

If you're recreating outdoors in Idaho, there's a good chance you are recreating in bear country! Keep yourself, your family, and Idaho's wildlife safe by being bear aware. Learn top bear safety tips in today's Recreate Responsibly blog: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/recreating-responsibly-5-ways-you-can-be-bear-aware/