Idaho Conservation League

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

On February 12th, the Lower Snake River recreation study coordinators will host a virtual public workshop. Here, you can tell them how you’d use a free-flowing river to fish, paddle, and hike. You can?learn more, and sign-up at the link below.?No matter how you recreate, they want your input! https://lnkd.in/gAt96KVF

“It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one destiny, affects all indirectly.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., his legacy, and his vision for a better world. We also look to the important work ahead of us to create a better world. We will continue to fight for what every Idahoan—and every American—deserves: ???Clean air to breathe ?? Clean water to drink ?? Livable communities ?? Access to healthy landscapes, fish and wildlife ??A just, sustainable future for all. We hope you are volunteering in some way today, or honoring Dr. King’s legacy in your own special way. There are many ways for you to be a part of something greater than yourself, and we are stronger together. #mlkday?#idahoconservationleague?#conservation

We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from you—our conservation community—last month. We are incredibly grateful to have passionate individuals in our circle who continue to work alongside us to further conservation work in Idaho. Because of you, we can fight to keep public lands in public hands. Because of you, we can help Idaho’s fish and wildlife thrive. Because of you, we can continue our work to keep Idaho wild. Thank you for your support throughout our year-end campaign. Together, we can make 2025 the best year yet for conservation!

Breaking News! On December 17, 2024, the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 was signed into law by @potus after passing the U.S. House of Representatives last week. ICL is pleased that this bill has been signed into law after having been in the works for many years. This effort is needed to help address the pollution leaking from hundreds of thousands of abandoned mines, most of which are in the West. These abandoned mines contaminate over 100,000 miles of streams with arsenic, cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals that make the water unsafe for animals, humans, and aquatic species. According to the Idaho Department of Lands, there are 8,800 abandoned mines in the state.“Pollution flowing out of abandoned mines in Idaho impacts thousands of miles of streams, contaminating drinking and irrigation water, harming fish and wildlife, and posing safety hazards to public land users. This new law, which was co-sponsored by both Idaho Senators Risch and Crapo, will provide new tools to clean up these messes, restoring water quality and fisheries. We appreciate their work and know that it will make a difference in Idaho, and across the West.” - ICL Executive Director Justin Hayes. Link below to read our full press release on this news! https://lnkd.in/gDq_4PzP