Idaho Conservation League

In this season of gratitude, we are reflecting on all we are thankful for and what Idaho has to offer – from its breathtaking public lands to the incredible wildlife that call this place home. ???? Whether it's the majestic mountains, the serene rivers, or the peaceful forests, every day here is a reminder of nature's beauty.

In her death, Griz 399—”Queen of the Tetons”—crystallized the need to make perilous travel corridors safer for animals. The matriarch of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem had likely been traversing the Snake River Canyon seeking high-calorie food sources in one final push to get herself and her yearling cub fattened up before denning season. Her pursuit of food to make it through another winter tracks with dozens of over species. The ability for these animals to move safety between habitat types is critical to their survival. Highway infrastructure and the physical barriers presented by America’s four million miles of roadways are primary factors in preventing natural movement of animals across a landscape. We must do better. We must find ways to re-integrate disconnected habitats to allow wild creatures to go where they need to survive. Strategically located structures near heavily used wildlife crossing areas have been shown to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions by 80 percent or more. Tragic incidents involving charismatic wildlife like 399 give us all a growing sense that we must do more to make sure both humans and wildlife can get to places they need to go. Here’s how YOU can help protect special critters like 399. Take action today and ask Idaho’s leaders to seek funding opportunities to build crossing structures in known wildlife-vehicle collision priority areas. We know how to make travel less dangerous for Idahoans and the animals we love—but we need your help! Head to the link below to learn more and take action! https://lnkd.in/gyJBfDVh

Happy Native American Heritage Month! Since time immemorial, Northwest Tribes have relied on salmon. Salmon are a foundational part of Tribal economies, cultures, religions, and diets. A century ago, Tribes reserved themselves the right to these fish. The collapse of wild salmon populations threatens these rights, but Tribes have long been staunch advocates for full restoration of the abundant salmon they were promised. ICL is proud to partner with Tribes to support their calls for action and to share their vital work with the larger public. If it weren’t for this work, Idaho’s salmon and steelhead would already be gone. Learn more about the historic and ongoing work of Tribes, and get involved with salmon and steelhead conservation efforts at our blog linked below! #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth https://lnkd.in/gWfVxas3

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, ICL staff are reflecting on the vital and inspiring work, cultures, and knowledge of Native Tribes, who we have the honor of learning from in our work. This last month, ICL Wildlife Program Associate Jeff Abrams had the honor of visiting with founders and staff at the Wind River Tribal Buffalo Initiative. The Initiative is working to restore the Tribe’s connection with buffalo through land rematriation, community revitalization, and youth education. Their vision is “thousands of Buffalo on tens of thousands of acres, protected under Tribal law as wildlife.” We encourage you to visit the link below to read more about Jeff’s visit and to make a donation to support the vital work of the Initiative. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gDtFsj9W #IndigenousPeoplesDay

In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, ICL staff are reflecting on the amazing opportunities we’ve had this year to learn from and be inspired by the work, cultures, and Indigenous knowledge of Native Tribes this year. First up, is our salmon work. In February, ICL Executive Director Justin Hayes had the honor of attending a ceremonial signing of the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement at the White House. This set of commitments by the U.S. Government takes the first steps toward restoring truly abundant salmon, steelhead, and other native fish throughout the region. In attendance were the elected Chairs of the Nez Perce, Umatilla, Warm Springs, and Yakama Tribes, who each gave a powerful speech about their reserved Treaty rights and the obligations owed to them by the US Government. We are deeply grateful and inspired by the unwavering commitment and leadership from Tribes in the fight to save these fish from extinction. They truly lead the way. #IndigenousPeoplesDay In the photo below, ICL Executive Director Justin Hayes celebrates the big day for salmon with Shannon Wheeler (Chairman) and Kayeloni Scott of the Nez Perce Tribe. Learn more about this work here: https://lnkd.in/g_3xRkqW

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! ICL is deeply grateful for the contributions and leadership that Tribes and Indigenous communities have made and continue to make on the lands that we call home. Today, we honor the sovereignty and resiliency of those who are the original stewards of the land. Tribes have vast experiences in the landscapes of what we now call Idaho; the cultural significance of this land, its waters, and wildlife to Indigenous peoples who recognize Idaho as their homeland cannot be overstated. We also recognize and appreciate the Native-led conservation efforts taking place today—they are vital in the conservation of what we all love about Idaho. Please join us in honoring and celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day today!

It’s #NationalSalmonDay and we’re celebrating with some wild facts about Idaho’s wild salmon! As a keystone species, more than 130 other species depend on salmon to survive and thrive. This includes species as small as a mayfly, to as strong as a grizzly bear, to as tall as a tree! Idaho may not touch the sea… but our salmon do! Born in freshwater, Idaho’s anadromous fish migrate to the ocean, return back home, and spawn the next generation before they die. Plus, Idaho’s Chinook salmon are core to the diet of one of the most iconic ocean species… the orca! By saving salmon, we can recover orca in the Puget Sound and Salish Sea. Tribes across the Northwest have relied on abundant fish for thousands of years for food, traditions, and cultural identities. Salmon support guides and outfitters in beloved river towns across the state, from Stanley to Orofino to Riggins. Right now, our salmon face extinction. But without the work of Tribes, these fish would already be gone. There’d be no fish left to protect in Idaho without the significant contributions of Northwest Tribal Nations in the last 30 years, and for them serving as caretakers and stewards of salmon and salmon habitat since time immemorial. Today, Tribes lead the way in the fight to save our salmon from extinction! https://p2a.co/v88mLHJ

We are hiring! This new, full-time, permanent position at Idaho Conservation League will support the Government Relations Director and other staff in executing strategic priorities related to legislation and outreach during the 2025 Idaho legislative session and beyond. https://lnkd.in/gHjK-9Cw

?? Faces of ICL! Meet Ashton & Alaina Wilson! “You all are the voice that helps ensure that good decisions are being made or at least that there’s accountability in our state. I appreciate how you bring together research to inform your work and then have conversations with the people who can make a difference.” Read more at https://lnkd.in/gagJGZ5c

Will you CHIP in to support ICL’s work to protect and restore Idaho’s wildlife? From bears and bluebirds to chipmunks and sandhill cranes, Idaho wouldn’t be the same without its wildlife. But Idaho is changing before our eyes — habitat loss and degradation, poorly planned development, and lack of resources are making it harder for wildlife to survive and thrive. ICL is working to change that, planning ahead for Idaho’s wildlife and ensuring they get the respect they deserve. Help protect Idaho’s native wildlife by becoming a member of ICL today! https://lnkd.in/ges3JrTS