Columbia and Snake River stocks of salmon and steelhead are circling the drain of extinction. The Columbia-Snake River Operators – the federal agencies who manage the river system infrastructure – have perpetuated a decades-long cycle of failed fish recovery plans found illegal time and again for their shortcomings.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration signed a joint Record of Decision(ROD) for the Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), finalizing a years-long process that ultimately left out Idaho communities and industries associated with salmon and steelhead. I

As we’ve seen time and time again, conservation of wildlife and wild places prove to be some of the only avenues that can tear down partisan walls and unite all Americans to take action as one nation. The ACE Act is no exception.

Wendy Pratt is a fifth generation Idaho rancher, living and working among the sagebrush and bunchgrasses of eastern Idaho alongside her husband, Mark, a fourth generation Idahoan, and her three grown children. As someone who embraces curiosity and compassion, Wendy’s story speaks to anyone seeking a stronger sense of place and a better understanding of the role humans can play in the stewardship of land.

A federal court overturned a Trump administration reinterpretation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act that had upended one hundred years of enforcement of industry interests responsible for killing billions of birds, including waterfowl- a law with long-standing, bi-partisan protections for migratory birds.

The Great American Outdoors Act, which was officially signed into law at a White House ceremony, is the most significant conservation legislation in a generation. It will protect wildlife habitat, conserve public lands and waters, and expand outdoor recreation opportunities across Idaho – and across the nation.

The Army Corps of Engineers’ Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Lower Snake River Dams only affirms that Congress needs to intervene with a more comprehensive solution that will recover abundant salmon runs, revitalize communities, deliver clean and affordable power, support farmers and promote sustainable growth.

In Idaho, the story that many people tell of their lives is one centered around a sense of place. A love of rivers, mountains, and forests drives people both professionally and personally. Toby Wyatt is one of those people.

An investment firm is proposing to privatize 28,000 acres of currently publicly accessible and wildlife rich state lands surrounding Payette Lake. Let’s start by acknowledging this is a big, beloved, and scenic piece of highly valued land that nearly every Idahoan is familiar with.

Boise sits just below important winter range utilized by the largest mule deer herd in the state. As many as 8,000 mule deer and 1,800 elk migrate from the Sawtooth mountains to winter in the low-elevation hillsides of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area. If you hunt Unit 39, these are animals you pursue in the fall.

With a final vote of 73-25, today the U.S. Senate voted in favor of passing the Great American Outdoors Act, S.3422. While IWF is disappointed in the “Nay” votes from Senator Risch and Senator Crapo, we applaud the overwhelming bipartisan effort and the final vote by U.S. Senators.

The Idaho Wildlife Federation commends Senate leaders for moving forward with the Great American Outdoors Act.

This week, Oregon and Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife held a Columbia River Compact call to explore additional opportunities for sport and commercial fisheries in the main stem Columbia River.

Yesterday, Idaho Fish and Game Director Ed Schriever signed an emergency order closing the spring Chinook fishing season on the Clearwater River after only six days of fishing.

Looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids while we all spend time a little closer to home? Join the Backyard Biologist Project, empowering future generations of wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers!

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest provides some of the most spectacular outdoor experiences in north central Idaho. A Forest Plan is required by law and will guide management actions on the Forest for the next 20-30 years.

We are certainly living in unprecedented times.  It is important we all remain committed to effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance to the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.