Public News Service

Lewiston is at the Washington border where the Snake River enters Idaho. (Nadia/Adobe Stock)

Snake River dams' clean energy claims questioned

A new report found four dams in the Columbia River Basin are big emitters of methane. Research from the organization Tell The Dam Truth showed the …

Salmon continue to struggle to migrate from the Pacific Ocean to Idaho to spawn. (NorthwestWildImages/Adobe Stock)

Presidential memo urges steps to restore NW salmon

The Biden administration wants to get serious about restoring salmon populations to the Northwest. A presidential memorandum directs federal …

Lewiston, Idaho, sits on the Snake River at the border with Washington. (Guy Sagi/Adobe Stock)

Indigenous leaders in ID call for action to save salmon

Indigenous leaders are traveling through the Northwest to highlight the plight of dwindling fish populations in the region. The All Our Relations …

Salmon populations in the Northwest face growing decline in the region. (jamie/Adobe Stock)

White House Engages NW on Dams, Future of Salmon

The Biden Administration is considering the future of Pacific Northwest salmon and the effect of dams in the region. The White House Council on …

Pollution flows from mines in Canada's Elk River Valley to the Kootenai River, which runs through Montana and Idaho. (JOAN/Adobe Stock)

Canadian Coal Mine Pollution Threatens North ID River

Pollution from Canadian mines is endangering one of Idaho's largest rivers. Selenium and other pollutants from coal mines across the northern …

The USCAP funded a riparian revegetation project along the East Fork of the Salmon River at White Clouds Preserve. (Idaho Conservation League)

Mining Co., ID Conservation Group Partner to Fund Salmon Restoration

A cobalt mining company and conservation group are teaming up in Idaho for the third year in a row to fund projects that restore fish habitat near the…

Construction of the Little Goose Dam in eastern Washington began in 1963 and was completed in 1970. (Brigida I. Sanchez/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

With Leak Report, Snake River Dams Could Be Showing Their Age

Four dams on the lower Snake River have been the sites of contention in the Northwest, and a recent report of an oil spill at one of the dams could …

The Silver Creek Preserve is located about 30 miles south of Ketchum, Ida. (Neil Crescenti/The Nature Conservancy)

First Ever 'Trout-Safe' Certification Awarded to ID Farm

A farm in Idaho has received the first-ever "trout-safe" certification from an organization that protects habitat for the fish. The Nature …

Some rural communities in Idaho rely on tourists visiting to fish for salmon. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

As Columbia River Fishing Shuts Down, NW Considers How to Save Salmon

Salmon-season restrictions on the Columbia River are prompting regionwide discussions on what can be done to save the fish in the Northwest. Bob …

While salmon could benefit from favorable ocean conditions, climate change is bring harsher conditions in Idaho. (NorthwestWildImages/Adobe Stock)

River Conditions Still Concern for Salmon Despite Good Ocean News

Recent data on ocean conditions could be good news for struggling salmon in the Northwest. But advocates for the species warn this isn't enough to …

The Lower Granite Lake Dam on the Snake River is among the dams conservation groups want removed to help salmon. (davidrh/Adobe Stock)

Columbia, Snake Rivers Litigation Pause Puts Spotlight on NW Salmon

BOISE, Idaho - Action on behalf of Northwest salmon could be in the works after announcements from the Biden administration, leaders in Washington …

Rep. Mike Simpson, R-ID, has proposed a $33.5 billion plan to save Chinook salmon and other endangered fish in the Columbia River Basin. (BLM/Flickr)

ID Salmon Industry Feels the Pain from Dismal Runs

BOISE, Idaho -- Closed fisheries from imperiled fish runs in the Columbia River Basin are prompting calls for action before it's too late. Steelhead …

A video from July shows sockeye salmon with red lesions and fungus because of the Columbia River's hot water. (Conrad Gowell/Columbia Riverkeeper)

In Hot Water, Rallies Planned for NW Salmon

BOISE, Idaho -- Rallies are taking place across the Northwest to support salmon, which face dire conditions in the Columbia River Basin. Saturday…

Some Nez Perce Tribe members say removing the lower Snake River dams is crucial for restoring their fishing rights. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Action on Simpson NW Infrastructure Proposal

BOISE, Idaho - Groups are urging Northwest leaders to act on U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson's infrastructure and Snake River dam proposal. The plan would …

A plan to replace electricity generated by four lower Snake River dams includes $10 billion for renewable sources like wind and solar. (Oleg Kovtun/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Nuclear Not Needed in Snake River Replacement Plan

BOISE, Idaho -- Nuclear energy could be part of the mix to replace power from four lower Snake River dams if they're removed. Rep. Mike Simpson…

Many in the Northwest fishing industry say some of their challenges stem from four lower Snake River dams and their effects on salmon migration. (kellyvandellen/Adobe Stock)

Simpson's NW Salmon Plan Gets More Backing

BOISE, Idaho -- If the Pacific Northwest has a taste, it's for the region's salmon, but as the iconic fish species dwindles, it also effects a food …

Under Rep. Mike Simpson's plan, $10 billion would be invested in clean energy to replace power from the lower Snake River dams. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

Simpson's NW Infrastructure Plan Invests Heavily in Clean Energy

BOISE, Idaho -- The Northwest infrastructure plan developed by Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, would benefit more than salmon. It would also mean a major …

Idaho GOP Rep. Mike Simpson's infrastructure proposal includes $3 billion to address water quality across the Northwest. (Bob Wick/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Simpson's Historic Plan Includes Key Water Quality Tools

BOISE, Idaho -- A $33 billion infrastructure plan for the Northwest developed by Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, continues to shake up the region…

Salmon and steelhead on the Snake River have dwindled dramatically in recent decades. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Simpson's Salmon-Recovery Plan Called 'Sea Change' for NW

BOISE, Idaho -- An Idaho congressman may have taken the first step in untangling the tricky knot of dams in the Northwest and their effects on salmon…

Last year, only 18 sockeye salmon returned to Redfish Lake, south of Stanley. (Ryndon Ricks/Flickr)

ID Salmon Workgroup Ends, Considered 'Stepping Stone' Toward Recovery

BOISE, Idaho - A group convened by Gov. Brad Little to address the dire situation for salmon and steelhead numbers has finalized its recommendations …

Salmon species are struggling to return to their Idaho breeding grounds because of overly hot water in rivers of the Columbia River Basin. (Bureau of Land Management/Flickr)

Salmon in Columbia, Snake Rivers Face Heat Getting Back to ID

BOISE, Idaho -- Salmon in the Columbia River basin have been feeling the heat -- and experts say it's pushing fish species to the brink of extinction…

Some fishing communities in Idaho rely on salmon to support their local economies. (Nan Palermo/Flickr)

Federal Report Does Little to Soothe Fears of NW Salmon Disappearance

BOISE, Idaho -- Federal agencies have released a report on management plans in the Columbia River basin to save endangered salmon species, rejecting …

Salmon and steelhead return numbers on the Snake River have plummeted in recent decades. (Matthew Dillon/Flickr)

Energy, Conservation Groups Unite on Divisive Snake River Dams Issue

BOISE, Idaho -- Energy companies and conservation groups want to bridge the divide on a contentious issue in the Northwest: the future of four Snake …

Hells Canyon Dam is one of three hydroelectric dams operated by Idaho Power on the Snake River. (Sam Beebe/Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Challenge Idaho Power Water Permits at Hells Canyon Dams

BOISE, Idaho – River conservation groups are challenging water permits issued to Idaho Power for its Hells Canyon complex of dams on the Snake …

Las comunidades de Idaho conf�an en el regreso del salm�n y la trucha para el a�o pr�ximo. (Nan Palmero/Flickr)

El Gobernador de Idaho forma diversos grupos para planear la recuperación del salmón

BOISE, Idaho – Un grupo diverso de accionistas estarán en Boise este viernes con el fin de desarrollar un plan para salvar al salmón …

Idaho communities rely on the return of salmon and steelhead each year. (Nan Palmero/Flickr)

Idaho Governor Assembles Diverse Groups to Plan Salmon Recovery

BOISE, Idaho – A diverse group of stakeholders will be in Boise on Friday to develop a plan to save Idaho's salmon and steelhead trout…

Salmon populations in the Northwest continue to spiral downward. (biker3/Adobe Stock)

NW Interests Come Together to Discuss Salmon Recovery, Energy

BOISE, Idaho — Major Northwest stakeholders are gathering today at Boise State University to discuss salmon recovery and the region's power …

Salmon and steelhead have been returning up the Columbia River to Idaho in historically low numbers. (Ryndon Ricks/Flickr)

Groups 'Disappointed' Salmon Not Part of Columbia River Treaty Talks

BOISE, Idaho – Columbia River Treaty negotiators from the United States and Canada are meeting in Washington, D.C., and Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho…

More than 400 people showed up to last year's Free the Snake Flotilla outside of Lewiston, Idaho. (Save Our Wild Salmon)

Flotilla Draws Attention to Snake River Salmon Plight

LEWISTON, Idaho – The fourth annual Free the Snake Flotilla kicks off tomorrow and participants say a free-flowing Snake River would restore …

Salmon runs on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River have fallen drastically since the lower Snake River dams were built, according to the National Wildlife Federation. (Rex Parker/Wikimedia Commons)

Bill in Congress Would Lock Snake River Dams in Place

BOISE, Idaho – The U.S. House is set to vote on Wednesday on a bill that would add federal protections to four lower Snake River dams. …

Conservation and fishing groups say four lower Snake River dams are driving salmon to the brink of extinction. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Study: Snake River Dams Could Be Replaced with Renewables

BOISE, Idaho – A new study finds hydropower from the lower Snake River dams could be replaced with renewable-energy sources, potentially …

Conservation groups say the lower Snake River dams need to come down if salmon populations in the Northwest are to recover. (Wilson Hui/Flickr)

How Was 2017 for Northwest Salmon?

BOISE, Idaho – Salmon and steelhead in the Northwest faced another alarming year in 2017, with return numbers declining yet again. Joseph …

Conservation groups say salmon are having a hard time migrating from the Pacific Ocean to Idaho, in part because of four lower Snake River dams. (Andrew E. Russell/Flickr)

Salmon Need More Spill Over Dams, Judge Rules

LEWISTON, Idaho – A federal judge has ordered more water be released from dams on the lower Columbia and Snake rivers to improve survival …

Groups are asking federal agencies to halt investment in four Snake River dams that could be torn down.(m01229/Flickr)

Groups Ask Court to Stop Federal Spending on Four Snake River Dams

LEWISTON, Idaho — Conservation and fishing groups are calling for a halt to spending projects on four lower Snake River dams that they say …

Members of the Nez Perce are asking for the breaching of four Lower Snake River dams, including the Little Goose Dam, above. (Melissa Shavlik/Northwest Power and Conservation Council)

Lower Snake River Dams, Nez Perce Treaty Rights at Issue

LEWISTON, Idaho – Nez Perce tribe members believe the best way to restore salmon and steelhead to their Idaho communities is by breaching the …

PHOTO: The Idaho Land Board is considering a permit to allow commercial suction dredging for gold on the Salmon River, even though the EPA says the area is off limits. Photo credit: Jonathan Oppenheimer

Gold-Dredging Decision Digs Deep Into River Rights

BOISE, Idaho – With gold prices at around $1,300 an ounce, motivation is strong to mine for the metal in Idaho. Many rivers and streams can …

4th Time the Charm for Salmon Recovery Plan?

BOISE, Idaho - Another deadline is approaching in the lengthy court battle to protect endangered Idaho wild salmon and other Northwest salmon species…

PHOTO: Idaho's fish can't outswim a changing climate, according to a National Wildlife Federation report, and more frequent, massive wildfires are especially damaging. Credit: USFWS/flickr

Wildfire Aftermath Not Good for Idaho Fish

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho's fish can't outswim a changing climate. That's the point of a new report from the National Wildlife Federation about …

PHOTO: Sockeye salmon in Redfish Lake, Idaho. A new report says the EPA should work with wildlife agencies when assessing pesticide risks to fish and other critters. Photo credit: Neil Ever Osborne, Save Our Wild Salmon.

Report: Pesticide Effects on Endangered Critters Needs Closer Look

BOISE, Idaho – The Environmental Protection Agency is being urged to do a better job of considering the effects that pesticides have on …

GRAPHIC: The federal agency in charge of making plans for salmon recovery in the Northwest is reaching out to a couple hundred people, businesses and associations, in what could signal a more collaborative approach to saving the endangered fish.

"Situation Room" Approach to Saving Endangered Idaho Salmon

BOISE, Idaho - The federal agency in charge of making plans for salmon recovery in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest is reaching out to a couple …

PHOTO: Idaho's Sockeye salmon named one of the most endangered species in the nation. Photo courtesy of Save Our Wild Salmon.

Idaho Sockeye Named in Most Endangered Species Report

BOISE, Idaho - Idaho's sockeye salmon are named on a list of the most endangered species in the nation. The Endangered Species Coalition issues the …

PHOTO: Suction dredge mining. Photo courtesy of Idaho Conservation League.

Salmon River Gold Mining Dredges up a Lawsuit

BOISE, Idaho - Plans to dredge for gold in the Salmon River have landed in court. A lawsuit has been filed to require the state to approve a …

PHOTO: Lower Granite Dam. Courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Northwest Division.

Study: Dams are Aging; Repair Costs "Unsustainable"

BOISE, Idaho - Dams, locks and levees on waterways in the Northwest and across the nation are in bad shape, according to a new government report by a …

PHOTO: Sockeye salmon in Redfish Lake. Photo credit: Neil Ever Osborne/Save Our Wild Salmon

Mixed Bag for Idaho Native Fish this Fall

BOISE, Idaho - Each autumn, agencies take stock of how the state's native salmon and steelhead are faring. Spring chinook are holding steady compared …

PHOTO: Suction dredge mining. Photo credit: J. Hayes

Land Board Set to Decide on Salmon River Gold Mining Today

BOISE, Idaho - Idaho has been experiencing a mini gold rush as the price of the precious metal stays at record highs, with hundreds of miners heading …

Report: New Culprit on the Hook for Salmon Recovery

BOISE, Idaho - Supplying coal to Asia could be the next threat to endangered Idaho salmon and steelhead, according to a new report assessing impacts …

Stellar Salmon Returns Expected – but Don't Dust Off Fishing Gear Yet

BOISE, Idaho - Starting this month, more than 314,000 Chinook salmon are expected to make their way up the Columbia-Snake River system. It's an …

Fishing for Love: Valentine Messages Delivered to NOAA Chief

BOISE, Idaho - When the Save Our Wild Salmon coalition asked its supporters to sign a valentine message to Dr. Jane Lubchenco, it didn't expect more …

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ID: Salmon Recovery