Friends of the Clearwater issued a news release yesterday concerning a report that our organization just completed, which documents how the Forest Service is managing roadless areas under the Idaho Roadless Rule and the national Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The Clinton Administration established the national rule in 2001. Idaho was wrongfully allowed to develop its own rule in 2008 by the Bush Administration so that it could develop and log more of our nation’s undeveloped wildlands on national forests in Idaho. Our report is both revealing and troubling and should be read. The news release and report can be read here.
A Swedish and Finnish company called Endomines is opening a gold mine on private land near Elk City, Idaho. The mine is surrounded by the Nez Perce National Forest. The company plans to open a processing facility on a different section of private land, also near Elk City. The facility would be located about 600 feet above Red River, which contains Bull trout and steelhead – both protected under the Endangered Species Act. Endomines is currently working with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to obtain a permit for reusing groundwater in the area and building storage ponds for the processing facility. DEQ is accepting public comments until April 3. Read our full action alert here.
Speaking of mining, Friends of the Clearwater is debuting its new short film, Dirty Gold, on Monday, March 25 at 7:00 pm in the Great Room of the 1912 Center, which is located at 412 E. Third in Moscow. This documentary takes a look at controversial suction dredge mining operations in the Clearwater, particularly activities on the S. Fork Clearwater.
Our 4th Annual Wine & Wilderness fundraiser is set for 66:00 pm on Saturday, April 6. This three-course meal will be paired with limited production wines featuring a Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre (GSM) flight & a Syrah flight. $75 per person. The location will be provided with reservation. Contact ashley@friendsoftheclearwater.
We are excited to host Dr. David Mattson and large carnivore policy expert Louisa Willcox for their presentation titled, Grizzly Bears for the Clearwater: Beyond the Great Divide. The event is scheduled for Thursday, April 11 at 7:00 pm in the Art Room of the 1912 Center, 412 E. Third in Moscow. Come learn about the natural recovery of the great bear in the Clearwater Basin.
Don’t forget to read our roadless report, and we hope to see you this spring at our events!
Sincerely,
Brett Haverstick
Education & Outreach Director
Friends of the Clearwater
