Idaho Rivers United
SPEAKING UP FOR SALMON
In 1992, a single sockeye salmon navigated his way up a network of rivers from the Pacific Ocean to the headwaters at Redfish Lake, Idaho. He should have been one of thousands, but sockeye had just been declared an endangered species, due to over harvesting, loss of habitat and a proliferation of dams that made epic journeys like his nearly impossible.
Christened ‘Lonesome Larry’, he became the mascot of a campaign driven by Idaho Rivers United, a newly formed grassroots conservation organisation focused on protecting and enhancing the waterways of Idaho for the benefit of all species. In the 30 years since, the IRU has become one of the loudest voices for salmon protection, recreation access, mine reform, and water protection across the state, and halted numerous damaging dam and hydro projects. Recognising the importance of Indigenous values and practices to the ecological and cultural integrity of the region, the IRU partners with local tribes who have traditionally protected and preserved these landscapes. Follow them on Instagram and find out more about their work at idahorivers.org.
