Volunteering and Support

Friends of the Clearwater is, in large part, the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers. In fact, we were an all volunteer organization until 1999. Listed below are some of the ways you can volunteer and make a difference. You may choose one activity or as many as you would like, as any help is greatly appreciated. We truly value our volunteers and are very grateful for all of their hard work! We hope that you will join us in our efforts to protect and defend the Wild Clearwater Country.

Do your part to help Friends of the Clearwater by donating your time with one of many volunteer opportunities, including:

Wildlife Research

• Coeur d'Alene salamander monitoring
• Decommissioned road wildlife use study

Off Road Recreation Vehicle Overuse

Friends of the Clearwater has documented off-road vehicle (motorbikes, ATVs) use on trails originally designed for foot traffic. Unfortunately, most of the roadless areas (potential wilderness) on the Clearwater and Nez Perce National Forests are open to motor vehicles (including all of them to snowmobiles). We are monitoring these areas by sending out volunteers to endangered hiking trails to gather photographs and other evidence that proves that this use is degrading these lands.

Brochure writing and Research

Some of the topics that we need energetic volunteers to look into include:

• Research and Summary on Mining Laws
• A brief summary about wildlife laws and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Timber Sale Monitoring:

We are currently monitoring several timber sales. Environmental guidelines have been designed to minimize the negative impact logging and road-building have on watersheds. Often these standards are ignored by the Forest Service and contracted logging companies. We monitor these sales to record where and when infractions occur. We use digital photos and GPS coordinates to support this work.

Table at Community Events

We set up an informational table at community events throughout the region and at the local college campuses. If you have a favorite event in North Central Idaho please invite us! Don’t worry if you feel like you have a lot to learn; someone will meet you to help set up/take down the table. Its very easy and all the information is at your fingertips! It’s a great way to get outside and meet people too!

Interior Decorating and Design

We are always looking for individuals to help us with the upkeep of the office.

Letter Writing

There are many decisions being made about the fate of our precious wildlands, and your voice needs to be heard on these issues. Sign up for our update, the Big Wild Bi-Weekly e-mail, to receive current alerts, or refer to our letter writing info sheet with alerts and a sample letter. By writing letters to the editor, Forest Service and elected officials, hopefully together we will influence those who can make positive changes! Log in and read the WildScribes group as well.

Assist With Data Entry or Mailings

We have lots of information which needs to be entered into the computer. Any help doing so, is huge! We also have mailings throughout the year that go quickly with lots of help. Computer savvy people are appreciated but not required!

Get Your Group or Cause Involved With FOC

Get your group to help with any of our volunteer opportunities or invite us to your events and activities!
We are always looking for ways to connect in our local communities! New ideas for local groups to work together are the best ways to get connected.

Fundraising and Donations

We are a non-profit organization, and therefore rely solely on grants and donations from our gracious supporters. As costs rise, any help with fundraising or cultivating donations is greatly appreciated! Creative ways and new ideas towards raising money are welcome.

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