The Idaho Transportation Department recently issued a news release stating there will be a public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 28, to gather public comments on a proposed rule that would regulate non-reducible oversized (megaloads) shipments along Highway 12, specifically within the Wild and Scenic River corridor, according to “interim criteria” proposed by the Forest Service in 2013. The state hearing will take place from 4:00 – 7:00pm MST at the Idaho Transportation Department headquarters, 3311 W. State St., Boise. Public comments may simultaneously be made at transportation department district offices via video-conference in Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Shoshone, Pocatello and Rigby. Click here to learn more about this important call to action.
Last weekend there were approximately 400 people and 250 boats that participated in the 2nd Annual Free the Snake Flotilla in Clarkson, WA. Dam breaching advocates from California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana were in attendance. Numerous members of various tribes in the Pacific Northwest participated, too, helping all of us send a loud and clear message that the four deadbeat dams on the lower Snake River are no longer needed, and that a brighter future awaits us all – a brighter future that includes a free-flowing river! Click here to watch a video of the flotilla, and to tell the federal government that you support dam removal.
The Forest Service is proposing to charge fees on non-fee sites, increase fees at other sites, and turn backcountry administrative sites into rental cabins on the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests. Since a private company runs the online reservation system, it would financially benefit from this proposal and would effectively serve as the gatekeeper for use of campgrounds or the proposed cabins. This is a step in the wrong direction in that it further promotes the relationship between the agency and the public to be one of business and consumer, rather than agency and citizen. The loss of more non-fee sites is a step toward charging citizens to enter national forests, which is the eventual goal of some elements of the recreation industry. Click here to read the full action alert.
According to the Lewiston Tribune, an oil spill has recently occurred at Dworshak Dam and a “fraction of the 290 gallons” have reached the North Fork Clearwater. We will track this issue in the coming days and weeks.
The Friends of the Clearwater Halloween Benefit & Dance w/ Henry C. & the Willards is Friday October 28. Our Annual Meeting & Gathering is Saturday November 5. Call 208-882-9755 for details.
Go wild,
Brett Haverstick
Education & Outreach Director