An Ode to an ICL Summer—Spent Protecting the Best of Idaho
Keeping Public Lands Clean, Protected, and In YOUR Hands
As summer winds down, ICL is wrapping up a packed season of conservation—and it’s all thanks to your support!After nearly 2,000 Idahoans rallied at the Capitol this spring to keep public lands in public hands, we carried that energy into summer. Idahoans raised their voices to their elected officials who eventually removed the sell off language, and our record-breaking 100 Wilderness Stewards hit the trails across some of central Idaho’s designated and recommended wilderness areas to clean up trash, dismantle illegal fire rings, and share wilderness ethics. With Forest Service staffing down this year, the work of our stewards is more important than ever. Want to help next year? Fill out the 2026 inquiry form here—and until then, we encourage you to recreate responsibly and help steward your local trails! This summer marked a major milestone for public lands in Idaho, and for ICL: the 10th anniversary of the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness designation! In 2015, President Obama signed legislation that permanently protected over 275,000 acres of Idaho’s wild heart. It took over 20 years of collaboration to get there—and we’re celebrating with a blog series (click here for Blog 1, here for Blog 2, and here for Blog 3) and guided hikes to get Idahoans out into this special landscape (one hike left - don’t miss it!). Find an event near you and hear the stories that made this campaign a success!
Fighting for Wild Salmon
From Idaho’s wild heart to the salmon that return home to its waters, ICL’s salmon team has had a busy summer too. Despite troubling developments at the regional and national levels, that coupled with hot water temperatures that have made it a difficult summer for Columbia and Snake River salmon and steelhead, advocacy from ICL and our partners has heated up too. (Take action today!) Our Youth Salmon Protectors from the Boise and Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) chapters took their work westward this summer—to the mouth of the Klamath, where they witnessed a river reborn. The Klamath River, which until recently had four dams blocking fish passage to more than 400 miles of its waters, is now the site of the largest river restoration project in history. Inspired by what’s possible when we free rivers, they came home more determined than ever to see the Snake River follow suit.
Safeguarding Idaho Waters and Idaho Communities
ICL has protected the water you drink since 1973, and summer is a particularly busy time for our water work.
In North Idaho, our Water Quality Stewards are in the midst of another season collecting vital water quality data—contributing to a 13-year data archive that helps shape water protection efforts in North Idaho. We’re also working to minimize chemical pollution in North Idaho's iconic lakes and raise awareness about threats from wastewater pollution and irresponsible land and shoreline practices.Statewide, our upcoming Wastewater Treatment Plant Report reveals that over half of Idaho’s wastewater treatment plant facilities violated Clean Water Act standards at least once in 2024. This report isn’t just about holding facilities meant to protect us accountable; it’s also about helping Idahoans understand what’s at stake—and how to take action.In Boise, we’re proud to support a Clean Water, Pathways, and Open Space levy campaign on the November ballot! If passed, it’ll expand access to trails and natural areas, protect water quality, and grow open space. Past levies have done just that, and ICL is excited about the opportunity to build on that legacy.From championing clean energy in Ada County, to distributing 200+ Climate Care Kits to our unhoused neighbors, to pushing back on the Stibnite Gold Project and CuMo Exploration Project, and so much more—summer 2025 has been a whirlwind!We couldn’t do any of this without you. As we wrap up summer and head into our September Member Drive, we hope you’ll continue supporting us—and maybe even bring a friend along too.