Dear Friends,
The upper portion of the Warm Springs Creek trail disappeared into lush wildflower-filled meadows and dense forests. We hoisted ourselves over massive downed trees tangled in underbrush. Worn down, we waded through the creek. Westslope-cutthroat whirled around our feet. Periodically, we hopped onto land looking for the trail. Suddenly, thick brush rippled around us and a beautiful, perfectly groomed cougar sprang over the creek and disappeared. (July 2016)
In 2016, Friends of the Clearwater and allies:
- Received a preliminary injunction to halt the damaging Johnson Bar Salvage Sale along the Wild & Scenic Selway and Middle Fork Clearwater Rivers
- Stopped a mining company’s exploration plan, including use of bulldozers, dump trucks and drilling rigs inside the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness
- Joined groups to demand Endangered Species Act protection and critical habitat designation for the imperiled wolverine
- Pushed Idaho Senator Jim Risch to abandon any attempts to legislate public lands away through the Upper Lochsa Land Exchange
- Provided logistical support for the 2nd Annual Free the Snake Flotilla and organized protests to stop aerial gunning of wolves in the wildest parts of the Clearwater Basin
In 2017, we will:
- Review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests’ Plan Revision
- Challenge any ill-advised Forest Service proposed timber sales in roadless areas slated for Pot Mountain, Cayuse Creek and elsewhere, or the return of massive timber sales the Forest Service has dropped due to past successful court challenges
- Review and possibly challenge agency decisions for plans that determine which backcountry trails and roadless areas could be open or closed to off-road vehicles
- Resist continued assaults from the Idaho Transportation Department to permit megaloads up Highway 12 and through the Wild & Scenic River corridor
Consider supporting small, grassroots like Friends of the Clearwater through membership, a one-time donation, or through our monthly donation program. Financial contributions not only keep you informed about the wild Clearwater country, but it allows us to reach the public-at-large.
Thanks to those who have volunteered, submitted public comments, and donated financially this year! 2017 promises many challenges to wild country.
Sincerely,
Ashley Lipscomb
Membership and Development Director