For Immediate Release: June 17, 2021
Contacts:
Josh Johnson, Conservation Associate, Idaho Conservation League, (208) 345-6933 x 201
Bryce Crocker, CEO, Jervois Mining Ltd. – Idaho Cobalt Operations, +61(03)95830498
$150,000 for three Upper Salmon Basin restoration projects
SALMON, Idaho – The Idaho Conservation League (“ICL”) and Jervois Mining USA Limited (“Jervois”) are pleased to announce the selection of three restoration projects as part of the Upper Salmon Conservation Action Program’s (USCAP) inaugural round. Following the inaugural request for proposals in the spring, the USCAP funding committee selected three proposals totaling $150,000 from a competitive pool of applicants.
The Lemhi Soil & Water Conservation District (“LSWCD”) received $85,000 to move a problematic diversion on the Lemhi River to advance an extensive fish habitat restoration project. This area has been identified as critical habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon and steelhead.
Bob Minton, LSWCD Project Manager, said, “The LSWCD is very grateful to be selected to receive funding from the Upper Salmon Conservation Action Program for 2021. These funds will help the LSWCD and partners to complete an irrigation consolidation project which is an important first step as part of a larger fish habitat rehabilitation project. Habitat projects in tributaries like the Lemhi River are critical for maintaining and growing fish numbers to recover the species and bring recreational and economic opportunity back to the people of Idaho.”
The USCAP selected White Clouds Preserve (“WCP”) for $35,000 in funding to conduct riparian restoration work. The nonprofit manages 432 acres along the East Fork of the Salmon River. Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook salmon, steelhead and bull trout spawn and rear their young in the East Fork.
“We are grateful for the support this program brings to our community,” said WCP Co-Executive Director Amanda Gardner. “This grant, in collaboration with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and native plant experts, enables WCP to monitor and restore critical salmon and steelhead populations along the East Fork near its confluence with the Main Salmon.”
Western Rivers Conservancy (“WRC”) received $30,000 to assist with acquiring a key parcel of land along Panther Creek, a major tributary of the Salmon River. This action is an important step in the recovery of spawning and rearing habitat for endangered fish.
Dieter Erdmann, the Interior West Program Director for Western Rivers Conservancy, said, “With the support of USCAP, WRC is advancing a two-decade effort to recover Panther Creek. We are working to convey two properties on Panther Creek to the Salmon-Challis National Forest, setting the stage for habitat recovery including riparian and instream improvements to re-establish floodplain connectivity and encourage establishment and growth of riparian vegetation along a mile and a half of Panther Creek.”
The USCAP was created in partnership with ICL and Jervois in March 2021 to support protection and restoration of fish and wildlife habitats including water quality, and biodiversity within the Upper Salmon River Basin. Jervois will contribute $150,000 annually to USCAP throughout the operational life of their Idaho Cobalt Operations (“ICO”) in Lemhi County, Idaho.
Josh Johnson, ICL’s Central Idaho conservation associate, said, “The USCAP funding committee is thrilled to fund three excellent restoration proposals in the Upper Salmon Basin that will benefit this region’s world-class rivers and the endangered fish that call them home. We are excited for the opportunity to continue funding restoration work in this region for years to come.”
The next call for proposals for the 2022 USCAP funding cycle will be announced this winter.
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The Idaho Conservation League is Idaho’s leading voice for conservation — for the clean water, clean air, special places, and fish and wildlife that make Idaho’s exceptional quality of life possible. We participate in collaborative projects and partnerships across the state to help develop and implement policies that help restore and sustain Idaho’s clean air, clean water, public lands, fish and wildlife, and the communities that depend on them.
Jervois Mining Limited (ASX: JRV) (TSX-V: JRV) (OTC: JRVMF) is an Australia-based mining and refining company. It is a leading cobalt company with significant nickel and copper exposure. Its core mission is to become a leading supplier of responsibly sourced battery minerals products supporting United States industry. ICO is located in the cobalt belt in Lemhi County, Idaho.