For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Contacts:
Josh Johnson, Senior Conservation Associate, Idaho Conservation League, (208) 345-6933 x 301
Courtney Burgard, Environmental Superintendent, Idaho Cobalt Operations, (406) 672-3533
Conservation program awards $150,000 for restoration projects in Upper Salmon basin
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) second year of funding. Following the request for proposals, the USCAP funding committee selected three proposals totaling $150,000 from a competitive pool of applicants.
The Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) received $75,000 towards a larger project in collaboration with the Salmon-Challis National Forest that will remove two problematic culverts blocking fish access to an important tributary of the Salmon River. Once removed, endangered Columbia Basin Bull Trout and Snake River Chinook Salmon and steelhead will be able to access almost 10 miles of previously inaccessible prime habitat.
“Large scale projects like this couldn’t happen without many collaborators,” said IDFG Senior Fisheries Technician, Jessica Buelow. “We are grateful that the Upper Salmon CAP committee joined us in our efforts to open up 10 miles of habitat for ESA-listed and resident fish species.”
The USCAP selected White Clouds Preserve (WCP) for $60,000 in funding to expand ongoing riparian restoration work that was initially funded in the 2021 USCAP funding cycle. The nonprofit manages 432 acres along the East Fork of the Salmon River where Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook salmon, steelhead and bull trout spawn and rear their young.
“The impact this funding has on our community can be seen in our restoration efforts along the East Fork of the Salmon River,” said White Clouds Preserve Co-Executive Director, Amanda Gardner. “We are grateful for the opportunity to invest these funds locally and support our mission of fostering stewardship, education, and community in central Idaho.”
The Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) received $15,000 to assist with the acquisition of a key parcel of land along Panther Creek, a major tributary of the Salmon River.
“Conserving salmon habitat on Panther Creek is imperative to the species’ recovery in the greater Salmon River system,” said Sue Doroff, president of WRC. “Building on USCAP’s support in 2021, WRC will complete the second phase of our Panther Creek Project, conveying 448 acres and nearly a mile of Panther Creek to the Salmon-Challis National Forest, laying the groundwork for critically needed habitat recovery that will help salmon and other fish survive and flourish here once again.”
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.
“The USCAP funding committee is excited to fund three more restoration proposals in the Upper Salmon basin that will benefit this region’s exceptional rivers and the endangered fish that call them home,” said Josh Johnson, ICL’s Senior Conservation Associate. “We are looking forward to funding further restoration work in this region for years to come through this program.”
“It was a great experience reviewing all of the submissions for 2022 funding and selecting from a very competitive pool,” said Courtney Burgard, Environmental Superintendent for Jervois Idaho Cobalt Operations. “The abundance of conservation opportunities in the Upper Salmon basin put this funding to great use.”
The next call for USCAP proposals will be announced in January 2023.
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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 Global Limited (ASX: JRV) (TSX-V: JRV) (OTC: JRVMF) is a multinational battery and specialty chemicals company with a strategic focus on nickel and cobalt. Its core mission is to become a leading supplier of responsibly sourced battery minerals products to western supply chains. Located approximately 25 miles west of Salmon, Idaho, Jervois’ Idaho Cobalt Operations (ICO) is currently under construction and on-track to commence production in 2022. Once operational, the ICO will be the only producing cobalt mine in the United States.