SANDPOINT – The Idaho Conservation League (ICL) requests proposals for environmental restoration projects that restore water quality and riparian habitat. Ideally, the project would be located in Shoshone County, but other proposals located in the Idaho Panhandle will be considered. Proposals that meet project criteria are eligible for up to $80,000 in project cost funding.
The Idaho Conservation League is Idaho’s largest state-based conservation organization, with over 11,000 members statewide. To fulfill its mission to protect Idaho’s environment, part of ICL’s work includes coordinating and directing funds for environmental restoration projects. Last year, ICL distributed $40,000 to fund riparian restoration projects along Beaver Creek, a tributary to the North Fork Coeur d’Alene River in Shoshone County.
The Beaver Creek restoration projects were led by The Lands Council, a conservation organization based in Spokane, in conjunction with property owners in the county. The Lands Council teamed up with students from Post Falls High School and planted over 200 trees along Beaver Creek to help stabilize the streambank, which will improve habitat for westslope cutthroat trout and other coldwater fish by reducing water temperature and sediment loading into the creek. This funding was also used to help design future riparian restoration further upstream that will also stabilize the streambanks and prevent erosion for local property owners.
ICL is accepting proposals on a rolling basis to distribute funds as soon as possible. Interested parties should reach out to Matt Nykiel for a copy of the request for proposal and more details.