The South Fork of the Salmon River in central Idaho is under threat from a massive mining proposal. As many of you know, the South Fork is a magnificent river with an incredibly wide range of whitewater opportunities on numerous stretches, including the East Fork, all the way through a Wilderness multi-day run that takes you to the confluence with the Salmon River at Mackey Bar on the Main Salmon wilderness run. We're collecting stories and photos of the South Fork for use in ours and our partners campaign to raise awareness about the imminent threat that this classic whitewater river faces. 

The Midas Gold Stibnite Project is mining proposal at a scale that Idaho hasn't really seen before with three giant open-pit mines that will affect already restored wetlands, and re-route and re-channel streams in the headwaters of the East Fork of the South Fork. The project would take place on the Payette National Forest and they have completed the scoping phase that is part of the public lands process for the approval of the mining plan submitted by Midas Gold. Down the road in this process there will be multiple more opportunities for public comments and we'll be counting on our community to weigh in on the potential affects this plan would have on whitewater recreation in the South Fork watershed. 

We want to hear from you about your love for the South Fork and what makes this river so special! Please submit your photos, stories and comments about the South Fork through our easy online form today! 

For more information on the mine and to see the summary of the overwhelmingly concerned comments about the potential impacts on people, wildlife and water quality that the Forest Service received about this proposal, you can read their Scoping and Issues Summary Report. Thank you!