Comment Sought On Giving Rivers Special Designation

A petition to name the Selway River, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, several tributaries of those rivers and 46 Idaho stream segments as “Outstanding Resource Waters” is being reviewed by the Idaho Board of Health and Welfare.

The board is taking public comment on the nominations and on whether public hearings should be held on the designation.

The Idaho Conservation League petitioned the state to name the rivers and their tributaries, plus the stream segments containing bull trout, as outstanding resources.

The official designation must be made by the Legislature, and provides special protective measures to prevent degradation of the waterways.

The ICL petition came seven years after the Legislature passed a law creating the outstanding water protection process. The law was passed two years after the ICL sued the federal government to force Idaho to take action under the Clean Water Act to protect its pristine lakes and rivers.

Not one waterway has been given the designation.

The Board of Health and Welfare will review the stream segments and public comments prior to making a recommendation to the Legislature.

The comment period began July 19 and extends through Sept. 3. For more information, including copies of the ICL petition, or to make comments, write Paula Junae Saul, Environmental Quality Section, Attorney General’s Office, 1410 N. Hilton, Boise 83706, or call (208) 373-0418.