COTTONWOOD, ID – The lower 112 miles of the Salmon River, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is a nationally known and sought after recreation destination for upwards of 500,000 people each year. Visitors come to enjoy the Lower Salmon River canyon for many reasons – the thrill of a whitewater adventure; the varied landscape and unique geologic formations within the second deepest canyon in the United States; to camp on the white sandy beaches; to hunt chukar partridge, deer or bighorn sheep; fish for steelhead, salmon, sturgeon or bass; or to share a unique experience with friends and family. 

 

Whatever the reasons, the BLM is asking for your help in keeping the river canyon clean and to abide by the requirements for use of the area.

 

According to BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Joe O’Neill, “We are seeing an increase in the uses along the river corridor, and unfortunately, that equates to more trash and human waste being left behind; more competition for camp sites; and greater potential for conflicts among the various users.” O’Neill reminds the public who use and enjoy the river corridor to follow the rules and asks the public to take extra care in leaving camp sites clean and ready for the next user.

 

The motto for the Lower Salmon River is “Love it and Leave it Clean”. Here’s how you can help keep the river clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone:

 

Plan Ahead – Know and follow the requirements for permits, boat launching, waste disposal, fires and proper beach etiquette.

 

·           Permits – River permits are required year-round for all overnight trips between Hammer Creek and Heller Bar. Permits are also required for day trips conducted from July 1 through Labor Day. Self-issue permits are available at the Hammer Creek and Pine Bar river access points. These must be completed prior to starting the trip and a copy must be kept with the trip leader.

 

·           For large group gatherings, weddings or other events, a special recreation permit may be required. For more information about the requirements, check the website at: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/recreation/more_information/special_recreation.html

 

·           Boat Launching - When launching boats, use the ramps for loading and unloading only, not parking or blocking access to others. Clear the ramp as quickly as possible so others may use it.

 

·           Camp Running – Sending someone ahead of the main group to secure a camp site is prohibited. Camps cannot be occupied before 1:30 pm (Pacific) unless the entire group is present.

 

·           Wear Life Jackets - O’Neill reminds river users to wear life jackets when boating, “Two people drowned on the Salmon River this spring/summer, and as the temperatures decline, the risk of hypothermia and drowning increases.” 

 

·           Pack it Out – Pack out all trash, including food scraps, cigarette butts, fishing line and containers. Fish bait such as shrimp or eggs should either be tossed into the river or packed out, not left on the beach. Water used for washing dishes should be strained to remove food particles that will draw biting insects. Carry your dish water away from camp, preferably above the high water line; dig a hole in the sand; and use a strainer or screen to remove food bits. Place the remaining food bits in your garbage and pack it out.

 

·           Human Waste – Use an approved toilet system to transport all solid human waste out with you. Urinate only on wet sand or directly in the river; urinating on hot, dry sand or rocks attracts insects and will foul the area for future visitors. Contact the BLM for information about appropriate human waste disposal methods or visit the website at: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/cottonwood/recreation_sites_/fire_pan_and_portable.html

 

·           Fires – All camp and cooking fires must be contained to prevent the spread of fire and damage to the beaches, recreation sites and riparian areas. Appropriate containers include: fire pans (a durable, metal pan measuring at least 12 inches x 12 inches wide with a bottom and at least a 1.5 inch lip around its outer edge, sufficient to contain the fire and its remains); portable barbecue with grill; gas stoves using pressurized liquid; or permanently installed fire rings and grills in developed recreation sites must be used. All ash, briquettes and left-over, unburned material must be bagged up and packed out, but never thrown in the river. Gather only driftwood for use in a fire; no live or dead trees or brush may be removed and used in a fire.

 

According to visitor surveys, the scenic qualities and largely undeveloped nature of this river canyon are the most important attractions to the area. “For these reasons, if everyone follows the rules, it will improve the river experience for all users,” said O’Neill. “By doing your part, to love it and leave it clean, we all benefit.”