Mission

Analyze critical waterways with conservationists and media to discuss threats of mining pollution and development. Advance efforts to protect Northern Idaho Waterways for recreation, clean drinking water, and fish.

Facing bad weather, we flew a condensed route over Lake Pend Oreille. The lake is one of the largest in the US, with depths of more than 1,000 feet. Lake Pend Oreille faces threats of pollution from upstream mining and industrial activities, increasing population and shoreline development, and invasive species. The Idaho Department of Lands is considering a permit for the Idaho Club to construct a large private marina and luxury housing at the mouth of Trestle Creek. The development proposal would reroute the North Branch of Trestle Creek, which is critical spawning habitat for Westslope cutthroat-trout, kokanee, and threatened bull trout. The lakes and rivers of this region provide incredible fishing and recreational opportunities, and are sacred and valued by the Indigenous peoples of the area, providing fish that have sustained their people since time immemorial.

The waterways of North Idaho must be protected from degradation to preserve important cultural landscapes, water quality, fish populations, and recreation. EcoFlight's partners at Idaho Conservation League are working to protect Lake Pend Oreille among other waterways like Lake Coeur d'Alene, Priest Lake, and the Kootenai River from harmful development and pollution.

Click for geo-referenced photos from the flight. This .kmz file is best viewed in Google Earth