Clearwater Basin Collaborative
The Idaho Conservation League is participating in the Clearwater Basin Collaborative to protect the largest unprotected landscape in the contiguous 48 states.
The Clearwater basin is home to millions of acres of roadless forests, meadows and streams that have changed little since Lewis and Clark passed through the area two centuries ago. It's also home to robust populations of fish and wildlife.
- Cayuse Creek. Jonathan Oppenheimer photo.
In the spirit of the Owyhee Initiative, Sen. Mike Crapo convened the Clearwater Basin Collaborative in May 2008. ICL is a proud member of this diverse group, which also includes representatives of Clearwater and Idaho Counties, the forest products industry, the Nez Perce Tribe, economic development interests and local off-road vehicle groups.
The CBC wants to address long-standing controversies over public lands in the Clearwater basin as well as find ways to improve the economic vitality of the region.
The CBC meets regularly within the basin, usually in Kamiah or Lewiston. Subcommittee meetings focus on landscape health, recreation, rural economies and land allocation.
All meetings are open to the public, and public comment is encouraged. Meeting notices, along with other information about the CBC, are available.
If you've explored places like the Lochsa and North Fork Clearwater Rivers, caught one of Kelly Creek's blue ribbon cutthroats or hiked the Mallard-Larkins, you know how special the Clearwater basin is. Through the CBC, we hope to see many of these special places protected for today and future generations.
