PARTNERSHIP EVENTS

The Caribou Clean Water Partnership had a successful open house in Thayne, Wyoming. Thayne lies in Star Valley, the focus of current mining expansion plans. The open house drew out members of the Star Valley Soil Conservation Service, the mayor of Thayne, a county planner, employees from both NRCS and USFS, employees of the J.R. Simplot Company as well as other concerned citizens. Evidently concerned about the issue, the audience asked excellent questions for nearly thirty minutes and many of the attendees mingled with staff and asked individual questions for another thirty minutes. Several attendees joined our cause.

The Partnership has also attended many events in the Pocatello area. Representatives were at two earth day events signing up over 20 new partners. Members are also beginning to host house parties for a fun way to talk about clean water with friends and neighbors.

The Partnership is co-hosting some other great events this summer. On June 30 and July 1st we will be camping at Deer Creek repairing hiking trails. On July 14 and 15 we will be working on projects at the Blackfoot River WMA. For more information on these and other events contact Coby Tigert.

WATER SAMPLING

Members of the Caribou Clean Water Partnership collected water samples and water flow data at several creeks near phosphate mine sites in early May. This data will be analyzed in laboratories to detect concentrations of selenium. The next phase of sampling includes plant and insect specimens.

"If one looks where the most attractive and desired places to live, they need not look much further then Eastern Idaho. People are moving here in large numbers for the great lifestyle. These people are bringing their sense of adventure and a growth to our community as they move into some of the most beautiful wild lands in the country.

With this influx of people, whether permanently or just temporary, money is coming into the area and providing economic stimulus to all of eastern Idaho.

Something is jeopardizing this current economic stimulus, however. Phosphate mining is leaking the toxin selenium into the rivers and streams, putting individuals and wildlife at risk, as your April 17 article on the Caribou Clean Water Partnership stated. And, this has the potential to severely injure our economy and way of life.

Also, the endless amounts of anglers that frequent Eastern Idaho every year may stop coming as selenium contamination is killing off cutthroat trout in high numbers.

I think we all need to take a step back and view this issue in its full context, including an economic setting and to protect our health. We have mines that are leaking toxins into our amazing landscape in eastern Idaho and I urge you, readers to own this important issue.

Try to understand its importance. Selenium contamination is an issue that needs our attention. There are people responsible for this and they should be held accountable."

Marcus Gallo, Pocatello
Printed in the Idaho State Journal on April 28, 2007

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