Rivers in the southeastern Idaho region are the lifeblood of the region. In fact, the wildlife resources are a key reason why people live or vacation by the rivers. In Idaho, mining is also a way of life. Historically, Idaho mining companies mine and refine phosphorus, a primary ingredient in Roundup^®. This kind of mining can be hazardous to streams, rivers and the wildlife that surrounds them.

FINALIST FOR A 2013 SUSTAINABLE YIELD PLEDGE AWARD

The relationship between conservation groups and mining companies had always been tense in the area. Often, differences would have to be settled in court.

Our people knew that obtaining a permit for our proposed Blackfoot Bridge phosphate mine would be challenging, to say the least. We had to change the way we thought about the permit process.

From 2005 – 2011, our project team members proactively worked with local mining companies, the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) and Trout Unlimited (TU) to engage in dialogue and develop beneficial environmental projects within the community.

The result of these collaboration efforts, known as the Upper Blackfoot River Initiative for Conservation (UBRIC) earned the team recognition as a finalist for a 2013 Sustainable Yield Pledge Award in the Community Engagement category.

In 2012, we marked the beginning of the on-the-ground efforts to enhance the quality of the fish habitat in the Upper Blackfoot River Watershed. It’s the start of a multi-year agreement to improve the environment in the area. The first projects involve installing fish-friendly weirs at irrigation diversion points to remove fish migration barriers. This project is just one of many that we’re proud to undertake in order to keep the waterways clean and healthy.