Hello,
You recently expressed interest in Trout Unlimited (TU) keeping you informed on the latest developments with the State of Idaho and Bureau of Reclamation’s proposal to rebuild Teton Dam. Thank you for your interest in helping Trout Unlimited protect this unique place for future generations to enjoy. I’d like to share some recent developments—and also ask for your help.
Act now to protect Teton as Wild and Scenic River
 With a few online clicks, you can help us gain permament federal protection for the Teton Canyon as a Wild and Scenic River. The Bureau of Land Management is currently taking public comments about whether to protect Teton Canyon under the Wild and Scenic River Act. The BLM carefully considers every comment and your voice could make a big difference. Please follow these simple action steps to show your support for protecting Teton Canyon.
Please act today and let them know you care about Teton Canyon.
Taking it to the top
 In recent months, TU has met with Idaho's Congressional delegation and top officials of the Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Interior in Washington, D.C., to discuss the proposed Teton Basin water storage study that is slated to begin this spring. In our discussions, we pointed out the fallacies of rebuilding Teton Dam and stressed that we could not support a Teton study solely aimed at rebuilding Teton Dam. That approach, we said, would be a waste of taxpayer money and incite years of unnecessary conflict. Instead, we urged them to revamp the study with two broad goals in mind:
- Ensure that the study is inclusive, open and accountable to the public.
- Expand the study to look at the full range of alternatives, including water markets, infrastructure upgrades and aquifer recharge.
Read more about our specific recommendations for the study.
While state and federal officials seemed receptive to our concerns, they have not yet taken action to address them in the study. We should know more in coming weeks about whether this study will warrant our participation and support.
In the News: Teton a 'pipe dream,' says reporter
Veteran Idaho Statesman reporter Rocky Barker recently raised anew the question of whether Idaho should spend $400,000 on a Teton Dam study in light of the state's ongoing budget crisis. In his blog, Barker concluded: "From my standpoint the only real value of the $400,000 is laying the groundwork to move the discussion past rebuilding the Teton Dam, which is an irrigation pipe dream." That is essentially TU's goal: If we can't stop the Teton Basin study (and it does appear to be going forward), then our aim is to refocus the study away from rebuilding Teton Dam and toward a thorough study of cost-effective alternatives. Read Barker's post.
Stay tuned...
 In the next few months, we'll be identifying ways to use your help as you indicated on the volunteer questionnaire. Thank you for taking a stand to protect this last best place. Please keep checking the website for updates at www.tu.org/tetoncanyon, too.
(At any time you may opt-out of emails from TU, by using the links at the bottom of this message, by calling us at 1-800-834-2419 or by sending an email to trout@tu.org.)
Sincerely,
Kim Trotter, Director
Idaho Water Project
Trout Unlimited
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Teton Canyon on Facebook
Check out this Facebook group dedicated to preserving Teton Canyon. Join and stay in touch with other Teton defenders.
Contact Us
Idaho Water Project
151 North Ridge Avenue
Suite 120
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
208-552-0891
208-552-0899 (fax)
Kim Goodman Trotter
Director
Idaho Water Project
(208) 552-0891 ext.712
Email Kim Goodman Trotter
Peter Anderson
Counsel
Idaho Water Project
Email Peter Anderson
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