Communities dependent upon natural resources and dominated by public lands have to be resilient to change to survive. SVS works with partners to find strategies to create and foster a more resilient community. Some examples include:

As part of the Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition, SVS urges public land management agencies to use adaptation techniques as a response to climate change. See the 2010 issue paper regarding this subject.

Leadership in the Lemhi County Forest Restoration Group to create better social agreement about how to manage forest landscapes that are more resilient to wildfire.

In October 2010, a Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition Policy Roundtable was held in Salmon. The regional meeting focused on Idaho and Montana and was called "Sensible Solutions for Working Landscapes." About 45 people attended the roundtable, including representatives from Sen. Risch, Sen. Crapo, and Congressman Simpson's offices. Photo credit: Open View Photography
Advocate for policies and projects that position the community to succeed in the midst of changing conditions. Examples include:

  • Co-Sponsored with Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and other conservation partners an August 2010 “Smart Building in Riparian Areas” workshop for realtors, builders, and landowners. A Stream Care Guide for property owners in the Upper Salmon River Watershed is now available online, at the SVS office or at Idaho Dept of Fish and Game’s Salmon Region Office on Highway 93 N.

  • Support responsible travel on public lands. SVS worked with the Salmon BLM to encourage public input for its Travel Management Plan, and we helped create this Education & Outreach Plan to make sure the public, and especially youth, stay involved in a positive way.


  • SVS works to engage citizens in community growth and planning issues. Lemhi County adopted a new comprehensive plan in 2007. To download this or other documents, or to see the County's Planning and Zoning Commission agendas, visit the County's Building Department website.  The City of Salmon revised its comprehensive plan in 2010. The latest version is available at http://www.cityofsalmon.com.

On Thursday, Nov 3 from 1 – 5:30 p.m., we are co-hosting
with Idaho Department of Fish and Game a workshop
about understanding river dynamics and avoiding the negative impacts of flooding. The workshop is $15 and will be at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game conference room. Participants are asked to RSVP to Salmon Valley Stewardship by Wednesday 4 p.m. Click here for more information
Presented by Future West in Bozeman, Montana