An Update From Idaho.

With the warm weather in February, many thought that winter was over. Turns out that I was skiing power again and waking up to zero degree mornings in March. The warmer February weather did not help out our early heavy snow-pack, but the recent weather change has put us back on track. The Salmon River Basin is currently at 94% of normal, the Flathead basin is holding at 89%, and the Bruneau and Owyhee river basins are holding strong with 95% of normal. The warmer weather in February did on the other hand give me a good window for working on the new WRO guide house. In legislative news, after getting shot down once, the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 did make it through the House of Representatives after some minor changes. This bill is now headed to President Obama, who is expected to sign without delay. With this bill passing, over a half million acres of beauty and prestige in the Owyhee Canyon Lands will be protected for future generations to enjoy. Throughout Idaho and Montana, with the snow we have thus far, many great river will continue to flow this summer. Despite the current failing economy. I have also included a picture of the progress I have recently made on my building project. I hope your having a great day.

Seth Tonsmeire

Middle Fork Kayak Camp

June 16th Kayak Trip!!!

June 16th on the Middle Fork of the Salmon is a great time for someone with some kayak experience to see the canyon. Higher Flows bring more waves and fun big water style rapids. Many great surf opportunities along the way, with the possibility of camping at Marble Creek. The rapid at Marble Creek hold one of the best surf waves in Idaho at the right levels. The Middle Fork is credited for having 100 rapids in 100 miles. Will Parham will be a guest coach along on this trip. You can check out a video of Will on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weY00ZrQ86c. There will also be other kayak instructors along if you need some pointers. As well as great kayaking, there will also be bocce ball, horseshoes, frisbee, beers with friends, and just a great time in general. This trip is promoted to kayakers, with rafts providing the camping support. If someone needs a break there will be room on the rafts, but the rafts are mostly there for camping support. Most people with adequate experience would most likely want to bring a play-boat for surfing, but river-running boats would be nice if your not into play-boating. We do have some kayaks for rent if you would like to fly to Idaho without a kayak. Any questions or want to join us don't hesitate to give me a call and reserve you spot. Space Limited. There is a discount rate on this WRO trip of $1,200 per person, which is a great deal on a 6-day all inclusive Middle Fork Salmon trip.

Questions:

seth@wildernessriver.com

cell- (406) 579-8677

Seth Tonsmeire

Exciting News in Idaho!!!

Owyhee Canyon Lands

On January 15^th, 2009 the U.S. Senate passed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009. This act includes the Owyhee Public Lands Management Act, which will protect over a half million acres of wilderness in Owyhee County, and also designates 315 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in Idaho in the Owyhee and Bruneau river canyons.  This Owyhee protection is part of larger legislation that will set aside more than 2 million acres of wilderness in nine states.  This new wilderness in Idaho will be the most recent designation is the past 30 years.  Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has played a major part in the getting this legislation into the senate.  In the new Congress the Democrats assembled more than enough votes to push through this legislation, 73-21.  Now the bill will moves to the House of Representatives and will probably be decided on shortly.  Getting this legislation through the senate, there is a good chance it will also make it through the House.  With a good snow pack in this region so far, next spring could be a great time to be rafting in a new Idaho Wilderness.  Give us a call and reserve your spot soon!!!

Photo:  Henry Munter

"By voting to protect mountains and pristine wildlands, Congress is starting out on the right foot," said Christy Goldfuss of Environment America, an advocacy group. "This Congress is serious about protecting the environment and the outstanding lands that Americans treasure."

Seth Tonsmeire

Steep and Cheap

This is a heads up to you and anyone looking to score great deals on outdoor gear.  Steep and Cheap is a website that sells one outdoor gear item at a time, and for a great price.  The deals range from 80% to no less than 50% off retail price.  Since the deals are so hot they go quick, so the one product they are selling at a time changes constantly throughout each day.  Tents, sunglasses, clothing, sleeping bags, shoes, headlamps, and many more items can be found on Steep and Cheap.  How they offer such great deals I am not really sure, but this is not a scam.  There are two rules that need to be followed though:  not more than three items per household and no resale of products purchases on Steep and Cheap.  If you follow these two rules, the hot deals will keep flowing all day long.  This is a great place to shop for outdoor gear without paying top dollar at a retail store.  Go check it out at www.steepandcheap.com.  

Seth Tonsmeire

Photo Contest Results

First I would like to thank everyone that participated in the WRO 2008 photo contest.  There were many photos submitted, which make for a good contest.  We had Shannon Miller, a local Salmon photographer help with the judging, to make the contest fair and non-bias opinion.  She had a hard time judging with so many great photos to chose from.  The photo that was chosen for first place was taken by Kate McSpadden on the Upper Alsek River in Kluane National Park, Canada.  The view from camp that evening was hard to beat.

First Place:  Kate McSpadden (Free River Trip)

Second place was a great action shot caught by Courtney Coen.  Sevy Falls is hidden down in the desert canyon of the Jarbidge River in Southern Idaho.

Second Place:  Courtney Coen (50% discount)

Third place went to Bob Carlson.  Bob was on another one of our far north trips the Tatshenshini River.  This photo was taken on one of our lay-over days at Alsek Lake.  Alsek Lake is located in Glacier Bay National Park Alsaka.  There is no better way to see Glacier Bay National Park than a river trip.  If it looks like there are lots of people and not much stuff on the boat, its because we are just out for a cruise on the Alsek Lake and return to our camp afterward.

Third Place:  Bob Carlson (25% discount)

Here are some other photos that deserve at least honorable mention:

   Photo:  Nick Wild, Walker Glacier (Tatshenshini)

Photo:  Colin Wild, Walker Glacier (Tatshenshini)

Photo:  Kate McSpadden, Lowell Lake (Upper Alsek)

Submitted by Fred Knier.  He is in the picture though, must have had help.

Thanks again to everyone that participated!!! Hope you enjoyed the Photos.

Seth Tonsmeire