About this episode

Greg McReynolds discusses the future of the Lower Snake River and the potential for dam removal to recover salmon populations and reveal hidden rapids.

Greg McReynolds from Idaho Rivers United | The Lower Snake We Lost This podcast is the audio version of the Gear Garage Live Show, where we answer submitted questions and talk all things whitewater. In this episode, Zach sits down with Greg McReynolds, the Executive Director of Idaho Rivers United (IRU), to discuss the future of the Lower Snake River and the hidden rapids currently buried under its reservoirs. Episode Summary The conversation begins with the "permit apocalypse," as Greg and Zach share the common disappointment of being denied for major river lotteries like the Gates of Lodore. This frustration leads naturally into a discussion about unpermitted river opportunities and the massive potential of the Lower Snake River. Greg explains that IRU is heavily invested in the removal of the lower four Snake River dams to recover salmon populations in Idaho, which remains the "last best place" for salmon in the lower 48 states. A fascinating part of the episode explores what lies beneath the current reservoirs between Lewiston and Pasco. Underneath 140 miles of stagnant water are 66 named rapids that have been submerged for half a century. Greg describes a future where those…

People in this episode

Host: Zach

Guest: Greg McReynolds

Topics covered

• river conservation
• dam removal
• whitewater rafting
• salmon recovery
• hidden rapids
• Idaho rivers
• environmental policy

Keywords

• Lower Snake River
• Idaho Rivers United
• dam removal
• salmon
• whitewater
• rapids
• environmental conservation
• river opportunities
• permit lottery

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Idaho Rivers United

Places: Lower Snake River, Idaho, Lewiston, Pasco, Columbia River, Middle Fork of the Salmon

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