Conserve
Protect
Restore
We work to conserve, protect, and restore the environment for the health and wellbeing of future generations, with a specific emphasis on the Idaho panhandle and Coeur d'Alene basin.
"The great purpose is to set aside a reasonable part of the vanishing wilderness, to make certain that generations of Americans yet unborn will know what it is to experience life on undeveloped, unoccupied land in the same form and character as the Creator fashioned it...It is a great spiritual experience.
I never knew a man who took a bedroll into an Idaho mountainside and slept there under a star-studded summer sky who felt self-important that next morning.
Unless we preserve some opportunity for future generations to have the same experience, we shall have dishonored our trust."
Frank Church, Idaho, US Senator
Our Current Advocacy
Land
Northern Idaho is home to some of the most diverse and valuable forests, as well as abundant farmlands and open space. Conserving these priceless natural resources is vital.
Water
Our region is rich in glimmering fresh water lakes rivers and streams. Our waters are the gems of our communities. It's essential to work to protect and restore our local watershed.
Climate
Climate change is a global challenge with local impacts. The effects of climate change are noticeable in our forests, waters, and skies. Taking action locally to mitigate and reduce the impacts of climate change is crucial.
Sustainability
Sustainability is the only option if we want to continue to enjoy the quality of life our region provides for generations to come. Creating traditions and systems that can serve our community for generations is foundational.
Education
Education stears our understanding and relationship with our environment. Sharing current and historical knowledge helps to empower our community members with the information they need to be wise stewards.
Upcoming Events & Programs
Call for Artists
EVENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Waterkeeper BYOB
Sanders Beach
Our Story
The Kootenai Environmental Alliance was founded in 1972 and incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1974. It's the oldest nonprofit, membership supported, conservation organization in Idaho. KEA was organized in response to extensive environmental degradation to North Idaho’s water resources and forests.
The Coeur d'Alene Basin is home to some of Idaho's biggest mines and the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, one of the largest timber producing regions east of Washington's Cascade Mountains.
Kootenai Environmental Alliance believes an informed public is essential to safeguarding the environment. To that end, KEA held weekly public meetings for 30 years and biweekly meetings thereafter. These meetings provided the public with opportunities to hear experts and political candidates address local, regional, and national environmental issues.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Acknowledgement of Lands
In the Spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, the Kootenai Environmental Alliance pays homage to the indigenous people, Schitsu’umsh, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, a people that have been here since time immemorial, are still here and bring to light their ancient heritage, and on whose land and water KEA works to conserve, protect and restore.
We recognize and honor the sovereignty of the Coeur d’Alene’s, and indigenous peoples in the territories of eastern Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana; including the Spokane’s, the Kootenai, the Kalispell, Colville Confederated Tribes and the Kootenai-Salish.
KEA celebrates and honors the culture, heritage, strength and diversity of Native American peoples.Indigenous peoples and communities who are organizing for justice and protecting natural resourceshave our support and solidarity.
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