Riggins SCAT machine closure requires Idaho river floaters to find alternatives - FAST!

Drew and Dad on the Main Salmon River ... my old rocket box toilet won't be the best to use anymore!  

Hi all,

This week's tip is for Idaho's river floaters. News flash: The SCAT machine in Riggins has been shut down by Gem Stop and the city of Riggins. The U.S. Forest Service is working on a new solution, but not until 2019. If you're planning on running the Main Salmon River - River of No Return Wilderness section this summer, you'll have to find another way to dispose of human waste.

I wrote a full story about this debacle in Idaho Statesman Outdoors. Click on the link to read all about it! Not everyone reads the paper these days!

My solution? Invest in a new portable toilet that has a 3-inch hose that hooks up to an RV dump. Then I'm not dependent on SCAT machines. If I'm floating the Bruneau or the Owyhee river, I'll have a good way to dispose of human waste in Boise after the trip. See the article for information on RV-compatible portable toilets.

If you liked seeing Shoshone Falls in full glory at big river flows, you'll love seeing the 212-foot falls illuminated with lights and lasers synchronized with music! Southern Idaho Tourism is putting on a light and laser show for three nights running next Thursday-Sunday, May 17-19. River levels are still big and impressive! Tickets are on sale now, and they will sell out. Should be super-cool!  

A couple of other tidbits: 

• Ridge to Rivers is hosting a volunteer trail project in the Hillside to the Hollow area on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 2. R2R will be constructing a 1/4-mile neighborhood access trail in the H2H Reserve from 9 am to 1 pm. Volunteers should come prepared to work.  Gloves, closed-toed shoes and long pants are all highly recommended. Also, bring something to eat (snacks) and plenty of WATER! A backpack to carry these items is also a good idea. Plan on 4-5 hours of work. R2R staff will provide tools and instruction. To sign up, follow this link: https://bit.ly/2w7YRjn
  
• Friends of the Owyhee are hosting a cleanup party and noxious weed knock-out event at Succor Creek State Recreation Area on Sunday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also highly recommended to wear long pants, bring gloves for pulling weeds, and bring plenty of snacks and water. More information on their Facebook invite page.

- SS