Volunteers protecting and cleaning the North Fork of The Coeur d'Alene River

Born from a simple meeting at West Shoshone Park in Pinehurst, FORC was created by local residents who care deeply about preserving the beauty and health of the Coeur d’Alene River and its surrounding land. What began with index cards, a whiteboard, and honest conversations has since grown into a full-fledged, all-volunteer organization dedicated to protecting this beloved river for generations to come.

Led by a passionate board of community members — Dawn, Sid, Rob, Ralph, Peggy and Bill — our work focuses on real, hands-on solutions to real problems: trash and pollution, unsafe river conditions, overcrowded launch sites, and a lack of proper infrastructure. We’re the folks hauling tires out of the river, restocking bag dispensers at campgrounds, and raising funds to keep dumpsters in place each summer. We also provide local scholarships for students pursuing majors in Water and Environmental Sciences, purchase water rescue and dive team equipment for our county’s Search and Rescue team, and support community shuttles for local events.

For decades, this region has carried the weight of environmental damage from the Bunker Hill Superfund site. Heavy metals lie buried beneath the riverbed, and while remediation efforts have helped, many areas remain unsafe and unregulated. The surrounding land is a complex mix of private property, tribal land, state-managed zones, and national forest, with no single agency overseeing its health or future. That’s where FORC steps in.

Our mission is simple:
To protect and preserve the Coeur d’Alene River and its surrounding corridor through action, education, and collaboration.

This is about more than cleanups. It’s about community, responsibility, and a shared love for the wild places that make North Idaho so special.

Want to Get Involved with the FORC?

We’re always excited to welcome new volunteers — especially those who enjoy helping with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything “flowing”. Whether your skills are administrative or hands-on, you can play an important role in making our community and river healthier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you for being here. Together, we can keep paddling forward.