The Latest from ICL

ICL Legislative Update: It’s time to get back outside
Cynthia Gibson Cynthia Gibson

ICL Legislative Update: It’s time to get back outside

The final stretch is a sprint. Committees are packed as they attempt to push bills to the House and Senate floors.  As lawmakers are itching to get out of the building to return home to campaign for primaries, ICL is pressing hard on key bills.

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Development in the Coolin Wetlands Threatens Priest Lake’s Water
Jennifer Ekstrom Jennifer Ekstrom

Development in the Coolin Wetlands Threatens Priest Lake’s Water

The lakes and rivers that define North Idaho depend on intact wetland systems to filter water, store snowmelt, and release clean, cold flows back into aquifers and surface waters. That’s why this proposed subdivision in the Coolin–Chase Lake Wetland Complex at the south end of Priest Lake is so concerning.

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Celebrating 10 Years of Wilderness Stewards
Lexi Black-Spalding Lexi Black-Spalding

Celebrating 10 Years of Wilderness Stewards

In 2015, the Hemingway-Boulder, Cecil D. Andrus White Clouds, and Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness Areas were signed into law; 275,665 acres of premier wildlife habitat, primitive recreation opportunities, and open spaces were permanently protected in a unanimous vote by Congress. These areas were now protected on paper, but what about on the ground? Enter the Wilderness Stewards Program. 

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ICL Legislative Update: The Clock is Ticking at the Capitol
Cynthia Gibson Cynthia Gibson

ICL Legislative Update: The Clock is Ticking at the Capitol

By mid-March, there is a sense that time is running out. Committees are expected to wrap up this week, with a target sine die of Friday, March 27. Whether the gavel falls then or later, we’ll be at the Capitol every day—speaking up for wildlife, renewable energy, public lands, clean water and clean air.

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Idahoans Deserve Accountability, Not Pesticide Immunity
Cynthia Gibson Cynthia Gibson

Idahoans Deserve Accountability, Not Pesticide Immunity

Across the U.S., pesticide immunity legislation is gaining steam. With a proud agriculture heritage and economy, and with rural communities on the front lines of pesticide exposure, Idahoans should care deeply about what this effort means for the health and rights of our residents.

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Reflections on Winter with ICL’s Artist in Residence
Lexi Black-Spalding Lexi Black-Spalding

Reflections on Winter with ICL’s Artist in Residence

Over the last few months, ICL’s 2025-2026 Artist in Residence, Jasper Vanspoore, has been hard at work on pieces that explore Idaho’s incredible places while nodding to some of ICL’s most pressing conservation efforts. We chatted with Jasper about the winter, work, and where she’ll be pulling inspiration from next!

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ICL Legislative Update: Springing into the Action
Cynthia Gibson Cynthia Gibson

ICL Legislative Update: Springing into the Action

Tensions are rising as frustration among committee members grows. Bills keep pouring in, but few are moving forward. Meanwhile, as sunlight reaches the Garden Level of the Capitol and starts to tease the arrival of spring, the urge to head home is growing.

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The Wildlife Lovers’ Guide to IDFG’s New Strategic Plan
Jeff Abrams Jeff Abrams

The Wildlife Lovers’ Guide to IDFG’s New Strategic Plan

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game recently completed a year-long strategic planning update, with the Commission adopting the final plan in January. The result? A decent sprinkling of “good”, a fair bit of “not-so-good”, and a whole lot of “only time will tell.”

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