Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 of a two-part blog series diving into the historic opportunity Idahoans have this spring to shape how Idaho’s wildlife is managed for generations to come. Right now, IDFG is engaging the general public in the agency’s once-per-decade strategic planning effort. This includes a series of public meetings and an online comment portal that is open until Tuesday, April 14. ICL encourages wildlife advocates to use this valuable opportunity to have your voice heard. Read Part I of this blog series for a deep dive into this process and ICL’s vision for a renewed approach to wildlife management in Idaho.
ICL believes the urgent conservation challenges faced by all wildlife species in Idaho require a more holistic and equally sophisticated management approach. IDFG must develop an updated conservation vision in light of the biodiversity challenges facing all Idaho’s native species. ICL’s biggest priorities for IDFG to consider in pursuit of its mission include:
1. IDFG should stay true to its mission to manage wildlife for ALL Idahoans—Idaho’s wildlife belongs to all of us!
2. Build off Idaho’s past conservation successes to address coming conservation challenges
3. “Growing the conservation pie” to honor today’s traditions and welcome tomorrow’s generations
4. IDFG Must Remain Independent and Free from Legislative Meddling
To learn more about these four priorities, check out Part I of this blog series.
Below, we dive into other specific challenges that IDFG should be paying close attention to.
- Wildlife-Friendly Infrastructure: IDFG says it wants to “fully obtain and implement mitigation for habitat affected by infrastructure and development projects.” The agency should communicate with legislators and Governor Little’s office about the importance of wildlife movement corridors, migration, and landscape connectivity. Elected leaders should make sure the Idaho Transportation Department includes funding, planning, design, and construction consistent with IDFG’s conservation priorities and for the safety of motorists and the wildlife values of all Idahoans.
- Human – Wildlife Conflict: IDFG should work to reduce conflicts between humans and wildlife (especially predators) by increasing programs and staffing in priority areas. IDFG should also engage in emerging collaborative, locally-led approaches seeking to benefit from successful conflict reduction methods adopted in other parts of the West and tailored to fit both the cultural and conservation needs of local communities.
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Threat from Game Farms: IDFG’s current strategic plan supports a strategy to “reduce or eliminate the risk of transmission of disease between captive and free-ranging fish and wildlife.” The CWD threats that elk farms present to wild, free-ranging native elk are extremely concerning. IDFG should advocate to the legislature and Idaho State Department of Agriculture to adopt responsible practices that will neutralize the CWD threat to Idaho’s elk herds.
- Engage with Planning Processes: Idaho’s wildlife are increasingly affected by new housing developments, energy development, and mining projects. ICL recommends that IDFG work with its Commission, Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, and the legislature to take a stronger role in ensuring developers avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts to wildlife and habitats. ICL would like to see IDFG work proactively with other state agencies, counties and municipalities to help shape decisions on land use planning, transportation infrastructure and energy projects to achieve better outcomes for Idaho’s native wildlife and their habitats.
ICL encourages our supporters and all Idahoans who appreciate Idaho’s wildlife to engage with IDFG in this strategic planning process. Idaho Fish and Game is taking input and feedback for their new Strategic Plan and are having public meetings at the following locations:
- Panhandle Region: Panhandle Regional Office in Coeur d’Alene – March 11, 6 p.m.
- Clearwater Region: Clearwater Regional Office in Lewiston – March 12, 6 p.m.
- Salmon Region: Salmon Regional Office in Salmon – March 18, 6 p.m.
- Upper Snake Region: Upper Snake Regional Office in Idaho Falls – March 19, 6 p.m.
- Southeast Region: Southeast Regional Office in Pocatello – March 20, 6 p.m.
- Magic Valley Region: Magic Valley Regional Office in Jerome – April 1, 6 p.m.
- Southwest Region Meeting 1: Southwest Regional Office in Nampa – April 8, 6 p.m.
- Southwest Region Meeting 2: IDFG Headquarters in Boise – April 9, 6 p.m.
If you can’t make it to a meeting, submit your comments in IDFG’s online portal by Tuesday, April 15: https://idfg.idaho.gov/about/strategic-plan/update. If we are to protect Idaho’s wildlife heritage, all wildlife enthusiasts must speak up! Stay updated on news impacting Idaho’s wildlife by signing up for ICL Wildlife Campaign updates.