ICL has worked to protect and restore Idaho’s air, water, lands, and wildlife for over 50 years. In each and every of those years, we’ve relied on our members to make this work possible. Our accomplishments do not just fall on the shoulders of our staff—but on our entire conservation community. Our members are at the core of our conservation community, and are the heartbeat of our organization. Our blog series “Faces of ICL” tells the stories of ICL members, the people who make this work possible.
Micah Austin’s story begins in the heart of Cache Valley, Utah, where he grew up working on dairy farms. His early years were marked by the hands-on experience of farm life, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and the natural world. This foundation set the stage for his journey to his current role as the City Administrator of Ammon, Idaho, where he oversees the city’s operations and collaborates closely with the Mayor and City Council. 
Micah’s path to Ammon started at Utah State University, where he met his wife, forging a partnership that would carry them through many adventures. Graduate school in Indiana followed, but the call of the mountains and a deep-seated homesickness brought them back west.
For the past fifteen years, Micah and his family have made Idaho their home. Alongside his three daughters, Micah immerses himself in the state’s stunning landscapes, seeking outdoor adventures at every turn. Whether backpacking through Yellowstone National Park, exploring birding hotspots like Utah’s Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area, or skiing in Grand Targhee, the Austins embrace the natural beauty around them.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Micah relishes the fall hunting season, pursuing deer, elk, and grouse in the vast wilderness of Idaho. His connection to the land and wildlife runs deep, shaping both his personal and professional life.
In 2021, a transformative moment occurred for Micah during a backcountry motorcycle journey on Idaho’s dirt roads. As he overlooked Johnson Creek, he was astonished to see Chinook salmon in the creek below. The sight was so unexpected that he initially mistook the large fish for a group of river otters.
“I came up over a rise and I looked down at a small creek below me. It was teeming with salmon! They were so large and I first thought it was a group of river otters playing together. The last thing I expected to see deep in the Idaho wilderness was Chinook salmon! It was incredible, you know, hundreds of miles from the ocean and there were the salmon, just doing their thing, in the middle of the wilderness. It just took my breath away, it was a spiritual experience and I was stunned.”
This encounter profoundly impacted Micah, deepening his commitment to conservation efforts. Inspired by organizations like the Idaho Conservation League (ICL), he became a fervent advocate for protecting salmon spawning grounds from threats like the Stibnite Mine. He later returned to Johnson Creek with his family, sharing the awe-inspiring sight with his daughters and emphasizing the importance of conservation.
“You just have to memorize this moment. This doesn’t just happen now; it takes a lot of effort, and we need to support this in whatever way we can.”
Micah’s dedication to making a difference extends beyond his personal experiences. He chose his profession to impact communities and society positively, aspiring to leave a better world for the next generation. The mission of ICL resonates deeply with him, as ICL champions causes he passionately believes in but cannot pursue on his own.
During one visit to Johnson Creek, Micah had the chance to speak with a fisheries employee from the Nez Perce Tribe. This dedicated worker was conducting a morning survey at the fish trap and graciously shared his experiences with Micah. The employee spoke of the spiritual significance of his work, checking the trap each day, knowing that his efforts would help restore the balance of the ecosystem and improve fish populations for future generations.
Micah’s hope is for every Idahoan to one day live in a state where the sight of salmon running deep in the wilderness is a common and celebrated occurrence. He believes that the work done by ICL is vital, amidst the myriad of causes and challenges in the world. Their accomplishments and dedication inspire him, reinforcing his commitment to conservation and community.
“The work that ICL does really matters. There is a lot of noise out there, and there are a lot of causes to support and get behind, and you can’t do them all. ICL has done significant, hard things, and accomplished such important things. The work you all do is so important. Keep up the good work.”
Through his journey from Cache Valley to Ammon, and his profound experiences in the Idaho wilderness, Micah Austin exemplifies a life dedicated to family, community, and the natural world. His story is a testament to the power of connection—to the land, to loved ones, and to the causes that define our legacy.
Interested in sharing your ICL story? Contact Development Director, Diana Burrell by email at dburrell@idahoconservation.org
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