It was a short week in the Idaho Legislature, with only a handful of issues that remained. Legislators managed to wrap up Wednesday morning, bringing the 2017 session to a close. At the last moment, legislation was passed providing important funding for the Safe Routes to School program. This program promotes safe sidewalks and crossings for students,  pedestrians and cyclists across the state. They also passed a $320 million transportation funding bill.

Wrapping It Up

All in all, it was a pretty successful session. While we faced  challenges, we also repelled efforts to seize and sell  off public lands, saw improvements in oil and gas permitting, and boosted efforts to contain and control invasive species. I will soon send a full wrap-up on the session to ICL members. If you’re not an ICL member, join ICL today and receive my year-end legislative review in your mailbox.

Stay in Touch

The legislative session may be over, but ICL plans lots of events where you can learn more about conservation issues at national, state and local levels. Watch for our monthly e-newletter, eBits, and the events listed for your area.

We’ll also keep you apprised of ways you can speak up for conservation values. In the coming weeks, science standards will be discussed in public hearings throughout the state. Check out the hearing nearest you and speak up for strong science standards so that our youth can help solve the climate challenges of the future! Join other concerned Idahoans at a March for Science near you on  April 22.

In addition, you can take action on saving the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget. Idaho receives considerable funding from the EPA to clean up degraded water, air and soil. We need a well-funded and effective EPA!

You can also voice your support for keeping public lands in public hands. Nearly 3,000 Idahoans turned out to the public lands rally at the Statehouse on March 4. They came from all walks of life-and  they all value Idaho’s incredible public lands.

Looking Ahead

Personally, I’m already looking forward to the 2018  legislative session.  After  all, it’s only 283 days away! And as always,  thanks to  YOU for your ongoing support!

Tie of the Week

Before I gear up for the 2018 session in 283 days, I plan to spend some quality time fishing Idaho’s many streams. My tie of the week will guide me on the flies to use!