It’s September, which means it’s time for Idaho Conservation League’s annual membership drive! If you know fellow outdoor lovers who haven’t joined yet, this is a perfect time to ask them to become members of ICL.
Keeping Idaho Wild
This year, conservation communities around the country celebrate the 50th anniversaries of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the National Trails System Act. These pieces of legislation are victories in conservation history, preserving treasured areas and streams for now and future generations.
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act has protected some of the most pristine rivers in the United States, including 891 miles in Idaho. The National Trails System Act protect historic and scenic lands all over the country, enabling outdoor enthusiasts to connect with those lands.
Join the Idaho Conservation League in celebrating by becoming a member today!
Why ICL is Special to Me
The anniversaries of these historic acts give us an opportunity to celebrate past accomplishments. It also makes me think about our current work. I admire this organization because we have a multifaceted approach to work that includes advocacy, education, participation in management and boots-on-the-ground stewardship. Here are some examples of our successes:
- ICL spent decades working to permanently protect the Boulder-White Clouds region of Idaho, but our work didn’t end there. Since the designation, we have coordinated summer wilderness stewardship programs for the four wilderness areas in Central Idaho. Each year, between 40 and 60 volunteer stewards are trained in data collection, trail and fire ring cleanup, leave no trace principles and other tasks. Their efforts not only preserve the wilderness values we all fought hard to protect, but they also save the U.S. Forest Service money and help the agency prioritize projects.
- ICL also partners with the Idaho Trails Association and others on annual trail maintenance projects in the White Clouds. During these weeklong trips, ICL members and staff collect trash, repair trails and participate in a variety of stewardship activities.
- This year, ICL supported passage of Idaho Senate Concurrent Resolution 132 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic River Act. This resolution passed unanimously in the Idaho Senate and with no opposing debate in the House, making it a bipartisan victory with a clear message – Idahoans value our rivers.
- ICL was integral in designation of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, the first international reserve in the nation. This reserve celebrates the splendor of our night skies while also benefiting wildlife and human health. After the designation, our team got to work on plans for continued education and engagement with Idaho communities.
We couldn’t have accomplished any of this without the support of our amazing community. Membership in the Idaho Conservation League means you are part of solutions for a better Idaho.
Become a Member of our Conservation Community
With the administration’s tough stance on environmental issues, it’s increasingly important to advocate for a clean and beautiful Idaho. Becoming a member of the Idaho Conservation League means taking a stand for protecting Idaho’s clean water, clean air and wild places. When we work together, we can accomplish great things. Join us!