The Latest from ICL
Legislature 2016, Here We Come!
Idaho's 2016 legislative session kicks off Monday, Jan 11. Keeping with tradition, ICL will be the voice for conservation. Among the issues we will watch: water quality, public lands, wildlife, energy and mining issues. Stay up to date with ICL's weekly legislative update, Your Voice for Conservation.
Sage-grouse Would Benefit from Mining Withdrawals
The greater sage-grouse needs large expanses of undeveloped sage-brush habitat. The Bureau of Land Management has proposed protecting 3.8 million acres of sagebrush areas in Idaho from the threat of mining. Under this proposal, sage-grouse and many other species would benefit.
Grangeville Agrees-Protect Public Lands
Sen. Jim Risch hosted a public hearing on a controversial land exchange proposal in North-Central Idaho. The hearing brought out hundreds of concerned local citizens who overwhelmingly opposed the land swap.
Looser Water Quality Regulations to Be a "Legislative Priority"?
The Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry has announced its "biggest legislative priority" for the coming session-making Idaho's water quality standards less stringent. Why would we allow higher toxin levels in our water?
Boise Shows Its Love!
A $10 million levy that sets aside funds for clean water and open space passed with a resounding 74%. Boise voters are clearly willing to step up to protect the values that make Boise special-including the Boise River, foothills, open space, clean water and wildlife habitat.
Hats Off to Blaine's Land, Water and Wildlife Program
Blaine County's Land, Water and Wildlife Program wins statewide award and recognition as an innovative tool creating positive conservation change. ICL and other groups are actively involved in supporting and implementing the program's projects.
Keep Idaho Wild
Lexi Black is a Wood River Valley native who created a project to help "Keep Idaho Wild." Make sure to read her blog and learn about the amazing t-shirt project she started that helps protect and celebrate Idaho's wilderness.
Sage-grouse Conservation Success Is a Mosaic
Today, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced revised plans with special protections for greater sage-grouse. These plans mean sage-grouse do not warrant protections under the Endangered Species Act. For this to be a true success story, all parties need to keep working on behalf of sage-grouse and healthy sagebrush habitat.
"Greenprinting" for Growth in North Idaho's Bonner County
ICL and is working with the cities of Sandpoint and Ponderay as well as Kaniksu Land Trust and Trust for Public Land to create a "Greenprint" for the Greater Sandpoint Area that will help protect special places as North Idaho grows.