From the Executive Director's Desk
Sawtooth NRA's 40 Years at Wild Idaho!
At ICL's Wild Idaho! conference this month we'll celebrate the 40th birthday of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Several key players who made the SNRA possible will be there including Cecil Andrus and Boyd Norton. With the help of Pat Ford, here is a bit about how the SNRA came to be.
Fracking and Truth Decay
Some legislators may have been less than forthcoming about money they might make if the Legislature gets natural gas bills passed. What is it with fracking this year? While ICL does not oppose responsible gas development to provide economic development and an imperfect transition from coal in a time of climate change, we continue to be discouraged by how it gets done.
A Frog Speaks Up
The discovery of a new species of leopard frog right in and around New York City is a reminder that nature is right under our noses. When protecting nature is a battle over its loss, we risk losing the joy of nature's mystery and resilience. It's my birthday and I'm celebrating a frog.
Credibility in the Legislature?
The natural gas fracking debates in the Idaho Legislature led some lobbyists to intentionally misrepresent ICL and ICL's positions. Credibility in the Statehouse is earned. We still have ours.
Two Bits of Good News
New efficiency standards for lighting went into effect on January 1. An essay describing the impact of this reminded me of both the value of small choices and of a very good environmental news source.
EPA: It's About Clean Air and Water
EPA defends America's clean air and water by enforcing laws written by Congress. The current EPA-bashing climate somehow suggests that environmental crimes are not crimes. They are crimes, and we need a strong EPA to protect our air and water.
"Reasonable" Republicans?
A new PAC from 'reasonable' Republicans may signal a shift from the ultra-conservative direction Idaho's been headed. This would benefit the commonsense conservation measures that are always tied to a robust economy.
iPhone meets your Thermostat
Since one of the tools with the greatest impact to save energy is your home thermostat you might as well get a cool one.
DC Dysfunction
A recent New York Times editorial rightfully takes the GOP to task for anti-environment actions, but there is a bigger problem. The whole of DC is a mess.
Steve Jobs and Saving the World
ICL plugged into the innovative spirit of Steve Jobs as part of a grant in the mid-eighties. It brought ICL into the computer age and exposed us to new thinking about networks, communication and power for good.
Robb Brady's Calls
In shaping his editorials, Robb often called ICL staff to talk conservation. These calls were a treasured part of working here, our small engagement with one of the pioneers of Idaho conservation, long voiced on the editorial page of the Idaho Falls Post Register.
Access to the Boulder-White Clouds
Rep. Mike Simpson's dedication of the Murdock Creek trail for mobility-challenged adventurers marks a step towards keeping the promises on the Boulder-White Clouds. One of more to come...
Nut Ball Wilds Bill in Congress
This new attack on wilderness quality lands across America would be laughable were it not for the fact it's introduced by a member of the leadership, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Don't laugh. Fight.
Skiing across the Boulder-White Clouds
A blog from a recent human-powered traverse across these fabulous mountains reminds me of my own trip and of the challenge we still have to protect this mountain range.
Wild Idaho—Redfish Lake
As sure as spring returns, it's time for ICL folks to head up to Redfish Lake for the annual Wild Idaho conference.
It's Earth Day
Finding sources of optimism for this Earth Day? It's there as long as you're really looking for it.
Jim McClure
My last visit with US Sen. Jim McClure was on the steps of Idaho Public TV after appearing on Dialogue. We talked about opportunities missed, lessons learned, and the future of conservation.
John Barker: A River Runner Moves On
Lewiston river runner and long-time conservationist, John Barker, recently passed away. Meet him here. And celebrate him this weekend.
"We're not some radical nuts" Really?
While legislatures across the nation get noticed in the New York Times for the wild stuff they do, right here in Idaho there is plenty of nutty things going on.
A Minnick Legacy for Conservation
Pat Ford and I wrote this article, published in the Lewiston Morning Tribune, to thank Walt Minnick for both his public service and what he taught us about conservation in Idaho.
