It’s been almost two weeks since ICL first took steps to protect our staff and our community in response to COVID-19, but I’m sure I’m not alone in believing it feels much longer. 

It’s an incredibly stressful and uncertain time for everyone and sometimes it’s difficult to focus, but I’m personally finding comfort on my early morning runs along the Greenbelt, where it is quiet and peaceful. I also find comfort in knowing that our entire staff at the Idaho Conservation League is practicing effective preventative measures while working remotely, and are continuing to do the work that we all feel so passionately about. While we’re finding new ways to check in with each other and communicate as a staff, we’re still working to protect the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the lands you love…everyday.

If you need a distraction from the “new normal,” I encourage you to read more about our current work on our website. As we get a better understanding of the current situation and what type of policy and other work continues to move forward on public lands, climate change, clean water, and fish and wildlife management, we’ll also strive to inform our members and supporters about appropriate ways to connect with decision-makers (those who aren’t responsible for legislation or actions to help resolve the coronavirus crisis right now) and take action to stand up for conservation. We look forward to sharing more information via our blog and social media again soon, until then we’re taking a mindful pause so we can all take care of ourselves, our family and our community.

A big thank you to our staff, families, partners, friends, members, supporters and others for standing strong with all those in our community who are impacted by the coronavirus. Our deep thanks also to frontline workers (doctors, nurses, first responders, teachers, grocers and many others who are helping keep us safe). ICL recognizes the pain that fellow Idahoans are feeling right now and I encourage all of us to find constructive ways to help our neighbors, friends, families and communities respond to this pandemic.

Thank you,

Justin Hayes

Executive Director