It’s hard to explain the importance of intact ecosystems, wilderness and habitat conservation land planning to folks these days. Environmental education is weak, and so few of us have real relationships with the great outdoors.

We have all forgotten that we are key members of an ecosystem that sustains all life; charged with maintaining balance and order.

In truth; “Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.” – Stewart Udall

It is now time to stand up – and do your part. We cannot remain idle while the last of our wilderness is destroyed.

Earth Day 2012 is on Sunday, April 22nd – Click here to find an event to participate in

Help Protect Earth Everyday in 2012

Take every opportunity to preserve what’s left of our roadless lands. Stand against invasive mining, logging and road building in every way, shape and form.

Support organizations, local and national, that fight the good fight by spreading their word, signing petitions and contacting elected officials.

Be conscious of where you spend your money. The ONLY voice we have as individuals is where we spend our money. Continuing to support corrupt corporations needs to stop. If Chase Bank is in fact the leader of ecosystem-obliterating mountain top removal mining then stop supporting Chase Bank with your business. This is the only language that carries impact until we, as a people, are able to unite in larger numbers.

Eat local food and less or no meat. Support ethical, local farmers. Everything has a transportation cost attached. A pound of beef typically equals a pound of oil. Did you hear that? – All of you rabid anti-veggies out there? The oil comes from transport, antibiotics, hormones (to make the beef bigger, faster, in unsanitary factory farm conditions), fertilizers, pesticides, plastics (styrofoam tray) and of course the energy to make them all. Each and every one of these uses of carbon is unnecessary and directly contributes to global warming. Every meal you eat that doesn’t contain any meat is far better for the environment in every way. Eating less or no meat also helps the last herd of genetically pure bison left in Yellowstone…

Defend the Endangered Species Act, Endangered Species and threatened wildlife vital to healthy ecosystems, take action now! Join the national outcry to Save Wolves! And, understand that fear mongering, ignorant cattle ranchers and politicians lead the charge against educated hunters, wildlife activists and scientists. Wolves are not responsible for declining deer and elk herds, human developments are in fact the culprit. As science has proven over and over again – wolves boost deer and elk populations and help maintain balance within healthy ecosystems.

Always pick up trash and leave a light footprint when visiting the great outdoors.

Keep good stuff out of landfills, take advantage of websites like freecycle and craigslist.

Unplug electronics and appliances. Computers, coffee makers, TVs, cell phone chargers etc. all have one thing in common. They suck power even when turned-off. Unplug ‘em, and pick up a special green surge protector.

“Keep close to Nature’s heart…and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” – John Muir

Take Action for Wolves!

Your tax dollars could be used to pay for an awful aerial wolf cull in Northeastern Idaho, an ill-conceived plan to boost game populations that could kill as many as two thirds of the wolves in the Lolo District of the Clearwater National Forest.

President Obama can stop this unscientific plan, but he needs to hear from us. I just signed a petition to the President to stop the use of federal tax dollars to kill these wolves and I hope you will too.

Sign the Petition Online Now!

This saturday we plan to go up to Hot Springs Campground for a clean up. We do plan to bring some children, and encourage others to feel free to as well. With that we will have a bathig suits mandatory soak at the end and also discourage drinking after the clean up. We plan to meet at the Home Depot on State St. at 10am. To sign up visit www.riverhelpers.com

Post Author: Amber Hoid

On Monday, April 7 at 11:45 a.m., the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) and roadless area protection supporters will be delivering over a thousand comments in person, to the federal government.

The walk will be from the Idaho Conservation League office (710 N. 6th St., Boise) to the Borah Post Office (Bannock St.).

Please, come and join your fellow outdoor enthusiasts as we deliver a clear message to the federal government, that we want Idaho’s pristine forests protected for our future!

What: Deliver Roadless Comments
When: Monday, April 7, be here at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Idaho Conservation League office, 710 N. 6th St, Boise (Corner of 6th and Franklin)

Please let me know if you might be interested in speaking to the press and I’ll make sure you get some follow up information.

This is it everyone! April 7th is the last day to submit your comments in favor of protecting millions of undeveloped pubic roadless Idaho forests from invasive and destructive drilling, logging and mining development.

The Bush Administration and key Idaho Republican political leaders (save for former Governor Risch) have clearly sold out in favor of special interests. They aren’t even bothering to hide it this time. Many of the latter are actually former phosphate miners and/or heads of phosphate mining companies, which just happens to be one of the primary reasons they are after Idaho. More >

Quick Facts:

• Idaho has the most roadless land in the lower 48. Less than 2% of all land in the United States is roadless.

• Roadless areas provide necessary spawning grounds for Steelhead and many other fish. Fishing brings in millions of dollars of revenue to Idaho every year.

• Idaho has the most usable, roadless public hot springs in the entire United States. Many of these hot springs have even been used by Indians and settlers, and have historical and medicinal significance. They also provide valuable winter habitat for wildlife. Without the hot springs in the Stanley area, large herds of Elk wouldn’t survive the harsh winter conditions.

• GYC – End the Assault on Idaho’s Roadless Lands!
• Wilderness Society – Keep Idaho Forests Wild!
• Earthjustice – Stop the Idaho Forest Giveaway!
• Idaho Conservation League Submission Form

Right now the fate of Idaho’s roadless forests is at stake. The Bush Administration is taking one last crack at the Nationwide Roadless Rule with a swipe at Idaho.

Essentially, they want to roll back nationwide protections in Idaho, and hand over millions of our last undeveloped forests to special interests. They are not even bothering to hide their agenda, and continue to move forward with their plans despite tremendous outcry from united groups of backpackers, hunters, anglers, hikers, environmentalists and other outdoor enthusiasts.

While these groups typically don’t see eye to eye on environmental issues, they do when it comes to protecting the last of Idaho’s pristine roadless forests.

To better understand the issue at hand please watch PBS’s NOW Video: Fighting Over Forests.

Ready to take action? Click here to send in your comments!

E-mail direct to: IDcomments@fsroadless.org

Snail Mail them to:
Roadless Area Conservation-Idaho;
PO Box 162909;
Sacramento, CA;
95816-2909,

Check out talking points, background info, links, maps and more

Backpack to an Unusable Hot Springs
Saturday-Sunday, November 24-25

General Information (from Mike and Debbie)

We’ll backpack 3.5 easy-grade miles, passing several other usable hot springs (possible quick soaks), to a despicable wallow, where we’ll set up our camp. Of course, there’s a price to pay: 8 river crossings with knee deep cold water-exhilarating. Be tough or bring wetsuit booties/wetsocks. We’ll leave early Sat morning (time and place TBA) and return Sun afternoon. As usual, you must bring something (food, drink, poem, etc.) to share with the group. Limited. For more details or to sign up, contact Mike or Debbie at 384-1545 (Boise).

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It looks like I will be out of town for this one, if any of you make it, let me know how it goes.

Peace, HSG