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!

The Idaho Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (SFW), Governor Butch Otter’s mostly out-of-state ultra-rich cattle rancher buddies, are back at it again with a Wildlife Killing Derby in Twin Falls, Idaho this Saturday.

Sadly, this disturbing event is sponsored not only by Idaho’s Governor and Fish and Game Chair Wayne Wright,  but by Cabela’s and Sportsmen’s Warehouse despite outcry from many reputable hunters and hunter organizations.

I always catch major flak when I post about the Idaho SFW and protecting wildlife in general in the form of nasty emails, comments and un-subscriptions. Even threats. With that said, I hope this post doesn’t offend any of you, my aim is to enlighten those that would like to see wilderness and wildlife around for generations to come.

Think for just a second before believing the hype. That is all I ask.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. The Idaho SFW (most are not even from/live in Idaho) is a group of well-funded cattle rancher anti-wolf lobbyists that portray themselves as the average joe hunter in Idaho. Their agenda is to miss-lead Idaho hunters into falling in-line for their cause.

REAL hunters, educated hunters – that respect the animals and habitat for which they hunt sustainably revolt against the Idaho SFW, as we all should. Their Wildlife Killing Derbies are a front for their wolf killing agenda. The addition of coyotes and other animals are merely a bonus for the kill and waste types.

I know this is a hot springs blog, but wild animals are part of the last bits and pieces of semi-untouched wilderness, just like most natural hot springs. They represent the last of the wild places. An attempt need be made to preserve all components of these vanishing ecosystems.

TAKE ACTION!

From Wild Earth Guardian Wendy Keefover-Ring:

Wildlife will be running scared tomorrow in Twin Falls, Idaho.

The Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife are hosting a wildlife-killing derby.  Participants are awarded points for each wolf, coyote, bobcat, or fox they kill.  Prizes are given to the shooters who have the most points.

Tell Idaho’s governor and Fish and Game Commissioner as well as the event’s co-sponsors, Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse, that this is unethical and should be stopped.

The wildlife killing derby encourages the use of live animals as targets. This practice directly contradicts the tenants of ethical hunting which include respecting all wildlife and taking responsibility to care for wildlife and their habitat.

Furthermore, carnivores such as wolves, coyotes, bobcats and fox have been known for decades to be crucial players in the health of the ecosystems that they inhabit.  Without carnivores, animals like deer over-populate and strip their landscapes of vegetation.  These barren habitats eventually lead to the demise of species in every link of the food chain.

Jim Posewitz, author of Beyond Fair Chase and founder of the Orion:  The Hunter’s Institute, promotes ethical hunting.  Tenets of ethical hunting include: an appreciation for the opportunity to hunt; respecting all wildlife, especially the animals we hunt; and taking responsibility for the care of wildlife and their habitat.

The January 9th Twin Falls animal derby is in direct contradiction to the tenants of ethical hunting. High-body-count-contest hunts tarnish the image of all sportsmen. This derby encourages the use of live animals as targets, encourages mass killing for no purpose other than to collect prizes. The bodies will not be used for food. Waste is encouraged.

The belief that killing carnivores will benefit deer was dismissed as early as 1941 by hunter and conservationist Aldo Leopold in his essay, “Thinking Like a Mountain.” In those days, wolves were seen as evil and ravenous and thus were exterminated throughout the continental U.S. But the consequences were dire. Leopold noticed that with the demise of the wolf came the over-abundance of deer and harm to the mountain. Deer stripped the mountain of vegetation. The mountain, now barren, could not support deer and other species. The deer died in droves. 

I urge you not to sponsor this event and to shut down this killing contest. It tarnishes the reputation of sportsmen, Idaho, and your business.

ACT NOW!

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.

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

Protect Earth Everyday:

1. Take every opportunity to preserve what’s left of our roadless lands. Stand against invasive mining, logging and road building in every form. Sign the No Dirty Energy and No Dirty Gold pledges.
2. Eat local food and less or no meat. Everything has a transportation cost attached. A pound of beef typically equals a pound of oil. The oil went for 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…
3. Defend the Endangered Species Act, Endangered Species and threatened wildlife vital to healthy ecosystems. Join the national outcry to Save Wolves before May 4th!
4. Always pick up trash and leave a light footprint when visiting the great outdoors.
5. Keep good stuff out of landfills, take advantage of websites like freecycle and craigslist.
6. 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

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

If there was ever a time for outdoor enthusiasts of all types to come together for the common good – it is now.

The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Central Idaho

Idaho has 9.3 million acres of roadless forests. The largest in the lower 48 by a long-shot, and with development in Alaska approaching, may eventually be the largest in the entire United States.

Right now, this 9.3 million acres is supposed to be protected by the national Roadless Area Conservation rule. This rule was once cast aside by the Bush administration, and was brought back because a Supreme Court Judge ruled against the Bush Administration’s illegal tactics.

As of January 7th, 2008 – this is all about to change, at least for Idaho. On this date, the Bush Administration released a Draft Idaho Roadless Rule that would strip protections for millions of acres of Idaho’s backcountry forests. The passage of this new rule could bring about the development of 7.6 million acres of once protected forests.

The proposal not only ignores the millions of submitted comments in favor of protecting our forests, but opens the door to road building, drilling, mining and many other forms of invasive development. Simply put, this gives special interests access to Idaho’s pristine roadless forests.

If there was ever a time – It Is NOW

The Payette National Forest from Atop Rice Peak

The Forest Service will accept comments from the public until April 7th (Monday). There is currently a total of 16 public hearings scheduled around the state beginning on January 22nd (see below).

Last year, Governor Risch made a commitment to protect the majority of the roadless forests in Idaho. The former Governor is now scheduled to testify at 2 hearings in regard to the new draft. Let’s hope he keeps his commitment. The draft contradicts then-Gov. Risch’s commitment to protect 95% of Idaho’s roadless forests when he testified in Washington, DC in November 2006.

If you care about about ensuring that future generations of Idahoans can experience Idaho’s majestic backcountry, the time is now…Let’s Keep Idaho, Idaho.

BACKGROUND

We are blessed in Idaho with over 9.3 million acres of backcountry national forest areas. With one of the fastest growing populations in the country, Idaho’s rugged, natural areas are becoming more important for preserving opportunities for outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing and our way of life.

In 2001, protections were developed to protect all remaining national forest roadless areas around the country. That rule REMAINS THE LAW OF THE LAND.

In September 2006, then-Governor Jim Risch petitioned the Forest Service to allow for some development in Idaho’s pristine forests. In November 2006, he “clarified” that he was willing to accept protections equivalent to, or stronger, than the 2001 Rule on 8.8 million acres. Now the Forest Service has developed a draft plan that would weaken protections for 7.6 million acres of Idaho’s backcountry forests.

These backcountry areas are the source of Idaho’s clean water, critical wildlife habitat and offer the opportunity for solitude, a dwindling resource as Idaho continues to grow.

THE TIME TO SPEAK OUT IS NOW!

PUBLIC MEETINGS

The Forest Service will be hosting 16 public meetings across the state beginning January 22 and continuing until February 28.  A FULL LIST of the meeting locations and times is below. It will be CRITICAL for Idahoans to show up at these meetings and voice their support for maintaining current protections for the backcountry roadless areas we cherish.

GET INVOLVED

Along with a number conservation groups from across the state, the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) will be hosting presentations and meetings in communities around Idaho to let YOU know about the draft plan, and what YOU can do to protect these special places. If you would like more information about attending a meeting, or scheduling a meeting for any group you’re involved with (fishing, hunting, conservation group, audubon, sierra club, or even a group of friends!) please contact TOM SCHWARZ at tschwarz@wildidaho.org or toll-free at 877-345-6933 ext. 27. Tom will also be coordinating transportation to public meetings if you live in a community not served by one of the public meetings (i.e. Moscow, McCall, Sandpoint).

We are also encouraging supporters to submit LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to your local paper AND the Idaho Statesman (editorial@idahostatesman.com) encouraging attendance at local meetings and raising concerns with the draft plan.

Finally, please make sure to EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS to IDcomments@fsroadless.org or CLICK HERE for the submit form

MORE INFO

You can get more information, points to comment on, the Draft Idaho Roadless Rule, the Draft environmental analysis, and links to more at www.wildidaho.org/update.php

Additional roadless info at www.roadless.fs.fed.us/idaho

IDAHO PUBLIC MEETINGS

NORTH IDAHO

January 22, 2007
Bonners Ferry
Kootenai River Inn
7169 Plaza St. Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
7:00 PM

January 23, 2007
Coeur d’ Alene
Kootenai CountyCourthouse
451 Government Way Rm 1A/1B
Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83816
6:00 PM

January 24, 2007
Kellogg
ID Dept. of Healthy and Welfare Office
35 Wildcat Way
Kellogg, ID 83837
6:00 PM
NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO

January 28, 2007
Orofino
Clearwater County Courthouse
150 Michigan Avenue
Orofino, ID 83544
7:00 PM

January 29, 2007
Lewiston
Red Lion Hotel
621 21st Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
7:00 PM

January 30, 2007
Grangeville
Super 8 Motel
801 SW 1st Street
Grangeville, ID 83530
7:00 PM

CENTRAL IDAHO

February 11, 2007
Salmon
Brooklyn Annex
200 Fulton
Salmon, ID 83467
7:00 PM

February 12, 2007
Challis
Custer County Courthouse
Main Street
Challis, ID 83226
7:00 PM

February 13, 2007
Hailey
Blaine County Courthouse
206 South 1st Avenue, Ste 200
Hailey, ID 83333
7:00 PM

February 14, 2007
Mackay
Mackay City Hall
203 S. Main Street
Mackay, ID 83251
7:00 PM

SOUTHEAST IDAHO

February 20, 2007
Idaho Falls
Shilo Inn
Grand Teton Rm
780 Lindsey Blvd
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
6:00 PM

February 21, 2007
Pocatello
Holiday Inn
1399 Bench Road
Pocatello, ID 83201
6:00 PM

SOUTHWEST IDAHO

February 25, 2007
Cascade
Valley County
Courthouse
219 N. Main Street
Cascade, ID 83611
7:00 PM

February 26, 2007
Council
Adams County Courthouse
201 Industrial Ave Council, ID 83612
7:00 PM

February 27, 2007
Twin Falls
Twin Falls City Council Chambers
305 3rd Avenue East
Twin Falls, ID 83301
7:00 PM

February 28, 2007
Boise
Boise City Hall
150 N Capitol Blvd Boise, ID 83702
7:00 PM

When reflecting on the blessings that have enriched my life, I sometimes register these gifts at random, as though going through a file drawer of important things too rarely visited. Thinking of one always suggests others.

When that happens, wild places are high on my list. There is so much cement and blacktop, so much noise, in our lives! It is a blessing to be able to see places as God made them. I grew up on a ranch in Idaho and these special places were the backdrop for our lives. They have continued to be. When Frank and I were courting, there was a meadow near our ranch, right on the edge of the White Cloud Mountains. We would camp there and simply watch the stars as stars are meant to be seen.

That is an experience almost unattainable today but for protected wild places. Unless we fight to preserve them, our children and grandchildren will have that much less to be thankful for.

And that leads me to another gift for which I am thankful: the millions of Americans who rarely get to visit these places but who nonetheless rise up in defense of wilderness as both special place and vibrant idea. This is an act of generosity and faith. Surely, it is also an act of thanksgiving.

When Frank was working to guide the Wilderness Act of 1964 through the Senate, many of our Idaho neighbors said, “Oh, wilderness is just something for easterners, for rich people, not for us.” They were wrong.

It is gratifying to see how Americans use wilderness today – as families, even toddlers, with backpacks large and small! That has been the case in our family, too. We’ve rafted together down the River of No Return in what is now the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Those experiences strengthened our family and left our children and grandchildren a priceless legacy: a love of unspoiled places.

And as I sift through my little file cabinet of blessings, I am thankful for you and other WildAlert subscribers. We have a saying here in the West: “When you see a turtle on top of a fence post, you know it didn’t get there by itself.” We could not have come as far as we have come in our wilderness journey without you – without your willingness to act, without your generosity, without your commitment.

As I celebrate this most American of holidays with my own family, I will be thinking of you and yours. Thankfully.

-Bethine Church

—————————————–

True that! Idaho is lucky to have active Wilderness defenders like Bethine.

-HSG