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Alex Adams, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, introduced the foster family passport program at Lucky Peak State Park in Boise. (Idaho DHW)

ID offers free state park passes for foster families

Foster families will have free access to Idaho state parks under a new initiative. The Idaho State Park Foster Family Passport program will give …

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River was one of the first rivers protected as Wild and Scenic by the federal government in 1968. (NorthwestWildImages/Adobe Stock)

As Rivers Month wraps up, action still needed to protect ID rivers

National Rivers Month comes to an end this week and conservation groups said it is a reminder more action is needed to protect Idaho's rivers…

The Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in central Idaho was established a century ago in 1924. (MelissaMN/Adobe Stock)

ID recreation economy in focus during Great Outdoors Month

June is Great Outdoors Month, which underscores the importance of outdoor recreation in Idaho. As temperatures warm up, people are enjoying nature…

The U.S. Forest Service received 275 public objections to its management plan for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. (pmilota/Adobe Stock)

Conservation coalition: Management plan would 'degrade' ID, MT forests

A coalition of groups are criticizing plans for managing about 4 million acres of national forest lands in Idaho and Montana. Conservation groups in …

There are about 200 grizzly bears in Idaho. (tomreichner/Adobe Stock)

Fed judge's wolf trapping decision could help ID grizzly recovery

A federal court ruling that limits wolf trapping and snaring in Idaho could aid recovery of grizzly bears in the region. U.S. Judge Candy Dale …

The grizzly bear population has made great strides in the region near Yellowstone National Park. (natureguy/Adobe Stock)

Feds propose plan to return grizzlies in ID's Bitterroots

Grizzly bears could make a comeback in Idaho's Bitterroots under proposed plans from the federal government. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has …

A decision on whether to provide Endangered Species protections to wolverine has wavered since the 1990s. (Karlos Lomsky/Adobe Stock)

Decades-long effort yields protections for dwindling wolverine population

In a long-awaited decision being celebrated by conservation groups, the wolverine will receive greater protections across the northern Cascades and …

A mining exploration project has been proposed near Grimes Creek, a tributary of the Boise River. (Autumn/Adobe Stock)

Mine exploration project near Boise River headwaters raises alarm

Conservation groups are concerned about a mining exploration project proposed near the headwaters of the Boise River. The Idaho Copper Corporation …

There are estimated to be nearly 730 grizzly bears in the Yellowstone National Park region. (kellyvandellen/Adobe Stock)

Grizzlies Could Have Protections Removed Under Bill in Congress

Members of Idaho's Congressional delegation want to remove endangered species protections for grizzly bears. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, has introduced …

Last year, more than 220 activities were planned for Latino Conservation Week across the country. (mmg1design/Adobe Stock)

Latino Conservation Week Celebration Comes to ID

This week is Latino Conservation Week, and 2023 marks the tenth year of the celebration. Latino Conservation Week began on July 15 and runs through …

There were more than 3.3 million visits to Yellowstone National Park in 2022. (done4today/Adobe STock)

Alternatives Available to Overcrowding in National Parks

America's national parks are bracing for another record year of attendance, but overcrowding in the parks could take away some of their magic…

The Snake River plain, which will receive restoration funds from BLM, is home to diverse landscapes.(Danita Delimont/Adobe Stock)

ID Projects Among Those Selected for Landscape Restoration Funds

The federal government is investing $161 million into restoration projects across the West. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has selected 21 …

Idaho's unique habitats are under threat because native plant species aren't adapted for the frequent, intense wildfires becoming common in the state. (BLM)

As Fires Damage ID Plants, Report Finds Native Seed Supply Insufficient

A new report finds the country's supply of native seeds is falling behind the needs of current and future restoration projects. Researchers with …

The Stibnite mine project is located in portions of the Payette and Boise national forests. (Ecoflight)

Conservation Groups Wary of Central ID Mine Proposal

A proposed mining operation in central Idaho is raising concerns about possible damage to nearby fish and wildlife habitat. The U.S. Forest Service …

The proposed mine is located adjacent to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Conservation Groups, Nez Perce Not Sold on ID Gold Mine

Idaho has issued its first major permit for a gold mine east of McCall. Conservation groups and the Nez Perce tribes say the project raises alarm …

Conservation groups filed a lawsuit in 2020 challenging the decision not to list the wolverine as an endangered species. (slowmotiongli/Adobe Stock)

Potential Endangered Status for Wolverine Passes Back to Feds

Federal protections are back on the table for the wolverine after a recent court ruling. The elusive predator also has found status as "endangered" …

A 2021 Idaho law allows for killing up to 90% of the state's wolf population. (Dennis Donohue/Adobe Stock)

In Wake of Yellowstone Wolf Hunt, Snaring Raises New Issues

The Yellowstone wolf population has been devastated by recent hunts in the region, and advocates for the species say another concern is trapping…

The Nature Conservancy in Idaho and U.S. Forest Service have partnered to deploy a five-person team in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.(Cheyanne Quigley/The Nature Conservancy)

Survey: North Idahoans Support Forests as Climate Solution

COER D'ALENE, Idaho - A new poll finds north Idahoans believe they have one important solution to climate change in their back yard: the forest…

Local opposition to the proposed land swap near Payette Lake was strong before the Idaho Department of Lands rejected the deal. (Ty/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Proposes Conserving Lands Previously Targeted by Developer

MCCALL, Idaho -- After the rejection of a developer's proposed land swap near Payette Lake, a coalition of groups wants the state to do the opposite…

About 14% of Idaho's electricity was generated from wind in 2019, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (knowlesgallery/Adobe Stock)

ID Wind Project Stirs Concerns for Impact on National Parks, Wildlife

TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- The public has an opportunity to weigh in on a large wind-energy project proposed in Idaho. The Lava Ridge Wind Energy Project …

The bipartisan infrastructure framework includes $5 billion to invest in Western water storage. (Andy/Adobe Stock)

Rural U.S., Climate Resilience Seen as Winners in Infrastructure Package

BOISE, Idaho -- Supporters from both sides of the aisle are touting a $1.2 trillion infrastructure framework taking shape in Washington, D.C…

A plan to replace electricity generated by four lower Snake River dams includes $10 billion for renewable sources like wind and solar. (Oleg Kovtun/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Nuclear Not Needed in Snake River Replacement Plan

BOISE, Idaho -- Nuclear energy could be part of the mix to replace power from four lower Snake River dams if they're removed. Rep. Mike Simpson…

Reforesting Idaho could absorb as much as 4.36 million cubic tons of carbon each year. (jeff/Adobe Stock)

Map Helps States Find Best Place for Next Forest

BOISE, Idaho -- A new tool identifies the potential for replanting trees in Idaho and across the country. The Nature Conservancy and American …

The Owyhee Canyonlands of southwestern Idaho enjoy federal protections, but not so in neighboring Oregon. (Greg Shine/Bureau of Land Management)

Oregonians Join Idaho in Support of Owyhee Protections

BOISE, Idaho - Protecting the Owyhee Canyonlands is a popular idea for people from both major political parties, according to a new poll. Polling …

A proposed cellphone tower would be near a popular recreation site, Redfish Lake, in Idaho's Sawtooth National Recreation Area. (Riley Yerkovich/Flickr)

Proposed Cell Tower in Scenic Sawtooth Valley Could Get Another Look

STANLEY, Idaho -- Critics in central Idaho don't want a cellphone tower to be part of the view of the region's iconic Sawtooth Mountains. Groups are …

A pasta maker creates pellets containing seeds that could be key to sagebrush restoration. (The Nature Conservancy)

Solution to Restore Sagebrush Sea Cooking in West

BOISE, Idaho -- The recipe for restoring the West's Sagebrush Sea could involve pasta makers. A project stewing in Idaho and four other western …

Some activists say with all the destruction seen from wildfires this year, the nation could be reaching a turning point in getting through to climate change deniers. But President Donald Trump is still not publicly linking the two issues. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation Group: We Haven't Seen Worst Yet on Wildfires

BOISE, Idaho -- From destroyed properties and wilderness to smoky air, the Northwest is reeling from more wildfires this season. The Center for …

Deposits of cobalt, a critical mineral, are located near the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Central Idaho. (Zachary Collier/Flickr)

Report: Mining Shouldn't Come at Expense of Special Outdoor Places

BOISE, Idaho -- The rugged wilderness of central Idaho is home to natural wonders, including the start of one of the longest salmon runs in the world…

The Land and Water Conservation Fund helped the Bureau of Land Management turn the Blackwell Island Recreation Site into a major recreation spot. (BLM/Flickr)

Major Conservation Legislation to Fund Important, Little-Known Program

BOISE, Idaho -- In a major victory for conservation, President Donald Trump is slated to sign the Great American Outdoors Act today. Included in the …

A backlog of deferred maintenance continues to mount on public lands. (Bureau of Land Management/Flickr)

House Scheduled to Vote on Bipartisan Public-Lands Bill This Week

BOISE, Idaho -- The House is expected to take up a milestone public lands bill this week. The Great American Outdoors Act passed the Senate with …

More aspen in Caribou-Targhee National Forest is expected to improve the habitat for ungulates, like moose. (Cathey Hardin/US Forest Service)

Aspen Project Brings Fire Resilience, Wildlife to East ID Forest

ASHTON, Idaho -- A project is bringing aspen trees back to eastern Idaho, making a forest more attractive to wildlife and potentially more fire …

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest has a $141 million maintenance backlog. (Greg Tensmeyer/U.S. Forest Service)

As Cost Soars, Senate Passes Maintenance Funding on Public Lands

BOISE, Idaho -- The Senate has passed a bill to address the deep backlog of maintenance on the country's public lands. Idaho has the third largest …

The South Fork Salmon River in central Idaho is a popular recreation river. (Wendy Jones/American Rivers)

For Third Year, ID River Listed Among Most Endangered

MCCALL, Idaho -- For the third year in a row, the South Fork Salmon River has been named one of the most endangered in the country. That's according …

The Cenarussa Ranch easement provides more than three miles of access to public lands. (Tess O'Sullivan/TNC)

Easement Protects Public-Land Access in South-Central ID

CAREY, Idaho -- A conservation easement in south-central Idaho is helping protect access to public lands. The easement surrounds the Cenarrusa Ranch…

The Bureau of Land Management oversees nearly 12 million acres in Idaho. (Bob Wick/BLM)

As BLM Moves Westward, Critics See Steps to Neutralize Agency

BOISE, Idaho - The Bureau of Land Management's headquarters has begun its move West this month, but that hasn't ended controversy over the change…

Bison from Pelican Valley in Yellowstone National Park are descended from the original wild herds. (Montana Buffalo Field Campaign)

Female Yellowstone Bison Transferred to Other Herds in New Program

ASHTON, Idaho -- Thirty million bison once roamed the American West. Now, only 21,000 remain that are managed as wildlife. But this week, for the …

The bighorn sheep is among about 200 species Idaho has identified as in need of protection efforts. (Peter Oelschlaeger/Flickr)

Aid for State Species Recovery Plans Gets House Hearing

BOISE, Idaho – A key congressional committee is set to take a closer look at a bipartisan bill that aims to keep wildlife off the endangered …

A 40,000-acre logging project has been approved in the Payette National Forest. (Keith Lannom/U.S. Forest Service)

After Court Rejection, ID Nat'l. Forest Logging Project Back On

BOISE, Idaho – A logging project on Idaho national forest land is moving forward again, after its rejection in federal court last year…

William Perry Pendley, who has a history of anti-public lands viewpoints, has been acting BLM director since August. (U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Acting BLM Director's Views on Public Lands Causing Alarm

BOISE, Idaho – Concerns are swirling around William Perry Pendley's role as acting director of the Bureau of Land Management. Pendley is …

Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, introduced the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act in 2009. (Greg Shine/U.S. Bureau of Land Management)

Forum Celebrates Decade-Long Owyhee Management Team-Up

MARSING, Idaho – This year's Rangeland Fall Forum is coming to the Owyhees. The event is being held in Marsing on October 10 and the theme …

Idaho communities rely on the return of salmon and steelhead each year. (Nan Palmero/Flickr)

Idaho Governor Assembles Diverse Groups to Plan Salmon Recovery

BOISE, Idaho – A diverse group of stakeholders will be in Boise on Friday to develop a plan to save Idaho's salmon and steelhead trout…

Sage grouse have lost 95 percent of their historic population. (Jennifer Strickland/USFWS)

ID Seeks Inventive Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Projects

BOISE, Idaho – Idahoans with ideas on how to conserve sage grouse habitat have an opportunity to submit their proposals to the state. State …

El Urogallo Silvestre ha perdido 95 por ciento de su poblaci�n hist�rica. (Jennifer Strickland/US)

Idaho busca proyectos para conservar el hábitat del Urogallo Silvestre

BOISE, Idaho – Idaho busca proyectos que ayuden a conservar el hábitat del urogallo silvestre (“sage grouse”). Al haber …

A fire researcher says her research shows more federal dollars should go toward prescribed burns as a means of preventing wildfires. (U.S. Forest Service/Flickr)

Study: West Should Look to Southeast's Prescribed Burn Model

BOISE, Idaho – A new study says Western U.S. states could follow the Southeast's lead to reduce wildfire risk. Crystal Kolden, an associate …

Una investigadora de incendios dice que su estudio muestra que deber�an destinarse m�s d�lares federales a los fuegos prescritos, como medio para prevenir los incendios forestales. (U.S. Forest Service/Flickr)

Estudio: El Oeste debería ver el modelo prescrito de Quema del Suroeste

BOISE, Idaho – El fuego prescrito se ha estado usando en el Suroeste de los Estados Unidos por décadas. Una investigadora dice que la …

Peter Onus, profesor em�rito de historia en Virginia University, y erudito acad�mico en Peter Onus, expone en BSU esta semana. (Slowking4/Wikimedia Commons)

¿Qué pensaría Tomás Jefferson del cambio climático?

BOISE, Idaho – ¿Qué puede enseñarnos hoy Thomas Jefferson sobre el medio ambiente? Varias ponencias que se presentan en la …

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has opened public access to places such as the Salmon River and the Sawtooth Mountains. (Fredlyfish4/Wikimedia Commons)

Public-Lands Protection Package Nears Finish Line in Congress

BOISE, Idaho - Congress is poised to pass a massive public-lands package that includes permanent reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation …

A mining company wants to look for molybdenum and other minerals near the Boise River. (Natalieoutdoors/Twenty20)

Public Meeting Today for Mining Exploration Project

BOISE, Idaho - The U.S. Forest Service holds a meeting in Boise today on a proposed mining exploration project. Idaho CuMo Mining Corp., owned by a …

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ID: Public Lands/Wilderness