[vc_row][vc_column][dt_button link=”http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51180/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=19231″ button_alignment=”center” size=”big”]Take Action to Protect the Boise Foothills![/dt_button][vc_column_text]If you were to ask the 74 % of Boise voters who overwhelmingly voted to support protecting open space, wildlife and critical habitat in the foothills last November, the large majority would most likely say that the Boise Foothills are no place for a private airstrip.
Yet, earlier this year a proposal to build a private airstrip in the foothills was approved on a 4-1 vote by the Ada County Planning and Zoning Commission. This happened even after several groups, including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and at least three city departments—the Boise Fire Department, Boise Department of Parks and Recreation and Boise City Council— submitted concerns on why this airstrip would not just be bad, but also dangerous for the Boise community.
CVI opposes the proposed airstrip; it undermines the protection of open space and natural habitat in the Boise Foothills. It also flies in the face of the goals and policies of the County’s Comprehensive Plan (no pun intended). We need you to tell the Ada County Commissioners you oppose the airstrip before the July 27th public hearing. Hear are some talking points to help get you started on writing your own comments:
- There are serious concerns over deer and elk herds and wintering wildlife. With such close proximity to the Boise River Wildlife Management Area, the airstrip could very well harm wildlife in the area. As part of the Boise City Foothills Policy Plan, sensitive wildlife habitat areas and natural wildlife corridors should be preserved.
- The threat of wildfire in the foothills is real and dangerous, as was made very clear with the June 30 Table Rock fire that burned more than 2,500 acres and destroyed one home. This airstrip is not located in a designated fire district.
- No noise assessment has been conducted to determine effects to surrounding neighborhoods, adjacent open space reserves, and recreationists who use the trails.
- The permit will set a precedent for other airstrips and similar uses in the Boise Foothills. Approval of this proposal sends the wrong message to residents and users.
- Last November 74% of voters in the City of Boise voted to protect open space, wildlife and critical habitat in places like the foothills. This expressed an overwhelming commitment to protect and preserve the foothills. This proposal goes against the will of the voters.
This proposal makes no sense. Please take a moment to tell the Ada County Commission just that by submitting comments and then attend the public hearing scheduled for July 27th at 6pm at the Ada County Courthouse Public Hearing Room-200 W. Front Street Boise 83702. There you can testify in opposition.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][dt_button link=”http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51180/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=19231″ button_alignment=”center” size=”big”]Act Now for the Foothills![/dt_button][/vc_column][/vc_row]