I didn’t grow up around public lands or much open space. Conservation and concern for the environment were not a part of my early experience. It wasn’t until I worked on Capitol Hill in my early 20’s that I came to understand some of what I know about public land and natural resources – how they are managed or mismanaged and how vulnerable they are. I started backpacking as an adult. Now backpacking is our family’s passion. My husband and I chose to move to Boise because of the quality of life here including having access to amazing outdoor experiences for our sons.
Now that I’ve lived in Idaho for 10 years, it’s become clear to me that it’s not enough for us to take our sons backpacking, to show them the special places in Idaho and to teach them to love and want to protect them; it’s not enough to instill in them a strong conservation ethic. I need to be involved in changing the political landscape today so these special places and our precious resources are protected and preserved.
I joined CVI’s board to help change the political landscape today so that these special places and our precious resources are protected and preserved.
-Kim Gattiker