It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I’m still working my way through the Halloween candy, but the recent cold snap has me slowly switching gears into the holidays.
When I mull over what I’m grateful for (prepping for that mini-presentation at the family table next week), one thing that stands near the front is the land. When it’s my daughter’s turn to speak, I imagine it will be something like, “my momma (fingers crossed), camping trips, riding my bike in the foothills, hot lunch at school (times have changed since I was a kinder) and the park!” We’re frequent fliers in all the open spaces Idaho has to offer. Whether that’s camping on public land, playing on the equipment at the city park down the street, or hiking the foothills, it’s part of our lives and something we’re very thankful for everyday.
When it’s your turn to reflect on what you’re grateful for, will public lands and open spaces make your list? It’s important to carry that with us not only on turkey day, but year-round. With the upcoming legislative session, we’re preparing for the usual attacks on public lands, attempts to obliterate planning and build out every scrap of remaining farmland, and reduce funding for conservation. We’ll need your help defending the things we’re collectively grateful for come January 9th when the legislative session kicks off. You can help us start the new year strong for conservation with a gift to CVI to keep our essential work for public lands moving forward.
CVI’s been busy with election season, so here’s a recap of some land and water issues you might have missed since our last email in September. Enjoy!
From dominance to stewardship: Chuck Sams Indigenous approach to the NPS.
Climate change is affecting wildlife migration patterns in Idaho, a new report shows.
The dangers of releasing non-native species into Idaho wilderness.
I’d also like to celebrate this big win on behalf of my friends (and past employer) at the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley, who just saved 320 acres in the Boise foothills from development. Yay conservation! And elk and hikers!