Volume XVI Number 3 October, 2013
Time for Idaho to Invest in Clean Energy Some call the wildfires burning across Idaho this summer part of the new normal—small snowpacks and hot, dry summers. These fires, along with other extreme weather events, are a symptom of the ever-rising levels of carbon pollution in our atmosphere.
We can’t and shouldn’t prevent all forest fires. But the Idaho Conservation League can help reduce carbon pollution—and protect our air, water and lands—by shifting Idaho away from coal-fired power plants, the largest source of carbon.
Carbon pollution is a covert danger: it slowly alters the chemistry of our atmosphere and upsets nature’s carefully crafted balance. As temperatures rise and moisture patterns change, plants and wildlife have to seek new homes. Meanwhile, haze and ozone cloud our vistas, asthma and particles harm our lungs, and mercury pollutes our water.
Burning coal provides about half of Idaho’s electricity. Up north, Avista owns part of Colstrip in Montana. Idaho Power shares Jim Bridger in Wyoming with Rocky Mountain Power and North Valmy in Nevada with Nevada Energy. Not only do these plants drive climate change through
While controlling some pollution is a worthy goal, ceasing to burn coal is better for local communities.
Wind power in Idaho / Ben Otto
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BOARD
Boulder-White Clouds / MB Whitaker
FROM THE DIRECTOR:
MB Whitaker
A LEARNING ORGANIZATION While Idaho is a conservative place, when ICL’s work is strategic and focused, we accomplish great things.
Our work is more art than science. There is no book to read or formula for finding success. Our work is a disciplined practice where, for 40 years, ICL has constantly explored the art of the possible. We’re not swinging wildly for home runs, though we do get Rick Johnson one every now and then. Our conservation victories result from thoughtful strategy and a steady string of singles.
Elaine French, Chair, Ketchum Paul Cunningham, Vice Chair, Boise Kahle Becker, Secretary, Garden City Perry Brown, Treasurer, Boise Tanya Anderson, Victor Mark Benjamin, Ketchum Jerry Brady, Idaho Falls Mark Daly, Boise Lori Gibson Banducci, Boise Kim Marshall, Sandpoint Steve Mitchell, Hailey Tom Page, Hailey Buddy Paul, Coeur d’Alene Julie Richardson, Hailey Mike Richardson, Naples Kim Trotter, Driggs Margrit von Braun, Moscow John Warren, Boise
STAFF Sara Arkle
Community Conservation Associate Natalie Chavez
Finance Manager Nancy Dooley
North Idaho Outreach Coordinator Susan Drumheller
North Idaho Associate Justin Hayes
Program Director Rick Johnson
I was reminded recently how hard our work can be. We were meeting in a rural community, and local elected officials and citizens were angry about not being consulted. They saw me as representing a government that they are frustrated with and a future that they were not at all sure they liked.
Executive Director
This meeting was an important reminder that we have a long way to go. I believe that ICL is a trusted partner; it was valuable to be in a meeting where I was clearly told that we are not. Not yet anyway.
Jonathan Oppenheimer
One of ICL’s strengths is that we are a learning organization. The art of conservation requires constant development and discipline. None of us are now where we need to be to do our best for Idaho.
Brad Smith
In our 40th year, I want each ICL supporter to know that we continue building the credibility and smarts needed to “keep Idaho Idaho.” It is your demonstrated confidence in ICL that inspires our best. Rick Johnson Executive Director
rjohnson@idahoconservation.org
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Marie Callaway Kellner
Water Associate Dani Mazzotta
Central Idaho Associate Suki Molina
Deputy Director Aimee Moran
Development Director Senior Conservation Associate Ben Otto
Energy Associate John Robison
Public Lands Director Conservation Associate Courtney Washburn
Community Conservation Director Lana Weber
Membership Coordinator Mary Beth Whitaker
Editor & Designer Erin Zaleski
Membership Associate Boise 208.345.6933 icl@idahoconservation.org www.idahoconservation.org Ketchum 208.726.7485 Sandpoint 208.265.9565 printed on recycled paper
ENERGY SPOTLIGHT
Time for Idaho to Invest in Clean Energy Learn More To learn more about ICL’s energy work, go to www. idahoconservation.org
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carbon pollution, they also affect local communities with smog- and acid rain-forming gases, asthma-causing particulates, ash piles leaching into water supplies, and toxic mercury pollution. These plants may be outside Idaho, but our energy use here means that we are responsible for pollution there. Today Idaho faces a choice to prolong these old coal-fired power plants or move to clean energy. To protect local communities and regional air quality, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency passed standards that require coal plants to install extensive pollution controls if they want to operate beyond 2015–2018.
Instead of spending Idahoans’ hard-earned dollars to prop up coal, ICL will show state regulators—the Public Utilities Commission—that investing in our clean energy options is better for Idahoans’ pocketbooks as well as for our air, water and landscapes. Ben Otto Energy Associate
botto@idahoconservation.org
Coal-fired power plant / Ben Otto
Idaho Power proposes spending about $130 million to prolong the Jim Bridger plant. But this amount only covers a portion of the pollutants and does nothing to reduce carbon pollution, coal ash piles, or water pollution. While controlling some pollution is a worthy goal, ceasing to burn coal is better for local communities and our climate. That’s why ICL opposes Idaho Power’s request.
Idaho has other options. We can invest in our hydroelectric backbone along with local geothermal, wind, and solar energy. We can help Idahoans conserve the 30% of energy that is wasted each day. ICL’s energy program works to make these options real for Idaho. We have championed utility incentives for energy conservation, avoiding over 700 million pounds of carbon pollution and saving Idahoans millions of dollars. Likewise, ICL helped revive “demand response programs,” which pay customers to use less energy during peak times of day, and “net metering,” which enables rooftop solar power systems.
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FIRE
The Flames of 2012 and 2013 Lodgepole Fire / USFS
For the second year in a row, Idaho had an active fire season. By early September, over 700,000 acres had burned, mostly in August after a lightning storm ignited fires on the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests. Among them, the Elk, Pony and Beaver Creek fires burned nearly 400,000 acres in just days.
The Lodgepole Fire on the Salmon-Challis National Forest started July 20 near Challis and burned until fall rains
Gold Pan Fire / USFS
doused the fire.
Beaver Creek fire as it neared Ketchum. As fall rains arrive, the community must deal with the aftereffects of the fire, including mudslides and erosion risk.
ICL recently issued a review of the 2012 fire season (available on our website), with these findings: The Elk Fire destroyed 38 residences in the > These fires burned in an essentially natural patchwork of light and hot burns Fall Creek area near the South Fork Boise on national forest lands, with over half River. Elsewhere, the Beaver Creek Fire, the acreage within the fire perimeters which burned into the Wood River Valley, led left unburned or lightly burned. to thousands of residents being evacuated. > Many of Idaho’s backcountry wilderness Miraculously, only one home was lost. and roadless forests are suitable for a Past fires, including the 2007 Castle Rock practice called “wildland fire use,” when Fire, helped moderate the intensity of the natural fires are managed to restore habitat, reduce fire costs and safeguard firefighters. > The five costliest fires consumed 68 percent ($145 million) of the entire cost of fire suppression. > The Charlotte Fire in Pocatello destroyed 66 homes, making it one of the most destructive fires since the Great Fire of 1910. After the embers have cooled, ICL will review this year’s fires. From past years, we’ve learned that we need cautious burning in our forests, targeted thinning around homes, and better community planning. Jonathan Oppenheimer Senior Conservation Associate joppenheimer@idahoconservation.org The Gold Pan Fire, that burned in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness near the Magruder Road, was ignited by lightning July 16 and generally managed to restore the
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natural fire regime.
MINING
Tales of Two Mines
But real blasting could happen upstream. Canadian mining company CuMoCo hopes to excavate one of the biggest open-pit molybdenum mines in the world in the Boise River headwaters. Another Canadian company, Midas Gold, is figuring out how to dewater the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River for up to 14 years to mine the gold underneath. Aside from the obvious damage, toxic waste from these projects can leach downstream. Both plans are in exploratory phases, and no open pits have been proposed… yet. But even exploration can cause harm. This summer, ICL staff and members weighed in on both projects, asking the Forest Service to take further steps to avoid adverse impacts.
Look at some of Idaho’s old mine sites and you’ll see that jobs are short-term, the wealth goes overseas and pollution stays behind. The mining industry has a bad track record. It isn’t worth risking the economic benefits of having clean drinking water and healthy rivers. ICL is here for the long haul; we’ll continue to defend Idaho’s clean water.
It isn’t worth risking the economic benefits of having clean drinking water and healthy rivers.
John Robison Public Lands Director jrobison@idahoconservation.org
Boise River / Jessica Ruehrwein
Ask anyone—an angler, rafter or surfer—at the Boise River Park and you’ll hear the same: Idaho’s rivers are a blast.
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AROUND THE STATE
Poorly managed ORV use can damage habitat / Brad Smith
Revised Forest Plan A top threat to our public lands is the growing, poorly managed use of offroad vehicles. The Bush administration directed the Forest Service to develop recreation plans to get a better handle on this problem.
consider photographs of off-road vehicle damage that ICL and The Wilderness Society spent an entire summer taking. Only after we filed a lawsuit did the court order the agency to have another look.
The Salmon-Challis National Forest released its plan in 2009. But it failed to seriously
All forms of recreation have their place, but the national forest must be sustainably managed.
Some areas should be set aside for fish and wildlife, others for quiet and solitude. The revised recreation plan shows that some trails are better maintained, but off-road vehicle use remains a threat to the proposed Mount Borah, Pioneer Mountains, and BoulderWhite Clouds Wilderness Areas. Brad Smith Conservation Associate bsmith@idahoconservation.org
North Fork Clearwater Victory North Fork Clearwater / Fred Rabe
Earlier this year, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests successfully convinced a judge that the North Fork Clearwater River is “more precious than gold.” The judge ruled that cultural and recreational values trump plans to dredge mine the river. One of Idaho’s gems, the North Fork has its origins in the pristine backcountry forests along the Montana border in North-Central Idaho. In 2012, a prospector began subdividing federal mining claims and selling them to unwitting buyers who hoped to have
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their “own private Idaho.” In fact, several purchasers reportedly intended to live on their claims during the summer. In most instances, mining is governed solely by the Mining Law of 1872. In this case, different laws applied, and the Forest Service took the necessary steps to protect the North Fork Clearwater River. As a result, generations of Idahoans can enjoy the peace and quiet that makes the North Fork special. J. O.
Boulder-White Clouds: Common Ground
Over the past few months, we’ve met with diverse groups to discuss what a successful monument would look like. In these meetings, one point has been very clear: this place is near and dear to many
people for a variety of reasons. A monument protects the high alpine areas, intact watersheds, lower-elevation wildlife strongholds, and wilderness character of this wild place. We are working to ensure that this happens in a way that is compatible with Idahoans and with the numerous reasons why this is such a special place for so many.
The Boulder-White Clouds are a big place. With local input, collaboration and compromise, we are confident that we can move forward and protect what is important to all of us.
Little Boulder Trail / Ed Cannady
The Idaho Conservation League is hard at work promoting national monument designation for the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains in Central Idaho.
Sign up for updates at www.idahoconservation. org/supportBWC. Dani Mazzotta Central Idaho Associate dmazzotta@idahoconservation.org
Dumpster Diving Anyone?
After Dynamis dissolved, ICL urged Ada County Commissioners to conduct a waste inventory at the landfill. This information would have been very helpful in assessing the waste gasifier’s likely effects to our air quality. Thanks to our efforts, Ada County plans to fund and
implement a waste inventory at the landfill in 2014.
Ada County Landfill / MB Whitaker
A year ago, ICL raised serious concerns about possible air quality effects from Dynamis’s proposed waste gasifier at the Ada County landfill. We sought to safeguard the air this community breathes and make sure that profits didn’t come before safety.
Results of this study will allow Ada County and state agencies to better assess existing waste management strategies and make informed decisions about future projects proposed at the landfill. Many communities across the country conduct these types of inventories regularly. This will be the first, but hopefully not the last, for Ada County. Sara Arkle Community Conservation Associate sarkle@idahoconservation.org
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PEOPLE
New Faces and Thanks Welcome, Julie! Julie Richardson joined the ICL board in August. She moved to Hailey five years ago after a long career in Washington, DC, and her law practice emphasizes energy transactions, regulatory counseling, and administrative litigation in the liquefied natural gas, natural gas, and electricity arenas. Thanks, summer interns! With funding from the Lightfoot Foundation, ICL brought in summer interns to help with our statewide summer hike programs and special projects. Gladys Delgadillo graduated from Stanford with a degree in Earth Systems and headed to Sandpoint. Gladys ran a robust hiking program and worked on various projects including collecting data on incidental trapping of lynx, fisher and wolverines. Trent Hodges took a summer break from graduate school at Monterey Institute of International Studies to help with the Boulder-White Clouds national monument campaign in our Ketchum office. He also wrote comments on forest plans and reached out to the Latin American community. Tanya Greenwood also helped in our Ketchum office, especially on coordinating the hiking program and distributing hiking books to area stores. She has returned to the College of Idaho for her senior year.
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Max Showers interned with our community conservation program in Boise. He researched the sustainability programs of other cities for future application in Boise. Max finishes his degree at Boise State University next spring. Also in Boise, Becca Thomas-Kuzilik worked with our public lands staff to comment on environmental impact statements for both the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. She also helped with blogs, hikes and conservation outreach. Becca returned as a senior to Western Washington University. Suki Molina Deputy Director smolina@idahoconservation.org
Top to bottom: Julie Richardson, Gladys Delgadillo, Trent Hodges, Tanya Greenwood, Max Showers and Becca Thomas-Kuzilik.
COMMUNITY
Boise Defined
Open space is valued for several reasons: protection from mudslides and fires, reduced cost of government services by avoiding development on the outskirts, medical cost savings to the community, and benefits to local businesses. There are also invaluable perks: watching wildlife with your kids or the sunset from the top of Hulls Gulch or Stack Rock. This legacy is what I want to leave to my son and what draws families and businesses to Boise. Sharing the area’s natural beauty is a legacy we must preserve for our children and grandchildren.
Family hike / Courtesy Sara Arkle
This November, Boise is placing two bond proposals on the ballot, one to fund public safety and the other to fund park development and open space protection. ICL supports these efforts to make Boise an even better place to live, work and raise a family. The best investment we can make is to protect clean water and open spaces like the foothills. These natural amenities define Boise and are why this great city has been highlighted in Forbes, Sunset, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Outside Magazine and USA Today. These accolades are directly related to Boise’s legacy of investing in open space and parks. If you live in Boise, go to the polls November 5 and vote to enhance parks and protect open space.
If you live in Boise, go to the polls November 5 and vote to enhance parks and protect open space. A bond requires that two-thirds of the electorate approve the measure. Boise needs all the support available, and you are more important than ever! To help on this issue, contact me (sarkle@idahoconservation.org or 208.345.6933 x 23).
Remember the Idaho Conservation League in Your Estate Plans We hope you will consider the Idaho Conservation League in your estate planning. Memorial gifts and bequests are placed in our endowment fund so that these gifts can permanently support conservation in Idaho. We welcome inquiries about bequests to Aimee Moran at 208.345.6933 x 15 or amoran@idahoconservation.org. If you wish to make a provision in your will, the following general form is suggested: “I give, devise and bequeath to the Idaho Conservation League, an Idaho not-for-profit corporation, located on the date hereof at 710 North 6th Street, Boise, Idaho, 83702, the sum of $___ ” (or specifically described property).
S. A.
Volunteers Our thanks to the volunteers, without whom our achievements would not happen. Susan Bates-Harbuck Carrie Carlquist Nan Cooper Patrice Delaney-Davies Eric Donenfeld Celeste Grace Eric Grace Jan Griffitts John Harbuck David Haynes Wayne Hecker Wendy Jaquet Anna Jenny Carol Kovalchuk Bill Love
Mike Murray Gary Payton Cindy Peer Muffy Ritz Danya Rumore Sarah Sorenson Steve Southard Hannah Stauts Scott Strongin Terri Valiquette Lawrence Will Venard Poo Wright-Pulliam 9
GIVING
Are You Over 70? This May Be for You! Beginning in 2013, if you’re 70.5 or older, you can direct money from your traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) to the charity of your choice. You can transfer (or “roll over”) money from your IRAs, tax free, directly to a charity, though you won’t receive an income tax charitable deduction. Consult your tax advisor about your specific situation. And read this information: 1. How much can I transfer? You can transfer up to $100,000 each year. 2. Can the transfer qualify as my minimum required distribution? Once you reach 70.5, you must take minimum distributions from your retirement plans, according to a federal formula. IRA rollovers to your chosen charity count toward your minimum required distribution.
4. To what charities can I make gifts? Any taxexempt organization to which you can typically make tax-deductible contributions qualifies (such as ICL). 5. What are the federal tax implications? You do not recognize the transfer as income, provided it goes directly from the IRA provider to your chosen charity. You are not eligible for an income tax charitable deduction. 6. Can I make a transfer to my donor-advised fund or supporting organization? No, these are not eligible. Contact me (208.345.6933 x 15) if you have any questions about this giving option. Aimee Moran Development Director amoran@idahoconservation.org
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Sandpoint 40th / Meghan Drumheller
Ketchum 40th / courtesy Suki Molina
Sandpoint 40th / Meghan Drumheller
ICL archives
3. From what accounts can I transfer? Transfers must come from IRAs directly to your chosen charity. If you have retirement assets in a 401(k) or 403(b), you must first
roll those assets into an IRA before transferring directly to your chosen charity.
Dogs and Traps Galena Peak hike / Dani Mazzotta
Idaho is a great place to hike with your dog. But wolves, wolf hunters, wolf traps and snares can present safety issues for your dog. Learn more about keeping your pet safe. > Wolves—Pet owners should keep their dogs close
(ideally on leash) in wolf country. Wolves perceive dogs as intruders into their territories or den sites and may attack them. > Hunters—If you have a wolfey-looking dog, affix an
Huckleberry stains in North Idaho / John Harbuck
orange bandanna or hunting harness around your pet when you’re hiking during wolf hunting season. > Traps and snares—Your dog may get caught in a trap
or snare. ICL worked with Carter Niemeyer, wolf expert and trapper, on a short video series showing how to release your dog from these devices. Remember that it’s illegal to tamper with a trap or snare (unless your dog is caught in one). You can find the videos on our website.
Kayak outing / Susan Drumheller
J. R.
Opposite page, left: “Then and now”—Ketchum’s festive 40th anniversary celebration reunited longtime friends and coworkers. Opposite page, right: Sandpoint’s 40th anniversary celebration brought the conservation community
Ball Lakes hike / Will Venard
together. Right: This summer’s hike series got participants out into the beautiful wilds of Idaho across the state.
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Membership Renewal Made Easier! Your annual membership renewal date is printed on the mailing label below. Please help save costs by renewing your membership before it expires. Renew online at www.idahoconservation.org or use enclosed envelope. If you have a smart phone, you can scan the QR code at left to access our website!
Idaho Conservation League 208.345.6933 PO Box 844 Boise, ID 83701
Non Profit Org. US Postage PAID Idaho Conservation League
Address Service Requested
Rach el Teannalach
Landscapes for Idah o Friday, November 29, 6–9 pm Beside Bardenay, 612 W Grove St, in Boise
Join us for the unveiling of Rachel Teannalach’s new series, Landscapes for Idaho, a plein air exploration of some of Idaho’s most beloved landscapes. As ICL’s first artist in residence, Rachel’s current work features iconic Idaho places, including Boise’s foothills, the Boulder-White Clouds and the Owyhees. The ICL artist in residence program creates a nexus between conservation and art. 25% of the proceeds from Landscapes for Idaho sales benefit the Idaho Conservation League. To view or purchase her work, you may also visit www.teannalach.com.