The Idaho SFW FTL!

I’m getting a little tried of this anti-wolf business. The Idaho Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife (see how they are trying to sound all official with their name resembling Idaho Fish and Wildlife) is having an animal killing derby featuring, you guessed it, wolves.

This deceptive group of ultra-rich cattle ranchers is primarily based/funded out of state, and is the very same group that Idaho Governor Butch Otter supports… remember his epic FAIL anti-wolf speech? Say, isn’t that Butch Otter a cattleman?

The Idaho SFW wants your money because (they say) they represent hunters, and that to be pro-wolf is the same as anti-hunting. The problem is, educated hunters know that wolves keep their game healthy and mobile (less wasting disease and environmental impact).

Why Idaho SFW is FTL (for the lose):

• There’s this thing called … an ECOSYSTEM. Wolves need to be a part of it. Idaho SFW support anti-science, anti-environment, anti-wildlife and ultimately anti-hunting agendas.
• The Idaho SFW is composed of a bunch of ultra-rich cattle ranchers that provide disinformation in order to rally support for their hidden, true cause. Most of these guys don’t even live in Idaho.
• The Idaho SFW, instead of being straightforward about wanting to protect their cattle the cheapest way possible, mislead hunters into thinking that wolves are killing all of the deer and elk, when in fact, their return has increased deer and elk populations.

While we can continue to voice our opposition against the wolf hunt and support agencies like Defenders of Wildlife (which also compensate ranchers for cattle loss from wolves, which is much less than the number of cattle lost to disease every year), we can completely put an end to this Idaho SFW madness by not supporting them. Period.

Anglers Leave a Heavy Footprint

The following trip report is from a mid-July Boise and Payette National Forest venture, that took place northeast of Cascade, Idaho in the Krassel Ranger District.

Trail Creek = ultra slammed! A brief stop revealed less trash in the pullout than my last visit. On down the road.

Forest Service Road (FSR) 474 South was under heavy construction. ALL official and primitive camping areas are still off-limits due to area restoration efforts. Why the National Forest doesn’t just close the road to recreation traffic, or AT LEAST post 474 S as being under construction (massive mud/rocks) and that no camping is allowed, is beyond me. You would think they could work more efficiently with less traffic. Plus, aside from visiting (not camping) Vulcan (only roadside parking), Molly’s and Molly’s Tubs all other areas are off-limits.

The tubs at Molly’s Tubs are really, truly … gone. And, (big surprise) so is the trash. I recently received a trip report about the formation of two natural pools, however.

In regard to Molly’s Hot Spring… red spider mite alert! More and more people have been letting me know about this, and a recent email entailing of a spider mite infestation got me thinking it was time to ring the alarm. Why are so many of Idaho’s hot springs afflicted by the mites? Here’s the complete list of hot springs that have reported red spider mite activity… if you have more to add – please comment!

FSR 474 North was under pending construction. Nothing was going on, but the signs stated that construction would begin soon and would completely shut down the south fork road for about a month. They are going to replace all of the main culverts that run underneath the road.

Also worth noting, 474 N currently does not grant access to Yellow Pine and the Mule Hill trailhead to hot soaks in the Frank Church Wilderness (Kwis Kwis and the Middle Fork hot springs). Bridge out. To reach the afore mentioned destinations, take the Stanley-Landmark Highway instead. Drive past the 474 N turnoff towards Warm Lake and look for it near the lake heading north. There are plenty of signs to help you along.

This brings me to the title of this post. After turning onto FSR 474 North (AKA the South Fork Road) I began to notice a trend that made me feel very uneasy. Trash. Everywhere. Yep. Animals got into it.

I’ve been coming up here for almost a decade and have never seen it this trashed. Not even close. Not even after (or during) a fourth of July weekend. Campsites, both primitive and official – trashed. Garbage on the roads, trails and riverside. Fish entrails everywhere.

Apparently, this week a particular tribe is granted access to this area for fishing rights and free camping. Sadly, this type of behavior was something I’m accustomed to from other groups. I know so few fishermen that respect the land these days. Gotta give the Krassel crew a pat on the back for the cleanup. I picked up a ton of trash myself… it’s a compulsive habit nowadays. It barley made a dent though.

This was also the first time I have witnessed pimped-out cars bumpin gangsta rap in this area. Lovely to say the least. It was especially fun having a car pull into my campsite late at night just to be rudely asked “where are the hot springs?”. Oh joy. You can guess what I did. Played dumb. :)

Keep in mind, great soaks under the stars were had along with excellent mild-weathered hiking during the day. Wildlife was abound everywhere. Including the bugs. Even with bug juice on they ate me alive. Mosquito bites on my hands and face, a big (itchy) spider bite on the inside of my palm (still visible) and a mutant bug bite on my belly that left a scar! After a trip like this I’ve decide to look into garlic tablets.

“Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” –John Muir

Earth Day - Everyday!

It's hard to explain the importance of intact ecosystems, wilderness and habitat conservation land planning to folks these days. Environmental education is weak, and so few of us have real relationships with the great outdoors.

In truth; "Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man." - Stewart Udall



Protect Earth Everyday:

1. Take every opportunity to preserve what's left of our roadless lands. Stand against invasive mining, logging and road building in every form. Sign the No Dirty Energy and No Dirty Gold pledges.
   
2. Eat local food and less or no meat. Everything has a transportation cost attached. A pound of beef typically equals a pound of oil. The oil went for transport, antibiotics, hormones (to make the beef bigger, faster, in unsanitary factory farm conditions), fertilizers, pesticides, plastics (styrofoam tray) and of course the energy to make them all. Each and every one of these uses of carbon is unnecessary and directly contributes to global warming. Every meal you eat that doesn't contain any meat is far better for the environment in every way. Eating less or no meat also helps the last herd of genetically pure bison left in Yellowstone...
   
3. Defend the Endangered Species Act, Endangered Species and threatened wildlife vital to healthy ecosystems. Join the national outcry to Save Wolves before May 4th!
   
4. Always pick up trash and leave a light footprint when visiting the great outdoors.
   
5. Keep good stuff out of landfills, take advantage of websites like freecycle and craigslist.
   
6. Unplug electronics and appliances. Computers, coffee makers, TVs, cell phone chargers etc. all have one thing in common. They suck power even when turned-off. Unplug 'em, and pick up a special green surge protector.
   

"Keep close to Nature's heart...and break clear away, once in awhile, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." - John Muir

Hot Springs Guy Idaho Green Living Video Clip

The above video clip is from KIVI Channel 6's 'Idaho Green Living' segment; where I took a news crew to a natural hot springs. Here a link to the full story...

A special thanks to Lincoln Graves, Cameraman Kevin and KIVI Channel 6 for the hard work and attention to detail. The other local news networks could learn a lot from you guys.

[where: Boise, ID]

Taking Channel 6 to the Hot Springs

When KIVI Channel 6 anchor Lincoln Graves approached me a couple months ago in regard to a hot springs venture, I was hesitant. In the same way that I am regarding IdahoHotSprings.com and this blog. Believe it or not, it's not my intention to drive large amounts of people to hot springs. It's actually to educate newbie and veteran soakers alike. However, after I was able to talk with Lincoln, I found out it was for a special segement called "Idaho Green Living", and that I could talk about the environment as well as protecting hot springs. Any hesistation I previously had, dissipated.



This morning I took Kevin (photographer/cameraman), Lincoln (anchor) and a longtime fellow hot springer with me to a hot springs in the Boise National Forest. The event went great, Lincoln and Kevin did an excellent job and everyone seemed to have a good time, myself included.

An easy ford, low amounts of trash and beautiful Boise National Forest scenery made the soak just that much more stellar.

The segment is going to air on Wednesday night, July 16th, 10pm and again on Thursday during the morning show. There will be a version on KIVI's website as well.

AIR DATE UPDATE!!

Due to breaking news the "Idaho Green Living" segment will now air on July 30th.

[where: Boise, ID]

No More Overnight Camping at Goldbug Hot Springs in Idaho

The Salmon-Challis National Forest is no longer allowing overnight camping at Goldbug Hot Springs near Salmon Idaho. This is due to abuse; trash, tp, human flowers (blech!) and destroying of fragile vegetative areas. Let's be honest - this was only a matter of time... especially evident if you've ever visited Goldbug.

Sadly, all easy-access hot springs suffer nearly the same kind of fate. Jerry Johnson Hot Springs in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Idaho - nighttime closure. Skinnydipper - nighttime closure, Kirkham - nighttime closure. All of these hot springs are stellar soaks, easy to reach and get continuously thrashed. These soaks also have the unfortunate side-effect of giving hot springers that respect others and the environment a bad rap.

I cringe at the thought of the holiday weekend going on right now. Many times have I arrived after to witness the disgusting mess left behind. Oh how many bags of trash I've filled after these 'holiday' weekends.

Boise Roadless March!

Boise Roadless March Route:

View Larger Map

On Monday, April 7 at 11:45 a.m., the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) and roadless area protection supporters will be delivering over a thousand comments in person, to the federal government.

The walk will be from the Idaho Conservation League office (710 N. 6th St., Boise) to the Borah Post Office (Bannock St.).

Please, come and join your fellow outdoor enthusiasts as we deliver a clear message to the federal government, that we want Idaho’s pristine forests protected for our future!

What: Deliver Roadless Comments
When: Monday, April 7, be here at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Idaho Conservation League office, 710 N. 6th St, Boise (Corner of 6th and Franklin)

Please let me know if you might be interested in speaking to the press and I’ll make sure you get some follow up information.

One Last Swipe at Millions of Idaho Roadless Public Forests - Loaded with Hot Springs

This is it everyone! April 7th is the last day to submit your comments in favor of protecting millions of undeveloped pubic roadless Idaho forests from invasive and destructive drilling, logging and mining development.

The Bush Administration and key Idaho Republican political leaders (save for former Governor Risch) have clearly sold out in favor of special interests. They aren't even bothering to hide it this time. Many of the latter are actually former phosphate miners and/or heads of phosphate mining companies, which just happens to be one of the primary reasons they are after Idaho. More >

Quick Facts:

• Idaho has the most roadless land in the lower 48. Less than 2% of all land in the United States is roadless.

• Roadless areas provide necessary spawning grounds for Steelhead and many other fish. Fishing brings in millions of dollars of revenue to Idaho every year.

• Idaho has the most usable, roadless public hot springs in the entire United States. Many of these hot springs have even been used by Indians and settlers, and have historical and medicinal significance. They also provide valuable winter habitat for wildlife. Without the hot springs in the Stanley area, large herds of Elk wouldn't survive the harsh winter conditions.
  

If you love the outdoors in any capacity, please - Take Action!

• GYC - End the Assault on Idaho's Roadless Lands!
  
• Wilderness Society - Keep Idaho Forests Wild!
• Earthjustice - Stop the Idaho Forest Giveaway!
• Idaho Conservation League Submission Form

E-mail direct to: IDcomments@fsroadless.org

Snail Mail them to:
Roadless Area Conservation-Idaho
PO Box 162909
Sacramento, CA 95816-2909

View Talking Points, Background Info., Links, Maps and More

The Biggest Environmental Story You've Never Heard Of

Right now the fate of Idaho's roadless forests is at stake. The Bush Administration is taking one last crack at the Nationwide Roadless Rule with a swipe at Idaho.



Essentially, they want to roll back nationwide protections in Idaho, and hand over millions of our last undeveloped forests to special interests. They are not even bothering to hide their agenda, and continue to move forward with their plans despite tremendous outcry from united groups of backpackers, hunters, anglers, hikers, environmentalists and other outdoor enthusiasts.

While these groups typically don't see eye to eye on environmental issues, they do when it comes to protecting the last of Idaho's pristine roadless forests.

To better understand the issue at hand please watch PBS's NOW Video: Fighting Over Forests.

Ready to take action? Click here to send in your comments!

E-mail direct to: IDcomments@fsroadless.org

Snail Mail them to:
Roadless Area Conservation-Idaho;
PO Box 162909;
Sacramento, CA;
95816-2909,

Check out talking points, background info, links, maps and more

The Battle for Idaho's Roadless Forests Begins

If there was ever a time for outdoor enthusiasts of all types to come together for the common good - it is now.

The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Central Idaho

Idaho has 9.3 million acres of roadless forests. The largest in the lower 48 by a long-shot, and with development in Alaska approaching, may eventually be the largest in the entire United States.

Right now, this 9.3 million acres is supposed to be protected by the national Roadless Area Conservation rule. This rule was once cast aside by the Bush administration, and was brought back because a Supreme Court Judge ruled against the Bush Administration's illegal tactics.

As of January 7th, 2008 - this is all about to change, at least for Idaho. On this date, the Bush Administration released a Draft Idaho Roadless Rule that would strip protections for millions of acres of Idaho's backcountry forests. The passage of this new rule could bring about the development of 7.6 million acres of once protected forests.

The proposal not only ignores the millions of submitted comments in favor of protecting our forests, but opens the door to road building, drilling, mining and many other forms of invasive development. Simply put, this gives special interests access to Idaho's pristine roadless forests.

If there was ever a time - It Is NOW

The Payette National Forest from Atop Rice Peak

The Forest Service will accept comments from the public until April 7th (Monday). There is currently a total of 16 public hearings scheduled around the state beginning on January 22nd (see below).

Last year, Governor Risch made a commitment to protect the majority of the roadless forests in Idaho. The former Governor is now scheduled to testify at 2 hearings in regard to the new draft. Let's hope he keeps his commitment. The draft contradicts then-Gov. Risch’s commitment to protect 95% of Idaho’s roadless forests when he testified in Washington, DC in November 2006.

If you care about about ensuring that future generations of Idahoans can experience Idaho’s majestic backcountry, the time is now...Let’s Keep Idaho, Idaho.

BACKGROUND

We are blessed in Idaho with over 9.3 million acres of backcountry national forest areas. With one of the fastest growing populations in the country, Idaho's rugged, natural areas are becoming more important for preserving opportunities for outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing and our way of life.

In 2001, protections were developed to protect all remaining national forest roadless areas around the country. That rule REMAINS THE LAW OF THE LAND.

In September 2006, then-Governor Jim Risch petitioned the Forest Service to allow for some development in Idaho's pristine forests. In November 2006, he “clarified” that he was willing to accept protections equivalent to, or stronger, than the 2001 Rule on 8.8 million acres. Now the Forest Service has developed a draft plan that would weaken protections for 7.6 million acres of Idaho's backcountry forests.

These backcountry areas are the source of Idaho's clean water, critical wildlife habitat and offer the opportunity for solitude, a dwindling resource as Idaho continues to grow.

THE TIME TO SPEAK OUT IS NOW!

PUBLIC MEETINGS

The Forest Service will be hosting 16 public meetings across the state beginning January 22 and continuing until February 28.  A FULL LIST of the meeting locations and times is below. It will be CRITICAL for Idahoans to show up at these meetings and voice their support for maintaining current protections for the backcountry roadless areas we cherish.

GET INVOLVED

Along with a number conservation groups from across the state, the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) will be hosting presentations and meetings in communities around Idaho to let YOU know about the draft plan, and what YOU can do to protect these special places. If you would like more information about attending a meeting, or scheduling a meeting for any group you’re involved with (fishing, hunting, conservation group, audubon, sierra club, or even a group of friends!) please contact TOM SCHWARZ at tschwarz@wildidaho.org or toll-free at 877-345-6933 ext. 27. Tom will also be coordinating transportation to public meetings if you live in a community not served by one of the public meetings (i.e. Moscow, McCall, Sandpoint).

We are also encouraging supporters to submit LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to your local paper AND the Idaho Statesman (editorial@idahostatesman.com) encouraging attendance at local meetings and raising concerns with the draft plan.

Finally, please make sure to EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS to IDcomments@fsroadless.org or CLICK HERE for the submit form

MORE INFO

You can get more information, points to comment on, the Draft Idaho Roadless Rule, the Draft environmental analysis, and links to more at www.wildidaho.org/update.php

Additional roadless info at www.roadless.fs.fed.us/idaho

IDAHO PUBLIC MEETINGS

NORTH IDAHO

January 22, 2007
Bonners Ferry
Kootenai River Inn
7169 Plaza St. Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
7:00 PM

January 23, 2007
Coeur d’ Alene
Kootenai CountyCourthouse
451 Government Way Rm 1A/1B
Coeur d’ Alene, ID 83816
6:00 PM

January 24, 2007
Kellogg
ID Dept. of Healthy and Welfare Office
35 Wildcat Way
Kellogg, ID 83837
6:00 PM
NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO

January 28, 2007
Orofino
Clearwater County Courthouse
150 Michigan Avenue
Orofino, ID 83544
7:00 PM

January 29, 2007
Lewiston
Red Lion Hotel
621 21st Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
7:00 PM

January 30, 2007
Grangeville
Super 8 Motel
801 SW 1st Street
Grangeville, ID 83530
7:00 PM

CENTRAL IDAHO

February 11, 2007
Salmon
Brooklyn Annex
200 Fulton
Salmon, ID 83467
7:00 PM

February 12, 2007
Challis
Custer County Courthouse
Main Street
Challis, ID 83226
7:00 PM

February 13, 2007
Hailey
Blaine County Courthouse
206 South 1st Avenue, Ste 200
Hailey, ID 83333
7:00 PM

February 14, 2007
Mackay
Mackay City Hall
203 S. Main Street
Mackay, ID 83251
7:00 PM

SOUTHEAST IDAHO

February 20, 2007
Idaho Falls
Shilo Inn
Grand Teton Rm
780 Lindsey Blvd
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
6:00 PM

February 21, 2007
Pocatello
Holiday Inn
1399 Bench Road
Pocatello, ID 83201
6:00 PM

SOUTHWEST IDAHO

February 25, 2007
Cascade
Valley County
Courthouse
219 N. Main Street
Cascade, ID 83611
7:00 PM

February 26, 2007
Council
Adams County Courthouse
201 Industrial Ave Council, ID 83612
7:00 PM

February 27, 2007
Twin Falls
Twin Falls City Council Chambers
305 3rd Avenue East
Twin Falls, ID 83301
7:00 PM

February 28, 2007
Boise
Boise City Hall
150 N Capitol Blvd Boise, ID 83702
7:00 PM

The Story of Stuff

I always come back from wilderness pack trips different. I'm reminded of the insane amount of waste we produce, stuff we have, ridiculous inhibitions we hold on to. I truly believe that there are two core problems we face in life as a society; education and over population. And, everything boils down to education. Peace. Health. Pollution. The Environment. Almost every challenge, threat and problem we face can be traced back to either of the two.

The more time I spend in nature, with only my backpack to provide the two primary staples of food and shelter, the more attune I become with myself and the world. If only I could backpack more, as to keep rejuvenated mentalities and perspectives fresh.

Wilderness is inspiring. My best ideas have come from the result of a wilderness adventure. One week away from all of the noise, advertising, routines and hustle and bustle of everyday life is liberating in so many ways.

The Story of Stuff, a 20 minute video by Free Range Studios, encapsulates much of what I've come to learn since I started backpacking in 1999 - and then some. It's an eye-opening look at the world we are living in. Check it out:

Visit the official website

Download the full version (50MB) [have a viewing party]:

500,000+ Acres of Idaho's Public Roadless Forests Face Invasive Development

Over 500,000 Acres. It's hard to imagine just how big that is.

Idaho's Republican Governor petitioned the Forest Service to allow road building in protected roadless areas last year. They want road access for invasive development of a big chunk of our last roadless public lands. This invasive development includes, mining, drilling, logging and more. They want to take a big slice out of what makes Idaho, Idaho.

Idaho's Republican Governor was able to get the petition in during a small window when the Bush Administration got rid of nationwide roadless protections. The window shut when the courts found the Bush Administration to have acted illegally, and reinstated nationwide protections. Despite this and opposition from hunters, anglers, backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts, Idaho's Republican-led Government has decided to continue on.

Roadless areas only account for less than 2% of all land in the US. That's all that is left.

In light of the above, the Idaho Conservation League, along with select Idaho businesses and individuals are focusing on the Adopt-a-Roadless Area program.

Participants in the Adopt-a-Roadless Area Program pledge to visit the roadless area at least once this year, learn about the area and its history, raise awareness about the area, and encourage the Forest Service to protect these special places from new development.

Idaho has 9.3 million acres of roadless forests, more than any other state in the lower 48. These areas provide clean water, wildlife habitat and solitude enjoyed by thousands of people across Idaho. The Bush Plan would immediately open 85% of Idaho¹s Roadless areas to potential development.

The Adopt-a-Roadless Area Program is aimed at encouraging Idahoans to:
* Experience their National Forests,
* Learn about the unique values of specific roadless areas and
* Increase public awareness about the threats to these special places

To participate, or to learn more, log onto www.wildidaho.org or contact Jonathan Oppenheimer, Senior Conservation Associate at the Idaho Conservation League at joppenheimer@wildidaho.org or (208) 345-6942 ext. 26.

Keep Idaho's National Roadless Forests Pristine

Sign the Care2 Idaho Roadless Forest Petition!

Additional Roadless Area Information

Hot Springers are from Mars

Mars May Have Had Hot Springs

WASHINGTON: A little NASA Mars rover has come across soil that scientists said on Tuesday suggests hot springs may have percolated long ago on the Martian surface, providing an environment conducive to life. The six-wheeled rolling robot Spirit, exploring the expansive Gusev Crater just south of the Martian equator, detected a patch of light-coloured soil that was 90 percent pure silica, an indicator of the past presence of water, they said. Scientists using the rover to glean information about Mars said the discovery is the latest strong piece of evidence that dusty and desolate Mars was once wet and wild. Read the rest here...

Source: Reuters

Idaho's Roadless Areas Under Attack

Long Story Short (here's the long version)

• Pre-Bush: Roadless areas nationwide are protected as a whole. No roadless development is allowed.
• Bush Takes Office: Repeals roadless rule; revoking nationwide protections for roadless areas - our public lands! Puts in hands of local governors.
• Former Idaho Governor Kempthorne immediately begins petition process to plan road building regardless of wishes of hunters, backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
• Recently: Bush found to have acted illegally in a court of law in regard to revoking the nationwide roadless rule. Rule reinstated!!!!!
• The Bad News: Out of all the states, Idaho has decided to go against federal law and continue the petition to develop thousands of acres of roadless land in spite of tremendous public outcry.

And, to make matters worse, the Forest Service is only allowing for a 30 day comment period.

Many of Idaho's best hot springs are located in roadless areas.

Now is the Time for Action - Tell the Forest Service to Keep Roadless Areas Instact!

Click Here to Send the Forest Service a Pre-Written E-Mail

Click Here to Sign the Care2 Idaho Roadless Petiton

You may also send in your comments directly:

Email your comments to: IDcomments@fsroadless.org

Mail to:
Roadless Area Conservation – Idaho
PO Box 162909
Sacramento, CA 95816-2909

Fax to: 916.456.6724

Additional Information

The Time to Defend Wolves is Now

We have just one week left to prevent the slaughter of hundreds of wolves in the Northern Rockies. Unless we stop them, federal officials could eliminate vital protections for these magnificent animals and spark the biggest wolf massacre in the lower 48 states to occur in decades.

There are just 8 days remaining in the public comment period on this awful proposal.

Please take action now!

Wolves were eliminated from this area in the last century trapped, poisoned, hunted and harassed. Their re-introduction to Yellowstone National Park and Central Idaho in the mid-1990s was a major conservation accomplishment.

Now that achievement is at risk as officials in Idaho and Wyoming gear up to kill hundreds of wolves.

In February, officials in the Bush/Cheney Administration proposed removing gray wolves in the Northern Rockies from the Endangered Species List... and turning over management of wolves to Idaho and Wyoming -- two states more concerned with eliminating wolves than
managing them.

Lawmakers and anti-wolf extremists in Idaho and Wyoming have already announced plans to kill hundreds of wolves, putting the gray wolf's future in the American West at risk.

Please take action now!

Steens Mountain in Southeast Oregon at Risk!

The view from the top of Steens Mountain (Alvord Desert below)

The BLM in Oregon is considering opening up Steens Mountain to Off Road Vehicles (ORVs).

Steens Mountain, nestled in the corner of Southeast Oregon, towers above the Alvord Desert and Hot Springs. I love this area because of the severe lack of people and noise. It's one of the best places to go hiking and backpacking with hot springs rewards waiting to soothe your aching body. This area is also composed of protected Wilderness and Wilderness Study areas.

The East side of Steens Mountain

The only other folks I've run into in the area are either locals, hikers, backpackers, Bighorn Sheep hunters and rock hounds. So, why does the BLM want to open up Steens Mountain to ORVs? My best guess is to provide hunters easier access to Bighorn Sheep. 90% of the hunters I've met were either drunk, lazy or both. I've heard complaints from the hunters that they can't get their rigs high enough up the mountain. It seems that the nice trails and brief hike are just too much for this out of shape group. And, we're talking about the east side of the Steens. On the west, one can drive the Steens Mountain loop all the way up to the top!

What the BLM is considering could seriously undermine the very qualities that make Steens special by dramatically increasing off-road vehicle (ORV) use and officially permitting ORVs in currently protected Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas!

We Need To Take Action!

There's still time left before the BLM formalizes their proposal. Click here to view, edit and send the BLM a letter!

More About Steens Mountain

Steens Mountain towers one vertical mile above the high desert. Here, one can explore glaciated valleys replete with majestic bighorn sheep, stands of quaking aspen and alpine meadows where golden eagles soar high above. Steens is an ideal place for quiet backcountry recreation and experiences, and is a jewel in our National Landscape Conservation System.

References:

• IdahoHotSprings.com, Guide to Hot Springs in Idaho and the Northwest
• The Wilderness Society

Exxon Exxposed - Again & Again

As hot springers, we need to continuously remain educated in regard to sensitive environmental issues. In a shameless display of allegiance to ExxonMobil, Bush's Energy Secretary, Samuel Bodman, has hand-picked former ExxonMobil CEO Lee Raymond to lead an influential study to develop policy solutions to America's energy crisis!

ExxposeExxon.com has set up an online action campaign directed at Secretary Bodman to urge him to pull the project out from the National Petroleum Council and give it to an independent body that is NOT the mouthpiece of Big Oil. Congress members are being alerted as well. Over 60,000 people have already written Sec. Bodman within a week!

Read (and sign!) the action letter!

More details / addition information

A Wrong Righted & Idaho Government Continues a Dark Plight

I was informed earlier today by Jonathan Oppenheimer of the ICL (Idaho Conservation League) that the 2001 Roadless Rule had been reinstated - a monumental victory for the environment and all who enjoy it. A wrong righted.

The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule was created to establish a nationwide blanket to protect inventoried roadless areas as a whole; it grants the same high level of protection and management to every single roadless area regardless of state legislation (USDA Forest Service, 2005). This approach makes sense because roadless areas often are independent of state and political boundaries, and as such, should be managed as a whole.

The 2001 Roadless Rule was the most supported set of Federal laws ever enacted; 95% of over 1.6 million comments submitted were in support of 2001 Roadless Rule (Wilderness Society, 2005).

Following the news from the ICL, the President of the Wilderness Society issued a formal statement, which can be viewed here. Sadly, on the eve of such great news, and the very same day of the reinstatement, Idaho's Governor announced plans to stay the course - and go against the reinstatement of the nationwide roadless rule. Idaho plans to continue with the grossly unbalanced petition process aimed at building roads into roadless areas for logging, drilling and other invasive and destructive activities. Finally, protections are restored that should have never been revoked in the first place, but yet it matters not to those in power in Idaho.

Interesting facts about Idaho’s roadless areas:

• Idaho has the most roadless land in the lower 48 with over 9.3 million acres

• Over 54% of Idaho’s public land is developed; leaving 46% of public land that is considered roadless

• 74% of Steelhead and Chinook Salmon habitat in roadless areas

• Steelhead and Salmon fishers spend $60 million annually in Idaho

(Wilderness Society, 2005)

Roadless areas are important because they represent our remaining intact ecosystems, water systems, wildlife areas and open-spaces. Roadless areas represent 2% of land in the entire US (Wilderness Society, 2005). That's all that is left... 2%. If we don't protect our roadless areas now there will be nothing left.

"We simply need wild country available to us, even if we do no more than drive to its edge and look in. For it can be a means of reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope." Wallace Stegner

Roadless Rule Background
On May 5th, 2005, the Bush Administration revoked the widely-supported 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule and replaced it with the 2005 Roadless Rule. Under this new rule, approximately 60 million acres of pristine wild forests were now open for logging, drilling, road building and other destructive forms of development (Idaho Conservation League, 2005).

The Bush Administration was able to revoke the 2001 Roadless Rule by focusing on changing federal regulations in order to quietly replace the Roadless Rule. Federal regulations are basically proposals that allow for fundamental changes to be made to roadless management with little media attention and a small amount (if any) of public involvement (Wilderness Society, 2005).

On September 20th, 2006, U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth LaPorte ruled that the Bush Administration violated the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act when it repealed the 2001 Roadless Rule. The court found the Bush Administration acted illegally, and reinstated the original 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Wilderness Society, 2006). Management of our public lands has been given back to the public, and taken away from special interest groups. Tainted, greedy Governors and State Governments remain as the largest threat to roadless areas.