Idaho recently surpassed Florida to become the third fastest growing state in the nation. Look around many Idaho communities, and it's not hard to see the effects of this sprawl. And many Idahoans know that this rapid growth is a major threat to our state's treasures, including abundant wildlife, clean water and open spaces.
For many years, The Nature Conservancy has focused on effective ways to use our resources to protect what Idahoans value. This means focusing on strategic, proactive, market-based solutions to address sprawl issues.
The Nature Conservancy is not afraid of engaging on land issues in Idaho. But to remain strategic, we engage only after careful deliberation. To make best use of our resources, we will respond to only those issues that most impact our mission of conserving the full diversity of native plants and wildlife.
For instance, The Nature Conservancy strongly opposed Proposition 2, which we determined would have seriously impacted communities' ability to manage growth. We also participated in the Blaine County 2025 process and supported new ordinances that provided for transfer of development rights as well as a "down zone" of the lands in the county located away from existing towns.
However, the trustees of the Conservancy's Idaho Chapter have determined it is not the best use of our resources and staff time to weigh in on the many, many development proposals and subdivision applications that are occurring all across our state, including many before the Blaine County Commission.
We do believe it is important for citizens to voice their concerns about proposed developments. Grassroots action can be extremely important in these issues, and residents should have a say as to what happens in their backyards.
By focusing on those strategic issues where The Nature Conservancy can have a lasting impact on sprawl, we can best use our resources—and ensure a future of hope for the special places, the wildlife and the working lands of Idaho.
Laura Hubbard
State director, Idaho Chapter
The Nature Conservancy
