For the week of October 15 - 21, 2003

TNC to host Silver Creek conference in November

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By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer

The world-famous fly fishing stream, Blaine County’s own Silver Creek, will take center stage at a symposium next month in Sun Valley.

Each year, thousands of visitors from Idaho and beyond visit The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve. Among them are anglers, hikers, birdwatchers and tourists.

To engage those interested in Silver Creek, The Nature Conservancy-Idaho is holding the Silver Creek Symposium from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Sun Valley Inn.

The symposium is scheduled to feature talks by recognized experts on the area’s biology, conservation practices, hydrology and economics.

Acclaimed author and lecturer Tim Palmer is scheduled to deliver the event’s keynote address. Palmer will deliver an address that focuses on his book, "Lifelines: The Case for River Conservation," as it pertains to Silver Creek.

"We are all thrilled we were able to obtain Tim Palmer as our keynote speaker for this important symposium," said Wood River Valley hydrologist Lee Brown, the event’s director and one of the conference participants. "He is a well-known and acclaimed lecturer whose books have been recognized a variety of ways, including the 1997 National Outdoor Book Award."

Additionally, Snake River Basin Adjudication, basic hydrology, wildlife and growth will be addressed by an array of experts.

TNC purchased Silver Creek Preserve, the group’s first Idaho holding, 27 years ago. The preserve consists of 835 acres, with an additional 10,000 acres in stream-side conservation easements.

The waters are internationally famous for trout fishing, and the preserve is one of the most visited preserves in TNC’s system.

"Many people love Silver Creek, and this symposium provides a forum for both learning and sharing," said Matt Miller, TNC director of communications. "It will give participants a chance to share opinions, to listen and to discuss ways to protect this important stream for future generations."

Tickets are $30. For information or to purchase tickets, call (208) 343-8826, extension 20.

 

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