With the nation focused on national politics, we wanted to update you on some local wildland news and events. In this issue, we will discuss the recent Omega Morgan megaload on US 12, take a look at the wolf hunt in Idaho, reflect on our successful Annual Meeting & Gathering, look forward to the upcoming Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse, and provide you with the opportunity to vote for your favorite non-profit.
In an act of defiance, the Idaho Transportation Department recently issued a permit for a 520,000 lb. road-blocking megaload to travel along US 12, before crossing into Montana and heading to the Alberta Tar Sands. The waste-water evaporator is owned by Sunshine Oilsands Ltd. and is being transported by Omega Morgan, Inc. Originally planned to take four nights, the load took over a week to cross over Lolo Pass and into Montana.
FOC continues to work with others in trying to defend the Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa wild & scenic river corridors from becoming a permanent high and wide transportation corridor. Advocates for the West is representing Idaho Rivers United in their lawsuit against the US Forest Service and the Federal Highway Administration for failing to enforce Congressional mandates within the corridor. Click here to learn more about this important case.
As we head towards the beginning of the trapping season, the Idaho Fish & Game Department is reporting that 86 wolves have been killed so far during the 2012-2013 state hunt, with 11 wolves being shot in the Lolo and Selway Zones. Trapping season begins on November 15th. Hunting and trapping of wolves is permitted in many places throughout the state until March 31, 2013, except for the Lolo and Selway Zones, where hunting is permitted until June 30, 2013.
The Lolo and Selway Zones or “Game Units” contain some of the biggest and wildest country in the state, let alone the entire lower 48. Places like the Kelly Creek roadless area, the Weitas Creek roadless area, and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness are places where wolves need to be wolves and where they should be allowed to play their natural role on the landscape. Instead, we have a state agency that is ignoring the science and promoting game farming on behalf of special interest groups. Follow the “harvest.”
Last Friday, over one-hundred people turned out for our 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Gathering. The evening featured a delicious community potluck, a local-goods silent auction, an end-of-the-year awards ceremony, our annual Board elections, and live music by Board member Jeanne McHale. We would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support and dedication over the last 25-years. Let’s make it another twenty-five years, and keep working together to keep the Clearwater Basin as big and wild as possible. Check out our new website.
In December, we will be participating in the 2012 Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse. Designed to “give residents of the Palouse a meaningful alternative to holiday gift giving and an opportunity to support local nonprofits”, this wonderful community event runs from 4-8pm at the Prichard Art Gallery on Wednesday December 5, with on-line giving starting on November 23. Click here to read the gift selections we’ve created.
Lastly, consider nominating FOC as your favorite non-profit and help us qualify for a 2012 Top-Rated Award! Learn more.
Vote For The Wild,
Brett