![Potluck](http://www.friendsoftheclearwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/FOC_Meeting_110913_24-300x200.jpg)
Dear Wildlanders,
Thank you to everyone that was able to attend our 2013 Annual Meeting & Gathering on Saturday November 9, 2013. It was a joyous occasion!
The next big community event is the 2013 Alternative Giving Market of the Palouse, which is set to take place at the Prichard Art Gallery on Wednesday December 4, 2013 from 4:00 – 8:00pm. Click here to read the gifts that we are offering for the holiday season.
In September, Idaho’s delegation sent a letter to the US Forest Service requesting that the agency “pause” the administrative process for the Upper Lochsa Land Exchange. Idaho Senator Jim Risch is now, instead, considering sponsoring legislation to make the exchange happen. Read the recent Opinion Editorial by Janine Blaeloch of Western Lands Project and Gary Macfarlane of FOC.
Speaking of September, FOC joined a coalition of conservation groups to file a petition with the US Fish & Wildlife Service seeking Endangered Species Act protection for the imperiled Fisher. A member of the weasel family, the Fisher is native to the Clearwater Basin. Read the news release calling for federal protection.
If you have not already, please sign the petition to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), requesting that the agency direct the United States Forest Service (FS) to take proactive measures to protect the Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa River corridors from megaload transports. The FS, an agency within the USDA, is mandated by Congress to protect the intrinsic values of the corridor, as per the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act.
There are three important public hearings this week, regarding the potential nationwide delisting of grey wolves. Due to the federal government shutdown, the public comment deadline was extended to December 17, 2013. Click here to see where the hearings are taking place.
Thanks again for a fantastic Annual Meeting!
Brett & Gary