| The theme of our forums
this year is “Managing Growth to Protect Wildlife Habitat, Natural
Resources and Water Quality.” The abundant wildlife in Fremont County plays an important economic role as well as contributing heavily to our sense of place. Like a magnet, residents and visitors alike, are drawn to our mountain forests, lakes, rivers and streams with the expectation of seeing, or in some way, enjoying our wildlife. It’s important to note that over the years, agriculture has been the primary driver of Fremont County’s economy with a contribution of $70.0 million annually. Today however, sport fishing alone brings in $50.0 million, plus an additional $12.0 million for big game hunting. Add to that, the revenues also generated by upland bird and water fowl hunting, animal and bird watching, wildlife picture taking, etc., and Fremont County’s wildlife contributes at least as much to our economy as does agriculture. Therefore, maintenance of a healthy wildlife population has become an important economic benefit and is the focus of our wildlife forums. Due to the importance of Harriman State Park located in Fremont County, and a proposed radical restructuring of Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation, we started the year with the forum, “Harriman Threatened.” Harriman is also an economic driver of our economy that could suffer a dramatic reduction in its operations. The second forum in February will deal with the Birds of Fremont County. Consult the Calendar page for succeeding forum topics. Click Here to download a PDF of the manual. |