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Press Releases . . .

February 23, 2010
Forum: Why Birds are Important

FREMONT COUNTY – Most residents of Fremont County seldom think about bird populations and their importance to the our residents as well as the contribution to our economy. Hunting of upland birds and waterfowl have traditionally been thought to be the major source of income. However, in recent years, viewing and photographing birds has become increasingly important. Birds and bird habitat, will be discussed at the Smart Growth Coalition’s next forum Thursday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m., 512 Main Street Ashton.

Guest speakers are Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s nongame biologist, Rob Cavallaro; Matt Lucia, the Teton Regional Land Trust’s (TRLT) stewardship director; and Tim Reynolds from TRLT’s satellite office in Island Park. They will cover a variety of topics that include bird varieties, bird habitat and commercial birding opportunities. Tim Reynolds will also share details of how he helped start the annual Grouse Days, a festival celebrating the grouse mating season in Dubois each spring.

Over the years, agriculture has been the primary driver of Fremont County’s economy with a contribution of $70 million annually. Today however, Fremont County’s wildlife contributes at least as much to the economy as does agriculture. Sport fishing alone brings in $50 million and big game hunting generates another $12 million. A 2006 US Fish and Wildlife Service report, the most recent one available, states that wildlife watching, which includes birding, is a half million dollar industry in Idaho. Given Fremont County’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park and it’s associated upland and migratory bird populations, it is logical to expect a large share of those birds reside in Fremont County.

The theme of SGC’s 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 and contributes heavily to our sense of place that we value so much,” says SGC spokesman, Chan Atchley. “Well-managed growth is important to the county’s economy and is a key factor when citizens consider moving to Fremont County. That’s why SGC is focused on land-use planning that enhances natural resources.”

More information on SGC may be found by calling 208-652-3386.

February 3, 2010
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Fact Sheet

An excellent overview of the importance of Idaho's Department of Parks and Recreation to our economy, preservation of natural resources and to those who visit them. Prepared by Yvonne Ferrell, a former Park and Recreation Director who served on the Board for 18 years.

January 30, 2010
Letter to Idaho Legislators following "Harriman Threatened" forum

Dear Idaho Legislator,

“Harriman Threatened” was the title of a forum held Thursday night, January 28, in Ashton, ID by the Smart Growth Coalition (SGC), a grass roots organization with nearly 700 members. The meeting was attended by 40 concerned area residents who voiced their concerns regarding the Idaho Parks and Recreation financial difficulties.

There was unanimous agreement that it’s not possible to put a value on the Parks contribution to Idaho’s economy, nor quantify the esthetic value of those natural resources. They are however, essential to Idaho’s economy. Like a magnet, they draw people to Idaho and contribute heavily to sustainable economic growth throughout the State. In our view, every effort should be made to protect these natural resources and find ways to encourage visitation.

While apparently there is no further thought given to the elimination of the Department of Parks and Recreation, should it come up again, please know that there was absolutely no support for that change. Also, we believe that the Parks and Recreation Board should remain a policy making Board, and that the Director of Parks and Recreation should remain an employee of that Board and beyond undue political influence of the Governor’s office.

More specific to the operation of Harriman State Park, during the course of the evening, participants identified concerns and made suggestions. The results were then collated and are presented to you with the following suggestions:

1) Scoring 31 points. Formally organize an independent volunteer “Friends of Harriman” group that would meet regularly, raise funds, provide Park volunteers as needed, and possibly suggest managerial and facility improvements.
2) Scoring 20 points. Installation of automated/computerized system that would collect ALL entrance and special use fees, and more accurately record attendance.
3) Scoring 18 points. Reconnect education of school children to understand the benefits of Parks.
4) Scoring 12 points. Increase and expand some user fees (an example, a rod fee for fishing the Harriman Lakes), however, fee increases must by carefully weighed against visitation.
5) Scoring 7 points. Develop a more comprehensive marketing and promotion effort that would raise public awareness of Parks benefits.
The remaining 12 points were spread over 5 more suggestions.

Please be advised that participants in our town meeting expressed full awareness of the very difficult budget problems Idaho is facing and want to help. However, they, as user-constituents of Idaho's Parks and Recreation system feel that much more citizen input is needed before political decisions are finalized.

Respectfully yours,

Chan Atchley, President
Smart Growth Coalition

January 19. 2010
Community Forum to address importance of Harriman State Park

ASHTON – The wildlife forum featuring the Birds of Fremont County that was scheduled for this week has been replaced by a forum to discuss the importance of Harriman State Park to the residents and economy of Fremont County. It will be held at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 28, at the Smart Growth Coalition (SGC) office building, 512 Main Street in Ashton.

Forum panelists will include Harriman Park manager, Keith Hobbs, Henry’s Fork Anglers outfitter Mike Lawson, and Monte Later, a retired St. Anthony businessman and former Idaho Parks and Recreation Board member.

Discussion will include the economic importance of Harriman to the residents of Fremont County, and management strategies that could make the park more self-sustaining. Harriman’s contribution to the maintenance of healthy wildlife populations will also be a topic of conversation.

“Even though Governor Butch Otter has decided to continue with the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department,” SGC spokesman Chan Atchley, said, “this forum is still a very important educational event. We’ve all seen inefficiencies and opportunities that would contribute to the operation and maintenance of a self sustaining Park system without adversely impacting wildlife, or park visitations. It is counterproductive to be thrown into turmoil each time that the State starts looking to cutting budgets.”

Annual Idaho Parks and Recreation passes will be given away to two lucky winners who attend this forum, each valued at $35.

The next SGC wildlife forum featuring the Birds of Fremont County, will be held Thursday, February 25, at the usual time and place. More information may be found by visiting www.smartgrowthcoalition.org  or calling 652-3386.