Foundation Names New Board Member

A north Idaho businessman and avid outdoorsman is the newest member of the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation Board of Directors. Jim Deffenbaugh represents the Panhandle region and joins 21 other Idahoans who volunteer their services to the foundation. An angler, hunter and rafter, Deffenbaugh is eager to promote conservation education. "As I have aged, I've realized that some of my most pleasurable times have been observing nature. By serving on the foundation board, I hope to guide foundation resources towards education about our natural world," he explained. The Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation works with business, government, foundations, conservation groups and individuals to support conservation and education projects throughout Idaho. Deffenbaugh was instrumental in creation of north Idaho's future self-guided outdoor science education center, the Water Life Discovery Center in Sandpoint. Deffenbaugh has lived in Idaho for the past 25 years after falling in love with north Idaho while on a fishing trip back in 1970. "One of my great pleasures is flying into backcountry sites and fishing areas where there is little human pressure. I can enjoy the trip and see some of the most beautiful countryside in our nation," said Deffenbaugh. Deffenbaugh holds degrees in Business Administration and Anthropology. He is currently director of the Panhandle Area Council, an organization that helps private companies preserve and expand their employment base. The Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1990 to protect and sustain Idaho's fishing, hunting and wildlife heritage. Board members represent each region of the state. Contact: Gayle Valentine, Executive Director Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation 334-2648