Governor Wants to Protect Lands, Wildlife Habitats

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter announced Friday, June 8, that he would create a trust to insure stewardship of Idaho's farms, ranches, timberlands and wildlife habitat. The governor, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and Fish and Game Director Cal Groen will work to establish a Land Legacy Trust worth more than $50 million using two revenue sources: settlement money from Bonneville Power Administration for impacts to wildlife habitats from six federal dams in Idaho, and the sale of surplus Fish and Game property or lands that no longer benefit from agency ownership. "While Idaho's growth brings many benefits to our state, we need to balance growth with stewardship to ensure Idaho remains a place where farmers, ranchers and loggers can earn a living and where hunters, anglers and all Idahoans have access to our lands and our wildlife," Otter said. The Fish and Game Commission and the Department of Fish and Game view the Land Legacy Trust, which is modeled after similar programs in other states, as a good business tool because it uses existing department assets without creating an additional burden for Idaho hunters, anglers or taxpayers. "Growth is the biggest threat we have to wildlife habitats, hunting, fishing and public access." Groen said. "We are glad Gov. Otter has offered his leadership to help us find sustainable solutions for Idaho's fish and wildlife."