Saving Farmland, Waterways and Wildlife

Our work along the Snake River in Idaho is a great example of how conservation efforts make a difference on multiple levels: for wildlife, natural space and the local community.

In fall 2009, we helped protect two of the last unprotected parcels of private land along the canyon stretch of the South Fork Snake River. Every year, more than 300,000 visitors from all over the world travel to this river to enjoy the spectacular scenery, fishing and wildlife. Eastern Idaho benefits from the economic impact of the fishing and boating industry along these waterways. According to estimates by Dr. John Loomis, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Colorado State University, the use of the South Fork and Henry’s Fork of the Snake River by anglers and other visitors generates 1,214 jobs and more than $41 million in income.

The public also has access to another beautiful cottonwood bottom along the South Fork. Even the land remaining in private hands provides access to the public—the South Fork Rim Trail.

These lands also will provide migration routes for big game like elk and mule deer, as well as habitat for imperiled species like the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Some of the most productive dry farmland in eastern Idaho lies along the high bluffs lining the South Fork, helping Bonneville County maintain its lead statewide in barley production. Keeping this productive land in farming, wheat and barley primarily, was one of the main reasons Cletus Hamilton decided to protect his land. “We thought this was good to do for ourselves and our family, for society and for the land,” Hamilton said.

Photo: Todd Kaplan

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