A hallmark of the Fund's work is our understanding that for conservation solutions to last, they need to make economic sense. For nearly 20 years we've worked to conserve lands along the Upper Snake River and the canyon stretch of the South Fork Snake River. Visitors from all over the world travel to this river to enjoy its spectacular scenery, fishery and wildlife. Recreation alone brings in more than $41 million dollars to the region. Our conservation work also preserves wildlife habitat for many species and protects some of the most productive farmland in eastern Idaho.

Ongoing Iniatitives: Upper Snake River

From the mountains of Yellowstone National Park, the mighty Snake River begins its journey to the coast as two smaller rivers: the Henrys Fork and the South Fork. This part of the river is one of the most important and popular wildlife and recreational areas in the country. However, in recent years, both the South Fork and Henrys Fork have garnered mounting attention for residential subdivision and development. Recognizing this threat to the landscape, we have mobilized partnerships to protect critical, privately-owned properties along the Henrys and South forks, with a goal of maintaining the watershed’s open, agricultural character for the long-term benefit of wildlife and recreationists.

Already, the partnership has permanently protected from development more than 20,000 acres along the Snake River, including a 440-acre tract with over two miles of frontage within the magnificent South Fork canyon, which had been approved for a 25-homesite subdivision.

Much work remains, however. Other families with land that is high in conservation value wish to follow the example of our partner landowners and protect their magnificent land permanently. Our success will ultimately hinge on the generosity and conservation vision of potential new funding partners.

Recent Projects: South Fork of the Snake River

We were part of a conservation partnership, including willing landowners, that worked to protect two of the last unprotected parcels of private land along the canyon stretch of the South Fork Snake River.

We assisted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) with the purchase of 440 acres from a willing landowner along the South Fork and helped place a permanent conservation easement on more than 700 acres of privately owned land adjoining the purchased property.  Key funding for these projects was provided by The Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF) and the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA).

Conserving these two properties—one now in public ownership and the other remaining in private hands—benefits citizens of Idaho who enjoy hunting, fishing, beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing. These lands 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. The South Fork also supports the largest native Yellowstone cutthroat trout fishery outside of Yellowstone National Park and produces half the bald eagles in the state.

Conservation And The Economic Benefits To Idaho

Visitors from all over the world travel to this river to enjoy its spectacular scenery, fishing and wildlife and the fishing and boating industries are an essential part of eastern Idaho's economy. 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 more than 1,200 jobs and more than $41 million in income.

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.

“This effort shows that private working lands can still remain productive while providing assurance that future generation of Idahoans will have the same opportunity to enjoy these lands.” said Senator Jim Risch.

Click here to view a photo gallery of Todd Kaplan's images from Hell's Canyon and the South Fork of the Snake River