Trident puts forth legislation aimed at revamping how Dept. of Lands considers land swaps after failed McCall proposal
BoiseDev, 2-10-22
A lobbyist for Trident Holdings pitched a piece of legislation that would make changes to how the Idaho Dept. of Lands would evaluate land swaps — like the one Trident proposed around McCall.
Trident hoped to trade 26 square miles of land around McCall and Payette Lake into private hands in exchange for timber assets in North Idaho.
Brody Aston with Westerberg and Associates, who has filed to lobby for Trident, introduced the draft legislation Wednesday in the House Resources & Conservation Committee. It is numbered HB 587.
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The Origins of Western Watersheds Project
The Wildlife News, 2-9-22
Western Watersheds Project is the only NGO whose mission is to educate the public about the numerous environmental impacts of livestock production and works to reduce livestock grazing on public lands. WWP is one of the most influential environmental groups because it successfully uses the courts to force federal and state agencies to follow the laws.
Using legal approaches to challenge the entrenched interests of the public lands livestock industry began with its founder, Jon Marvel of Hailey, Idaho.
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Idaho officials ask federal government to make Idaho a priority in fire prevention
KMVT, 2-7-22
Idaho Governor Brad Little and other state officials sent a letter to the USDA asking some of Idaho’s lands be made a priority under the federal government’s strategy to combat wildfires.
Earlier this month, the USDA announced the strategy to spend nearly $3 billion to reduce hazardous fuels, invest in “fire-adapted communities”, and invest in post-fire restoration.
A letter submitted by the Idaho Board of Land Commissioners argued in favor of Idaho’s leadership role in forest health. Their letter also mentioned the number of shovel-ready fuel reduction projects and robust industry available in the Gem State.
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Idaho View: Is University of Idaho’s loss Brigham Young’s gain?
Times News, 2-7-22
Lewiston Tribune Editorial Board
For the sake of argument, say the leading critic of Idaho public education budgets in the Legislature works for a private academy.
The more he complains about the shortcomings of public schools, the more likely it is that some parents will turn to the private education model and possibly his own school.
Or what if a legislative budget writer spends his winters in Boise critiquing the state Lands Department while devoting his spring, summers and autumns to running his private timber farm? You’d have to question where his primary loyalty lies.
So why does state Rep. Ron Nate, R-Rexburg, get a pass?
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Citizens Allied sounds alarm on injection well application
Argus Observer, 2-6-22
PAYETTE COUNTY — Concerns over the environmental safety of gas wells in Payette County and throughout the state have bubbled to the surface, with the filing of a permit application for a Class II Underground Injection Control well by Snake River Oil and Gas. According to Shelley Brock, president of Citizens Allied for Integrity and Accountability, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a Feb. 28 deadline for public comment on the application.
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