Hot Springs Guy Featured on Idaho Green Living

The Hot Springs Guy is more than just a source of information on Idaho's hundreds of hot springs, he is a steward of the land. He was recently featured on Idaho's News Channel 6, Idaho Green Living segment for being just that. Kudos to you, Hot Springs Guy! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and helping to educate everyone about the importance of our environment.

Call to Action!

If there has ever been a time when we need to unite and speak up, that time is now. Idaho's roadless areas are on the chopping block once again (or still depending on how you look at it). Anyone and everyone who appreciates the wilderness, or wants it to be around for future generations, please take part and submit your comments. When we unite as one our voice may be heard!

The following is an email from the Idaho Conservation League. This decision effects not only Idaho residents, but the entire nation. I urge you to take a stand and speak out. I will be at the Boise rally on February 28. Hope to see you there!

Dear Friends (Please spread this email widely)-

The Forest Service has released a Draft Plan that threatens to allow new roads, logging, mining and other forms of harmful development in the majority of Idaho's 9.3 million acres of pristine, backcountry national forests. The proposal contradicts then-Gov. Risch's commitment to protect 95% of Idaho's roadless forests when he testified in Washington, DC in November 2006.

If you care about about ensuring that future generations of Idahoans can experience Idaho's majestic backcountry, the time is now...Let's Keep Idaho, Idaho.

We can't do it alone though, WE NEED YOUR HELP!


BACKGROUND:
We are blessed in Idaho with over 9.3 million acres of backcountry national forest areas. With one of the fastest growing populations in the country, Idaho's rugged, natural areas are becoming more important for preserving opportunities for outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing and our way of life.

In 2001, protections were developed to protect all remaining national forest roadless areas around the country. That rule REMAINS THE LAW OF THE LAND.

In September 2006, then-Governor Jim Risch petitioned the Forest Service to allow for some development in Idaho's pristine forests. In November 2006, he "clarified" that he was willing to accept protections equivalent to, or stronger, than the 2001 Rule on 8.8 million acres. Now the Forest Service has developed a draft plan that would weaken protections for 7.6 million acres of Idaho's backcountry forests.

These backcountry areas are the source of Idaho's clean water, critical wildlife habitat and offer the opportunity for solitude, a dwindling resource as Idaho continues to grow.

THE TIME TO SPEAK OUT IS NOW!


PUBLIC MEETINGS:
The Forest Service will be hosting 16 public meetings across the state beginning January 22 and continuing until February 28. A FULL LIST of the meeting locations and times is attached (in PDF format) AND is pasted below in this email. It will be CRITICAL for Idahoans to show up at these meetings and voice their support for maintaining current protections for the backcountry roadless areas we cherish.


GET INVOLVED:
Along with a number conservation groups from across the state, we will be hosting presentations and meetings in communities around Idaho to let YOU know about the draft plan, and what YOU can do to protect these special places. If you would like more information about attending a meeting, or scheduling a meeting for any group you're involved with (fishing, hunting, conservation group, audubon, sierra club, or even a group of friends!) please contact TOM SCHWARZ at tschwarz@wildidaho.org or toll-free at 877-345-6933 ext. 27. Tom will also be coordinating transportation to public meetings if you live in a community not served by one of the public meetings ( i.e. Moscow, McCall, Sandpoint).

We are also encouraging supporters to submit LETTERS TO THE EDITOR to your local paper AND the Idaho Statesman (editorial@idahostatesman.com) encouraging attendance at local meetings and raising concerns with the draft plan.

Finally, please make sure to EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS to IDcomments@fsroadless.org

MORE INFO:
You can get more information, points to comment on, the Draft Idaho Roadless Rule, the Draft environmental analysis, and links to more at
www.wildidaho.org/update.php

You can also get load of info at www.roadless.fs.fed.us/idaho

Thanks you for your support!


Jonathan Oppenheimer
Senior Conservation Associate
Idaho Conservation League
PO Box 844, Boise, ID 83701
208. 345.6942 x26
Fax 208.344.0344
Cell: 208.867.3505
joppenheimer@wildidaho.org
http://www.wildidaho.org

The Idaho Conservation League preserves Idaho's clean water, wilderness and quality of life.

--------------------

IDAHO PUBLIC MEETINGS

NORTH IDAHO
January 22, 2007
Bonners Ferry
Kootenai River Inn
7169 Plaza St. Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
7:00 PM

January 23, 2007
Coeur d' Alene
Kootenai CountyCourthouse
451 Government Way Rm 1A/1B
Coeur d' Alene, ID 83816
6:00 PM

January 24, 2007
Kellogg
ID Dept. of Healthy and Welfare Office
35 Wildcat Way
Kellogg, ID 83837
6:00 PM

NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO
January 28, 2007
Orofino
Clearwater County Courthouse
150 Michigan Avenue
Orofino, ID 83544
7:00 PM

January 29, 2007
Lewiston
Red Lion Hotel
621 21st Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
7:00 PM

January 30, 2007
Grangeville
Super 8 Motel
801 SW 1st Street
Grangeville, ID 83530
7:00 PM

CENTRAL IDAHO
February 11, 2007
Salmon
Brooklyn Annex
200 Fulton
Salmon, ID 83467
7:00 PM

February 12, 2007
Challis
Custer County Courthouse
Main Street
Challis, ID 83226
7:00 PM

February 13, 2007
Hailey
Blaine County Courthouse
206 South 1st Avenue, Ste 200
Hailey, ID 83333
7:00 PM

February 14, 2007
Mackay
Mackay City Hall
203 S. Main Street
Mackay, ID 83251
7:00 PM

SOUTHEAST IDAHO
February 20, 2007
Idaho Falls
Shilo Inn
Grand Teton Rm
780 Lindsey Blvd
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
6:00 PM

February 21, 2007
Pocatello
Holiday Inn
1399 Bench Road
Pocatello, ID 83201
6:00 PM

SOUTHWEST IDAHO
February 25, 2007
Cascade
Valley County
Courthouse
219 N. Main Street
Cascade, ID 83611
7:00 PM

February 26, 2007
Council
Adams County Courthouse
201 Industrial Ave Council, ID 83612
7:00 PM

February 27, 2007
Twin Falls
Twin Falls City Council Chambers
305 3rd Avenue East
Twin Falls, ID 83301
7:00 PM

February 28, 2007
Boise
Boise City Hall
150 N Capitol Blvd Boise, ID 83702
7:00 PM

Lovely Layers

It's that time of year when we want to be out enjoying Mother Nature as much as possible before she hits us head on with winter. At times the crisp temperatures lead to a snuggle by the fire instead of a frolic through the park. We women are more than capable of enduring a jaunt through the snow blanketed forest, just keep our fingers and toes warm!

I say give me polypro, fleece and my rain proof shell. Give me my base, middle and top layers, and I can take on the world! Of course there are always exceptions. In extreme weather, one must practice caution and common sense. When preparing to take advantage of the cooler seasons, knowledge is our greatest tool. Knowing what to expect and also remembering that a day spent by the fire isn't all bad.

Layers are very important to exercise when hiking. They allow you to stay cool or warm up as needed.

Base Layer: this should be one that wicks away moisture from the body. Sweat is moisture too. Polypro and silk work well as a base. Cotton should be avoided as it traps moisture and takes time to dry.

Middle Layer: here is where one of my favorite materials gets used, fleece! Worn for extra warmth over the base layer.

Top Layer: for the outer layer you're looking for something wind proof and water repellent. There are a variety of styles of nylon type jackets that would work perfectly for this. Nylon pants are a must for an outer layer.

Don't forget the extremities either. Gloves, socks and headgear can all be layered as well. We've got to keep those fingers and toes warm to get the most out of all the seasons!

Storing your camping gear

The end of the season has finally arrived, except for those who enjoy the winter side of camping as well. Here is an informative, easy to follow article from About.com on how to sadly put away our gear for the season. Outdoorplaces.com also has some good info. I hope everyone had an adventurous summer. I know I did!

Outdoors in Your Neightborhood

When most people envision the outdoors they see mountains, rivers, lakes, hot springs, an array of wildlife and wild flowers. So many forget that nature exsists in our own backyards. In many cities there are miles of trails for you to hike and enjoy the local flora and fauna. Check out the links below to see what might be in your neck of the woods.

Ridge to Rivers: Boise

Forest Park Wildwood Trail: Portland

Salt Lake City, UT

Seattle, WA

Spokane, WA

There are so many more than what I have listed here. Be adventerous and try to find your own paths. Happy hiking!