Earth Hour; One Hour No Power

On March 29th at 8pm, I have vowed to participate in one hour of no power! I encourage each and everyone of us who call this planet home to do the same. Together we can make a difference. Visit EarthHour.org for more information and to join the fight against global warming!

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

Animal Love

Recently I was talking with a friend about The Animal Rescue site. They have a program where their sponsors will donate to care for the animals, and all we have to do is click. It is completely free to visitors except for a few moments of your time.

The Animal Rescue Site focuses the power of the Internet on a specific need — providing food for some of the 27 million unwanted animals given to shelters in the U.S. every year. Over 10 million animals are put to death every year in the U.S. alone because they are abandoned and unwanted.
Each click on the purple "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button at The Animal Rescue Site provides food and care for a rescued animal living in a shelter or sanctuary. Funding for food and care is paid by site sponsors and distributed to animals in need at the Fund for Animals' renowned animal sanctuaries (including Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in California), pet shelters supported by the Petfinder Foundation, North Shore Animal League, and other worthy animal care facilities supported by the GreaterGood.org foundation.

This is a fantastic program. Let's get spread the word, and take a few moments to make a difference.

Leave No Trace

It never hurts to have a refresher on how we should treat our environment. Here are the basic principles of the Leave No Trace concept, which should be followed by anyone who has thoughts of enjoying the outdoors. It is my wish to have the forest, deserts, wetlands, tundra, and all wild lands around for my great great grandchildren's children to experience and treasure as I do. We must all work together to conserve, preserve, and educate!

1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors

Don't forget to always pack it out, leaving everything more pristine than how you found it.
For more information:

www.lnt.org/main.html

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leave_No_Trace

www.girlscouts.org/for_adults/volunteering/articles/leave_no_trace.asp

The Horse Slaughter is Over!

The last Horse Slaughter plant in the U.S. has finally closed. This plant was set in Illinois. They should be proud that they're no longer part of the foriegn based consumption of horses. Please read the entire article at HSUS website.

One Hour No Power reminder

The day is almost upon us to join in on the One Hour No Power. I encourage everyone to participate, and to begin change!

On Sunday July 1, 2007 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. please join me in shutting everything off that you don't need. That means computers, cars, phones, everything that is not absolutely essential. In doing this we can show our support against climate change. Everything we use that is powered by electricity emits some form of "pollution". This pollution contributes to global warming and climate change. Please visit One Hour No Power to join in, find out more information, or spread the word. I urge you to encourage your friends, family, coworkers, bosses, and strangers to participate. Lets stand as a community and show that one hour of no power can begin to make a difference!

One Hour No Power

On Sunday July 1, 2007 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. please join me in shutting everything off that you don't need. That means computers, cars, phones, everything that is not absolutely essential. In doing this we can show our support against climate change. Everything we use that is powered by electricity emits some form of "pollution". This pollution contributes to global warming and climate change. Please visit One Hour No Power to join in, find out more information, or spread the word. I urge you to encourage your friends, family, coworkers, bosses, and strangers to participate. Lets stand as a community and show that one hour of no power can begin to make a difference!

Idaho's Roadless Areas Need Your Support!

The Forest Service is accepting comments on Idaho Roadless Areas.

Idaho has more than 9.3 million acres of unprotected backcountry National Forests, more than any state in the lower-48.In 2006, then-Governor Risch asked the Forest Service to protect 8.8 million acres of Idaho’s backcountry roadless areas. His proposal would open over 525,000 acres to mining, logging, and roadbuilding. Most of these so-called “General Forest” areas are located on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.Main Points
The comment period should be extended, and public meetings should be held at this stage. The analysis must evaluate the potential impact to the 525,000 acres designated as “General Forest.” *This is now at 900,000 acres*

No roads should be constructed in these areas for commercial purposes. What You Can Do: Use your own words to discuss these main points in a letter to the Forest Service. To make sure your voice is heard, you must comment by May 10, 2007.

Additional Points:
Talk about specific roadless areas that are special to you.
Discuss how Idaho's best fishing and hunting opportunities are located in roadless areas.
Mention that Idaho's forests already have over 34,000 miles of road and a $660 million backlog of needed maintenance.
Ask that all roadless areas be protected from mining. Use our form on our website to send your comments right away, or:Email your comments to: IDcomments@fsroadless.orgMail to:Roadless Area Conservation – IdahoPO Box 162909Sacramento, CA 95816-2909Fax to: 916.456.6724For More InfoGo to www.wildidaho.org/update.php to download the Forest Service notice, Risch Petition, maps and other files.Latest Roadless Area Update Courtesy Jonathan Oppenheimer of the Idaho Conservation League

Thank you Hot Springs Guy for sharing this with all of us!

Today is Day of Action for Elephants!

My heart contains many passions. The greatest is for the environment and all that comprise and live in nature. Today my heart is filled with compassion for the elephants. Please take a few minutes to take actions. If we speak as one voice, then a difference can be made.
Thank you, ~ Soker Grrl

Today, Wednesday, April 18th, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is taking to Capitol Hill for its "Congressional Leadership Day."

This is a great opportunity for us to speak up and bring attention to the plight of elephants in zoos!

While AZA seeks increased federal support, let's remind Congress that elephants are suffering in zoos and it's just not right!

Today we are asking everyone to call, fax, or email your Senators and Representatives in Congress to demand that the zoo industry make big changes for Earth's largest land mammal.


The U.S. Animal Welfare Act requires zoos to provide adequate space and conditions to maintain elephant health and well-being. Zoos are violating this federal law by holding elephants in cramped and inadequate conditions that cause them to sicken and die prematurely.

IDA has submitted a Citizen Petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) calling for enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act at zoos holding elephants.



Ask your Senators and Representative to support the IDA petition by calling the Secretary of Agriculture and the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.

It's time for zoos to stop violating the Animal Welfare Act. If zoos cannot provide the vast space and naturalistic conditions that elephants need to thrive, they should not hold elephants.

The Capitol Hill Switchboard is (202) 224-3121. For email and fax information for your representatives, see www.house.gov and www.senate.gov.

Please use the talking points below:

In the wild, elephants:
- Walk for miles every day on soft ground and grasses.
- Live in large, tightly-knit extended families in which females live together for life.
- Possess a sophisticated ability to communicate, intricate social structure, and mourn their dead.

In zoos, elephants:
- Spend their entire lives in tiny yards of only a few acres or less.
- Live in small groups of unrelated elephants.
- Cannot exercise adequately and are forced to stand on damaging hard surfaces, such as hard-packed dirt and concrete, for years on end.
- Are confined to concrete-floored barn stalls for extended periods of time, especially during the winter.
- Develop painful problems with their joints and feet, as well as other disorders, due to zoo conditions.

Recent surveys document that a majority of elephants in zoos suffer from painful and often fatal arthritis and foot disease -- a direct result of spending their lives in cramped, unnatural and inadequate zoo exhibits.

Elephants need large, naturalistic habitats to thrive. The two U.S. elephant sanctuaries provide the model for zoos to follow.

"As a scientist who has studied elephant behavior and communication among free-living individuals for 30 years, I am stunned that the AZA is not able to perceive the empirical evidence that elephants need much more space than what is currently allotted to them."
- Joyce Poole, Ph.D.

"Small enclosures with a subsequent lack of exercise causing poor muscle tone, therefore poor joint support, lead to osteoarthritis and eventually degenerative joint disease. Enclosures made with concrete, or other unyielding substrates where elephants cannot avoid standing in their own urine and feces, predispose elephants' feet to toenail cracks, sole abscesses, and eventual osteomyelitis which leads to death."
- Mel Richardson, DVM

For more information, visit www.helpelephants.com or call (919) 732-8983.