Wild Idaho! Podcast

Episode 29 — Bonus Episode with IOGA's Aaron Lieberman on Creating the Future We Must Apr 27, 2021

Tune in to Wild Idaho! Podcast for a bonus episode with special guest Aaron Lieberman, Executive Director of the Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association. In our conversation, we dive a little deeper into what U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson’s Northwest in Transition concept means for Idaho’s fish and the communities that depend upon them. Host Hannah Smay and ICL’s salmon and steelhead advocacy fellow Mitch Cutter chat with Aaron about how the proposal ensures all communities a prosperous future by restoring abundant, healthy, and self-sustaining populations of salmon and steelhead to Idaho. Plus, learn how to get involved and make a difference! Idaho Outfitter & Guides Association website: https://ioga.org/ Learn more: https://www.idahoconservation.org/our-work/salmon-and-steelhead/solutionstogether/ Rep. Simpson’s website: https://simpson.house.gov/salmon/ Take Action! https://p2a.co/LJrhMYQ Resources for taking action: https://www.idahoconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-Northwest-in-Transition-Get-Involved-.pdf Fact sheet: https://www.idahoconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Simpson-Proposal-Overall.pdf

Episode 28 — All About the Columbia Basin Initiative with ICL's Mitch Cutter and Laura Pinover Apr 13, 2021

Listen in as the Wild Idaho! Podcast takes a look at U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson’s Northwest in Transition concept, which charts a path forward for the Northwest. The proposal is bold, comprehensive, and urgently needed for Idahoans and the people of this region. Tune in as host Hannah Smay chats with ICL’s Salmon and Steelhead Advocacy Fellow Mitch Cutter and ICL’s Communications and Engagement Assistant Laura Pinover about how the proposal ensures all communities a prosperous future by restoring abundant, healthy, and self-sustaining populations of salmon and steelhead in Idaho, and building affordable clean energy and thriving agricultural economies. Plus, learn how to get involved and make a difference! Learn more: https://www.idahoconservation.org/our-work/salmon-and-steelhead/solutionstogether/ Rep. Simpson’s website: https://simpson.house.gov/salmon/ Take Action! https://p2a.co/LJrhMYQ Resources for taking action: https://www.idahoconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/A-Northwest-in-Transition-Get-Involved-.pdf Fact sheet: https://www.idahoconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Simpson-Proposal-Overall.pdf CORRECTION: Text "IDAHO FISH" to 52886 to take action now!

Episode 27 — Voices of the Centennials: A Conversation on the Kilgore Project Feb 18, 2021

Join Wild Idaho! Podcast host Hannah Smay for a special episode about the Kilgore project, a gold exploration project located in the Centennials Mountains in east Idaho. Joining Hannah on this episode are Josh Johnson, ICL’s Conservation Associate, and Allison Michalski, the Idaho Conservation Associate with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC). ICL and GYC are partners in the effort to protect Idaho’s waters and wildlife from the impacts of mining and gold exploration in the Centennials. We are also joined by special guests Lauren Camp and Gretchen Henderson, two writers who have spent time in the Centennials. Lauren reads her poem “Reckoning” and Gretchen shares her piece “Headwaters.” To learn more about the Kilgore project, visit ICL and GYC on our websites. GYC: https://greateryellowstone.org/kilgoremine ICL: https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/gold-exploration-at-kilgore-threatens-wildlife-water-quality/ Learn more about Lauren Camp and her work at https://www.laurencamp.com/. Learn more about Gretchen Henderson and her work at https://www.gretchenhenderson.com/. Photo: Tony Huegel

Episode 26 — Salmon, Dams, And Power: Idaho's BPA Connection featuring ICL's Mitch Cutter Nov 24, 2020

Join Wild Idaho! Podcast host Hannah Smay and ICL's Salmon and Steelhead Advocacy Fellow Mitch Cutter to learn about the connections between endangered salmon and steelhead and electric power in Idaho. Electric cooperatives and municipal utilities across Idaho buy power from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which is generated at dams on the Snake and Columbia Rivers. The four dams on the lower Snake River play a major role in driving Idaho’s salmon and steelhead to the brink of extinction. Tune in to learn about the path forward for recovering Idaho’s fish to abundance, ensuring clean and affordable energy for Idahoans, and making and keeping Idaho communities whole. Learn more and contact energy leaders in your community here: https://www.idahoconservation.org/our-work/salmon-and-steelhead/fishpower/ Make your voice heard to the members of the Idaho Governor's Salmon Workgroup: https://species.idaho.gov/governors-salmon-workgroup/

Episode 25 — Get Bear Aware with ICL's Brad Smith Jun 30, 2020

Join Hannah and ICL's North Idaho Director Brad Smith to learn all about why Idahoans should be bear aware. Tune in for stories about grizzly bear sightings in Idaho and tips on how to behave safely in bear country. Learn more at the ICL blog. https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/lets-get-bear-aware/ Have concerns, need help, or want more information? - Visit the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) website (http://igbconline.org/) for a wealth of resources for recreationists, homeowners, ranchers, farmers, hunters, and public lands users. - Check out this one-hour educational presentation produced by the Montana Bear Education Working Group (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrFsJguXYIk&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3DexD1qR4bzmnC0iMjEoOB14wAPlltVbfP04SF-EK6zB5MSj-0UE376IM), covering bear natural history, biology, identification, attractant storage, preventing encounters, bear spray, and how to handle bear encounters. Thanks to Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for their support with our bear aware projects this 2020 season.

Ep 24 — Looking Up at Idaho's Dark Skies with astronomer Matt Benjamin Jun 10, 2020

Join Hannah and Haley in a conversation with astronomer and ICL board member Matt Benjamin about Idaho’s unique and spectacular dark skies. We talk about light pollution and its impacts on human and ecological health, the history of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve (North America’s first gold-tier dark sky international dark sky reserve) and how you can explore the wonders of the cosmos from the night sky in your own backyard. Resources: Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve: https://idahodarksky.org/ International Dark-Sky Association: https://www.darksky.org/ Best stargazing apps: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/g26089673/best-stargazing-apps/ Calendar of astronomy events in 2020: http://www.seasky.org/astronomy/astronomy-calendar-2020.html Activities for kids: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/subject/astronomy-and-space-sciences/ https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/classroom-activities/en/

Ep 23 — Diving into Lake Coeur d'Alene with Matt Nykiel and Shelby Herber Apr 24, 2020

Join Hannah in a conversation with ICL’s North Idaho staff - Shelby Herber and Matt Nykiel - about precarious pollution challenges in and around Lake Coeur d’Alene. Learn about the interconnected web of contamination from historical mining activity in Idaho’s Silver Valley and the legacy of toxic materials that threaten lakeside residents and downstream communities. We need your help to protect Lake Coeur d’Alene. Join us in urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to investigate Lake Coeur d’Alene and provide a cleanup plan that will work. Comments are due April 30! Take action here: https://p2a.co/SH2c102 Learn more: Pollution at the Heart of Lake Coeur d’Alene blog by Matt Nykiel https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/pollution-at-the-heart-of-lake-coeur-dalene/ A dangerous cocktail threatens the gem of North Idaho: Upstream mining has left a toxic legacy at the bottom of Coeur d’Alene Lake by Emily Benson (High Country News) https://www.hcn.org/issues/51.11/pollution-a-dangerous-cocktail-threatens-the-gem-of-north-idaho Leaded: The Poisoning of Idaho’s Silver Valley by Michael C. Mix http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/leaded

Episode 22 — An interview with environmental advocate and high school senior Asa Menlove Apr 10, 2020

Join Hannah and guest-host Jonas Seiler, ICL's River Conservation Fellow, in a conversation with environmental advocate and high school senior Asa Menlove. Learn about the youth environmental movement in Idaho and Asa's passionate efforts to protect Idaho's salmon and steelhead. To comment on the DEIS - https://comments.crso.info. To learn more and contact your Idaho decision-makers, click the link below. https://p2a.co/YU3f1em

Episode 21 — A Recap of the 2020 Idaho Legislative Session with Jonathan Oppenheimer Apr 06, 2020

Join us for a discussion with ICL's lobbyist and Director of External Relations Jonathan Oppenheimer about the highs and lows of Idaho's 2020 legislative session.

Episode 20 — An Interview with EV Hero and ICL member Kurt Fesenmeyer Jan 29, 2020

On this episode, Hannah and Haley talk electric vehicles! We discuss the growing popularity of EVs and chat about some of the ways Idaho is embracing EVs as part of the future of transportation in the state. Then, Hannah interviews ICL member Kurt Fesenmyer about being an EV owner and they go on a ride in Kurt's Nissan Leaf.

Bonus Episode — An Artist's Journey with Carl Rowe Nov 19, 2019

In this episode, host Hannah Smay interviews the Idaho Conservation League's 2019 Artist in Residence Carl Rowe. They talk color, connection and taking Carl's art on a tour of Idaho. The ICL Artist in Residence program was developed to explore the nexus of art and nature. Check out this episode to hear about what that process looks like for the very talented Carl Rowe.

Episode 19 — What’s New? ICL Works on Climate, Salmon, Snake River & Public Lands with Marie Kellner Nov 08, 2019

After a bit of a hiatus, the Wild Idaho Podcast is back with new host Hannah Smay and returning co-host Haley Robinson! In this episode, we chat with the Idaho Conservation League's Program Director Marie Callaway Kellner about the four major campaigns ICL is working on. These campaigns include working toward making Idaho carbon neutral, restoring Idaho's salmon and steelhead, cleaning up the Snake River, and protecting Idaho's Public Lands. Listen to find out more!

Episode 18 — A Look Back on ICL's History with Rick Johnson Apr 25, 2019

This episode, we chat with Executive Director Rick Johnson as he prepares to retire from ICL in June. We talk about big accomplishments, hope for the future, and the fact that sometimes all it takes is just one person to make a big difference.

Episode 17 — Energy and Climate in Idaho With Ben Otto Apr 01, 2019

On this episode of the Wild Idaho podcast, we talk to the Idaho Conservation League's Energy Associate Ben Otto about climate change and energy in Idaho. We also discuss the major announcement from Idaho Power that they will be transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2045. Listen to learn more about what you can do to support a clean energy future for Idaho!

Bonus Episode — A Legislative Update with Jonathan Oppenheimer Mar 02, 2019

BONUS EPISODE: ICL's Legislative Intern Allison Olson chats with ICL's Gov. Relations Director Jonathan Oppenheimer to dig in to what's going on in the Idaho Legislature currently, what it means for everyday Idahoans and ways you can get involved.

Episode 16 — Midas Gold Pt 2: Project Status and Mining Regulations Feb 27, 2019

Our series on the Midas Gold project continues with Part 2! In this episode, we discuss the current status of the project and some of the legal and regulatory background related to this project.

Episode 15 — Midas Gold Pt 1: Mining History and What's at Stake Jan 28, 2019

ICL's John Robison chats with community members, former federal employees, and Austin and Haley about the Midas Gold project near Stibnite. This is the first episode in our two-part series on Midas Gold. Part one provides background on why people love the South Fork Salmon River watershed and discusses the history and impact of mining in this region.

Episode 14 - Lose Eden, Not Optimism: An Interview with Historian Dr. Sara Dant Nov 09, 2018

Dr. Sara Dant, history professor at Weber State in Utah, joins the Wild Idaho! podcast to provide a historic perspective on Western states and the evolving relationship between their inhabitants and the environment.

Episode 13 - What's Going on in North Idaho Oct 23, 2018

Our friends and colleagues from North Idaho are in town, so the Wild Idaho! podcast sat down with them to get updates on their work on closing down coal power plants and protecting Lake Pend Oreille.

Episode 12 - What Does It Mean to Be an ICL Member? Sep 18, 2018

The Wild Idaho! podcast sits down with Jenny Estes, ICL's development program manager, to learn what it means to be an ICL member — and why ICL couldn't do the work we do without the generous support of all our members.

Episode 11 — Air, Water Quality Concerns Increasingly Threaten Summer Recreation Aug 14, 2018

Wildfires, smoke and toxic algae are growing threats to our land, air and water. They're also increasingly disrupting summer plans for all Idahoans. ICL's government relations director, Jonathan Oppenheimer, discusses what's being done to deal with these hazards and protect our summer safety, our health and Idaho's environment.

Regulatory Rollbacks Continue Jul 24, 2018

Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is now gone, but the environmental rollbacks he started continue. ICL staff members Austin, Haley and Marie discuss the current status of those rollbacks and their implications for Idaho.

Episode 9 - What's It Like Owning an EV? Jun 25, 2018

We chat with Pat Haas, former ICL board chair and current owner of an electric vehicle (EV), about why he purchased an EV and what he's learned since purchasing his vehicle.

Episode 2 - Wilderness: Beyond Designation May 21, 2018

Permanently protecting an area through the Wilderness Act is a big task, but the work doesn’t stop once an area has been designated as Wilderness. In this episode, learn about all the work ICL engages in to continue to protect the land you love.

Episode 8 — Rolling Back Environmental Regulations: Interview with Justin Hayes May 21, 2018

We chat with Justin Hayes, ICL’s program director, to discuss the dangerous trend we’re seeing of administrative rollback of safeguards to clean air and water. We’ll also explore the effect these rollbacks will have on Idaho’s environment.

Episode 7 — Are You Ready for Wildfire Season? Mar 28, 2018

Wildfire season is fast approaching. In this Wild Idaho! episode, we discuss how wildfires affect public health, what’s being done to protect us from fires and smoke, and what’s in store for the 2018 wildlife season in Idaho.

Episode 6 — What's the Outlook Midstream in the 2018 Idaho Legislature? Mar 02, 2018

The action is deep and wide in the middle of the Idaho Legislature's session. ICL's government relations director, Jonathan Oppenheimer, catches us up on current conservation issues at the Statehouse.

Episode 5: Wild and Scenic Rivers, Part 1 Jan 23, 2018

2018 is the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act! In the first of many episodes on this topic, ICL staff discuss the role Idaho played in creating the act, and the work we do every day to protect all of Idaho's rivers.

Episode 4 - 2018 Legislative Preview Dec 20, 2017

ICL's government relations director, Jonathan Oppenheimer, discusses the history of ICL's work in the legislature, as well as what we can expect from the 2018 session.

Episode 3 - Climate Summit Debrief with Ben Otto Nov 21, 2017

ICL's Energy Associate, Ben Otto, gives us a debrief on the Idaho Climate Summit, a statewide conference discussing the impacts climate change will have on Idaho. We'll also discuss the new partnerships that are forming to address this issue through collaboration and business opportunities.

Episode 1 - ICL's Roots Sep 11, 2017

The first episode of Wild Idaho! Listen to Rick Johnson, ICL’s executive director, tell the history of ICL. You’ll learn why ICL was formed in 1973, what challenges and opportunities we’ve faced over the years, and where ICL is heading over the next 20 years.

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