Speakers set for Boise public lands rally

The following is a news release from Idahoans for Public Lands

BOISE — On Idaho Day, a dynamic lineup of Idahoans who work and play on public lands will speak at Saturday’s rally for public lands at the Idaho Capitol celebrating one of our greatest natural treasures.

Organizers of the event hope everyone who enjoys the outdoors will take part in the event.

The list of speakers reflects the broad support for public lands and the diverse ways Idahoans use those lands.

Speakers will include:

• Martin Hackworth, Executive Director of Sharetrails/Blue Ribbon Coalition, a group of motorized users that represents 7,000 Idahoans.
• Yvette Tuell, Shoshone-Bannock Tribal member
• Ryan Callaghan, Director of Conservation for First Lite, a hunting clothing manufacturer based in Idaho.
• Luke Nelson, a Patagonia Ambassador and father from southeast Idaho.
• Jimmy Hallyburton, a mountain biker, former wildlands firefighter and local bike advocate.
• Rialin Flores, event organizer and member of Idahoans for Public Lands.

The speakers will join together to show the power of Idahoans who support public lands.

“Idaho’s national forests and public lands are treasures that belong to all of us,” said Jonathan Oppenheimer, Government Relations Director for the Idaho Conservation League. “Unfortunately, many state-owned lands have been sold into private ownership and are posted ‘No Trespassing.’ Whether you’re a mountain biker, an angler, a snowmobiler or a hiker, those lands are gone forever. We need to work together to ensure that we don’t see our public lands sold off to the highest bidder.”

Idaho is 62 percent public lands, including lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. Thousands enjoy Idaho’s 32 million acres of public ground daily, fueling a vibrant, self-sustaining economy.

Despite being treasured by outdoor enthusiasts, public lands consistently are under attack from private interests who want to turn public lands over to the states. At any given time, there are a number of legislative attempts – both at the state level and nationally – to give away public ground.

“As citizens of the United States, public land is our birthright,” said Hackworth. “As far as I’m concerned, that’s a source of national pride and something I’m not eager to surrender.”

Brian Brooks, a lifelong hunter, agreed.

“Idaho is home to world class hunting and fishing. Those traditional outdoor experiences are woven into the fabric of our way of life,” said Brooks, Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation. “The reason we have such opportunities is because we have an abundance of public lands.”