Land Use Summit - Overview Background The need and how the Summit came to be. What Happened The program and attendee survey. Results Rural values and long and short–term priorities.

Idaho Land Use Summit - Background 19 million acres of private land 11 million acres of farmland 25,000 farms 2 million acres of private forest lands

Idaho Land Use Summit - Background 10 big game species 20+ furbearer and upland game species salmon and steelhead 229 species of greatest conservation need

Land Use Summit - Background 300 miles of new local roads built every year 6200 acres/year of cropland converted to urban land ( ) 2500 acres/year of forested land converted to urban land (1982 – 1997) Trends are increasing as land values increase

Land Use Summit - Background Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society Steering Committee Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society Governor’s Office of Species Conservation Idaho Department of Agriculture Idaho Rural Partnership Idaho Department of Fish and Game The Nature Conservancy Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission Idaho Association of Counties Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation University of Idaho School of Natural Resources Boise State University

Land Use Summit - Background Idaho Association of Counties Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Boise State University U. S. Forest Service Bureau of Land Management Idaho Conservation League E.R.O. Resources The Idaho Planning Association The Nature Conservancy Forest Capital, LLC Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission Idaho Office of Species Conservation Idaho Parks and Recreation Univ. ID, College of Natural Resources Landowner Conservation Incentives Project Idaho Department of Lands Idaho Department of Fish and Game Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Western Pacific Timber, LLC Potlatch Corporation Idaho Chapter of the Wildlife Society Sponsors

Land Use Summit – What Happened Program Survey of Attendees

Land Use Summit – What Happened Survey Results 128 respondents of approx % from communities of > 50,000 18% from communities of <10000 residents from 30 Idaho counties (35% from Ada) 78% characterize growth as too fast or much too fast in their community 17% say growth is about right 85% say growth in Idaho is too fast or much too fast

Land Use Summit – What Happened Survey Results Schools, hospitals, and emergency services were viewed as the biggest beneficiaries of growth. Quality of life and better rural jobs and incomes were viewed as the least benefitting from growth. From most to least level of involvement, attendees felt county, then state, then non-profit, then business should help direct how and where growth occur. 83% felt that half of the information or very little of the information necessary to make land use decisions is being used in Idaho.

Land Use Summit – What Happened Survey Results County P&Z, federal, and state funding were viewed as effective or very effective by most in helping to protect and maintain rural lifestyles. But 50% believed state funds or tax incentives were used hardly or not at all. 63% believed the rights of all Idaho’s citizens to have abundant wildlife, clean water, and clean air should have slightly or more protection than the rights of an individual landowner.

Land Use Summit - Overview Rural Values Short and Long Term Priorities

Land Use Summit - Results Stewardship philosophy and natural resource dependent lifestyles. Working farms, ranches, and forests. Clean and healthy air and water quality. Ability to readily access public lands. Abundant and healthy wildlife and fish populations and habitat. Open space, visual landscapes, scenic vistas, natural areas. Outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping. Low traffic congestion. Clear night sky. Quiet and solitude. A sense of place/community. Idaho Rural Values

Land Use Summit - Results Immediate Priority Strategies Defeat Proposition 2 Develop and nurture an Landowners Incentives Work Group Collaborate with each other – vision, strategies, problems, priorities Keep the ball rolling!

Land Use Summit - Results Long-Term Priority Strategies Capacity Building Funding – impact and recreation fees, mitigation, other P&Z support – ordinances, comp. planning Incentives for land conservation – tax, fish and wildlife, water quality values and services Leadership Education Development impacts Connections to land, Benefits of working lands and stewardship Involve urban populations in rural issues

Land Use Summit - Results Long-Term Priority Strategies Clearinghouse information exchange and learning workshops, web site, networking Promote Sustainability Buy Idaho! Alternative and renewable energy Conserve and recycle