Idaho Chapter Opposes Proposition 2

For the first time in Idaho Chapter's 30-year history, organization takes stance on ballot issue

Boise, Idaho—30 October 2006—The Nature Conservancy of Idaho’s board of trustees announced today their opposition to Proposition 2, following a vote at the Chapter’s October 13 meeting in Hailey.

After careful deliberation, the board decided it would officially oppose the ballot measure, as it saw the proposition as a direct thereat to the state’s wildlife, family farms and ranches, clean water, outdoor recreation and way of life.

The Idaho Chapter’s decision is unprecedented. In 30 years of conservation work in the state, the Chapter has never taken a position on a political issue before the voters until now.

The Chapter does not believe that the measure is about eminent domain—already restricted by House Bill 555, passed last spring. The board saw the real damage of Proposition 2 would come from a separate section found deep in the text of the measure. This provision can be read to require taxpayers to compensate developers when new laws and ordinances prevent them from pursuing the densest subdivision development or “highest” use of their land. This sweeping financial entitlement has never been a feature of America’s law of property rights.

The Nature Conservancy is a strictly non-partisan conservation organization that works to protect wildlife and its habitat by working with landowners, businesses and communities to achieve solutions. The Conservancy has a long history of cooperation, promotion of free-market solutions, and strong support of property rights.

The Conservancy is also a property owner around the state at places such as Silver Creek, Cougar Bay and Thousand Springs.

“We have a long history of working in these areas as neighbors and partners,” read a statement from the chapter’s board. “What makes these areas special is threatened by Proposition 2, including working farms and ranches, timberland and wildlife habitat.”

According to the chapter board, if Proposition 2 is approved, the only certainty is litigation, confusion, expense and new burdens on the taxpayer.

“The bottom line is, this is not going to be beneficial to Idaho,” the statement read.

The Nature Conservancy will be contributing financially to the “No” campaign on Proposition 2.

This summer, the organization celebrated the 30th anniversary of its first conservation project in the state, Silver Creek Preserve. The 900-acre preserve has become world famous as a destination for fly fishing and other outdoor recreation. Twenty-two landowners in the Silver Creek Valley have donated voluntary conservation agreements protected 9500 acres of habitat, nearly the entire main stem of the stream.

“Our work focuses on working with ranchers, farmers and other private landowners,” the board statement read. “We have a proven track record of what can be achieved by working together. Proposition 2 threatens Idaho’s rural economy and natural heritage. It leads us on to a path of litigation rather than cooperation. The Nature Conservancy believes it is important to vote no on Prop 2.”