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Blaine County Citizens Pass Land, Water, Wildlife Levy

Funds will be used to protect clean water, working farms and ranches, wildlife habitat

Blaine County, Idaho — November 5, 2008 — Blaine County citizens voted on November 4 to pass Proposition 1—the Land, Water and Wildlife Levy— providing important funding for protection of clean water, wildlife habitat and working farms and ranches.

The Nature Conservancy, as a member of the coalition Blaine County Citizens for Water and Wildlife, supported the levy.

Funds raised under the levy would be used to protect clean water in the Big Wood and Little Wood River watersheds through preservation of wildlife habitat and working family farms and ranches.

Opportunities may include the purchase of land along the Big Wood River that will protect clean water and keep the river corridor open for wildlife and for public access or the purchase of development rights to protect local agricultural land, sensitive wetlands and wildlife habitat.The levy funding can also be used to protect wildlife pathways, including wildlife-friendly highway crossings. 

An independent citizen’s advisory board will review and advise county commissioners on how the money raised is spent and public audits will be conducted to make sure the money is spent as promised.

The levy was supported by a diverse range of groups, local residents, farmers, organizations and businesses.

Prior to Tuesday, the Blaine County Commission passed a resolution specifying that the county will appoint a citizen’s oversight committee to ensure the highest and best use of funds raised by the levy. It also establishes a transparent and standardized process for reviewing and ranking projects and proposals.

Blaine County is growing rapidly at three times the national average over the past 25 years and its citizens are concerned about the loss of clean water and wildlife habitat.  As more people call Blaine County home, residents need every tool available to keep our communities vibrant and our landscapes healthy. Blaine County is special - with the clean water, wildlife habitat and natural beauty we all love.