Speak Out for Idaho’s Birds
For Idaho’s Wildlife Legacy to Endure, Management Must Adapt. Here’s How Wildlife Enthusiasts Can Help.
By Abby Urbanek, Golden Eagle Audubon Board Member
From the Monarch butterfly you see in your garden, to the kingfisher you hear while floating the Boise River, to the snake sunbathing on a path in the Boise Foothills, in Idaho, wildlife is all around. Even when you can’t see or hear any Idaho critter, our wildlife heritage inspires terms like “a bluebird day” for a brilliant blue sky above the mountains.
There’s no question that Idaho has a rich wildlife legacy. But the future of that legacy is in question.
The good news? You can join Golden Eagle Audubon in helping shape a better future for our wildlife.
Once in a Decade Chance for Birder Influence
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is updating its Strategic Plan, and asking for Idahoans to weigh in. This only happens once every decade—providing birders with a huge opportunity to speak up for Idaho’s birds and other wildlife.
Golden Eagle Audubon Society is urging its community members to submit comments to IDFG advocating for a more balanced approach to managing Idaho’s wildlife—particularly, how the agency manages game vs. nongame species. Game species—those that are hunted, trapped, or fished—represent less than 5 percent of species in Idaho. Yet, they receive over 95% of IDFG’s funding. Idaho’s nongame species—and the people who love them (like birders!)—are being left out. We need a more holistic conservation approach that represents the wildlife values of all Idahoans. We also need to find ways to ensure IDFG has the funding they need to manage ALL of Idaho’s wildlife.
Speak Up for Nongame Wildlife
Idaho’s nongame wildlife—the Mountain Bluebird, the adorable pika, and hundreds of other critters—are integral to our wildlife heritage and critical to maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems. By updating management policies to protect and prioritize the diverse needs of ALL wildlife, not just game species, we can help ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the same breathtaking experiences that we do today.
Your Experience Matters
As passionate stewards of Idaho’s birds and habitat, Golden Eagle Audubon members and supporters have a unique perspective to share. It is crucial that our voices are heard. Please submit your personalized comments to IDFG by the comment deadline of Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Or, use this tool to take action through our partners at the Idaho Conservation League—but please remember to customize your comments by sharing your personal experiences with and love for Idaho’s wildlife.
Your voice and your story matters. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and help build a future where Idaho’s birds and wildlife thrive for years to come.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
April 8, 6 p.m.
Southwest Regional Office
15950 N. Gate Blvd, Nampa
April 9, 6 p.m.
IDFG Headquarters
600 S. Walnut Street, Boise