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A nationally recognized conservation partnership has secured the future of one of Idaho’s most valuable wild places.

In 1985, a collaboration of state and federal agencies, with several conservation organizations, recognized the South Fork of the Snake River east of Idaho Falls as a haven for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, bald eagles, deer, elk, moose and more than 120 bird species.

On Wednesday evening, February 29, in Washington, DC, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Bureau of Land Management, Teton Regional Land Trust, The Conservation Fund and The Nature Conservancy will receive a national award recognizing the partnership for its exceptional conservation efforts along the South Fork of the Snake River.

The State Wildlife Action Plan Partnership Award recognizes a state fish and wildlife agency and a partner agency or organization for outstanding collaboration in addressing conservation priorities in their state’s Wildlife Action Plan.

The partnership began nearly 30 years ago when private landowners along the canyon of the South Fork recognized the scenic and wildlife values of the river and wanted to keep the area in its undeveloped state. A partnership among landowners, agencies and organizations already has resulted in the conservation of more than 20,000 acres, benefiting wildlife enthusiasts today and for generations to come.

The South Fork Snake River Partnership is one of the most successful conservation partnerships in the nation. Its efforts have reduced the potential for development along the South Fork of the Snake River, allowing wildlife to thrive. The partnership continues to work with willing landowners to permanently protect farm and ranch lands and wildlife habitat.

“The success of this partnership along the South Fork is a source of pride for all the organizations and agencies involved. Most of the credit goes to the landowners who have chosen to preserve the scenic and habitat qualities of their property,” said Idaho Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Steve Schmidt.

The South Fork Snake River Partnership will be honored at the Congressional Champions of Wildlife reception, in conjunction with the Teaming With Wildlife Fly-in event in Washington, DC. The annual fly-in event is the primary opportunity to inform Congress about the importance of federal funding for State Wildlife Action Plan implementation through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants Program.

For more information, contact: Chet Work at 208-354-8939 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 208-354-8939 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or chet@tetonlandtrust.org; Karen Rice at 208-524-7549 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 208-524-7549 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or krice@blm.gov