Wilderness conference draws experts to region

SANDPOINT — Idaho is widely known for its spectacular backcountry. But for all its beauty, northern Idaho has no protected wilderness areas.

How to protect the region's picturesque landscape and wildlife is the focus of the 11th annual Wild Idaho North! Conference on Saturday, Oct. 20. The day-long event is being held at the Sandpoint Community Hall and is co-sponsored by the Idaho Conservation League and the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.

"As North Idaho grows and develops, it's important to plan ahead and keep some places quiet and natural for our kids and grandkids," said Susan Drumheller of the Idaho Conservation League. "We are going to explore ways to keep Idaho special."

Legendary wilderness advocate Brock Evans is the conference's keynote speaker.

Currently the president of the Endangered Species Coalition in Washington, D.C., Evans has spent decades protecting northern Idaho's backcountry as a Sierra Club and National Audubon Society advocate.

Evans will share stories about his days in the Panhandle and dispense advice on how to project pristine backcountry areas.

There will also be a panel on the pros and cons of public lands collaboration featuring U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Gatchell of the Montana Wilderness Association, Jim Riley of the Intermountain Forestry Association and Gary Macfarlane of the Friends of the Clearwater.

Another panel will consider proposed wilderness areas in the Scotchman Peaks, the Selkirk Mountains and the Great Burn in Montana's Bitteroot Mountains. Panelists include Doug Scott of the Campaign for America's Wilderness, Phil Hough of the Friends of Scotchman Peaks, and Jerry Pavia of Boundary Backpackers.

The conference begins at 9 a.m. and the cost is $45. The deadline to register is Wednesday, Oct. 17.

? For more information call 265-9565, send an e-mail to sdrummheller@wildidaho.org or point your Internet browser to www.wildidaho.org.