Brian Brooks, IWF Executive Director Saying Goodbye After Nine Years

It has been an incredible nine years with the Idaho Wildlife Federation. The people I have met, the campaigns I was a part of, how far the organization has come from where it was, it’s all been an almost surreal experience. Over that time, I’ve put a lot of sweat equity into the organization; so much so that it is sometimes hard for me to separate my personal identity from it. 

That made it a very difficult decision to leave. But, change is inevitable; as sure as spring turns to summer and we dust off our fishing rods. I’ve been offered an opportunity with another organization to expand my ability to conserve habitat beyond Idaho’s borders - even beyond the United States - that I couldn’t refuse. I do look forward to new challenges. 

But, before I leave I wanted to say a few things, especially to those who have followed IWF’s rebirth, supported the organization and myself, and offered help when needed. After all, the success of IWF is owed to all of you, and I want to share my personal perspective with you before I go.

Thinking about writing this letter, I contemplated what has made IWF special - what sets it apart. The answer comes immediately and easily. The beating heart of IWF is the community of people that support the organization and the work it does. 

Our community is a deeply passionate bunch whose lives revolve around the hunting, fishing, and outdoor opportunities Idaho offers year ‘round. We love a wild Idaho. It’s what we live for. There is nothing “fair weather” about our community’s drive to enrich our lives by pursuing a wild life. Our love for wildlife and the outdoors compels us to get off the sideline and into the game. That dedication has always fed IWF’s ethos and fueled our work. It’s a positive feedback loop that has attracted real, even vehement advocates that have ensured our work is impactful.

It’s possible this direct advocacy has turned away folks who would rather be more passive about conservation. IWF’s people are not the kind to only show up once-a-year to a banquet to bid on a gun for their annual contribution to “conservation”. Our people are consistently involved, call senators, who are engaged on the issues, understand the real threats to wildlife, hunting, and fishing, and know what they are talking about. I have always, always been stunned at the depth of knowledge on current issues IWF’s supporters have. There are few organizations whose supporters are so tuned into the minutiae of the policies and happenings in the world that shape their outdoor opportunities like IWF’s. I am glad to have found a community through IWF that understands it is crucial to fight every single day to keep Idaho a special place.

Because of the engagement and advocacy of our spirited, often rambunctious community, IWF has been able to get more done than any small organization ought to be able to. Combined with our coalition of affiliates and the work of the talented staff and board, we’ve made strides to protect landscapes, make a difference in the statehouse year after year, advance salmon and steelhead recovery to the White House, stop billionaires from blockading public access, and so much more. We’ve built a real political resistance to selling off Idaho’s outdoor heritage that is now well known and widely recognized in Idaho politics. 

My last thought on what sets IWF apart is this: we have always put our moral compass on display. There is very little guessing where IWF stands on most issues. We are proudly unsecretive. Our stances are based in science, never shifting with the political winds. We unapologetically advocate for what is best for fish and wildlife, which in turn is what will be best for hunters and anglers. People know – have come to expect – IWF will speak up. In a state like Idaho, speaking out first and boldly can sometimes be a lonely place. It certainly paints a target on yourself. But, over the years, I think IWF has created the space for more sportsmen and sporting orgs to be louder and better advocates for our values and resource. That is a legacy I am proud of, but, it isn’t just mine. You are why we do the work how we do it.

IWF has come such a long way since 2015. After 80 years of rich history and a downward slide in the early 2000s, we almost lost it for good. It was a last ditch hail mary to hire someone with the last few dollars the organization had. By chance that happened to be me. I was given a simple directive: bring IWF back. So, working many more hours than they could pay me for, and because I had no family yet so I had plenty of time, I buried myself in the effort. I drove to every corner of the state to talk to sportsmen, elected officials, agency personnel, and businesses to elevate IWF and the need for a professional, conscientious, sportsmen-conservation advocacy organization. 

I slept in my truck on the side of the road (we didn’t have enough money to splurge for hotels); fishing and hunting between meetings. I loved every minute. Those were my “dirtbag” days and I look back on them fondly. After some time, and especially after repeated attacks on sportsmen values by the Idaho legislature, the need for IWF became apparent to hunters and anglers. Support from the community came, affiliates began to join up, good board members steered the way, and we began to grow, eventually hiring a second staffer. Then a third, a fourth… and our work and influence expanded.

While my time with IWF is ending, I am very confident where the organization is headed. It will continue to grow and make valuable contributions to Idaho. I wouldn’t have left it otherwise. I have great faith the board, staff, and collective volunteers and advocates will continue the momentum and carry it to new heights in the next chapter. IWF is well positioned to continue its growth and increase its impact for fish, wildlife, hunters and anglers. 

I owe so many people thanks for not only the opportunity to do this work, but for helping to build the organization and shape our advocacy: friends, supporters and donors, past and current IWF board members, affiliate org board members, IWF staff, partner organization staff, agency personnel, and even our critics (who especially inspired me to work harder). 

I’ll still remain in Idaho’s natural resource arena and help guide IWF in other ways, but now as a volunteer.

Keep fighting the good fight everyone. Keep supporting IWF in its critical mission - the Idaho we love is worth it. I hope to see you out there on the water or mountainside. 

BB