Looking Back at Camo at the Capitol
One of IWF’s affiliates, the Henry’s Fork Wildlife Alliance, at their table at Camo at the Capitol.
Last week for the second annual Camo at the Capitol event, dozens of conservationists with diverse backgrounds gathered at the Idaho Capitol to learn about effective lobbying and to advocate for their issues. While today’s political world can often seem overwhelming and polarized, participants left the event feeling energized and hopeful, with a greater understanding of just how valuable input from Idaho citizens is to our state’s legislators.
That is not to say that there aren’t plenty of differences within the conservation community. Between the groups that attended Camo at the Capitol, representation varied – from trappers and houndsmen to bird watchers and wildlife photographers. The important thing about those who were there is that everyone held a few core values including healthy habitat, abundant wildlife, and continued opportunities on Idaho’s public lands. So who was there?
Idaho Wildlife Federation
Trout Unlimited - Ted Trueblood Chapter
Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation
Henry’s Fork Wildlife Alliance
High Desert Pointing Dog Club
Golden Eagle Audubon Society
Idaho Brittany Club
Idaho Trappers Association
Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association
Idaho Traditional Bowhunters
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers - Idaho Chapter
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
Matt Borg, treasurer of the Eastern Idaho Houndsmen Association, talks with Representative Chew.
The full group was recognized on both the Senate and the House floor on the morning of the event, allowing each legislator to see who was at the Capitol for the day. With camo and blaze orange filling the seats, we were a group that was hard to miss. Three learning sessions were also offered that educated participants on things such as “How to be involved in IDFG’s rulemaking process”, “Updates on salmon and steelhead in Idaho”, and “How to be an effective advocate for your issues”. Showing up is a powerful thing, and having the right knowledge to speak to those who make policy decisions is invaluable. All of us have the power to help influence decisions made in the Capitol building.
To round out the day, event attendees, members of the public, and many Idaho legislators gathered at Beside Bardenay for food and drinks at the Legislative Reception where ties were loosened and the conversation turned more casual. This part of the event remains one of the best opportunities for Idahoans to speak with their legislator one-on-one and discuss issues that are meaningful to them.
If you weren’t able to make the event this year, there are still many ways to stay involved in conservation policy in Idaho. You can write your senator or representative a personal email or letter. Or, if you have time outside of the legislative session, you can schedule a meeting over coffee to get to know your legislator better or discuss issues important to you. Respectful dialogue goes a long way in forming relationships with the people making decisions on your behalf in the State House.
To keep up to date on conservation policy in Idaho and opportunities to engage, here are a few things you can do:
First, follow the Idaho Wildlife Federation on Facebook. We regularly post policy updates during the legislative session and each Friday, IWF’s executive director records a video outlining important updates on bills relevant to the conservation community.
Next, visit the bill tracker on IWF’s website. There, we list all the bills we’re keeping an eye on, our position on each, and a few things to note.
Third, sign up for IWF’s monthly newsletter where we give you a recap on important events and issues happening each month. We work hard to provide you with all the tools you need to be the most effective advocate for the issues you care about.
