He’ll make it. And he’ll find a mate that’s been planted here – legally or otherwise.

Today’s story in the Sacramento Bee was predictable. Stories like these don’t just happen. They are planted to shape public opinion.

Remember last year’s Bee editorial on grazing and water quality in the Sierra? It followed a visit to the Bee Editorial Board by a man who dislikes cows in the forests and who wants to turn all California’s US Forests into National Parks to protect Sierra rivers and streams from contamination. That article was reprinted by other media outlets around the nation.

This one may too, as well. Read it by clicking on the Wolf on the Move graphic below:

First, note the placement of the wolf article: it’s in the new SAC PAWS (“where pets and people connect“) section. Note too,  the use of personification by the author. This is no rogue menace to society: he’s alone, looking for food and a mate, homeless. His mother, B-300, is a pioneer. His father, OR7, is on death row.

The article goes to great lengths to paint a picture and influence the way you think about its content. Did it succeed?

What’s next? School kids will start following his travels and will write impassioned pleas to the Governors of California and Oregon respectively to bring him a wife and pardon his dad. [What do you think Jerry will do?] Someone will make a documentary about him.

As to his need to roam unimpeded by man, he’s going to need some help from state and local governments. California’s got a lot of public land and has already designated quite a bit of open space for wildlife corridors and habitat. But it’s not enough. Not yet.

Click here to refresh your memory on California’s Essential Wildlife Connectivity Corridors efforts.

No, the spread of wolves into California was foreseeable (in fact, we talked about it here over a year ago). That’s what happens when territorial animals are crowded and their food supply is exhausted or shrinking. A few days ago I wrote:

“Big Game Forever cites an early, carefully negotiated agreement with USFWS and others over the wolves’ recovery number threshold: 300. That number was surpassed about ten years ago. As you look at the maps, realize that the proliferation of wolves beyond the agreed upon recovery number has done what activist groups haven’t been able to do under the ESA (yet): distribute wolves into new areas and states.

That likely motivates at least some resistance to managing wolf populations. As I noted in a previous blog, groups have filed petitions that, if successful, would reintroduce wolves into states, including California. Read about that at “Dot-catalyst: Bob’s inquiring mind wants to know“.”

Although I am not aware that US Fish and Wildlife Service has made a decision, California Department of Fish and Game has already been working on a Wolf Plan in response to the Center for Biological Diversity’s petition to reintroduce the wolf. It’s like the article said, only a matter of time.

That said, perhaps damages will be confined to the livestock industry? As they say in England, “not bloody likely”.

Wolves do like elk, but guess what? They like cows, horses, sheep, llamas, deer, dogs, and cats too.  And absent elk or any of the foregoing, wolves will still not go hungry.

So if their return is inevitable, what can be done? Here’s a start:

1. Make sure you tell your elected representatives your opinions and if they don’t listen and begin to act, elect representatives who listen and reflect your values.
2. Insist that a California population must be well-managed by the State to avoid conflicts with domestic livestock, protect other wildlife species, and that wolf populations are held to numbers which ensure that.
3. Insist that mitigation for wolf impacts to livestock reflects full market value and doesn’t go away like the Defenders of Wildlife compensation program did.
4. Insist that your county supervisors put a public lands and resources land use plan in place, that it contains policies on the reintroduction of wolves and other predatory animals. Require that they insist that all wildlife reintroduction efforts are coordinated with them.

And finally, take what you learn here and apply it to grizzly bear reintroduction. They too are coming to California. Count on it.

Big Game Forever cites an early, carefully negotiated agreement with USFWS and others over the wolves’ recovery number threshold: 300. That number was surpassed about ten years ago. As you look at the maps, realize that the proliferation of wolves beyond the agreed upon recovery number has done what activist groups haven’t been able to do under the ESA (yet): distribute wolves into new areas and states.

That likely motivates at least some resistance to managing wolf populations. As I noted in a previous blog, groups have filed petitions that, if successful, would reintroduce wolves into states, including California. Read about that at “Dot-catalyst: Bob’s inquiring mind wants to know“.

Balance. To Big Game Forever, this blogger, and many others, it means we care for and value all wildlife and human populations. Not just wolves.

The Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts just produced this excellent video on the relationship between and efficacy of local, state, and federal conservation partners – districts, the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

What’s next? We’re looking to expand the conservation partnership and the power of three to the power of four, five, and maybe even twenty-five! Join us!

Voluntary (non-regulatory), locally-led, on-the-ground conservation is both past and future of the state of Idaho!

Longtime Ukiah area resident Rosemary Torell passed away after a brief hospitalization on Sunday, October 23rd. Her health had declined subsequent to a fall at home last winter. She was 89 years old.

Born in Jewell, Kansas in 1922 to James Claudius Miller and Maude Marion Jones Miller, the family left Winfield, KS in the forties to pick fruit in Washington. They later settled in Denver, Colorado. Along with many at the time, they did what they could to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, she remembered those days fondly. She worked for the Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, where she met and married the love of her life, Donald T. Torell, in 1950. They were married 62 years. At the time of her passing, they lived in Central California where they moved to be near children and grandchildren.

Family and faith in Jesus Christ were  Rosemary’s highest priorities. She was a compassionate and loyal advocate for both.  She worked with Don on their sheep ranch near Ukiah, helped with his research at the Hopland Field Station, and together they raised two children. They traveled to many countries and lived in Uganda, Kenya, and Chile. They were members at Ukiah First Baptist Church for almost 50 years, where she also served as a deaconess and secretary under Pastors Taylor and Duncan.

Rosemary was active in the Mendocino County sheep ranching industry. She was a member of the California and Mendocino Woolgrowers and the Bo-Peeps, for years working at local fairs, serving on scholarship committees, judging Make It Yourself With Wool contest at the Grand National at the Cow Palace, and helping put on annual Woolgrowers BBQs in Boonville. She was a passionate promoter and ambassador for agriculture, the sheep industry, traditional Western values, an accomplished artist, and woodcarver.

Rosemary is survived by Don, children Teri and her husband Richard Murrison of Eagle, ID, Mike and his wife Vikki Torell of Chowchilla, and grandchildren Mike Torell II and his wife Sarah Torell of Chowchilla, Megan and her husband Jordan Geary of Copperas Cove, TX, and Colton, Mikayla,  and Zebediah, and great grandchildren Tanner and Mia Torell of Chowchilla. She also leaves behind her sister Elizabeth Jasper, brother Winfield Miller,and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families: Judy Greer,  Dr. Don Jasper, Craig and Gary Miller, and Jeannie Edwards. She will be missed by faithful friends Louise Fennessey, Robert Lopez, Ritchie Wood, and many others. Rosemary was predeceased by her parents, siblings Marguerite Brane, and Richard Miller.

At her request, no memorial service will be held. Rosemary did not want people to be sad, but asked that family and friends remember her life with joy and celebrate her homegoing. In keeping with a large heart and her generous nature, she would ask that anyone who wants to donate to a memorial fund simply find a soul who needs help and give it.

When all was said and done, Rosemary aspired to hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” I am confident she achieved her goal.

“Morgan Hill [and other cities with redevelopment agencies - like Sonora] is required to make payments to the state in order to keep the Redevelopment Agency alive.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9LyjfNYHVw

The Capitol from the state parking garage. SWC office is across the street.

Inquiring minds want to know how I like my new job and the State of Idaho. From time to time I still pinch myself.  And for the most part, I’ve been welcomed with gracious hospitality.

That is, if you don’t count that man who saw my California license plate last week and flipped me off.

While the job’s not without challenges like the other best job I’ve ever had (serving on the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors), what’s not to like?

Idaho’s drop-dead gorgeous. The landscape goes from lush and forested on the Canadian border to dramatically arid on the Nevada and Oregon borders where big rivers flow in deep canyons through vast desert lands. And the people? Save one impatient motorist so far, they’re great too.

The Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission has talented staff, dedicated Commissioners, and great partners that are committed to protecting and balancing the interests of the environment, production agriculture, and local economies.

Our engineer Bill Lillibridge briefs Commissioner Roger Stuzman (center) and loan officer Terry Hobbleheinrich next to Coeur d'Alene River.

The Commission’s role is to further conservation efforts delivered through soil and water conservation districts and strengthen conservation partnerships. Those who came before me left a good foundation upon which to build.

Idaho has 50  soil and water conservation districts. Each is governed by a board of locally elected “supervisors” (county supervisors are called county commissioners here). District efforts are funded by a mix of state and county contributions, grants donations, and cooperative agreements with various conservation partners.

Each district is required by state statute to put together plans and policies to guide their conservation activities over the long and short term. They submit those plans to the Commission and we report the results to the Governor, the Legislature, and other interested stakeholders.

In Idaho, districts and the Commission are the primary entities for voluntary landowner conservation – we work with partners like NRCS and the Idaho Office of  Species Conservation, the Department of Environmental Quality, and others to provide technical and other support to the districts and landowners/users. There are also potential federal, state, and private partners out there that we have yet to work with though – we will be seeking them out soon.

Latah SWCD board, staff, and conservation partners.

One of the top things on my to-do list is to visit every district, get to know the people there, and see the fruit of their labors. Tough job, eh? It may take me a full year to get to every district, but that’s the plan.

So far I’ve been to visit districts in the far north, the middle, and portions of the south. Those of you who are friends (or want to be friends) on Facebook can see photos and videos I’ve posted documenting my travels.

This week I’ll go on a rangeland tour put on annually by the Idaho Woolgrowers Association. I can’t wait for that one.

As I was sitting in a district meeting in Moscow, Idaho the other day,  it hit me. No matter where I go – Idaho, California, or around the nation – many districts are alike in that they are governed by locally elected landowners – farmers and ranchers – who love the land and love agriculture.

So I feel just as at home here as I did in Tuolumne County with my friends on the Resource Conservation District Board. District supervisors/directors everywhere are generally committed to finding a way to protect both. I like that.

Chuck Pentzer (staff), Northside SWCD mgr. Terry Halbert, and Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts exe. director Bret Rumbeck.

Few district supervisors get the credit they deserve, but they aren’t in it for that. They’re in for the land, for future generations, and for agriculture.

So, for those who have wondered how it’s going for me up here in Idaho, it’s going pretty good.

Getting an Idaho license plate fairly soon might not be a bad idea though.

If you know anything about me, you know I’m big on locally led decision-making AND equally big on coordinating policy and projects between all levels of government. In order to do good things for the land you not only need willing landowners, you need strong conservation partners. Strong partners make for solid seating.

[California's unwillingness or inability to sustainably fund local on-the-ground efforts has been an insurmountable problem and will likely be for some time: the legs of the stool are there, though just barely. Conservation efforts in Idaho benefit from annual general fund allocations (to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, the largest portion of which is rolled directly down to local districts), special conservation account funds, contributions from federal and other state agencies, and matching funds from counties.]

While the fellow at my interview said use of the three-legged stool analogy is not so common  any more, we’re working to bring it back. Compared to what I’ve seen in other states (not naming names, just sayin’…), Idaho doesn’t have so far to go.

One of the best things about working here is the opportunity to showcase locally-led, voluntary conservation projects being accomplished by farmers, ranchers, and community members. We’ve taken more than our share of hits because we don’t buy the schtick that conservation is primarily about creating and protecting wilderness and wildlife corridors. Balderdash. Conservation includes those things, but it’s also about good stewardship of the land, courtesy of ordinary private landowners like you and me. And courtesy of strong agency partnerships: three-legged stools.

Here’s an Idaho Farm Bureau video from 2009 about an award winning project. I’m not sure which agencies were involved, but it was likely a result of a three-legged stool: a nonregulatory local soil and water conservation district, assisted by a nonregulatory Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission (providing science-based technical ‘assistance and loan funding for irrigation systems and more), with additional assistance from a nonregulatory NRCS.

It’s what nonregulatory, incentive-based conservation success can look like. Some of the best conservation rests on three- legged stools. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTct8A2WTZc

As much as I will miss living here, the job’s right up my alley and Idaho has wonderful people, incredible natural resources, a strong agricultural industry, a balanced state budget (with a $74 million surplus !), and a part time legislature. There’s even a ski area close by for Rich. Woo hoo!  While we’re torn about leaving, it’s an irresistible combination. Our nest is about to be vacated too - Megan is getting married to a wonderful guy in July and moving to Arizona. If there were ever to be a time for changing, this is it.  

We’ll miss Tuolumne County, California, the work we’ve been doing, and all of you. Thank you for your support and friendship over the years. We’ll be back to visit from time to time, so please don’t forget us. After all, how could you? We’ve still got email, Facebook, and Twitter!

Teri, Rich, and Megan

PS Interesting too that our Shepherd’s Crook logo above and the Soil and Water Conservation Commission’s logo below are so similar, don’t you think?! Hmmmm…

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 26, 2011

CONTACT:

Bill Flory (208) 791-1506
Dick Bronson (208) 739-2169
info

IDAHO SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION APPOINTS ADMINISTRATOR

(Boise, Idaho) – Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Commission (SWC) Chairman Bill Flory has announced the appointment of the new Administrator, Teri Murrison of Tuloumne, California.

Murrison fills the position effective June 1, 2011 and will be located in the Boise office. She will be responsible for providing leadership and direction for Commission staff, budgets, and programs.

“The Soil & Water Conservation Commission believes that Ms. Murrison’s background will serve her well in supporting our mission and commitment to natural resource conservation,” said Flory. “Teri has experience and perspective from the local and state levels to lead the Commission and continue the relationships with all of our conservation partners.”

Murrison served as a county supervisor in Tuolumne County, California from 2007 to 2010 where she focused on increasing government transparency and accountability, public participation, and attaining balance between natural resource and socioeconomic interests.

“Helping landowners and conservation districts do the work they do best is personally and professionally gratifying. It’s also incredibly important to the future of Idaho,” said Murrison. “I look forward to working with the Commission to strengthen relationships with our conservation partners and promote good stewardship of Idaho’s natural resources and its strong agricultural heritage.“

Her extensive experience working on resource issues includes serving on California’s statewide watershed advisory committee under Secretary Michael Chrisman, member of the CALFED Public Watershed Committee, member of the Department of Water Resource San Joaquin River Management Plan committee, and participation in the Tuolumne Stanislaus Integrated Regional Water Management Program, along with other groundwater and water quality groups and coalitions.

In addition to water issues, Murrison also participated in the Sustainable Forest Action Coalition. In 2000, she founded a business to provide grant writing and administration services to local governments and special districts, including the East Merced Resource Conservation District. Prior to that, Murrison served as a public information/administrative services officer, working on regional transportation projects around the Yosemite National Park system.

Murrison is a graduate from California State University and holds Bachelor degrees in both English and Political Science, along with a Masters in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peacebuilding. She is a member of California Women’s Leadership Association and is a graduate of California Agricultural Leadership Class XXXIV.

About the Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Commission:

The SWC provides support and services to Idaho’s 50 Soil Conservation Districts in the wise use and enhancement of soil, water and related natural resources. The SWC is committed to improving the environment, increasing public awareness of conservation issues, and providing technical information needed to implement conservation measures and improve natural resource management.

For more information about the Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Commission visit www.swc.idaho.gov.

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