Conservation Movement in Idaho

Conservation of Idaho's natural resources and wildlife was initially promoted by sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts at the turn of the twentieth century.  The implementation of federal conservation projects such as the CCC and the Soil Conservation Service in the 1930s furthered Idahoans awareness of conservation issues.   In our manuscript collections, there are records from the Idaho Wildlife Federation, as well as prominent Idahoan naturalists and environmental activists, such as Bruce Bowler and William Meiners. 

• MS721 is the Bruce Bowler papers.  Bowler was a Boise, Idaho attorney and conservationist. The collection contains 41 cubic feet of correspondence, legal documents, minutes, reports, publications and clippings related to his activities in the environmental movement in Idaho.

• MS762 is the William R. Meiners papers.  Meiners was a range management specialist and environmental activist. This collection consists of 4 cubic feet of reports, correspondence, clippings, copies of legal documents and slides related to Meiner's activities in the conservation and management of natural resources. He was instrumental in establishing the Birds of Prey Natural Area, and requiring the Bureau of Land Management to prepare environmental statements for all grazing allotments.