Sawtooth National Recreation Area

The Sawtooth Valley is prime habitat for Chinook and sockeye salmon; it's where the headwaters form to the Salmon River.

Idaho is the only Western U.S. state without a national park, and that's not accidental. Proposals introduced by regular citizens and politicians alike have been shut down for a variety of reasons, including because the idea was very unpopular with ranchers in central Idaho. In the 1960s U.S. Sen. Frank Church was ready to be the new champion of the movement, though he quickly realized it might not be the best path forward.

The Sawtooth Society, which formed 25 years ago to protect the mountainous region, gave U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson its inaugural “Champion of the Sawtooths” award Thursday.

The Sawtooth Society has been working to protect the Sawtooth National Recreation Area for 25 years. Idaho Matters sat down to learn a little about the history of the society and why preserving the SNRA is so important.

The Andrus Center of Public Policy at Boise State University will publish a policy white paper following up on the conference sometime later this year.

Idaho Matters takes a look at the history of the SNRA and the cities seeking to commemorate its anniversary.

Custer County approved a conditional use permit for a controversial airstrip on a private Sawtooth Valley property last summer. Now the owner is suing opponents of that permit for defamation.

A resolution to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area this year passed the Idaho Senate but was voted down by the House Wednesday.

All campgrounds in the Sawtooth National Forest will be open on Memorial Day Weekend, but outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of some rule changes this year.

The Idaho Matters Reporter Roundtable is here to get you updated on what made news this week in Idaho, including the latest on the state’s accelerated…