Conservation: Greater Than The Sum Of Its Parts

November 25, 2025 I By Katie Cox, Executive Director

Hi all,

I just returned from a trip to Boise where we held our annual meeting for the Idaho Coalition for Land Trusts (ICOLT). I am guessing most of you may not have realized that this organization exists so I thought I would share a bit about what it is and the awesome teams around the state that ensure that important conservation work is getting done across our great landscape. 

ICOLT is made up of 20 member organizations working across Idaho. The organizations range in size from the Magic Valley Land Trust which is an all volunteer staff to the Wood River Land Trust with 13 staff members. We value our colleagues across the state and learn so much during the time we spend together.  

Part of the important work that ICOLT does on the state level is advocate for conservation. This work is more impactful as a large coalition than alone. We always have our ears to the ground regarding threats to conservation at the state and local levels. The work we do is important and the ability to protect individual private property rights is essential to larger conservation goals like protecting animal migration routes and securing our forests and farms for long term economic vitality. 

More than colleagues, our partners across the state are our friends. I always look forward to hearing what new projects are in the works.  

Wood River Land Trust has been working their tails off this year to save Hailey Hot Springs Ranch. This property is 2,700 acres and a mile from the city center. It reminded me of our efforts to save both Pine Street Woods and the Sled Hill. The team must raise $16 million by December 31, 2025 and are a mere $20,000 away.  

Teton Regional Land Trust down in the southeast of the state is a migratory stopping point for sand hill cranes. Supporting sand hill crane habitat is an emphasis of their work. This past year they established a $500,000 endowment for grain lure crops to compensate for habitat loss, mitigate agricultural conflicts, and provide reliable food resources during critical staging periods.  

Payette Land Trust is writing a children’s book. Inland Northwest Land Conservancy has partnered to develop a symphony piece to express their work. And the list goes on.

I love how unique conservation efforts can be across the state, and this is because our state and our landscape is so different. Conservation is very connected to place and what is important to those that live there, both people and animals. KLT is proud to be a member of ICOLT and we are so happy to cheer on our partners in this work, because we know that this landscape is one of connection and what we each do to play our part is important. 

Thanks for learning,

Katie