Island Park Preservation Coalition
Working Group
Minutes of Meeting
September 20, 2017
The Island Park Preservation Coalition held a working group meeting on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, in the EMS Building in Island Park, Idaho. The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Ken Watts, at 6:00 p.m. The following people attended the meeting:
Committee Members Present:
Ken Watts, Chairman
Greg Bitter, Vice Chairman
Leanne Yancey, IPPC Research
Alynn Crapo, IPPC Website Administrator
Trent Yancey, Fall River Cooperative
Joe Sielinsky, Island Park Sustainable Fire
Ann Anthony, Island Park News
Connie Funkhouser, IP Business/IPPC Fund Raising/IP Trails Project
Zak Miller, Idaho Farm Bureau
Dave Moore, Island Park Medical Community
Kim Trotter, Yellowstone 2 Yukon
Perry Thompson, National Park Service, retired
Judy Koehly, Secretary
Members Absent:
Kathy Rinaldi, Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Terry Delong, Treasurer (out of town)
Dale Swensen, HFWC
Ellen Stantus, IP Landowner and Facilitator (out of country)
Bob Stantus, IP Landowner and Recreation (out of country)
Rosemary Thompson, IPPC Fund Raising (recovering from surgery)
Luke Davis, Agriculture and Ranching (attending Farm Bureau meeting)
John Stiehl, Fishing, Trouthunter
Brandon Hoffner, HFWC
Glade Gunnell, IP Business
Hal Buster, FC Ranching
Kevin Phillips, summer and winter recreation
Knowledge Experts Present:
Jordan Stoddard, Fremont County Commissioner
LeRoy Miller, Fremont County Commissioner
Karen Hiatt, Idaho Department of Transportation
Ben Burke, Idaho Department of Transportation
Andrea Gumm, Idaho Department of Transportation
Interested Parties:
Bill Vroman
Carl Koehly
Bruce Ard
Ron Kynaston
Minutes:
The April Minutes were approved as written and distributed. Alynn Crapo will get the April minutes on the website. Alynn will also put the final version of the legislation on the website.
Financial:
In the absence of Terry Delong, Ken Watts reported that the current balance was $3,976.19. Alynn Crapo paid the annual fee for our website.
Legislation:
Ken reminded the working group that the legislation submitted to Senator Risch was modeled after legislation used in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Ken Watts told the group that it may be necessary to travel to Washington DC to push our legislation forward. Ken suggested that we might approach the Albertson Foundation for funds to help with expenses incurred for such travel.
Current Events
The group discussed articles that have appeared in the Island Park News and the Post Register. The Department of Interior has a lot of things going on currently, especially in the Western area of the United States with the appointment of Ryan Zinke, as Secretary of the Interior.
Highway 20 Improvements: Karen Hiatt, Ben Burke and Andrea Gumm, from the Idaho Department of Transportation reported on the status of the Targhee Pass portion of US Highway 20. Karen Hiatt reported that they are still in the comment period, which will close on September 29, 2017. Karen encouraged attendees to submit comments prior to that time. The group discussed purpose and need and the possibility of an animal overpass. The Department of Highway will consider input from the community. The plan is to improve the road and the curve and make the road safer for people and animals.
Legislative Progress:
Ken Watts reported that during the summer the legislation and local maps were finalized. The legislation was sent to Senator Risch on June 22, 2017, with a copy being sent to all other Idaho legislators. The legislation was sent to Senator Risch because of his position on the Energy and National Resources Committee. Ken has received no response from Senator Risch nor any of his staff. On August 1, 2017, Ken sent copies of everything to Representative Labrador, with copies to Senator Risch. Ken received a call from one of Representative Labrador’s staff who reported that they would try to move the legislation forward, pending the outcome of legislation to change the Antiquities Act. At this time, nothing has been presented to a committee in the House or in the Senate.
On August 22, 2017, Ken Watts spoke to Amy Taylor of Senator Risch’s office in Idaho Falls. Amy told Ken that Senator Risch wants Senator Crapo to take the lead because he had worked with us for 2 years. Amy has been invited to attend all the Coalition meetings.
On August 25, 2017, Ken Watts contacted John Hoehne, Senator Crapo’s Chief of Staff and conveyed to John the process he has been through with our legislation. John Hoehne met with Senator Crapo and discussed the situation. Senator Crapo has agreed to work with us and help us. Senator Crapo wants to talk to Senator Risch regarding the legislation. Ken Watts has requested that Senator Risch meet with Senator Crapo, but has received no comment from Amy Taylor. Ken sent a follow-up e-mail to John Hoehne a couple of days ago but has received no response. Amy Taylor indicated to Ken that there are not enough conservation groups involved in the Island Park Preservation Coalition. Ken reminded the group that all groups are invited to our meetings. (See list above.) Ken will let the group know when he receives any response.
Senator Risch’s staff is having a retreat in Island Park today and tomorrow, but they have not expressed any wishes to meet with any of the IPPC people.
Ken Watts reported that he met with Trent Yancey and Brian Case of Fall River Electric. Brian told Ken that he has been involved in similar legislation concerning the Columbia River. Brian said that the Columbia River group had letters of support from many different supporters. It was suggested that we form a subcommittee to obtain letters of support. Leanne Yancey made a motion that we form a subcommittee. The subcommittee would have a list of names of individuals and groups, to meet with, develop talking points and provide an example of a support letter. The size of the subcommittee was discussed. Ken Watts will form a subcommittee and prioritize our list for outreach. Group members were encouraged to reach out to any individuals or groups on the list they know and request letters from them in support of our legislation.
Bob Stantus suggested that the Working Group meet on a quarterly basis going forward. It was also suggested that we get our message out to gubernatorial candidates.
Speed Limits: Ken Watts asked the group if they wanted to make any proposals regarding speed limits in Island Park. The group is in favor of reducing the speed limit. Comments were made about commercial trucks speeding.
Karen Hiatt of the Idaho Department of Transportation addressed the group. She told us that 85% of drivers on Highway 20 between Ashton and the Montana line were traveling at a rate of 70 miles per hour. For every 1,000,000 miles traveled on the Chester to Ashton portion of Highway 20, the accident rate is 04%. For every 1,000,000 miles traveled on the Targhee Pass portion of Highway 20, the accident rate is 1.8%.
It was reported by LeRoy Miller and Jordon Stoddard that in Fremont County from January through August of 2017, 47 animals had been reported as killed on our highways. That number includes 8 elk, 26 deer, 2 dogs, 1 buffalo and others.
The following is suggestions for a subcommittee that will be formed to move the legislation forward: (Copied from the white board.)
SUBCOMMITTEE
Talking Points
Taken From Outreach Subcommittee
Legislation Farm Bureau Presentation
Memorial, State Fall River Talking Points
Governor Endorsements Greater Yellowstone Coalition Collect Endorsements
Idaho Cattlemen Outreach
City of Island Park Meeting Presentation
Henry’s Fork Foundation
Island Park Chamber
City of Ashton
Elected Representatives
ISSA
Trout Unlimited
Department of Interior
Idaho Recreation Council
Harriman State Park
Fremont Madison Irrigation District
Frank VanderSloot
County Commissioners
Henry’s Fork Watershed Council
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Hunting Interests
The Nature Conservancy
Blackfoot Communication
Wilmore Lumber Company
Private Businesses
Comments and Suggestions During Karen Hiatt’s Facilitation
(Copied from the white board.)
Reduce night time speeds
Flashing Signs
Variable Speed Limits (Control Speeds Remotely)
Lower Average Overall Speed
Slow Down Truckers
Enforcement
Traffic Calming
Increase Visibility
Reduce speed limit to 45 South of 47 to state line
Plans between bottom of Ashton Hill and Swan lake
Use of Variable speed signs during animal migration
Use of more firebreaks
Deer cannot read signs
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy B. Koehly, Secretary
September Notes
Working Group
Minutes of Meeting
September 20, 2017
The Island Park Preservation Coalition held a working group meeting on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, in the EMS Building in Island Park, Idaho. The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Ken Watts, at 6:00 p.m. The following people attended the meeting:
Committee Members Present:
Ken Watts, Chairman
Greg Bitter, Vice Chairman
Leanne Yancey, IPPC Research
Alynn Crapo, IPPC Website Administrator
Trent Yancey, Fall River Cooperative
Joe Sielinsky, Island Park Sustainable Fire
Ann Anthony, Island Park News
Connie Funkhouser, IP Business/IPPC Fund Raising/IP Trails Project
Zak Miller, Idaho Farm Bureau
Dave Moore, Island Park Medical Community
Kim Trotter, Yellowstone 2 Yukon
Perry Thompson, National Park Service, retired
Judy Koehly, Secretary
Members Absent:
Kathy Rinaldi, Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Terry Delong, Treasurer (out of town)
Dale Swensen, HFWC
Ellen Stantus, IP Landowner and Facilitator (out of country)
Bob Stantus, IP Landowner and Recreation (out of country)
Rosemary Thompson, IPPC Fund Raising (recovering from surgery)
Luke Davis, Agriculture and Ranching (attending Farm Bureau meeting)
John Stiehl, Fishing, Trouthunter
Brandon Hoffner, HFWC
Glade Gunnell, IP Business
Hal Buster, FC Ranching
Kevin Phillips, summer and winter recreation
Knowledge Experts Present:
Jordan Stoddard, Fremont County Commissioner
LeRoy Miller, Fremont County Commissioner
Karen Hiatt, Idaho Department of Transportation
Ben Burke, Idaho Department of Transportation
Andrea Gumm, Idaho Department of Transportation
Interested Parties:
Bill Vroman
Carl Koehly
Bruce Ard
Ron Kynaston
Minutes:
The April Minutes were approved as written and distributed. Alynn Crapo will get the April minutes on the website. Alynn will also put the final version of the legislation on the website.
Financial:
In the absence of Terry Delong, Ken Watts reported that the current balance was $3,976.19. Alynn Crapo paid the annual fee for our website.
Legislation:
Ken reminded the working group that the legislation submitted to Senator Risch was modeled after legislation used in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Ken Watts told the group that it may be necessary to travel to Washington DC to push our legislation forward. Ken suggested that we might approach the Albertson Foundation for funds to help with expenses incurred for such travel.
Current Events
The group discussed articles that have appeared in the Island Park News and the Post Register. The Department of Interior has a lot of things going on currently, especially in the Western area of the United States with the appointment of Ryan Zinke, as Secretary of the Interior.
Highway 20 Improvements: Karen Hiatt, Ben Burke and Andrea Gumm, from the Idaho Department of Transportation reported on the status of the Targhee Pass portion of US Highway 20. Karen Hiatt reported that they are still in the comment period, which will close on September 29, 2017. Karen encouraged attendees to submit comments prior to that time. The group discussed purpose and need and the possibility of an animal overpass. The Department of Highway will consider input from the community. The plan is to improve the road and the curve and make the road safer for people and animals.
Legislative Progress:
Ken Watts reported that during the summer the legislation and local maps were finalized. The legislation was sent to Senator Risch on June 22, 2017, with a copy being sent to all other Idaho legislators. The legislation was sent to Senator Risch because of his position on the Energy and National Resources Committee. Ken has received no response from Senator Risch nor any of his staff. On August 1, 2017, Ken sent copies of everything to Representative Labrador, with copies to Senator Risch. Ken received a call from one of Representative Labrador’s staff who reported that they would try to move the legislation forward, pending the outcome of legislation to change the Antiquities Act. At this time, nothing has been presented to a committee in the House or in the Senate.
On August 22, 2017, Ken Watts spoke to Amy Taylor of Senator Risch’s office in Idaho Falls. Amy told Ken that Senator Risch wants Senator Crapo to take the lead because he had worked with us for 2 years. Amy has been invited to attend all the Coalition meetings.
On August 25, 2017, Ken Watts contacted John Hoehne, Senator Crapo’s Chief of Staff and conveyed to John the process he has been through with our legislation. John Hoehne met with Senator Crapo and discussed the situation. Senator Crapo has agreed to work with us and help us. Senator Crapo wants to talk to Senator Risch regarding the legislation. Ken Watts has requested that Senator Risch meet with Senator Crapo, but has received no comment from Amy Taylor. Ken sent a follow-up e-mail to John Hoehne a couple of days ago but has received no response. Amy Taylor indicated to Ken that there are not enough conservation groups involved in the Island Park Preservation Coalition. Ken reminded the group that all groups are invited to our meetings. (See list above.) Ken will let the group know when he receives any response.
Senator Risch’s staff is having a retreat in Island Park today and tomorrow, but they have not expressed any wishes to meet with any of the IPPC people.
Ken Watts reported that he met with Trent Yancey and Brian Case of Fall River Electric. Brian told Ken that he has been involved in similar legislation concerning the Columbia River. Brian said that the Columbia River group had letters of support from many different supporters. It was suggested that we form a subcommittee to obtain letters of support. Leanne Yancey made a motion that we form a subcommittee. The subcommittee would have a list of names of individuals and groups, to meet with, develop talking points and provide an example of a support letter. The size of the subcommittee was discussed. Ken Watts will form a subcommittee and prioritize our list for outreach. Group members were encouraged to reach out to any individuals or groups on the list they know and request letters from them in support of our legislation.
Bob Stantus suggested that the Working Group meet on a quarterly basis going forward. It was also suggested that we get our message out to gubernatorial candidates.
Speed Limits: Ken Watts asked the group if they wanted to make any proposals regarding speed limits in Island Park. The group is in favor of reducing the speed limit. Comments were made about commercial trucks speeding.
Karen Hiatt of the Idaho Department of Transportation addressed the group. She told us that 85% of drivers on Highway 20 between Ashton and the Montana line were traveling at a rate of 70 miles per hour. For every 1,000,000 miles traveled on the Chester to Ashton portion of Highway 20, the accident rate is 04%. For every 1,000,000 miles traveled on the Targhee Pass portion of Highway 20, the accident rate is 1.8%.
It was reported by LeRoy Miller and Jordon Stoddard that in Fremont County from January through August of 2017, 47 animals had been reported as killed on our highways. That number includes 8 elk, 26 deer, 2 dogs, 1 buffalo and others.
The following is suggestions for a subcommittee that will be formed to move the legislation forward: (Copied from the white board.)
SUBCOMMITTEE
Talking Points
Taken From Outreach Subcommittee
Legislation Farm Bureau Presentation
Memorial, State Fall River Talking Points
Governor Endorsements Greater Yellowstone Coalition Collect Endorsements
Idaho Cattlemen Outreach
City of Island Park Meeting Presentation
Henry’s Fork Foundation
Island Park Chamber
City of Ashton
Elected Representatives
ISSA
Trout Unlimited
Department of Interior
Idaho Recreation Council
Harriman State Park
Fremont Madison Irrigation District
Frank VanderSloot
County Commissioners
Henry’s Fork Watershed Council
Idaho Department of Fish and Game
Hunting Interests
The Nature Conservancy
Blackfoot Communication
Wilmore Lumber Company
Private Businesses
Comments and Suggestions During Karen Hiatt’s Facilitation
(Copied from the white board.)
Reduce night time speeds
Flashing Signs
Variable Speed Limits (Control Speeds Remotely)
Lower Average Overall Speed
Slow Down Truckers
Enforcement
Traffic Calming
Increase Visibility
Reduce speed limit to 45 South of 47 to state line
Plans between bottom of Ashton Hill and Swan lake
Use of Variable speed signs during animal migration
Use of more firebreaks
Deer cannot read signs
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy B. Koehly, Secretary
September Notes
