A Growing Threat to Idaho's Backcountry: Our Land, Our Responsibility.
Idaho’s wilderness is a source of authentic beauty and endless adventure. But a growing problem is threatening the very places that define our state: trash in the backcountry. With more people exploring our public lands than ever before, as tourism and residential population grow, the issue of litter is widespread and costly, and it’s something every Idahoan has a role in solving.
The Problem: More Than Just an Eyesore
From the Sawtooths to our national forests, land managers and volunteers are reporting a significant increase in litter. It's not just a few forgotten items; it's everything from plastic bottles and food wrappers to illegally dumped appliances and tires. This isn't just an aesthetic problem; it's a serious threat to our environment and our culture.
Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officers have noted a significant increase in litter at many public access sites over the last few years. In one Magic Valley cleanup, officers found copious amounts of aluminum cans, glass bottles, fishing line, and plastic bags that pose a huge threat to the wildlife that live in and around the rivers.
The problem is not limited to small items; it also includes illegally dumped waste. According to a report from Dont Dump Idaho, cleanup initiatives have removed staggering amounts of refuse, including 16 tons of "twisted metal and decaying trash" from the Rattlesnake dump site near Blackfoot and over eight tons of solid waste near Swan Lake.
So, what is the real cost of this carelessness? The impacts are far-reaching and affect all of us:
Wildlife Hazard: Animals can get tangled in fishing line or mistake trash for food, leading to sickness and even death.
Wildfire Risk: Items like glass can magnify sunlight, cigarettes can be dropped, and start fires, an urgent danger in our dry summers.
Water Contamination: Improperly disposed of waste can pollute our pristine rivers and lakes, directly impacting the fish that we use for food sources and recreational fishing.
Cost & Access: Cleaning up these areas costs our state significant time and money, and in some cases, popular spots have had to be closed due to neglect.
Our Core Values in Action: The IPS Response
At the Idaho Preservation Society, we believe our core values of Grit, Resourceful, and Authentic are the key to tackling this challenge. This land tells our story, and it's our collective responsibility to keep it clean for the next chapter.
We're not here to just talk about the problem; we're here to be a helpful part of the solution. Our initiative aims to:
Raise Awareness: We will frame the issue not just as littering, but as a disrespect to our shared land. We’ll use powerful visuals and stories to show the beauty we stand to lose.
Promote the "Leave It Better Than You Found It" Challenge: We'll partner with organizations like Idaho Fish and Game to encourage people to pack out not just their own trash, but a little extra they find along the way.
Create a Backcountry Etiquette Guide: This will be a resource-rich mini-handbook on proper waste disposal, fire safety, and how to practice Leave No Trace principles—all framed through the lens of being a responsible Idahoan.
Join the Initiative
We can't do this alone. It takes a community of dedicated individuals and organizations to protect what we love.
We invite you to join our adventure in preserving Idaho's natural and cultural roots. Together, we can ensure our land remains wild and pristine for generations to come.
