The Boulder-White Clouds are stunning and rugged country located in the heart of central Idaho. The area encompasses the Sawtooth and Salmon-Challis National Forests and lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Boulder-White Clouds stretch across a half million acres of spectacular mountain peaks, alpine lakes, glacial basins, and wild rivers. From the valleys to the open meadows to the peaks and headwaters of several of Idaho's major rivers, the Boulder-White Clouds are also home to incredible recreation opportunities and diverse wildlife, including salmon and steelhead, Rocky Mountain elk, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, antelope, cougar and much more. It is no wonder that Brian Ellsworth was inspired by this area to work to protect it.
For over 40 years, residents of Idaho have been working to protect the Boulder- White Clouds, and Brian Ellsworth has been an important voice in this effort. A native of Idaho who has lived in other beautiful places such as Colorado and Alaska, Brian ultimately returned to Boise in 1987 to start a construction company and work to protect the quality of life that drew him back.
"Idaho is special because of the quality of life we have here," he says. "We have clean air and water, wild rivers, and access to wilderness." And Brian knows that it is this quality of life that has brought so many to the state, and has helped his company to grow and retain a quality workforce. Brian has seen growth and changes in Idaho and acknowledges that, "some are encouraging and some are not." His desire to see part of this special place stay as it is for future generations is why Brian is working to permanently protect the Boulder White-Clouds as wilderness.
Brian's activism began a little closer to home, working to preserve the Boise foothills from development. Brian joined citizens and the Idaho Conservation League in a successful effort to pass a $10 million bond to protect trail heads and ridge tops from being overrun with houses and roads. "The Boise foothills are the backdrop to the Capital. They are as significant to me as the river that runs through Boise, and it was important not to have homes developed in these foothills." Clearly it was important to other residents of Boise, as well, as the measure passed with 58 percent of the vote. "We are a pretty conservative, anti-tax state and for folks to tax themselves shows this was an essential issue to the residents of Boise."
After his success with the Foothills initiative, Brian was appointed by Boise's mayor to the planning and zoning commission, which is now rewriting the comprehensive plan for the city. "It affects air quality, growth, transportation, development patterns and more. These issues are important to me because they affect my backyard," he says. Boise is one of the fastest growing areas in the country and Brian is one construction company owner who does not want to see development get out in front of city planning.
The threat of development to the Boise foothills inspired Brian and many other residents to get involved in that campaign, which was spearheaded by the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) - a statewide group working to preserve Idaho's clean water, wilderness and quality of life through citizen action, public education, and professional advocacy. Brian was also inspired by ICL- the way they work and the work they do. "They take on the right issues and they don't take on all the issues. They are smart about what they do. I was impressed by the organization, became a member, and have enjoyed being a part of their great work. They are passionate about their work and inspiring to others."
And the Idaho Conservation League feels the same way about Brian Ellsworth. "Brian has been so valuable in the effort to protect the Boulder-White Clouds," said Linn Kincannon, Central Idaho Director for the Idaho Conservation League. "He has traveled to Washington, DC to talk to members of Congress, he's been a powerful voice in the media, and was an integral part of generating support from 150 businesses to protect the Boulder-White Clouds," Linn says.
"Brian is a dedicated outdoorsman, he's in the construction business, and he's well aware that Idaho is changing tremendously. He recognizes we should keep a lot of places wild for wildlife and for people and his message resonated loudly in Washington, DC. Citizens who take their vacation time to try to persuade Congress about issues they care about make an important positive impression, and Brian's presence was definitely felt," said Kincannon.
Brian's draw to the Boulder-White Clouds came primarily through backpacking, and he enjoys mountain biking in the region. Although mountain biking will still be allowed in areas, it will be more limited in the Boulder-White Clouds with wilderness protection. However, Brian is willing to give up a little for what he believes is good for the area. He knows there are plenty of other places he can mountain bike and he appreciates that with wilderness designation he can continue to backpack, backcountry ski, kayak, and raft in the Boulder-White Clouds in the area's quiet beauty.
Permanent protection for the Boulder-White Clouds has been in limbo as long as Brian can remember, and he applauds Idaho Republican Congressman Mike Simpson for the legislation he has introduced and the diverse coalition he has built to protect this area. Brian also sees this legislation as a great way to build bridges among a divided Congress. "From a person who is not into politics, and just wants to see some good legislation pass, this bill would be a great opportunity for politicians to reach across the aisle and work together." The Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act would designate 320,000 acres of the Boulder-White Clouds Mountains as Idaho's first new wilderness area in 25 years. With more than 150 mountains over 10,000 feet in elevation, the area supports diverse ecosystems that are critical habitat to numerous species of fish and wildlife-all threatened by ever-encroaching off-road vehicle use.
Currently Rep. Simpson is working with the Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee on necessary revisions to move the bill forward. Brian is hopeful that a streamlined bill will see progress in this Congressional session. "The best thing we can do for the Boulder-White Clouds is to give it protection from the hoards of motorized vehicles that have really inundated the area in the last five to ten years." Brian feels there should be more education for ATV riders about the need to stay on roads and trails. "It's a handful of riders, it's not them all," Brian acknowledges. "We need to tread lightly across these very delicate landscapes."
From the days when Brian would backpack in the Boulder-White Clouds with his father to today, Brian has seen huge increases in the number of people visiting this spectacular place. His efforts to protect the quality of life in Idaho and the wild places he loves has had a great impact on the people around him and on the wild lands of Idaho. We applaud Brian Ellsworth, the Idaho Conservation League and Representative Mike Simpson for their unrelenting work to protect the Boulder-White Clouds as wilderness — our common ground.
