Unplug and Explore the Outdoors
April 27, 2013 9am-1pm
Mission Statement
Who We Are
The Foundation works to protect Idaho for the people. Since its beginning in 1972 the Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands, a private nonprofit and nongovernmental, has worked to protect outdoor resources. The foundation has handled more than $12,000,000 in assets and our administrative budget has never been more than one percent of our asset base. Our charter maintains flexibility because Idaho is so diverse. The opportunity for land conservation is entirely voluntary and we only go where we are wanted. There is no maternity ward for terra firma. Two of Idaho’s staunchest park supporters, Governor Robert and Lu Smylie helped in the early development of the land trust in Idaho. Both knew the Harriman brothers well, dined with them at the Railroad Ranch in Island Park, on their private railway car and sometimes in New York. Working with E. Roland and Gladys Harriman, who owned 75 percent of the ranch and W. Averell Harriman with his 25 percent, Governor Smylie wrote the agreements that would preserve all 15,000 acres as a gift to the people of Idaho.
Long Term Objectives
- Assist in setting aside quality lands for future generations including acquisition and management of Idaho properties for public use and/or wildlife benefit.
- Promote cooperation and partnerships among organizations with similar goals and objectives. While there is competition in fund-raising, the ultimate goals are more important, long-range. As a lead organization, IFP&L can help to create synergy among similar organizations, helping many of them to achieve their specific goals more readily. To accomplish this IFP&L must make itself desirable as a partner.
- Educate the public on the value of open space and lands for public benefit and upon the value of IFP&L as a lead organization promoting such land preservation. Promote IFP&L as an organization for information about land donations and benefits to the public and to the taxpayer.
- Educate board members on the value of open space lands for public use and/or wildlife benefit and the methods for land preservation.
- Develop augmented funding sources for continued self-supporting mechanisms.
- Develop personnel and facilities adequate to meet the program goals of the Foundation.