04/20/06 Boise River threat?; anti-wolf petition

Many high priced homes and several office buildings are now found along the banks of the Boise River in Ada and Canyon counties. The same river that feeds the valley irrigation needs, provides recreation and scenic beauty to thousands is now on an endangered list. The national environmental group American Rivers ranks the Boise River number six on its top ten list of most endangered. Why? The threat to the river from Atlanta Gold Corporation which proposes an open pit mine near Atlanta, 60 miles upstream from Boise on the Middle Fork of the river. Environmental groups say the river could be destroyed by cyanide or arsenic which is employed in the gold mining process. A decision on a permit for the mine is expected to be made next year. Ten days from now the Idaho Anti-Wolf Coalition needs to turn in petitions with nearly 48 thousand signatures from registered voters. The coalition's initiative petition seeks to rid the state of wolves that were reintroduced into Central Idaho in 1995. Today more than 500 wolves roam the Idaho landscape and the coalition says that's why elk populations have declined and why ranchers are on constant alert to protect their livestock. April 30th is the deadline for signature collection on the petition. The state has taken over management of wolves and is seeking to have them taken off the federal Endangered Species list. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott