06/12/07 Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act

It's happening in several areas of Idaho. Growth is changing the state's once all-rural landscape. Gem County rancher Jim Little has watched forest and range land disappear. LITTLE "As I've watched this kind of helter skelter direction we're going in, what's this going to look like in 50 years and I don't think any of us are going to like it very well." Farmer Emma Atchley has watched spectacular sunrises over the Tetons and now she's watching the Driggs rooflines rising of into the distance. ATCHLEY "You never get that agricultural or that open view ever again. Its going forever and those are the kinds of grounds we want to preserve." They are two who joined with sportsmen and conservation groups to try to preserve some of Idaho's scenic lands. They began work in 2005 and this past winter they tried but failed to get the Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act passed in the Idaho legislature. Livestock operator Margaret Soulen SOULEN "What people value in Idaho, they value the wildlife, they value the large open landscapes, they value the ability to be outdoors and have room to recreate on." Part two of the story tomorrow. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott