08/24/07 Preserving farm and ranch land

Idahoans who have enjoyed life on the farm or ranch, or roaming the open range have seen the dramatic changes brought on by growth. 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." LITTLE "As I've watched the kind of helter skelter direction we're going, 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." Eastern Idaho farmer Emma Atchley and southwestern Idaho rancher Jim Little bear witness to the changes but they are trying to do something about it. That's where the Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act comes in. WASHBURN "So its time for policy makers to step forth and start protecting some of those natural resources which largely are in private lands in Idaho." Courtney Washburn of the Idaho Conservation League says incentives help insure that working lands remain working and good stewards are rewarded. These conservation and sporting folks joined ag producers two years ago in an effort to preserve open spaces. Next January for a second year in a row they will ask the legislature to offer incentives to keep Idaho open spaces just that, open. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott