12/18/07 Survey on open space preservation

A poll commissioned by the Idaho Working Lands Coalition, a group of Idaho ranchers, farmers, sportsmen, loggers and conservationists shows that a majority of voters favoring income tax credits as an incentive to protect open spaces. 83 percent of those polled favor tax incentives and that's where the Idaho Ranch, Farm and Forest Protection Act comes in. Farm Bureau's Wally Butler says House Bill 262 which was introduced last year will be re-introduced next month to the 2008 state legislature. BUTLER "We're going to have to have growth and we're going to have to have places for folks to live. But it's intended to try to protect key areas. You know, we like to winter in the same places wildlife likes to winter." 70 percent of those polled favor setting aside more state money to preserve land around lakes and streams to protect fish, wildlife habitat and natural areas. 64 percent of them say they would be willing to pay $20 per year toward that effort; 67 percent would buy in for $10 per year. However coalition members know it will be a struggle to win legislative support, especially since lawmakers would have to find a way to offset a potential loss of three million dollars in state income taxes. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott