The Spirit of Collaboration Thrives in the Owyhee Canyons of Idaho
“We’re proving that when diverse stakeholders are brought together and listen to the needs and concerns of others, real understanding and progress can be achieved.”
The Owyhee Initiative is a consensus agreement reached by a number of national, regional, and local stakeholders to promote the ecological and economic health in southwest Idaho. The agreement was built by local ranchers, county representatives, conservationists, outfitters, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe and others to address longstanding disagreement about managing public lands.
The agreement helps resolve concerns ranging from regulation of off-road vehicles, permanent protection of wilderness study areas, recognition of a traditional ranching way of life, voluntary livestock grazing retirements, and preservation of tribal culture and values.
While the Owyhee Initiative agreement provides a framework for resolving conflicts, the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, in 2009 provides the legal vehicle for implementing and enforcing the agreement.
