Idaho Falls

TRCP makes its presence known in Gem State Into Idaho 38 EAST IDAHO OUTDOORS MAGAZINE  —  SPRING/SUMMER 2016 { N O N - P R O F I T S P O T L I G H T } Naming your organization after a prominent U.S. President who adamantly protected public lands makes no bones about what you plan to do. Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP), established in 2002, does now just what Teddy did back in his day. "People need to understand public lands are the backbone of the North American Model," says Whit Fosburgh, TRCP presi- dent and CEO. "If we don't have places to hunt fi sh and recreate, the whole system comes apart. This whole notion of getting rid of public lands managed by the federal government is ridiculous. It's counter to what this country is all about." TRCP represents more than 15 million sportsmen by partnering with outdoor and conservation groups nationwide from Archery Trade Association to Trout Unlimited. TRCP uses a broader approach than what each individual partner focuses on. It's an approach to natural resources that isn't always easy to navigate. "There's been a long standing history in the conservation community of focusing on what makes us different. We need to work together where we can," Fosburgh says. "We want people to work together with people they are not used to working with to share resources and make a difference. If there's more money for conservation in America, that's good for everyone." Hiring two new fi eld representatives in Idaho, including former outdoor journalist Rob Thornberry of Idaho Falls, shows TRCP is serious about moving into Idaho. "Idaho is a key state. It has tremendous public land and outdoor opportunity," Fosburgh says. "We're going to be doing a lot in Idaho. It's such an important state and natural resource issues tend to blow up in Idaho. There are a lot of challenges in Idaho, but Idaho has done a phenom- enal job for a very long time of managing resources." For more information about TRCP, go to www.trcp.org STEVE SMEDE PHOTO

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