Coeur d’Alene Audubon proudly joined a united front of Idaho chapters in June 2025 in a swift and successful campaign to protect our public lands from being sold through federal budget reconciliation. Prompted by a call to action from Daly Edmunds, Policy and Outreach Director of Audubon Rockies, our chapter responded to the urgent need to advocate for Idaho’s cherished public lands and joined voices with Audubon leaders across the state. Although Daly’s territory officially includes Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, her past collaboration with Idaho chapters on Greater Sage-grouse conservation positioned her as a trusted ally in this fight.

With just days to respond before the bill hit the Senate floor, Audubon chapters rallied quickly, signing onto a joint letter that emphasized the grave risk of privatization, including potential foreign acquisition and permanent loss of access. Thanks in part to our collective advocacy, Idaho’s senators took a stand, helping to halt this shortsighted attempt to dismantle our public land legacy. The campaign was not only a testament to the power of rapid, coordinated action, but also a shining example of how Audubon’s network—rooted in science, community, and love for the land—can influence federal policy to safeguard the places that birds and people depend on.

We thank Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo for their public statements opposing the proposed sale of over 3 million acres of public land. Our message was clear: public lands belong to the people, and any attempt to sidestep public input or transparency undermines the democratic principles these lands represent.