Counties begin process of sending recommendations on roadless areas to Kempthorne
The Bush administration has given the nations governors 18 months to gather public input from their states residents and petition the Forest Service to treat the remaining roadless areas as local people want them to be treated. Governor Kempthorne leaped at this voluntary opportunity, asking county commissioners around the state to take the lead. Over the next few months, meetings will be held around the state to gather input from people directly affected by decisions made about National Forests in their respective areas. (read more)

Emmett City Councilmember shares experience of Community Review
The following is a first hand account of the Community Review process written by Emmett City Councilmember Kathi Agenbroad:
In May of 2003, the City of Emmett, Gem County, and our Gem Team, G.E.D.A.(Gem Economic Development Association), hosted the Idaho Community Reviews visiting team of 20 community development professionals. With the diminished fruit industry and most recently, the Boise Cascade Mill closure, the loss of Gem Countys agricultural based economy made us a perfect candidate for the review teams perspectives. (read more)

Ashton on tap for Community Review
Members of the Community Review steering committee visited Ashton in July to begin formal planning for the October 25-27 review. Brian Dale, Housing & Urban Development; Erik Kingston, Idaho Housing and Finance Association and Dale Dixon, Idaho Rural Partnership met with members of the Ashton home team to discuss review specifics. The Community Review will focus on Land Use Planning, Community Design & Identity and Arts, Historic, and Recreation Resources. The next Community Review Steering Committee meeting is Wednesday, September 14, 3:00 p.m. at the Idaho Housing and Finance Association building, 525 West Myrtle in Boise.

2006 World Potato Congress Farm Show Site Announced
Simplot Farm near Boise, Idaho To Host WPC's Farm Show Component its First Time in the U.S.
World Potato Congress organizers today announced their partnership with Simplot Land & Livestock to host a major outdoor farm exhibit and demonstration show in conjunction with the 2006 World Potato Congress. Known as the World Potato Congress Farm Show, the event will be held on several hundred acres of a Simplot farm just east of Grand View, Idaho, in the fertile Snake River Valley. (read more)

Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education 2005 Highlights profiles promising new ideas in agriculture
Before adopting promising new agricultural strategies - such as diversified, profitable crop rotations, innovative pest management measures, or raising meat for unique markets - producers want evidence of success. That's why the 2005 SARE Highlights, a new 16-page publication available from the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, features a dozen practical, profit-enhancing ideas that have been researched and tested at universities and on farms and ranches.
The 2005 report is the latest of a series of publications that shine a light on some of the most creative research funded by SARE, administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service, USDA. (read more)

Biodiesel Utilization Workshop and Production Workshop 2005.
Are you concerned with childrens exposure to hazardous air pollutants from school bus emissions?
Are you looking for an alternative to fossil fuels for your fleet operation?
Do you want to know more about biodiesel production?
You can learn more about these topics at the Biodiesel Utilization and Biodiesel Production Workshops being held September 15-16, 2005, at the Centre on the Grove in Boise, Idaho. (read more)

Biomass as feedstock for a bioenergy and bioproducts industry: The technical feasibility of a billion-ton annual supply
Biomass is already making key energy contributions in the United States, having supplied nearly 2.9 quadrillion Btu (quad) of energy in 2003. It has surpassed hydropower as the largest domestic source of renewable energy. (Read the full report) (Link to the Department of Energy's Biomass Resources Website)

UNCDF Microfinance Online Course
United Nations Capital Development Fund has recently launched a web-based distance-learning tool that seeks to make the instruction of microfinance more accessible. It teaches the basic knowledge necessary to develop an effective and sustainable microfinance operation. The course has a broad range of applicability, intended to be of use to both those new and experienced in the field of microfinance. Most importantly, the course is accessible for free, worldwide. Link: http://www.uncdf.org/mfdl

National Conference of State Fleet Administrators will meet in Idaho
The Idaho Transportation Department is hosting the National Conference of State Fleet Administrators' 2005 conference at the Coeur d'Alene Resort. The dates of the conference are Tuesday, September 27 - Friday, September 30, 2005.
This is an opportunity to join with fleet professionals to learn and grow professionally in your fleet career and to see and experience some great presentations related to fleet operations. (read more)