IWGA Range Tour
Riggins, Idaho
The Idaho Wool Growers Association and friends of the wool growers gathered in central Idaho’s rangelands on June 20th and 21st to discuss the issues that were affecting the state and the industry.
This year’s host was Mick and Guy Carlson, of Carlson Sheep Company. Mick led the group of B.L.M., U.S. Forest Service, Wildlife Services, Department of Agriculture, Department of Fish & Game, University of Idaho associates and several Idaho producers through the management of the Allison/Berg allotment.
The tour began Sunday afternoon with a meeting of the Idaho Rangeland Committee. The meeting was conducted by committee President Ted Hoffman, and discussed many issues.
Following the meeting, the IWGA hosted its World Famous Lamb Chop Barbecue. Over 80 people enjoyed an excellent meal and the opportunity to converse with individuals from all aspects of range management.
The range tour itself began Monday morning with the first stop at Ken Walters Domestic Cervidea Ranch.
The second stop took the group to the Berg Mountain Overview. Mick Carlson led the group in the discussion of the Big Horn/Domestic Sheep issue, which was the focus of the tour.
The third stop took the group to the Carlson Lambing Camp.
The next stop on the agenda was the Allison Creek Overview, where state land issues were discussed.
Lunch took place at the scenic Allison Creek Picnic Area. Range Tour participants had a chance to relax with a quick sandwich and enjoy the scenery this area of Idaho has to offer.
After lunch, the final stop brought the group to French Creek, which is the end of the Carlson allotment. The discussion continued regarding the effects of Big Horn Sheep and management of state land in the area.
The IWGA would like to thank everyone who makes the Range Tour a success year after year. The speakers and attendees all bring something to the discussion that can be taken back to each office or range. The Range Tour gives the opportunity for opinions and knowledge to be shared, and the voices of producers to be heard in the public offices. A special thanks to Mick and Guy Carlson for hosting the event, the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission for helping cover the cost of transportation and U.S. Bank for providing refreshments.
