Foothills Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts began when a two-year property tax serial levy was passed by Boise voters on May 22, 2001.  The approval will raise $10 million for conservation efforts in the Boise Foothills. Beginning in November 2001, the City included the two-year levy in property taxes for commercial, residential and industrial property.

To manage the funds raised, an Advisory Committee, consisting of 12 citizens was appointed by the Mayor.  Their mission is to " . . . make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council for permanent protection of natural open space in the Boise Foothills, consistent with the open space serial levy passed by the voters on May 22, 2001, and will work to ensure that the levy funds are spent wisely."

In its third year, the Foothills Conservation Advisory Committee is proud to report that 2,975 acres of undeveloped foothills property has been permanently conserved as public open space. Working with willing sellers the City acquired 1,065 acres of open space through purchase and donations. Working with other public land management agencies, the City facilitated the conservation of an additional 1,910 acres through an exchange between the Idaho Department of Lands and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. And lastly, working with foothills property owners, the City was able to acquire conservation trail easements to provide public access to foothills reserve properties. Utilizing the tools of purchase, donation, land exchange and conservation easements, the City will continue its efforts to conserve priority foothills properties from east to west across the Front. 

Annual Reports and other documentation will provide additional details into the conservation efforts of the Boise Foothills.