ICL has worked to protect and restore the clean air, clean water, wildlands, special places, fish, and wildlife that give Idahoans such an exceptional quality of life for over 50 years. And in each and every of those years, we’ve relied on our members to make this work possible. Our accomplishments do not just fall on the shoulders of our staff—the work of staff relies on our conservation community, made up of dedicated members, advocates, and volunteers. Our members are at the core of our conservation mission, and are the heartbeat of our organization. In appreciation of these behind-the-scenes “Faces of ICL”, we showcase the stories of our members on a monthly basis, shining a spotlight on their unique contributions, experiences, and reasons for supporting conservation in Idaho.
ICL Member Ari Kotler of Victor, ID is a committed advocate for Idaho’s wilderness and waterways 
“I’m an Idaho River Outfitter and Guide on the Selway and Main Salmon Rivers, and I own and operate SOAR NW. I’ve served as a board member and River VP for the Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association for 12 years, and am a founding Board Member for the Teton Valley Foundation in Teton Valley, Idaho. I’m also involved with some real estate and have a small leathercraft side hustle. Most importantly, I’m dad to an amazing girl, my daughter Daisy. I was born in the Boston area, but the multi day rivers of Idaho led me here in 1997.
I discovered ICL through my work as an outfitter & guide. I appreciate ICL’s engagement in protecting clean waterways and their commitment to the Wilderness in Idaho. I have a strong commitment to philanthropy and this great state of Idaho. Several years ago I worked with ICL via 6 day/5 night member engagement river trips on the Main Salmon. When I recall my time on the river with ICL, I am most struck by the professionalism, passion, and deep knowledge base of the ICL staff that were involved.
Idaho has more Wilderness acreage than any other state in the lower 48 and I hope, in the midst of a lot of growth, that people continue to appreciate Idaho for the raw vast wild lands, and work to protect it. We are a unique state with regard to Wilderness areas and protected forests and rivers.
I encourage everyone to get out into the Wilderness. Go on a river trip. Disconnect to reconnect! See and feel the clean waters, the wild landscapes, and the untouched natural preserves that we have here in Idaho. It’s one thing to speak of protecting the Wilderness and wild and scenic waterways, and it’s another thing to immerse yourself and to really be present in the places we protect and love.”
Each of our members brings a unique perspective and a distinctive connection to our mission, creating a collective commitment to Idaho’s air, land, water and wildlife that is backed with a culture of caring. The diversity in why people support ICL is just as diverse as the landscapes and natural heritage of our great state. This diversity also reflects the huge breadth of issues ICL works on, and the collaborative and creative ways we work to get things done for our environment. Are you interested in sharing your ICL story? We’d love to hear it! If interested in being featured on the ICL blog, contact ICL Development Assistant, Jess McFarlane by email at [email protected] or phone at 208.345.6933 x 227.
Not an ICL member yet but want to be? Or are you already a member and know someone who loves Idaho’s lands, waters, fish and wildlife? Become a member below and share the love of Idaho with others!