For Immediate Release: Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Contacts:
Brad Smith, Conservation Director, (208) 318-5807
Abby Urbanek, Communications & Marketing Manager, (208) 345-6933 x 214
ICL appoints Brad Smith as new Conservation Director
BOISE, ID – The Idaho Conservation League (ICL) is delighted to announce the appointment of Brad Smith as the organization’s new Conservation Director. Brad Smith is a name well-known within the ICL community.
Smith’s career at ICL began in 2007, focusing on public lands and wildlife. He placed particular emphasis on responsible recreation, recently collaborating with snowmobilers, backcountry skiers, the Forest Service, and other members of the North Idaho community to develop a winter recreation plan for the one million-acre Kaniksu National Forest.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of Smith’s success at ICL. Notably, he worked with Idaho Forest Group (IFG), Idaho’s largest timber company, to endorse the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness in 2015. This support was part of a broader agreement on a Land Management Plan for the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, encompassing proposed wilderness areas and timber management areas.
In 2022, Smith launched ICL’s North Idaho Lakes Program, aiming to maintain the cleanliness, swimability, and fishability of the region’s lakes, rivers, and streams. As Conservation Director, he will oversee ICL’s initiatives to restore salmon, protect public lands, conserve wildlife, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and clean up the Snake River.
“Brad’s experience and expertise makes him the perfect person to lead our conservation team forward,” said Justin Hayes, executive director for ICL. “His passion for the natural world and the people of Idaho will make ICL’s work resonate with people across the state, and make a real difference for Idaho’s clean air, water, lands, wildlife, and communities.”
Smith grew up in North Idaho, where he was fortunate to see woodland caribou. Inspired by the plight of the caribou, he pursued a degree in Environmental Science at the University of Idaho and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration from Boise State University.
“I am honored to be selected for this role,” said Smith. “I look forward to leading staff and collaborating with our members and others who care about Idaho to safeguard our air, water, wildlands, and wildlife for the benefit of present and future Idahoans.”
Smith succeeds Marie Callaway-Kellner, who, after a decade at ICL, accepted a position at the University of Idaho Law School.
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