ICL lost a dear friend on November 20, 2022, with the passing of longtime supporter Alan James Reynolds. As a passionate advocate for open space and public access, the impact of Alan’s efforts will be seen for generations to come. As our hearts go out to his friends and family, we also celebrate the impact Alan had on Idaho.
Alan landed in Idaho after stops in Montana, California, and around the world. After serving his country as a Navy pilot during the Vietnam War, Alan pursued a degree in zoology from U.C. Santa Barbara, and then a master’s in land use analysis from the University of Montana. It was in Montana that Alan was introduced to whitewater kayaking, a passion that he pursued all over the world.
That passion eventually drew Alan to Idaho. As an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, kayaker, and skier, it’s no surprise he landed in Sun Valley. His love for public lands led him to connecting with ICL where he played an active role in protecting the Boulder White Clouds as Wilderness.
Alan also spent time serving Blaine County as County Planner, Building Inspector, and County Commissioner. Through his work on the Blaine County Land, Water, and Wildlife Levy Advisory Board he made a real impact for the area’s beloved open space, with the awarding of over $3.4 million to fund conservation easements throughout the county. So far, the program has provided partial funding for six conservation easements that permanently protect 3,091 acres of productive agricultural lands and important water resources and wildlife habitat.
During his time on the Blaine County Transportation Committee, Alan was a leader in the Safe Wildlife Crossing Initiative, which helped raise funding for reducing collisions and protecting wildlife. He was also a driving force in many land use initiatives, including fisherman access to the Big Wood River and representing the Land Conservancy in the Idaho Forest Management Act of 1984. Alan also contributed to the Big Wood River Atlas, providing scientific foundation for future river management decisions.
The contributions Alan Reynolds made in his life have helped protect the values we all love about Idaho – clean water, clean air, and healthy public lands and wildlife. He will be deeply missed.