BY KAREN BOSSICK
Idahoans can’t get enough goat plates.
And that’s a good thing.
The Sawtooth Society has awarded more than a million dollars in grants to 239 projects benefitting recreation since Idaho began offering license plates featuring its native mountain goat in 2000. the projects helped enhance recreational amenities across the Sawtooth National Recreation Area where Idaho’s mountain goats reside.
“This is an extraordinary accomplishment, '' said Sawtooth Society Executive Director Kathryn Grohusky. “100% of every dollar granted to The Sawtooth National Recreation Area License Plate Fund has gone into the community.”
The Sawtooth National Recreation Area License Plate Grant Fund was established to mitigate chronic underfunding of recreation within the SNRA. The special plates were introduced by the Sawtooth Society through the Idaho legislature to generate ongoing funds to pay for recreation maintenance and enhancement projects on the SNRA.
Recipients have included the U.S. Forest Service, Sawtooth Interpretive and Historical Association, Blaine County Recreation District, National Smokejumper Association, Salmon River Clinic, Custer County Sheriff, Sawtooth Avalanche Center, International Dark-Sky Association, Idaho Trails Association and the Environmental Resource Center.
Project recipients must meet several criteria, including that of providing a public benefit to a large number of recreationalists. Projects also must be designed to maintain or repair existing facilities and services rather than construct new ones. Generally, grants are of $7,500 or less.
“Owners of every goat plate across Idaho can feel a sense of accomplishment knowing their purchase ensures that the gem of Idaho’s public lands--the Sawtooth National Recreation Area’s recreational amenities--are enhanced and protected as an increasingly popular destination,” said Grohusky.
To get your goat plate, visit https://sawtoothsociety.org.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Sawtooth Society was founded in 1997 by outdoor enthusiasts who wanted to preserve the 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer.
The organization will hold a Silver Jubilee dinner to recognize the Sawtooth Society’s 25th anniversary on Aug. 4 at a private home near Stanley The evening will include cocktails, hors d’ouevres, a silent and live auction, sit-down dinner and entertainment.
Congressman Mike Simpson will also be honored for his role in protecting the wilderness of Central Idaho. To learn more visit https://sawtoothsociety.org/soiree/