1997 News Releases

December 31, 1997

New Video Portrays Threat to Sawtooth National Recreation Area

August 22, 1997

Sawtooth Society Receives $10,000 Grant From Boise Cascade

August 22, 1997

Sawtooth Society Elects Directors and Officers at First Annual Meeting

August 14, 1997

Sawtooth Society Grant Helps Restore Campfire Lectures at Redfish Lake

December 31, 1997

New Video Portrays Threat to Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Stanley – The Sawtooth Society has commissioned a 15-minute video, which graphically documents emerging threats to the natural, historic and recreational features of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA).

Threats to the SNRA stem from inappropriate commercial and residential development on private land, which is not protected by scenic easements, and from a deteriorating infrastructure of trails, campsites and other amenities serving the public.  Both problems are caused by a lack of federal funding.

The Sawtooth Society is a new non-profit organization, which seeks to protect the SNRA by: 

  • Building public awareness of and support for the area;
  • Raising money and enlisting volunteers to improve and maintain the area’s infrastructure and;
  • Securing funds for the acquisition of scenic easements on private property in the area.

The organization is led by a nonpartisan group of private citizens, including those who spearheaded the creation of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area 25 years ago – former Idaho Governor and U.S. Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus, U.S. Senator Jim McClure, former U.S. Representative Orval Hansen and Bethine Church, widow of former U.S. Senator Frank Church.

The videotape was produced as a public service by Diamond Sun Productions of Ketchum.  Collaborating with Diamond Sun were Kevin Syms Photography of Sun Valley, KTVB – Channel 7 in Boise, Micron Technology and Boise Cascade Corporation.

Sawtooth Society Vice President and Acting Executive Director Bob Hayes, praised the public spiritedness of those who donated their time and talent to produce the video, in particular Diamond Sun’s Dave Butterfield.  According to Hayes, “Dave’s love of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and his desire to further its protection is clearly evident in the video.  The Society is fortunate that such a creative and professional filmmaker volunteered his services.”

The videotape is available for public viewing at the Environmental Resource Center in Ketchum.  Copies may be purchased in VHS format for $10.00 each.

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August 22, 1997

Sawtooth Society Receives $10,000 Grant From Boise Cascade

The Sawtooth Society, a new nonprofit organization, which seeks to protect the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) from threats to its natural, historic and recreational assets, announced today that it has received a $10,000 start up grant from Boise Cascade Corporation.

Addressing several hundred people gathered at the Redfish Lake Visitor’s Center today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the SNRA, Jim Weathers, general manager of Boise Cascade’s timber and wood products operations in Idaho, said “The many groups and individuals who are working together to enhance this magnificent area share a common interest.  Whether we represent federal or state agencies, civic or business organizations, or private interests, we all feel that the area comprising the SNRA is the crown jewel of Idaho.”

Weathers said that Congress acted wisely in 1972 when it took steps to safeguard the area’s future by allowing for uses, which respect the rights of private landowners, as well as recreational interests, and appropriate commercial uses.

“I’m sure that as we all go forward, our mutual appreciation for the SNRA will bring the cooperation that in turn brings success,” Weathers added.

In accepting the company’s gift, Bethine Church, president of the Sawtooth Society, said “The Sawtooth Society’s sincerely appreciates Boise Cascade’s support, especially since we have not begun our formal fund-raising campaign.  By taking the initiative to provide financial support to our organization during our start-up phase, the company has once again demonstrated how deeply it cars about the state it calls home and the quality of life of the people who live here.”

Ms. Church said the Sawtooth Society, when fully functioning, will:

  • build public awareness of and support for the SNRA;
  • raise money and enlist volunteers to improve and maintain such SNRA amenities as campsites, trails and education programs; and
  • secure funds for the purchase of scenic easements on private property within the boundaries of the SNRA.

 The Sawtooth Society is a nonprofit organization, which seeks to preserve and protect the Sawtooth National Recreation Area’s natural, historic and recreation features.  The organization is led by a nonpartisan group of private citizens, including those who spearheaded the creation of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area 25 years ago – former Idaho Governor and U.S. Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus, former U.S. Senator Jim McClure, former U.S. Representative Orval Hansen and Bethine Church, widow of former U.S. Senator Franck Church.

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August 22, 1997

Sawtooth Society Elects Directors and Officers at First Annual Meeting

The Sawtooth Society, a new non-profit organization which seeks to protect the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) from threats to its natural, historic and recreational assets, today elected 26 individuals or couples to serve as members of the Board of Directors and four people to serve as officers.

Elected directors were: Cecil Andrus, Jeff and Deb Bitton, Carl Burke, Stanley Burns, Doug and Ann Christensen, Bethine Church, Ernie Day, Jeffrey Fereday, Arlene R. Funderburg, Cliff Hansen, Orval Hansen, Robert and Donna-Marie Hayes, Scott Hayes, Earl Holding, Michael and Candace Humphreys, Roland and Sally MacNichol, Daniel III and Suzanne Mahoney, Earl and Jodi Reynolds, Ray and Martha Sadler, Ken and Pam Smith, Edward Stimpson, and Kevin Syms.

Elected officers were: Bethine Church, president; Robert Hayes, vice-president; Jeffrey Fereday, secretary; Scott Hayes, treasurer.

Those attending the meeting heard officials describe the Sawtooth Society’s objectives:

  • build public awareness of and support for the SNRA;
  • raise money and enlist volunteers to improve and maintain such SNRA amenities as campsites, trails and education programs; and
  • secure funds for the purchase of scenic easements on private property within the boundaries of the SNRA.

Attendees also learned of the Society’s accomplishments during its first three months in existence, including funding to help restore the popular Campfire Lecture Series at the Redfish Lake Visitors’ Center.

Additionally, attendees were introduced to the Sawtooth Society’s new brochure and video which will be used to inform the public about the SNRA, the threats is faces and what is required to eliminate the threats.  The brochure was produced courtesy of Oliver-Russell, a Boise-based communications firm; Kevin Syms, a Sun Valley-based photographer and Table Rock Printing of Boise.  The video was produced courtesy of Diamond Sun Productions, a Ketchum-based video production company, and KTVB-TV of Boise.

And, finally, attendees were told that earlier in the day the Society had received a $10,000 grant from Boise Cascade Corporation to assist in its start-up.

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August 14, 1997

Sawtooth Society Grant Helps Restore Campfire Lectures at Redfish Lake

The popular Campfire Lecture Series at the Redfish Lake Visitors’ Center, idled last year and diminished in previous years by lack of federal funds, has resumed with the help of a $1,500 cash donation from the Sawtooth Society.

According to Bethine Church, Acting President of the Sawtooth Society, the grant is the first made by the organization since its inception several months ago.  She said, “Although the Sawtooth Society is in the early stage of development, and our financial resources are limited, we felt a sense of urgency to make this contribution to the betterment of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) and the enjoyment of those who live, work and recreate within its boundaries.  The gift, while modest, is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long and beneficial relationship between the Sawtooth Society and Idaho’s crown jewel, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.”

Paul Ries, Area Ranger of the SNRA, said, “On behalf of the Forest Service, administrator of the Campfire Lecture Series at the Redfish Visitors Center, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Sawtooth Society for its gift.  The donation helps us revive an environmental education program which has enjoyed great public support over the years.”

The Sawtooth Society is a nonprofit organization, which seeks to preserve and protect the Sawtooth National Recreation Area’s natural, historic and recreation features.  The organization is led by a nonpartisan group of private citizens, including those who spearheaded the creation of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area 25 years ago – former Idaho Governor and U.S. Interior Secretary Cecil Andrus, former U.S. Senator Jim McClure, former U.S. Representative Orval Hansen and Bethine Church, widow of former U.S. Senator Franck Church.

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