We advocate for the conservation of native plants and their habitats in the northern Idaho Panhandle. Because Kinninnick Native Plant Society is located in the world’s largest inland temperate rainforest ecosystem, we focus on preserving and protecting this diverse botanical refuge. 

Our advocacy includes commenting on proposed land-use projects and restoring native plants in suitable habitats. Our projects include identifying and monitoring rare plant populations for protection from logging and development, volunteering in restoration of the Clark Fork Delta at Lake Pend Oreille, advocating for preservation of irreplaceable wetlands and peatlands, and encouraging federal listing of threatened and endangered plant species. 

Recent conservation advocacy:

• Kaniksu Over-Snow Vehicle Winter Travel Plan, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, April 2023

• Coolin Wetlands-Chase Lake Development, US Army Corp of Engineers, February 2023

• Chloride Gold Restoration Project, Sandpoint Ranger District, US Forest Service, January 2023

• Joslyn Property Development at Confluence of Priest River with Pend Oreille River, Priest River Development Consultant, May 2022

• Proposed Listing of Whitebark Pine as Threatened under ESA, US Fish & Wildlife, January 2021

• Bonner County Waterfront Setback, Bonner County Planning, October 2020

Conservation Purpose Statement:

We seek to work collaboratively with governmental agencies and private interests to advocate the protection of native plants and their habitats. Our projects promote education, conservation and building consensus. We work to educate our members and the public about issues important to preserving native plants and strategies that are successful in maintaining the quality of their habitat. We promote a science-based, sustainable approach to the use of our natural resources.