Protecting Idaho’s African American heritage

When most tourists and Idahoans visit the Boulder-White Clouds region in Central Idaho, it is the breath-taking views, pristine plant life, and crisp, clean air that “wows” them. The beauty that they can absorb with most of their senses – touch, smell, and sight—is what makes them return again and again. But for some like me, the call to ensure that this area is permanently protected is something that is not as tangible.  My fight for this area involves protecting the history that hangs on the peaks of the more than 150 mountains and flows in the cool, clean waters.  

As an African American this land means more to me than just a place to recreate, hike, and fish.  It is a place that deserves permanent protection because of its rich history. There are stories about brave men and women that are buried deep in rolling hills and hiking trails. Men like George Blackmon, who Blackmon Peak is named for. Blackmon was a freed slave who found his way to Boulder-White from the East Coast. He was a gold mining pioneer who made his home in the White Clouds region. I am sure when he built his small cabin on the rugged land he was awed by the picturesque scenery that surrounded him, just as many visitors today experience. 

{mosads}I am calling on President Obama to use his authority under the Antiquities Act to protect the history and wild lands of the Boulder-White Clouds region.  Since 1909, U.S. presidents have been granted the authority to create new national monuments as part of the Antiquities Act, which was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt. The legislation actually allowed Roosevelt to protect the Grand Canyon in 1908 and subsequently presidents of both political parties have used that authority to protect public lands in all 50 states. 

The Boulder-White Clouds region is a national treasure that deserves permanent protection. The history of forgotten Black pioneers like Blackmon is part of the landscape here. When we protect our nation’s wild lands we are also preserving history for our children and grandchildren.  As a leader in the tourism industry, I have seen tremendous growth in cultural travel to areas like Boulder-White Clouds, which in turn boosts the local economy. 

I make a living by highlighting the contributions of forgotten pioneers like George Blackmon.  In the years following Reconstruction many African Americans headed west in search of new opportunities. Like Blackmon they would become miners, explorers, cowboys, and fur traders who developed a love and respect for the land. Today, tourists and Idahoans are able to still enjoy these rugged wild lands in near pristine condition. Experts say the Boulder-White Clouds region is the largest unprotected roadless area in the lower 48 states.  We need to keep it that way.

All Americans of every race deserve to enjoy our public lands and learn about its heritage. Obama must do what Congress has failed to do in the last 30 years and protect the Boulder-White Clouds region and thus preserve the history of men like George Blackmon.

Wilson is the owner/operator of A Private Guide, Inc., providing group tour and event transportation products and services in the American West.