Mission Statement and Strategic Plan (2002)

Friends of the Clearwater Mission Statement Friends of the Clearwater, a recognized non-profit organization since 1987, defends the Idaho Clearwater Bioregion's wildlands and biodiversity through a Forest Watch program, litigation, grassroots public involvement, outreach, and education. The Wild Clearwater Country, the northern half of central Idaho's Big Wild, contains many unprotected roadless areas and wild rivers, and provides crucial habitat for countless rare plant and animal species. Friends of the Clearwater strives to protect these areas, restore degraded habitats, preserve viable populations of native species, recognize national and international wildlife corridors, and to bring an end to commodity extraction and industrialization on our public lands. Strategic Plan 1. Advocate for the permanent protection of all wildlands in the area. Standing tall in the midst of controversy is very important for the defense of enormous values that are at stake on public lands. A voice for protection and restoration is critical. The land and wildlife need strong advocates. 2. Recognize the treaty rights of the Nez Perce people and that tribal governments share many of the concerns of Friends of the Clearwater. Coordinate with tribal governments and people on issues of mutual interest. 3. Educate the local, regional and national owners of the public land as to their values and explore ways to ensure their pristine future. The power of persuasion comes from sound science and the ability to communicate the values and consequences of our actions. Education is the key to understanding our position and our passion. 4. Communicate to the public and decision-makers our reasons and interest in these lands. Connecting with the public may be our most valuable tool to get decision-makers to do the right thing. Communication is our link to our community. Being a voice for wildlife and wildlands is a goal. 5. Demonstrate our commitment to defending wildlands. Our communication is sometimes not enough. Our actions along with our words are necessary to prove our commitment and resolve. Peaceful demonstrations help send a message. 6. Participate in fair and open decision making processes. Participating in community affairs is an important duty for FOC. Being part of the process and learning to effectively participate is critical in realizing results. 7. Cooperate with the local communities in finding the most effective ways to protect and restore public lands. Cooperation makes us stronger and ensures our allies and friends that we support an inclusive process rather than an exclusive process 8. Litigate when all else fails to protect wildlands from attack. Using all of the tools for our important work is necessary to be effective in our work. Our ability to win within the structure of society requires our understanding and competent use of ways to effect change.