Growing Together Presents at the 81st Annual IASCD Conference

On November 19th, our Executive Director, Keri Smith, had the privilege of presenting at the 81st Annual Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts (IASCD) Conference in Boise. The session, “Tools for Conservation: Land Use and Property Rights,” highlighted Idaho’s land-use framework and the role it plays in protecting working lands across our rapidly growing region. 

Keri walked attendees through the fundamentals of property rights, how zoning functions under Idaho’s Local Land Use Planning Act, and why these tools are essential for safeguarding agricultural resilience. Using clear examples and accessible visuals, she explained how zoning protects against incompatible development, supports the long-term viability of agriculture, and ensures decisions are grounded in findings of fact and law—not politics or pressure.

She also shared how Growing Together carries out its mission:

• Educating and engaging the public on farmland preservation,

• Collaborating with local leaders and conservation partners,

• Monitoring and researching development trends, and

• Advocating for policies that strengthen rural economies and protect Idaho’s working lands. 

The presentation included an overview of how our Advisory Board reviews every land-use case brought to the organization—representing perspectives from farmers, business owners, real estate professionals, and planners from across Canyon County.

We’re grateful to IASCD for the invitation and for the important work soil conservation districts do statewide. Events like this help strengthen partnerships and broaden the shared understanding of why farmland matters—to our economy, our food systems, and the heritage of Idaho communities.