Rocky Barker
Idaho Statesman
Boise, ID, United States
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Past articles by Rocky:
Idahoans need to get ready for grizzly migration to central Idaho wilderness
The range of grizzly bear migration in the West has expanded by 34 percent over the last decade, biologists say. That is putting the predator on the edge of Missoula, Stevensville, Coeur d’Alene and Driggs. → Read More
States are opening offices of outdoor rec. Will Gov. Little? Only if it works for Idaho
Many states have opened an Office of Outdoor Recreation to harness the power of economic opportunities tied to the environment. Gov. Brad Little hopes to do the same work without added layers of government. → Read More
US fire research: Forests not healing, burn areas to grow 5x
In the next 20 years parts of Idaho may see 5 times as much fire as in past decades, since the great Yellowstone fires of 1988. Some dry forests are not recovering from fire, University of Idaho, Colorado State researchers say. → Read More
Get used to the smoke. We're on track for more wildfires
In the next 20 years parts of Idaho may see 5 times as much fire as in past decades, since the great Yellowstone fires of 1988. Some dry forests are not recovering from fire, University of Idaho, Colorado State researchers say. → Read More
These Idaho primaries were quite different, but each victor spoke Tuesday of hope
Idahoans turned out Tuesday for hope, not fear. Republican governor candidate Brad Little optimistic for creating opportunities for children. Democrat Paulette Jordan sees better future for health care, economy. → Read More
McNeil takes early lead in Democratic race for U.S. House seat
Idaho 2018 primary election: Boise real estate agent Christina McNeil holds a commanding 70 percent early lead in a three-way race for Democratic nomination for US House, 1st Congressional District, replacing Raul Labrador. → Read More
Fulcher takes early lead in GOP race to replace Labrador in U.S. House
Idaho 2018 primary results: Meridian real estate broker Russ Fulcher took an early lead in the 7-way GOP race for Idaho's 1st Congressional District, US House. Winner in November will replace outgoing Rep. Raul Labrador. → Read More
Idaho approves first grizzly bear hunting season in more than 40 years
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved its first grizzly bear hunting season but only will allow one shot. → Read More
World's largest gold miner puts $38 million bet on new Idaho project
Barrick Mining, the largest gold miner in the world, buys 20 percent of Midas Gold. The $38 million investment is to get Stibnite mine near McCall, Idaho permitted. Midas would pursue environmental improvements to site mined in the past. → Read More
Idaho Power can take 1st step toward changing how it charges solar customers
The Idaho Public Utility Commission created a separate customer class for rooftop solar customers, though it said they may be cheaper to serve than normal customers on Idaho Power's grid. Net-metering advocates welcome a planned study. → Read More
Northwest rivers are warming. And that may threaten your favorite fishing spot
Global warming & Pacific Northwest fish: Salmon, trout anglers will have fewer places to fish over the next 40 years. Scientists at Forest Service's Rocky Mountain Research Station in Boise, Idaho say rivers warmed 1.8 degrees since 1976. → Read More
The Forest Service will soon have critical funds to prevent huge fires where you live
Wildfire disaster funding law, passed by Congress, gives Forest Service the money it needs to reduce the threat of fire to Western communities in the face of longer seasons, warmer summers, drier landscapes and larger burns. → Read More
As production dips, Idahoans are taking oil & gas protections into their own hands
Oil and gas production in Idaho: Questions remain about the size of our fields, play. Communities like Fruitland, Payette seek to protect health, safety and property values. 1 company, Alta Mesa, remains the sole producer in this state. → Read More
Miners agree this Idaho river is in danger. Their solution? More mining.
Environmental group American Rivers names Idaho’s South Fork of the Salmon River one of its endangered rivers for 2018 because of mining. Company Midas Gold says it can restore the stretch as part of gold, antimony mine plan. → Read More
Northwest could tear down 4 Snake dams & still have cheap, reliable power, says study
Study of removing 4 Snake River dams to help salmon, released April 4, 2018, concludes Pacific Northwest’s BPA can replace the power and capacity they provide with clean energy systems that maintain or improve grid reliability. → Read More
7 people in 1 race? GOP nod for Congress may rely on who you recognize
Idaho election 2018: GOP primary voters may know Russ Fulcher and David Leroy better than the other five Republican candidates for the 1st Congressional District US House seat, but many remain undecided. → Read More
This was Texas billionaires’ role in revising Idaho trespass law
Critics tried to pin Idaho trespass bill on Texas Wilks brothers who closed off 172,000 acres of forest land that previously had been popular with hunters, campers, snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts, unpopular move. Other landowners led. → Read More
This was Texas billionaires’ role in revising Idaho trespass law
Critics tried to pin Idaho trespass bill on Texas Wilks brothers who closed off 172,000 acres of forest land that previously had been popular with hunters, campers, snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts, unpopular move. Other landowners led. → Read More
What’s behind bitter Risch/Andrus rivalry? Vicious battles over political power, taxes
Andrus and Risch were political rivals in the 1980s when Idaho was more balanced between Democrats and Republicans. But Andrus usually won and never let Risch forget it. → Read More
Risch holds up spending bill, angry over naming of wilderness after former rival Andrus
Idaho Sen. Jim Risch held up a vote on the omnibus spending bill because it contained a piece of legislation to rename an Idaho wilderness area after former Gov. Cecil Andrus. → Read More