Because Freedom Can't Protect Itself

Idaho court rules for access to pollution plans

Idaho Conservation League v. Idaho Dept. of Agriculture – The state denied public access to nutrient management plans submitted to the Idaho Dept. of Agriculture by large Idaho cattle operations.  Representing the Idaho Conservation League, ACLU of Idaho cooperating attorneys challenged in state court the denial of public access to the records.  After two court hearings and the intervention by the Idaho Cattle Association on behalf of the Dept. of Agriculture, in March 2005 Judge Ronald Wilpur ruled for the ACLU that nutrient management plans are public records and not exempt from disclosure as “trade secrets”.  The state and the Cattle Assn. plan to appeal.  Boise attorney Dean J. (Joe) Miller serves as ACLU of Idaho cooperating counsel on the case, with the assistance of Boise attorneys Emil Berg and W. Anthony Park.