Every June, Pocatello hosts approximately 400 long-distance runners for Scout Mountain Ultras, a set of trail races ranging from 21 to 100 miles. An event of this scale has the potential to create large amounts of waste and degrade trails, but–as we learn on this week’s show–race organizers and volunteers work hard every year to ensure that the event has minimal environmental impact. Additionally, by educating runners on sustainable practices, giving out reusable items, and working with local businesses, race organizers hope to foster a community of what Luke Nelson–co-director of Scout Mountain Ultras and this week’s guest on Sustainable Idaho–dubs “renewable users.”
On Sustainable Idaho, we try to explore intersections between three “pillars” of sustainability: economic, societal, and environmental. This week’s show provides great insight into how sustainable outdoor recreation incorporates each of those pillars, and we hope that you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed producing it!
Further resources!
Portneuf Resource Council’s new website: portneufresourcecouncil.org
Scout Mountain Ultras website: https://scoutmountainultras.com/
For comments, topic suggestions, or more information, please reach out to Jessa at brigjes2@isu.edu and Emma at thacemma@isu.edu.
