Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Oral History Project
The Working History Center partnered with the Frank Church Institute and Boise State Special Collections and Archives to record and preserve oral history interviews with some of the actors involved in the establishment of the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness — the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states. This oral history project seeks to develop broad and deep appreciation of “The Frank” as an extraordinary place, an exemplar of astute politics and coalition-building, and a unique manifestation of the spirit of Idaho. The project received additional support from the Idaho Humanities Council. Commemorative poster (above) available from the Frank Church Institute.
Narrators
- Larry LaRocco, North Idaho field organizer on the staff of Senator Frank Church
- Doug Scott, regional representative for the Sierra Club during the campaign
- Fred Hutchinson, legislative liaison and staff assistant for Senator Church
- Ralph Maughan, Sierra Club, Idaho Environmental Council, and River of No Return Wilderness Council
- Andy Weissner, counsel to the House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Public Lands
- Jack Trueblood, son of Ted Trueblood, president of the River of No Return Wilderness Council
- Jerry Jayne, president of Idaho Environmental Council
- Dennis Baird, Idaho Environmental Council, River of No Return Wilderness Council
- Norm Guth, president of Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association
- Kit (Caples) Kimball, staff of Senator Jim McClure
Audio Files and Transcripts
The complete project, including all audio files, transcripts, and indices, will be preserved by and available from Boise State Special Collections and Archives.