Idaho Environmentalist Dies From Parkinson’s

Environmentalist William R. “Bill” Meiners, who was instrumental in the formation of Idaho wilderness areas and the Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Area, has died at his Boise home of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 74.

Longtime environmentalist friend Bruce Bowler said Meiners “has made great contributions to the public lands policies of Idaho and our nation” during a lifetime of work.

Meiners was raised on an eastern Oregon ranch and worked in environmental matters for the U.S. Forest Service, Soil Conservation Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Land Management, before retiring from the BLM in 1972.

A memorial service will be held Thursday in Boise.