Promoting landscape scale conservation through science, education and engagement.

We are a non-profit organization on a mission to advance the conservation of the Pioneer Mountains and Craters of the Moon region of south-central Idaho. We believe people protect what they know, and what they love, so we aim to accomplish our mission by supporting and conducting scientific research on wildlife, ecosystems, and land management practices, and then sharing that information so landowners can make decisions that protect natural systems. We also offer opportunities for people to experience this landscape, particularly school groups and veterans.

The Institute was established in 2004 by Brian and Kathleen Bean, local ranch owners who had conducted extensive habitat and wildlife research and restoration projects on their own deeded and leased public lands. As their conservation programs increased in size and scope, they recognized the need for an independent non-profit that would promote and support more extensive research and conservation programs throughout the region.

The Institute’s core strength is conducting and catalyzing field studies that lead to conservation action. Our priority research topics include: wildlife migration, aspen ecology, landscape-scale monitoring, climate change, livestock grazing management, sagebrush steppe restoration, and noxious weed management.