An enduring environmental legacy

For almost thirty years, you’ve supported the incredible conservation legacies of dozens of private landowners across the region. We’ve had the privilege to share these stories of stewardship, history, and love of the land, learning firsthand from families who have made conservation a personal mission. Some, however, prefer to quietly do this good work, their impact revealed only after the curtain has fallen.

One such individual was Charles "Chuck" Broscious, who passed away in late 2022.

Although Chuck was not a regular face at Palouse Land Trust (PLT) events, he remained a quiet yet thoughtful supporter of our work. As a reader of our monthly e-news and someone who had been in contact with PLT about placing a conservation easement on his land outside of Troy, he took careful, deliberate steps towards ensuring the long-term protection of his beloved property. His final act of generosity spoke volumes about his deep connection to the land he loved.

"Chuck and other community members founded Hanford Watch in 1986," recalls Gitta Bridges, a long-time member of the group. "In the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, people on the Palouse were increasingly concerned about the nearby Hanford Nuclear Site, part of the Manhattan Project near the Tri-Cities in Washington."

When the Department of Energy began public hearings on Hanford's continued operations, Chuck and his group, along with many residents of the Palouse, voiced their concerns. Their activism contributed to the decommissioning of Hanford's plutonium production, a key step toward addressing the global threat of nuclear weapons. Over time, Hanford Watch evolved into the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI), with Chuck remaining a steadfast advocate for nuclear disarmament.

Even as PCEI expanded its focus, Chuck’s passion for ridding the world of nuclear weapons never wavered. He founded the Environmental Defense Institute and worked alongside local and national organizations to expose the Department of Energy's operations at Idaho's National Engineering Laboratory.

Throughout his life, Chuck was a tireless advocate for environmental justice, as well as a protector of the local landscape. In his final years, he made a monumental commitment to both the Palouse and north-central Idaho by leaving his beautiful 40-acre property to the land trust upon his passing. His wishes were clear: the land was to be permanently protected by a conservation easement.

Thanks to your generous support, Chuck’s dream became a reality this year. His beloved forested haven off White Pine Flats Road will remain protected forever, ensuring that his vision of conserving the natural beauty of the region will endure for generations to come. Additionally, the proceeds from the sale of his estate will be reinvested into ensuring even more conservation impact, strengthening the mission Chuck so firmly believed in.

When asked why Chuck was so deeply committed to protecting his land and donating it to PLT, his close friend Kappy Brun offered this reflection: “Chuck felt at peace surrounded by nature and reveled in its beauty. His home, his property, was his refuge, his grounding, joy, and solace, particularly when he found the world burdened with too many injustices and unkindnesses.”

Though we never had the opportunity to meet Chuck in person, we are honored to carry forward his legacy. His quiet yet profound generosity will continue to inspire conservation efforts across the region. And every time we head out in "Giddy (Up)," the trusty 1995 Nissan pick-up he donated to the land trust, we are reminded of the lasting impact one person can have.

With Chuck's enduring love of the land guiding our work, we are committed to upholding the same care and passion for protecting these precious landscapes that he held so dear.