[Vision2020] Idaho's State Quarter Features falcon

[Tom Hansen]

>From the September 2005 archive of the Spokesman Review -

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Idaho state quarter finalists picked
Here they are - the five winning quarter designs that will compete for Gov.
Dirk Kempthorne's nod to go on the tails side of Idaho's state quarter.
Kempthorne selected the five finalists - all descriptions, rather than
drawings, per U.S. Mint rules - from among more than 1,200 submissions. Now
the Mint will draw up designs to match each suggestion, and then the guv
will make the final selection. Here are the descriptions along with the
governor's rationale and comments on each one:

PEREGRINE FALCON 

"In a style similar to the new Jefferson Nickels, the head or head and
shoulder profile of a peregrine falcon protrudes from the left side of the
coin. Detail is minimal, with the exception of the falcon's eye, which is
clear and imposing. Its curved beak is slightly open. The state's motto
"Esto Perpetua" is written in the open space to the right."

Idaho hosts the 485,000-acre Birds of Prey National Conservation Area,
extending 81 miles along the Snake River. The state is also home to the
World Center for Birds of Prey. Between 1970 and 1999, over 4,000 peregrine
falcons were raised and released to the wild, thus leading to the recovery
of the species and delisting of the raptor from "endangered" status. It may
now be seen anywhere in Idaho, from rocky canyon walls to the heart of our
capital city. Our state's motto, "Esto Perpetua," which means "may it be
forever," is a fitting message to accompany the recovered species.

"This magnificent raptor's story is one that deserves to be memorialized,"
Kempthorne said. "Its successful return is a great source of pride for Idaho
and is indicative of our state's passion for its flora and fauna."

SAWTOOTH MOUNTAINS 

"The snow-capped Sawtooth mountain range occupies the uppermost portion of
the coin. A rocky river winds its way from the mountains, narrow at the top
and widening to the right as it descends, subtly creating the outline of the
State of Idaho. Tall Ponderosa Pine trees speckle the landscape. Our motto,
"Esto Perpetua," is written to one side."

Idaho's rugged Sawtooth Range, aptly named for its striking resemblance to
the rakers on a felling saw, is among the more recognizable landscapes in
Idaho. The 30-mile mountain range has 33 peaks over 10,000 feet and is
contained within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.

"As the design submissions attested, there are few places in Idaho that are
more beloved than the spectacular vistas of the grand Sawtooth Mountains,"
Kempthorne said. "Its panoramic grandeur belongs to all Idahoans and would
be a worthy symbol of Idaho's rugged beauty."

FARMLAND TAPESTRY 

"A mosaic is created from an aerial view of various crops and orchards.
plowed ground alternates with fallow or planted ground in strips or
sections. On the horizon, Idaho's majestic timber-covered mountains rise
from the farmland."

Idaho is an agricultural state with dryland grain crops (wheat, peas) and
irrigated row crops (potatoes, sugar beets, corn, onions). From an aerial
perspective, the farmlands resemble a patchwork quilt, a tapestry of
contours leading right up to the base of the Idaho Rockies. Our people are
also very much a tapestry of cultures.

"Idaho's rich agricultural heritage is an early and continuing foundation of
our state's prosperity and spirit," Kempthorne said. "Agriculture is a large
part of who we are and who we will be for generations. It, too, is a worthy
symbol of Idaho's essence."

STATE SONG

"The outline of the State of Idaho is centered on the quarter. The first two
lines of the chorus of Idaho's state song [And here we have Idaho, Winning
her way to fame] are written on either side of the state's outline."

The chorus of Idaho's state song is familiar to all Idaho school children
and begins with the words "And here we have Idaho, Winning her way to fame."
As Idaho continues to grow and prosper, this refrain gathers meaning and
inspires a sense of achievement. 

"The simple image of the state's outline, coupled with the wonderful words
of our state song says everything about our past, present and future,"
Kempthorne said. "It's striking and poetic in its simplicity and meaning."

BOLD AND DISTINCTIVE

"The word, Idaho, is written prominently across the center of the coin. Each
of the letters can be depicted in a way that defines the natural beauty and
rugged individualism found in our state." 

"Idaho's quarter should be distinctive," Kempthorne said. "This simple, bold
design would stand out in a way reminiscent of our state's character and way
of life."

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
sideways, chocolate in one hand, a drink in the other, body thoroughly used
up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO. What a ride!'"



-----Original Message-----
From: Dan Carscallen [mailto:areaman at moscow.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, July 26, 2006 7:06 AM
To: 'Tom Hansen'; 'Joan Opyr'; 'Moscow Vision 2020'
Subject: RE: [Vision2020] Idaho's State Quarter Features falcon

Tom says:
"At least it ain't a bronco or a potato, huh?"

Yeah, maybe not, but I'm a bit disappointed.  I'd have rather even just
had a picture of the state than a dang ol' falcon.  State raptor?  What
the heck?  I would have liked to see what the other options were.

DC