Category: What’s going on in our Government:

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Idaho Non-Motorized Trails Initiative Legislative Recap and new Bill, HB487

Highlights of the bill and an invitation to hear about it follow:

LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
Sixty-eighth Legislature First Regular Session – 2025
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL NO. 487
BY PETZKE
AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATION;

…. ADDITION OF A NEW SECTION 67-7141, IDAHO CODE, TO CREATE A NONMOTORIZED
RECREATION FUND; …… TO ESTABLISH PROVISIONS REGARDING THE USE OF MONEYS IN THE NONMOTORIZED RECREATION FUND;….

….ANNUAL REGISTRATION. The annual fee for operating each
pickup truck, each neighborhood electric vehicle and each other motor vehicle having a maximum gross weight not in excess of eight thousand (8,000) pounds and that complies with the federal motor vehicle safety standards as defined in section 49-107, Idaho Code, shall be:
Vehicles one (1) and two (2) years old ………….………….$69.00
Vehicles three (3) and four (4) years old ………………….$57.00
Vehicles five (5) and six (6) years old …………………………$57.00
Vehicles seven (7) and eight (8) years old ………………$45.00
Vehicles over eight (8) years old …………………….………..$45.00

Of the above fees:

…. Ten percent (10%) shall be deposited into the nonmotorized recreation fund ….

...VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO FUNDS.

A resident or nonresident may make a voluntary donation to support:
The state snowmobile fund…
The cross-country skiing recreation fund …
The OHV recreation fund …
or
The nonmotorized recreation fund …

…Section 67-7141, Idaho Code, and to read as follows:
67-7141. NONMOTORIZED RECREATION — NONMOTORIZED RECREATION FUND
CREATED. There is hereby established in the state treasury a fund to be known
and designated as the nonmotorized recreation fund to be administered by the
director. The fund shall consist of moneys appropriated to it …, and such other moneys that may be provided by legislative appropriation.
…. The moneys derived from the nonmotorized recreation fund shall be used as follows:
(1) For the securing of special leases, use licenses, recreation easements, or permits or for the actual purchase of land under private, state, or federal ownership to be used for public recreational nonmotorized activity;
(2) For the securing, maintenance, construction, or development of trails and other public recreational facilities enhancing nonmotorized use on private, state, and federal lands;
(3) To finance the formulation and implementation, under the park and recreation board’s direction, of a nonmotorized user education program;
(4) To acquire applicable matching federal funds;
(5) To enforce the laws and regulations governing nonmotorized recreational opportunities in the state of Idaho; and
(6) To distribute to governmental entities, Indian tribes, and nongovernmental organizations through an annual grant process determined by
the department.

No more than fifty percent (50%) of moneys derived from the
fund shall be used for the grants …

DISTRIBUTION OF MONEYS. The parks and recreation service fee collected shall be distributed each month …

An invitation

I am reaching out to invite you to a meeting to discuss the legislative efforts on Non-Motorized trails funding over the last few months. HB57, which created a first of its kind Non-motorized trails funding was pushed through committee and ultimately pulled on the house floor before the vote and in the last hours of the Session HB0487 was introduced as a replacement, which covers all of recreation and affects both motorized and non-motorized trails as well as State Parks. I plan to give the highlights of the efforts for HB57 and its demise then go into the details of HB487 which will be voted on next year when the legislature comes back into session. 

Furthermore, I will be sending an additional meeting invite to the Idaho Recreation Councils meeting on June 28th. If you plan to attend, please RSVP. This will be a great opportunity to come together as an entire recreation industry from across Idaho to discuss this bill and other issues affecting recreation in Idaho. It will be a great time to discuss issues both motorized and non-motorized trails alike and find ways to improve all of our state’s recreation opportunities. Feel free to forward this meeting to other groups that would be interested in this discussion.  

Please see the zoom meeting info below as well as the attached legislation for your review. And let me know if there are any questions. 

The meeting is scheduled for June 28th from 10am to 3pm. Location TBD somewhere in Boise. We believe there will be a greater number of folks present as we bring the non-motorized group together with motorized and we will find a location suitable for the numbers as we determine a more accurate head count. 

If you plan to attend , Please email Sandra Mitchel at smitchel@alscott.com to RSVP for the June 28th IRC meeting.

Respectfully,
Dan Waugh
360-791-1591

Idaho Horse Council Administrator is also inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Non-Motorized Trails Legislation Update
Time: Apr 24, 2025 10:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89109943525?pwd=bzKeHF50wbJvdUDvbER0pra3SeUkRi.1

Meeting ID: 891 0994 3525
Passcode: 512561

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Meeting ID: 891 0994 3525
Passcode: 512561

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdOJhm09W0

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SUPPORT THE “Public Lands in Public Hands Act” To help save our public lands from being SOLD

Help save 32,000,000 acres, Look at this

Springtime is here and it’s a great time to be getting out on your amazing public lands! However, we cannot take these lands for granted— public lands takeover efforts remain a very real threat. Coming off the heels of an inspiring rally for public lands in Boise that drew over a thousand people, we are energized and ready to continue to protect our priceless public lands from transfer to the state and/or privatization. You can speak up to keep public lands in public hands today by following our easy take action link here.

Springtime is also baby animal season! The grass is greening up. Animals are returning and emerging from a winter slumber, and we are welcoming the newest pack members, from cubs to calves to chicks. Living in Idaho and the West means that we also live with the wonder and beauty of wildlife. This spring we have the opportunity to help shape how Idaho’s wildlife is managed for generations to come. Right now, the Idaho Fish and Game agency is embarking on a once-per-decade strategic planning effort and they are asking the public to weigh in. This is Idahoans’ chance to have their voice heard for a renewed approach to wildlife management across the state. Learn more below, take action, and attend a public meeting near you!

With the state legislative session (thankfully) wrapping up soon, ICL’s government relations team has been keeping a close eye on the last-minute flurry of bills. In particular, we strongly opposed Senate Joint Memorial 104 because it seeks to strip federally managed public lands (Camas National Wildlife Refuge) from public ownership and place them under state control. Unfortunately, the resolution (which is non-binding) just passed the Idaho House on Monday. You can visit our Take Action page for other ways to support our efforts in the statehouse.
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Save Our Public Lands

March 22 was a good turnout for SAVING OUR PUBLIC LANDS.

The Boise BCH was front and center! Keep up the good work!

per: CBS2 News:

On Saturday, Idahoans from across the state gathered at the Idaho Capitol to rally in support of public lands and oppose their privatization by special interests.

The event aimed to urge state leaders to safeguard these lands, which are integral to Idaho’s identity and economy, according to organizers.

“Idaho’s 32 million acres of public lands are the foundation of Idaho’s unique way of life and Idaho’s economy,” said John Robison, Public Lands & Wildlife Director for the Idaho Conservation League. “We live in Idaho for the freedom of enjoying our public lands—and the chance to pass this heritage on to our families and future generations.”

Public lands play a crucial role in Idaho’s economy, with outdoor recreation supporting over 37,000 jobs and contributing $3.96 billion in 2023. However, these lands face significant threats, including forest health issues, wildfire risks, and development pressures. Budget cuts and staffing shortages further strain the management of these lands.

“The future of our public lands is in jeopardy. Now is the time for our leaders to reject these dangerous efforts and make it clear that we will not follow the path toward privatization,” said Alexis Pickering, Executive Director for Conservation Voters for Idaho.

The rally, which began at 11 a.m., featured a range of speakers, including Representative Monica Church and actor Chance Rush, known for his role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Other speakers included Paul Mascuch, an Idaho falconer, and representatives from hunting interests.

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IDAHO’S RESPONCE (to public lands)

January 23, 2025 Good morning,

Thank you so much for your recent letter concerning the State of Utah’s lawsuit that our office supported over the federal ownership of undesignated Bureau of Land Management lands in our western states.   Many people contacted my office with letters of support, opposition, and general interest on the topic and I am grateful for the widespread engagement on this important issue.

On Monday, January 13, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear this case, so for now, this case regarding undesignated BLM lands is on hold.  However, the conversation about federalism, public recreation access, and management practices is one that our state and country need to have.  Regardless of your position, I am thankful for your communication and hope you stay engaged as we set priorities for Idaho lands together. 

I recently put out a newsletter on this topic and have included a link below.  It articulates my position as well as my concerns regarding federal ownership of Idaho lands and their management practices. It may address some of the concerns and correct some of the misinformation that was spread about the Utah lawsuit.

Labrador Letter – Idaho Lands in Idaho Hands

Again, thank you for reaching out on this important issue. 

Best regards,
        
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Help Save Our Public Lands

Please contact your State Representatives by mail and phone and ask them not to support the release of BLM managed land to state management.

Keep the message short (They don’t want personal details)

Tell them:

  1. You don’t support the release of public managed lands from the BLM to the State of Idaho.
  2. This land is where we recreate; Camping, Riding, Fishing, et. Look at how much revenue is spent on this activity in Idaho.
  3. The state cant afford to manage the land.
  4. If they support this, don’t count on a vote at the next election.

Go to “Your Legislator” tab to get phone numbers and addresses.

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UPDATE – More bad news on Public Lands – 1/8/2025

Received this from Karen Steenhof:

The State of Utah filed a motion to the Supreme Court, bypassing the District Court, asking that all “unappropriated” federal lands be turned over to the state.  Attorney General Raul Labrador filed an Amicus brief on behalf of Idaho, supporting Utah’s motion.  The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Friday January 10 and will decide on January 13 whether to take the case.  If they don’t, that won’t be the end because will probably go back to the District Court.   So, it is still important to speak up and contact Congressional representatives as well as Idaho legislators about how important it is to keep public lands in public hands.

Unappropriated lands include lands were not reserved for another purpose (i.e., a National Park, National Forest, National Monument, National Wildlife Refuge, or other designation like National Conservation Area).  Unappropriated lands comprise 9 million acres in Idaho—17% of all land in Idaho.

If the state gets title to unappropriated lands, it would not be able to afford what it takes to manage them.  The firefighting responsibilities alone would bankrupt the state, so they would be forced to sell off the lands or lease them to the highest bidders.  Privatizing the lands would eliminate public access for trail riding, hunting, fishing, hiking etc.

The comments recommended by ICL here: https://takeaction.idahoconservation.org/09a2aFx  are good.  My understanding is that going through this portal will get comments to Labrador, the Congressional delegation, and Idaho legislators.

Here is more information about the situation:  https://idahoconservation.org/blog/utah-files-the-big-one-lawsuit-seeks-to-seize-18-5-million-acres-of-public-land/  We can hope that the Supreme Court will dismiss Utah’s case, given that language in the Utah, Idaho, and other western states’ constitutions and statehood acts “forever disclaim[ed] all right and title to the unappropriated public lands lying within…”

I know that all of us have been frustrated by various BLM decisions and actions, but we can’t toss out everything because of a few bad decisions.

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Bad News on Idaho’s Public Lands – 1/2/2025

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador has submitted a brief to the U.S. Supreme Court supporting Utah’s latest attempt to take millions of acres of public land out of the control of Congress and instead have the Supreme Court designate other managers. The Attorney General is also asking the Supreme Court to declare the landmark 1976 law (FLPMA) that directs BLM to manage public lands for multiple use and sustained yield unconstitutional. 

In his brief, the Attorney General specifically called out for the transfer of 9 million acres of “unappropriated” BLM lands in Idaho. These are the classic BLM “multiple use, sustained yield lands” that make up the over 9 million acres of Idaho or 77% of BLM lands in the state. These are the same lands where Idahoans go to fill out their elk tag, go bird hunting, collect firewood for the winter, ride trails, and take their families camping. All it will take is for five of the nine justices to agree and Idaho’s heritage and our way of life could be lost forever. For example, State ownership would open the door to privatization, jeopardizing lands we use as a source of clean water for our communities, hunting, fishing, and recreation. We need you to speak up today – tell our decision-makers that you do not support this stance.

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USFS Southern Region Proposal for Increases in Camping and Trail Use Fees Link to USFS Web site.)

Proposal for Increases in Trail Use Fees. Ability to make comments has been closed, but you can still read about proposal. (Site Link)

Here is a brief recap of the proposal and how it will affect areas throughout:

  • A $10 fee would be good for three consecutive days. You would also be able to purchase a $60 annual forest-wide pass or an $80 “America the Beautiful” pass, which covers all federal recreation fee areas across the country, including national forests in the other states.
  • The fee would apply to locations with developed amenities like toilets, picnic tables, parking, fishing access and trash collection.
  • Money would be deposited into steel tubes similar to those already in place. 
  • It is estimated the program would raise an additional $1 million per year. 95% of the fees paid would remain with the forest and be used to maintain the sites and facilities and could be leveraged into grants to improve trailheads and surrounding areas, according to a Forest Supervisor. 

There are concerns.

These concerns include:

  • Selecting only certain sites to be fee-based could potentially push users to non-fee sites that could intensify use in the areas accessed by those sites where avalanche danger is greater and there are fewer parking spaces.
  • Where does enforcement start and end in places where roadside parking acts as overflow. Will more roadside parking be the result?
  • Will snow removal costs be used from the generated funds?  
  • Has a sno-park permit system been considered such as those in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington?
  • How do we ensure “America the Beautiful” pass fees support local sites?
  • Passes are for single vehicles; how do multiple car households manage a single pass?
  • Will the fees collected allow the USFS to permit shuttle companies to drop off and pick up people to help reduce congestion and parking conflicts in the canyons? 
  • The LCC EIS outcome remains uncertain and tolling is a component of either preferred alternative; how does tolling affect the fee proposal? Will the USFS be the beneficiary of some portion of those funds? Will users be charged twice?
  • Will there be more toilets at trailheads, or out in the popular drainages?
  • We would like to see at least a partial – ideally a full – summary or proposal of where the local FS Ranger District will target spending these new funds.  

See: Idaho Horse Council Activity under HOT TOPICS for more info.

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