Bill > H0910

This bill establishes a new chapter in Idaho law to create "managed recreation opportunities" on state endowment lands, which are lands granted to Idaho upon statehood to generate revenue for beneficiaries like public schools. The bill mandates that the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) collaborate to identify suitable endowment lands, develop plans for these opportunities, and manage them. These opportunities, which can include camping, parks, and trails, are intended to generate revenue while protecting existing land uses and public access. Both the Board of Land Commissioners and the Park and Recreation Board must approve any managed recreation plan, ensuring it benefits endowment beneficiaries, aligns with recreation goals, and does not harm existing rights. Fees collected by IDL for these opportunities will go to the endowment beneficiaries, while fees collected by IDPR will fund recreation programs. The departments will jointly report annually on the performance of these managed recreation opportunities. Importantly, this bill does not transfer ownership or management authority of endowment lands from the IDL to the IDPR.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Ways and Means Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0910/