1. Executive order detail

Gov. Brad Little in a July 26 executive order created the Idaho Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council.

The council will recommend projects designed to expand opportunities for outdoor recreation.

“Access to outdoor recreation is part of our way of life, and it is a key driver of our economy, especially in rural Idaho,” Little said in a release. “I’m proud of the significant investments we’ve made in outdoor recreation following record attendance at our state parks several years in a row.”

The council’s 13 members — to be appointed by the governor — will include members of his administration and the legislature as well as representatives of rural communities, ranching, agriculture, forestry, mining, general business, conservation, recreation, and fishing and hunting.

State parks attracted an average of 7.4 million visitors in 2020, 2021 and 2022, up 27% from the average for the previous five years, according to the governor’s office.

The Fish and Game, Parks and Recreation, and Lands departments will work together to propose projects, and identify and manage underused resources. Goals include improving recreation access and long-term economic sustainability.

The council, tapping part of the Parks and Rec fiscal 2024 budget set aside for working with other agencies, will recommend projects that expand opportunities for camping, fishing, hunting, using trails and pursuing other outdoor activities. The fiscal year started July 1.

The council will advise the governor and Parks and Rec Board, and focus on statewide outreach. The board will develop criteria for projects that the council will consider.

In the past few years, the legislature approved substantial spending to improve outdoor recreation infrastructure. Improving accommodation, expanding capacity and taking care of land were among goals. The money is from the American Rescue Plan Act and the state budget surplus.

State parks already tapped to receive funding include Farragut, $3 million for the Peterson Campground; Heyburn, $3 million for wastewater and water line improvements; Ponderosa, $2.5 million for Kokanee Cove renovations; Eagle Island, $11 million for an RV campground; Thousand Springs, $1 million for water line replacement at Ritter Island; Bear Lake, $1.2 million for East Beach electrical and water improvements; Harriman, $2 million for water and sewer improvements; and Henry’s Lake, $530,000 for water system improvements.