DECEMBER TOWN HALL RECAP
We’re pleased to report that we had a great turnout and robust agenda for our December town hall. Yet, before we delve into the nuts and bolts, let’s first take a look at some of the recent developments related to the 2025 Idaho Legislature.
Last week, lawmakers gathered in Boise for the legislative organizational session. Meetings over two days included Representatives and Senators – from both parties – electing leadership for the upcoming session. Veteran Speaker Mike Moyle was retained once again by his GOP caucus. Others in leadership roles include Jason Monks, Majority Leader, Josh Tanner, Asst. Majority Leader, and Jaron Crane as Majority Caucus Chair. For Democrats, Ilana Rubel was the choice for House Minority Leader, while Steve Berch was voted Assistant Minority Leader, and Todd Achilles was elevated to Minority Caucus Chair.
In the Senate, the GOP voted in Sen. Kelly Anthon, from Burley, for Pro Tem. Lori Den Hartog was elected Majority Leader, while Mark Harris will serve as Asst. Majority Leader and Ben Toews will be Majority Caucus Chair. On the other side of the aisle, Melissa Wintrow, from Boise, will be the Minority Leader for the Democrats. James Ruchti was voted to serve as Assistant Minority Leader and Janie Ward-Engelking will serve as Minority Caucus Chair.
The next order of business was for House and Senate leaders to appoint committee chairs and make committee assignments. Our immediate interest of course are natural resource committees. Van Burtenshaw was re-appointed Chairman of the Senate Resources and Environment, with Phil Hart serving as Vice Chair. On the House side, Ron Mendive will be Chairman of Resources and Conservation, with Charlie Shepherd as Vice Chair.
We have little doubt this version of leadership in both chambers is good for our caucus, and we’re confident we can work with lawmakers to protect and advance our interests over the next few months. For a full roster of the committees, visit these House and Senate pages.
Ok, on to the town hall agenda.
Chairman Burtenshaw, one of the legislators in attendance, started things off by sharing a recent meeting he organized with more than a dozen ranchers in eastern Idaho. The hot topic was the increase in grizzly depredations on livestock this year, and he said ranchers at the meeting reported more than 145 heads unaccounted for so far this year.
Mike Edmondson, Administrator for the Office of Species Conservation, followed up. He said a temporary rule put in place earlier this month is making state and federal money available for verified depredations due to wolf or grizzly bears, though the federal dollars are for wolves only. He also said he hopes to deplete the state fund by the end of January.
Edmondson also advised that the federal government has issued a new draft plan for sage grouse. While there are some aspects of the draft plan his office opposes, he is hopeful Western states can stall the review and have the incoming Trump administration make more favorable changes.
As the committee dealing with nonresident tags wraps up its work, let’s extend some appreciation for Sen. Harris, Rep. James Petzke, and Sportsmen board member Benn Brocksome for the time and energy they’ve given to the discussions. Harris shared that the committee is finding some common ground and working toward an equitable solution for nonresident hunters. The committee hopes to submit final recommendations to Fish and Game by Dec. 19th.
Board member Tim Frost provided a summary of the of the Hunting & Technology Advisory Board. Frost, who sits on the Sportsmen board, reported the group is committed to finding a unique Idaho solution to the use of more sophisticated technology by hunters in Idaho. Frost praised the diverse makeup of the committee and said the goal is to avoid over-regulation. The committee hopes to have a recommendation by March.
Jess Byrne, Director of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, discussed the agency’s work over the last decade to protect and improve clean water across the state. During this period, Byrne said more than $750 million has been allocated for clean water projects, with another $70 million devoted to contaminated sites. He said these projects and the goal of protecting and improving clean water are more important now as the state continues to grow and the pressure increases on clean water sources for various uses.
Marie Neumiller, from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, discussed a pair of big ballot box wins last month in two states. First, she cited the defeat of an initiative in Colorado seeking to ban big cat hunting. She also praised Florida voters for enshrining the right to fish and hunt into the State Constitution, making the Sunshine State the 24th nationally to make hunting, fishing and trapping a protected right of all citizens.
Brocksome pointed out how Idaho was one of the first states to protect the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers and said it’s important to take the lead and remain vigilant against any incursion on those rights. To Brocksome’s point, Neumiller mentioned an Oregon initiative that would have criminalized the injury or killing of animals, including farming, ranching, hunting, fishing, trapping, pest control, research, or teaching. It failed to qualify for the November ballot.
Representatives from Idaho’s U.S. Senate delegation were also in attendance. Casey Attebery, from Sen. Crapo’s office, said Crapo is expected to be appointed Chairman of the Finance Committee and will lead on spending. He also praised action in the House to pass America’s Conservation Act and said it contains money for conservation and livestock losses. Darren Parker from Sen. Risch’s office said conversations are ongoing about a one-year extension of the Farm Bill, which includes wildlife habitat resources.
Finally, our collaboration with Fish and Game and the Department of Health and Welfare on behalf of foster kids and families generated more than a dozen stories around the state, including this story by Eric Barker in the Lewiston Tribune.
For your calendars, our next town hall is scheduled for Jan. 7 at 6 p.m.
