IDAHO OUTDOOR RECREATION FUND ADVISORY COUNCIL
On December 22nd, the Outdoor Recreational Fund Advisory Council met to finalize the project's scores and recommendations. Chairwoman Jett started the meeting by discussing the scoring for the projects; she took an average of all project scores for the thirteen (13) council members with one exception: Mark Pratt, Idaho Cattle Association, did not vote on the Eastern Idaho Grazing Association project due to conflict of interest so the average for this project is based on twelve (12) member scores. She mentioned the top projects scored over 70%, with a lot coming close to that range.
Before voting, the council engaged in a lengthy discussion about various projects and comments/concerns that arose in the last meeting. Director Susan Buxton pointed out to the group it might be beneficial to leave some funds for unknown fees, specifically highlighting potential situations that could require legal aid from the Office of the Attorney General. She advised leaving around $2,500 in the fund for this.
Mr. Pratt mentioned the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) Henry’s Lake project and wanted to hear from Director Dustin Miller about the Idaho Department of Lands leasing options. Director Miller noted it is another hoop to jump through in the process, but he isn’t opposed to funding the project. It was explained the budget request change was due to a shift in tent structure; as it is a bear habitat, they opted for tent pads or more built structures than a simple tent. Director Buxton noted these parcels are directly next to the existing park, and many of the resources are already there.
Chairwoman Jett highlighted how some projects came back with lower projected costs and wants the Council to be mindful of this, especially when considering partial funding. Kari Kostka, The Nature Conservancy, asked Director Miller about leasing on endowment lands and what this looks like. Director Miller doesn’t believe East Fork Rock Creek will have a lot for competition, but it could be more challenging in places like Henry’s Lake, Ponderosa State Park, and Priest Lake State Park.
Director Jim Fredricks expressed his concerns about funding and would like a contingency plan if leasing falls through. Director Buxton discussed the funds do not have a sunset date and will carry over into the next fiscal year. Rep. James Petzke states his desire to fund the projects worth funding. Laurel Sayer, Perpetua Resources, would also like the council to stick with their work and fund what they can today but is okay with leaving some money in the fund. Director Buxton highlighted a potential opportunity for the council regarding the IDPR budget; pending approval, they can hold $5M in ARPA funds for the Council, but they would need to be obligated by 2025. Another component of this is the projects would need to be shovel-ready or question-ready.
The projects the council voted on are as follows:
Idaho Parks and Recreation – East Fork Rock: $1M
Idaho Parks and Recreation – Henry’s Lake: $750,000
Idaho Parks and Recreation – Horsethief Reservoir: $2M
Idaho For All: $112,500
Valley County Parks and Recreation – Boulder Lake Road: $250,000
Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation – Trail Restoration: $40,994
Payette Land Trust – White Pine Heights: $300,000
Eastern Idaho Grazing Association – Cooperative Management Recreation Area: $300,000
There was a discussion about the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Campaign with a $200,000 request. Rep. Petzke understands the need for this but believes there will be other funding sources for quagga mussels. Some in the council believe these funds were intended for other purposes, but they do want to show support for ISDA. Director Buxton stressed the importance of education and preventative measures with signing at boat launches and popular water recreation areas. The Council ultimately decided to hold funding until the next meeting to see how much other entities are appropriated towards quagga mussels.
Without funding the ISDA project, the Council has awarded $4,753,494 of the $5 million. If the $200,000 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Campaign is funded, this would leave $46,505 in the fund.
