Idaho State Parks at Risk

by Senator Brent Hill

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In an attempt to save money in an economically challenging time, Idaho's Governor has recommended the elimination of the Department of Parks and Recreation, with park maintenance transferred to the Department of Lands and the fees portion transferred to the Department of Fish and Game. The consolidation comes with a massive cut to funds for our state parks. And, worst of all, the action may violate the agreement that allows Idaho to own and operate Harriman State Park. What a travesty it would be to lose the 11,000 acres and eight miles of the Henry's Fork that constitutes Harriman State Park.

While I recognize the need to reduce the state budget, this is not the right place to make cuts. Of all agencies in state government, the Department of Parks and Recreation is among the most frugal, cost-effective and efficient. Hundreds of volunteers donate their time and resources to help maintain, manage and improve Harriman and the other twenty-nine state parks and recreation sites—all under the direction of the Department.

The health of our state and local economy depends a great deal on our state park system. The Henry's Fork alone generates an estimated $30 million in revenue to Southeastern Idaho's economy. Thousands of tourists flock to Idaho every year to enjoy the lakes and streams, the mountains and trails in our state parks. Many of our citizens' livelihoods depend on the millions of dollars in revenues generated by the tourism and recreation industries. Our state government, which claims to offer a business-friendly environment, must not ignore the effects of its decisions on our business community.

The governor claims that his recommendations are "based on a philosophy of government that recognizes our responsibility to individual Idahoans rather than to government itself." This philosophy is inconsistent with his proposal to turn our parks over to other busy agencies where they will become lower priorities. Our state parks belong to the people and, for the most part, the people want them maintained and made available for family, school, church and community activities. Our state parks provide opportunities for our citizens that no private facilities or organizations can. It is a proper role of state government that is charged with the stewardship of regulating the people's natural resources.

Most of us live in Idaho because of the wonderful way of life it provides. Hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and outdoor exploring are among the activities that attracted us to this area. Without a quality state park system, many of those types of activities would be reserved for the few rich enough to purchase them. Harriman and our other state parks belong to Idahoans. I, for one, am committed to preserving these great resources for all citizens to enjoy.