Call to Action: Help Support Idaho State Parks

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Governor Brad Little and Idaho need your help.

Governor Brad Little has recommended Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation be awarded $100 million in state surplus (FY 2023) funds for (one-time) projects addressing the backlog of deferred maintenance and the need for expanding recreational capacity and opportunity in Idaho. This, along with the department’s $68.8 million base budget approved by the Joint Finance Appropriation Committee (JFAC) on Tuesday, would be the largest investment ever in our state parks. We have received word this request by Governor Brad Little is being held up in JFAC. Maintaining recreational infrastructure and increasing recreational capacity are both necessary components if Idahoans are to enjoy quality outdoor recreational experiences now and in the future.

As you know, our state parks, trails, forests, rangelands, and waterways are valued resources that make Idaho an attractive place to work, play, and live. In 2021, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that outdoor recreation in Idaho accounts for 2.8 billion of Idaho's GDP—no small contribution to Idaho's economy. It is clear there is a continuing need for the maintenance of infrastructure. And, with our growing population, there is a need to increase recreational capacity.

Idaho, our open spaces, and Governor Brad Little need your help. We are inviting you to contact JFAC committee members and encourage them to pass the (one-time) supplemental budget requested by Governor Little in support of Idaho's parks and outdoors.

You can make a difference! Please take a few minutes to contact members of JFAC. Their contact information is listed below.

Sincerely,

Skylar Jett, Executive Director

Members of JFAC:

Guest UserMarch 8, 2023