In Idaho, support for keeping public lands in public hands isn’t just strong—it’s overwhelming.
Recent polling shows roughly 96 percent of Idahoans back the idea that these lands should remain accessible to all of us. That makes sense in a state where more than 60 percent of the landscape—over 32 million acres—is public land.
These places are where generations of Idahoans have learned to hunt, fish and explore. They are also where our rivers begin, producing the cold, clean water that sustains world-class fisheries and the communities that depend on them.
Public lands are the great equalizer. Out there, it doesn’t matter if you’re a janitor or a CEO—everyone stands on the same ground with the same opportunity.
And these lands don’t belong to only those who live nearby. Whether you call Salmon, Idaho home or you’re making the trip from Burlington, Vermont, the promise is the same: if you can get there, you can experience it.
That’s what makes public lands uniquely American—and uniquely worth defending.
And defending is just what Idaho did
In the 2026 session of the Idaho Legislature, there were many discussions about public lands. A pro-public lands memorial (SJM111) was introduced by Senator Treg Bernt (R-Meridian) and passed both chambers of the legislature with overwhelming support.
The memorial underscores what we all know: public lands are central to Idaho’s identity, its outdoor traditions and its economy—and once they are gone, they are gone for good.
The legislation is a clear message to the United States Congress and Idaho’s delegation that Idahoans value access, shared stewardship and the long-term benefits these lands provide to communities, hunters and anglers and local economies across the state.
The following remarks made by Senator Bernt on the Senate floor capture exactly why that matters.
”Friends… colleagues… fellow Idahoans
Long before this state was fully mapped and before many of our counties had names, Idaho was entrusted with something rare: Not a trust fund. Not a fortune. But land. Rough, vast, stubborn land. Land held in common. Public land.
Land that doesn’t give much unless you work for it. Land that teaches you something if you’re willing to listen. And so Idaho learned early what it means to live with public lands.
We learned that the timber in the north wasn’t just majestic scenery. It built our towns. It kept our mills running. And it paid the bills.
We learned that untamed canyons weren’t just empty space. They carry our water. They irrigate our fields. They shoulder tens of thousands of whitewater enthusiasts driving an economic engine for many of our rural communities.
We learned the sagebrush rangelands were more than miles of wind and sky. They fed livestock through droughts and storms and generations. And they fed the ranch communities that live through those droughts and storms and generations.
And we learned that the wildlife roaming these lands are not just resources. They’re a right. A right every Idahoan can exercise, not just the wealthy and well-connected.
These lands are not idle and they are not empty. They are working lands supporting more than $15 billion in economic activity each year through grazing, timber, mining, hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. They help keep rural Idaho functioning.
Simply, these lands are part of our identity as Idahoans. And here’s an even simpler truth: When public land is sold, it does not come back. Not next session. Not next generation. Not ever.
But there’s another truth we need to be clear about: Transferring these lands to the State of Idaho is not a realistic solution either. Managing 32 million acres of federal land is an undertaking measured in billions. Even in better budget years, Idaho could not absorb these costs without either raising taxes, selling off significant portions of the land, or both. And once lands are sold, the public loses access permanently.
Transfers don’t solve the problem. They simply shift federal responsibilities onto state taxpayers with no way to sustain them.
That’s why I’m bringing forward Senate Joint Memorial 111, restating a long‑held Idaho position that these lands should remain in public hands, federally managed, with Idaho at the table as a priority partner. The memorial also recognizes our congressional delegation for consistently standing against proposals to sell or transfer these lands and encourages them to continue that work by introducing or sponsoring legislation like the Public Lands in Public Hands Act.
This isn’t about sentiment and it’s not about politics. It’s about our responsibility.
Because when you strip away the noise, stewardship is simple: You take care of what you’ve been given. You don’t sell off an asset because it’s hard to manage. You roll up your sleeves. You fix what needs fixing, whether it’s wildfire resilience, county funding, rangeland health, or land exchanges that actually work for the people who live closest to the land.
Idaho has always taken the long view. The view that these lands aren’t ours to hoard or to hock. They’re ours to manage wisely and hand forward in good working order.
So let us keep faith with those who came before us…and with those who will come after.
Let us keep Idaho’s public lands public. For the rancher. For the logger. For the outfitter. For the kid who hasn’t yet cast a line or followed an elk track into the timber.
For every Idahoan.
Thank you.”
