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 in the Idaho Senate 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.
A paradigm shift
Not long ago, the Idaho Legislature, and other governing bodies across the West, were hell bent on taking over federal lands and putting them under state control. A multi-year study committee was established in Idaho to look into the feasibility of state takeover. Numerous bills and hearings were convened to demand that the federal government “give back” lands to the states.
Nothing has galvanized hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts more than this one singular issue. Rallies convened at State Legislatures throughout the West to push back on this horrible idea. And while the immediate threat of transfer was avoided, embers still smoldered for some.
The idea of transfer or sale of the federal estate still has its supporters. Massive BLM land sales were proposed in Congress during the budget reconciliation in 2025. But there’s another truth we need to be clear about: Transferring these lands to the State of Idaho is not a realistic solution. In Idaho, managing 32 million acres of federal land is an undertaking measured in billions of dollars. Even in good 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.
Again and again, those that care about our public land turn out in droves to oppose these efforts.
Some politicians are listening. This year, memorials were passed in both Wyoming and Idaho supporting the Public Lands in Public Hands Act and asking their congressional delegations to oppose land sales. In Idaho, SJM 111 did not receive one NO vote on the Senate floor.
But the idea is not dead. While the polling backs up what we already know, that the sell off of public lands is deeply unpopular, there are those still in positions of power that will continue these efforts. If they win, we lose.
We need to remain vigilant and engaged and make our voices heard.
Protect Public Lands
Tell your members of Congress to keep public lands in public hands.