The Problem
Idaho's state parks, trails, lakes, and outdoor recreation areas generate revenue but are underutilized and underfunded in many locations. Many sites lack basic amenities, marketing, or partnerships that could increase visitor numbers and income. Local communities often miss out on economic benefits from tourism because state management is centralized and slow to adapt. Current revenue from fees, concessions, and leases is limited, leaving potential dollars on the table while rural areas struggle and parks face maintenance backlogs.
What I'll Do Day One as Governor
Sign an executive order to boost tourism and outdoor recreation revenue using existing resources and authority. Right away:
Direct the Department of Parks and Recreation and Department of Lands to inventory underutilized recreation sites and identify opportunities for limited private concessions (such as guided tours, equipment rentals, or food services) with revenue split seventy percent to local communities and thirty percent to the state.
Require any major concession or development on non-wilderness state recreation land to include a binding local referendum in the affected county for approval.
Partner with local governments and chambers of commerce to promote Idaho tourism through existing marketing funds, with emphasis on rural and lesser-known sites.
Launch pilots in three to five state parks or trail systems to test concession partnerships and revenue sharing, with results posted on Transparent Idaho in ninety days.
Use revenue from increased tourism fees and concessions to fund park maintenance and rural community projects (no new spending required).
This uses powers I already have under executive oversight of state agencies and existing land and parks management statutes. No new laws needed first.
How This Is Different From Now
Right now, state recreation sites often operate with limited marketing, few partnerships, and revenue that stays in general funds instead of benefiting local communities. Concessions are rare or slow to approve, and rural areas see little economic return from tourism. This way actively seeks partnerships, gives locals final say through referendums, and directs a majority of new revenue back to communities. It enforces existing land management rules more effectively, increases income without selling public lands, and ensures tourism benefits Idahoans directly.
What I'll Push the Legislature For
Easy laws to make it permanent:
Codify revenue-sharing rules for concessions on state recreation land (seventy percent local, thirty percent state).
Require binding local referendums for major concession or development proposals on non-wilderness state recreation land.
Authorize matching grants from tourism revenue to rural communities for infrastructure or marketing tied to recreation sites.
Mandate annual public reporting of tourism revenue, concessions, and local benefits on Transparent Idaho.
No big new spending. Increased revenue from concessions and fees covers any small administrative costs.
How We'll Check It Works
We will keep it honest with:
Public postings on Transparent Idaho showing concession agreements, revenue generated, local shares, and park improvements.
Regular audits of revenue collection, partnership performance, and local fund use.
Citizens Task Force to review concession proposals, take input from local communities and visitors, and recommend adjustments.
Yearly report showing increased visitor numbers, revenue growth, local economic impact, and park maintenance investments.
Everything open for anyone to look at and ask about.
Answers to Common Questions
Won't concessions commercialize public lands too much?
No. Concessions are limited to non-wilderness areas, require local referendum approval, and focus on low-impact services (such as rentals or guided tours). Recreation lands remain public and accessible.
How do we make sure locals get the majority of revenue?
The executive order and proposed laws mandate a seventy percent local split. Public reporting and audits ensure compliance.
What if a community votes against a concession?
The proposal stops. The binding referendum gives locals the final say.
Does this cost taxpayers more?
No. Revenue from concessions and increased fees funds improvements. No new taxes or spending are required.
How does this connect to the budget reform?
Increased tourism revenue adds to general funds and can support budget reallocations for frontline services.
How does this connect to regulatory and permitting streamline?
Faster permitting for concession infrastructure (such as trails or access points) reduces costs and speeds up revenue generation.
How does this connect to agency performance audits?
Audits verify revenue collection, partnership performance, and local benefit distribution.
What about environmental protection?
All concessions must comply with existing environmental laws. The Citizens Task Force and public input ensure low-impact development.
How will we know if it is working?
Public reports on Transparent Idaho will track visitor numbers, revenue growth, local shares, and park improvements. Citizen input helps measure real impact.
What if concessions favor large corporations?
Preference goes to local and Idaho-based operators. Local referendums give communities veto power over any proposal that feels too corporate.