STATUS : THIS BILL HAS PASSED BOTH BODIES AND IS AWAITING SIGNATURE FROM THE GOVERNOR.
This legislation would allow for existing statute to provide for certain grazing permits, in the instance of land aquired from the federal government in state land exchange.
You can read full bill text HERE
Background: This legislation would allow certain state grazing leasholders to be eligible to apply for conversion of a lease to a permit. The qualification of this eligibility would be narrowed to permitees impacted by a federal/state land exchange. While a lease indicates a term for grazing allowance (and moreover, the opportunity for a lessee to lose said lease to conversion), a permit eligibility is based on responsibility of permittee to maintain terms of agreement.
Why is this important to cattle producers in Idaho?
State grazing leases are attributed to 260,348 AUM in Idaho. Numerous benefits can be attributed to grazing, including economic infusion locally, increased environmental sustainability of public lands, and decreased cost to the state for maintenance in various forms. This legislation could result in a large benefit of increased stability for an Idaho cattle producer.
Does ICA support this proposed bill?
ICA does not have an official position on this proposed legislation. However, it is important to note that this has the potential to impact grazing rights & some members could be directly affected.
How do I take action?
We encourage comment by those interested members & supporters! While ICA is not submitting formal comments, you can utilize the following verbiage in crafting your commentary. Comments would be submitted to your respective legislators, as well as members of the Idaho House of Representatives.
Sample verbiage:
As an Idaho cattle producer/supporter of the industry, I would request your ACTION for SB1243. Idaho’s cattle producing families contribute significantly to the state economy through the purchase local goods, support the state endowment fund through payment of AUM fees, improve the habitat for wildlife & sensitive species, and reduce the cost to the state by providing maintenance that includes water improvement, fire reduction and weed management. Your support of this legislation would allow for ranchers to receive the benefit of a stable permit structure & retained real estate value, in return for responsible stewardship of state lands.
