IFBF Opposed State’s Effort To Buy Private Land

Currently 70% of Idaho is controlled by the federal or state government, but that figure could move higher under House Bill 129.  Dex Lake of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation said this proposal would allow the state to purchase more privately owned acreage.

“Currently, when the state sells land, the money goes into the Land bank fund. The state has five years to reinvest that money into new land purchases. If they don't, the money moves into the permanent endowment fund, where it generates earnings for endowment beneficiaries but cannot be removed. House Bill 129 extends the purchase window from five years to 10 years, allowing the state even more time to buy private land.”

Lake said if the state wants to purchase lands from the federal government, the IFBF supports such efforts, adding that the state is a much better steward of its lands than the federal government is.  However, if the state wants to purchase privately owned land, the Farm Bureau will oppose such an effort.

“Over the past 10 years, state endowment lands have grown by 61,000 acres, while private land has shrunk below 30%, which is a very troubling trend.”

HB 129 cleared the House Thursday, by a 47-21-2 vote, and now moves to the Senate.

By the way, IFBF policy #45 opposes any net loss of private property in Idaho.

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