March 16, 1994
Wood River Journal
EDITORIAL
Kids lose out to state's cowboy coalition

If there were ever any doubt as to who controls the Idaho Legislature, consider House Bill 912. It's legislation written by a special interest group, for a special interest group and enjoys a frightening amount of support. As written this legislation would effectively prevent anyone but ranchers from bidding on grazing leases on state-owned land. While the livestock industry has long viewed these land leases as an inherited birth right, this bill would safeguard the sacred cow status under Idaho Code. It goes without saying this legislation was written to prevent a re-run of the contested lease auction between Challis rancher Will Ingram and Jon Marvel's group, Idaho Watersheds Project. This group wanted to lease a 640-acre tract of land in Custer County and fence off 40 acres to document the environmental impact of livestock grazing on public lands. If this legislation passes, land leases would no longer be awarded to the highest bidder, instead, the state land board would use a list of criteria which only a cowboy could love to evaluate the qualifications of the applicant. Moreover, the legislation includes an escape clause which allows "for any reasons which, in the judgment of the state board of commissioners, justify the rejection of said bids." Who loses under this legislation? The school children of ldaho, who are effectively subsidizing the cattle industry. In order for the state school endowment fund to receive maximum revenue from these land leases, competitive bidding must be encouraged. House Bill 912 does the opposite and should be defeated.

We encourage readers to call Representatives Clint Stennett and Pattie Nafzinger at (208) 343-2000 to voice their opinions. DJG