For those following House Bill 496, here is a brief review and update.
The concern, as brought to our attention by the Friends of Harriman State Park, is that House Bill 496 could potentially violate the Harriman Gift Agreement (HGA, or “Agreement”) condition that requires the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation staff be chosen based on merit. House Bill 496 would shift the authority to appoint the directors of the departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Corrections from a Board to the Governor of Idaho. The Idaho State Attorney General has reviewed the bill and has released a legal opinion stating that the bill does not violate the Harriman Gift Agreement. However, as with most legal matters, other opinions are possible.
The bill is currently in General Orders where House members will work together until there is a majority consensus to amend it, move it, or vote on it. Because other legal opinions may differ on whether the bill violates the Agreement, we think it prudent that the bill be amended to remove all reference to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
If You’d Like to Get Involved
If you are a resident of Idaho, you may contact your representatives directly by phone or email to request they amend House Bill 496 to no longer include the Department of Parks and Recreation. Find your local representatives by following the “Who’s My Legislator” link below:
You may also contact members of the State Affairs Committee, by following the link below, then clicking on the “Members” tab. Their email addresses are provided.
For non-Idaho residents, you may contact representatives of the State Affairs Committee or legislators who represent the Island Park area as someone who values Harriman State Park and contributes to the local economy. Type in an Island Park address or zip code (83429) in the “Who’s My Legislator” link above to find those representatives.
Thank you and we will continue to provide additional information as we learn more.
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For those following House Bill 496, here is a brief review and update.
The concern, as brought to our attention by the Friends of Harriman State Park, is that House Bill 496 could potentially violate the Harriman Gift Agreement (HGA, or “Agreement”) condition that requires the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation staff be chosen based on merit. House Bill 496 would shift the authority to appoint the directors of the departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Corrections from a Board to the Governor of Idaho. The Idaho State Attorney General has reviewed the bill and has released a legal opinion stating that the bill does not violate the Harriman Gift Agreement. Read the AG Opinion Here. However, as with most legal matters, other opinions are possible.
The bill is currently in General Orders where House members will work together until there is a majority consensus to amend it, move it, or vote on it. Because other legal opinions may differ on whether the bill violates the Agreement, we think it prudent that the bill be amended to remove all reference to the Department of Parks and Recreation.
If You’d Like to Get Involved
If you are a resident of Idaho, you may contact your representatives directly by phone or email to request they amend House Bill 496 to no longer include the Department of Parks and Recreation. Find your local representatives by following the “Who’s My Legislator” link below:
You may also contact members of the State Affairs Committee, by following the link below, then clicking on the “Members” tab. Their email addresses are provided. For non-Idaho residents, you may contact representatives of the State Affairs Committee or legislators who represent the Island Park area as someone who values Harriman State Park and contributes to the local economy. Type in an Island Park address or zip code (83429) in the “Who’s My Legislator” link above to find those representatives.
Talking Points
Here are a few pieces of information that may be helpful if you choose to craft an email or make a phone call.
– An economic value study conducted in 2004 estimated boating and fishing contributed $50-$60 million in annual economic activity in the Henry’s Fork watershed (approximately $29 million contributed by the Henry’s Fork and Henry’s Lake fisheries alone), and Harriman State Park provides access to the most popular section of the Henry’s Fork fishery, the Ranch. Anglers come from all across the world to fish this section of river.
Thank you and we will continue to provide additional information as we learn more.
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