Conservationists, including Hailey-based Western Watersheds Project, hailed a change to rules governing state grazing leases as a "seminal decision."
The Idaho House and Senate Resource Committee approved and put into effect Wednesday a rule that permits conservationists to bid on grazing leases offered by the Idaho Land Board.
Previously, leases for about 1.8 million acres of land owned by the state in central and southern Idaho had gone to ranchers despite the fact that conservationists were offering more money for the leases.
That led to successful lawsuits from conservation groups against the state on the grounds that the Land Board is constitutionally required to maximize the income from the leases on these lands because the funds go to the state's public school endowment.
In 2008, Idaho reported a profit on the grazing lands of over $200,000, but according to Western Watersheds Project Executive Director Jon Marvel, the state also frequently loses money on these leases. By contrast, Marvel said, about 600,000 acres in northern Idaho administered by the Land Board and leased for timber production generate between $40 million and $80 million per year.
"The ranchers were paying around 50 cents per acre per year. They were not charged the market rate," Marvel said in an interview. "This decision affirms that competition is good. It's actually ironic that we had to argue that competition is good in Idaho."
Marvel said 120 leases expire per year. The application deadline for available leases is April 30, with the leases taking effect Jan. 1.
Marvel said that in the wake of the decision, conservationists would have to evaluate the different grazing allotments for their fishery and wildlife habitat, as well as determine if the lease would be affordable before bidding.
"It's a big victory. It establishes equal priorities for both ranchers and conservationists," Marvel said. "It should also lead to more revenue for public schools, which is obviously a good thing."
However, not all are excited about the new rules.
According to a report from the Associated Press prior to the Resource Committee's decision, Idaho Cattle Association President Carl Ellsworth expressed concern that new leasing rules could put some ranchers out of business.
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
