Seth Hobbs

The meeting included several agenda items requiring board action or providing information. Key discussions involved seeking board approval to distribute 150 Idaho State Parks Welcome Packets to the crew of the future USS IDAHO during its commissioning ceremony. Another significant item involved a development update detailing progress on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and surplus funding allocated for recreation projects, tracking metrics like new campsites and boat slips, and outlining progress on facility construction. Finally, the board was asked to vote on the proposed redesignation of a section of the Idaho Centennial Trail near Big Creek to utilize a bridge crossing instead of a dangerous ford, rerouting the trail from Lookout Mountain Trail to follow Milk Creek Trail and Monumental Creek Trail. An update on the Draft FY26 to FY29 strategic plan was also presented for information only.

The key discussion topics for this special board meeting include the Call to Order, Roll Call, Welcome and Introductions. The agenda also lists action items for the Election of Officers and setting Board Meeting Dates, as well as sections for Board Comments, Old/New Business, and Public Comment.

The meeting focused on several action items following an executive session concerning the evaluation of a public officer, the acquisition of real property, and pending litigation discussions. Key actions included authorizing the Director to sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of the Twin Peaks Guest Ranch property (approximately 677.80 +/- acres) in Salmon, ID, to establish a new State Park, and authorizing the Director to negotiate and sign an In Lieu Fee Agreement with Lemhi County. The Board also approved the FY 2027 budget proposal, totaling an estimated $69,111,100, with specific adjustments to health benefit costs, RV Fund amounts, and IT replacement items.

The Quarterly Board Meeting included several action items. The Board approved the FY2026 priority-ranking lists for several grant programs, including Recreation Vehicle Grants, Waterways Improvement Fund Grants, Cutthroat Plate Fund Grants, Off-Road Motor Vehicle Grants, Motorbike Grants, Recreation Trails Program Grants, Mountain Bike Plate Grants, and Road and Bridge Fund Grants. The Board also approved the Strategic Plan update for FY2026 to FY2029, subject to amendments. Furthermore, motions were passed authorizing the director to sign final Development and Management plans with the Idaho Department of Lands for recreational facilities at East Fork Rock Creek and Henry's Lake State Park. Information items included updates on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, the Draft FY2027 Budget, the America 250 campaign, Theresa Perry's retirement, the Director's Report, and various staff reports. An executive session was convened to discuss matters related to potential litigation and personnel evaluation, concluding without decisions being made.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Director's Report covering deferred maintenance, Capitol Projects, and legislative activities. A significant action item involved approving the staff recommendations for calculating the January 1, 2026, lease rate for Heyburn Recreational Residence Sites and Float Homes, setting it at the contracted rate of 5% appraised value adjusted by CPI. The Board also received information updates on the expired land lease at Old Mission State Park with the BLM, the successful obligation of all $65 million in ARPA funds across 51 projects, and the performance metrics of the newly launched Recreational Management System. Staff reports covered communication strategies, timber sale proposals at Round Lake and other locations, financial status, and regional updates. During Old Business, a proposal was presented advocating for a $10 increase to the State Parks passport to fund non-motorized trail collaboration and maintenance. The Board convened an executive session to discuss personnel matters, property acquisition, and legal ramifications.