Idaho Business for the Outdoors Support Idaho Parks and Recreation Budget

As you know, our state parks, trails, forests and waters are significant economic drivers for our urban and rural communities in Idaho. In 2020, state parks and recreation contributed $1.2 billion to Idaho’s economy and served 7.7. million visitors. It is clear with increased usage and visitation to Idaho's state parks that there is a growing need for employees, maintenance and infrastructure to support these valuable resources. Idaho Business for the Outdoors is advocating for the increased spending authority proposed in the 2023 Idaho Parks and Recreation Budget to help address these needs. The proposed budget is a return to 2008/2009 budget levels for Idaho Parks and Recreation. Idaho's population has grown by nearly 30% since 2008, pressuring our state parks to serve more visitors each year with fewer resources.

Governor Little's State of the State address announced his Leading Idaho Initiative. In the Governor's plan, the state's $1.9 billion surplus is redistributed to a variety of projects from education to roads and infrastructure. He specifically referenced water quality, fire management and better access to outdoor recreation.

Businesses leverage the quality of life represented by Idaho’s outdoors in their marketing and recruitment, individuals and families love our unrivaled recreation opportunities, and health care systems advocate for the health benefits of time outside. A healthy, sustainable economy goes hand in hand with access to state parks, public lands and the outdoors. Our way of life here is, in part, thanks to Idaho Parks and Recreation.