No matter your political affiliation, we can all agree on one thing: Idaho’s outdoors are essential tour way of life. Conservation Voters for Idaho is dedicated to protecting and preserving our incredible outdoor landscapes, public lands, and access for generations to come.
Idaho’s public lands are under threat. Proposals at both state and federal levels seek to transfer or sell off these lands, often to private interests. Once sold, these lands are gone, forever. We fight to ensure these lands stay public, stay protected, and stay accessible
Here in Idaho, Congressman Mike Simpson, Senator Mike Crapo, and Senator Jim Risch have all voiced support for protecting our public lands. Now is the time for them to show that commitment through action.
With proposals like Senator Mike Lee’s land sell-off plan threatening tens of millions of acres of public land, including land right here in Idaho, we must make it clear:
Selling off our public lands is unacceptable: now, tomorrow, and forever.
Public lands are a cornerstone of our Idaho way of life. Let’s stand united to keep them public for generations to come.
In July of 2025, CVI commissioned Change research to conduct polling on public land sentiment in Idaho. This representative polling showed that more 96% of Idahoans want public lands in public hands. Polling also found that 87% of registered voters in Idaho opposed the amendment to the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which subsequently gained support from Congressional Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo. This polling has been instrumental in showing Idahoans support for public lands, with Senator Risch quoting our polling in the nomination hearing for Stevan Pearce. To learn more about this polling, click here.
Public lands are areas owned by the people, held in trust by government agencies. These lands are governed and managed by the federal government, but they do not own them; we, as Americans, own them. These lands are meant to serve the public interest: conservation, recreation, cultural preservation, grazing, and more.
In Idaho, over 60% of the land is public, including federal and state-managed areas.
Federal lands are managed by agencies like the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These agencies fall under the U.S. Department of the Interior or Department of Agriculture.
State lands are managed by the Idaho Department of Lands, typically to generate revenue for public institutions like schools through leasing, timber harvest, and grazing.
On March 22nd, 2025, Conservation Voters for Idaho hosted the 2025 Idaho Rally for Public Lands. Over 1,700 Idahoans attended the rally to advocate for their access to public lands and urge our Idaho delegation to sign on to the Public Lands in Public Hands Act. This rally was a massive success thanks to the Idahoans who shared information, showed up, and contacted our delegation. After the rally, Representative Mike Simpson signed on to the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, and alongside Rep. Zinke and Rep. Vasquez formed the Public Lands Caucus. This rally sparked something in Idahoans, and is only the start of Idaho’s advocacy for our public lands.
Idaho has 34.5 million acres of public lands that are managed by the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. These lands include premier hunting and fishing destinations, remote backcountry trails, and some of the most wild and unparalleled parts of the United States.
Idaho boasts more designated roadless wilderness than any other state in the lower 48, with four federally protected wilderness areas in addition to the renowned Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Surrounded by expansive national forests, these wild landscapes provide critical habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, deer, bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and raptors, along with countless small birds and mammals.
Idaho’s pristine waters are home to thriving fish populations, from ocean-going steelhead and salmon to wild trout and stocked game fish like bass and kokanee. With world-class blue-ribbon fisheries, anglers flock to legendary waters such as Henry’s Fork and Dworshak Reservoir, where record-breaking catches continue to impress. Whether you’re hiking remote trails, watching wildlife, or casting a line, Idaho’s public lands offer endless opportunities for adventure and conservation.
Advocates play a crucial role in protecting and expanding access to public lands. Here’s what you can do:
Speak up for strong public land protections by supporting CVI’s legislative priorities and taking action during key policy moments.
Mobilize your community with CVI through local events and advocacy campaigns that build a stronger conservation movement.
Support conservation-minded leaders endorsed by CVI who will fight for Idaho’s lands, waters, and outdoor heritage.
Share your story with CVI to help us highlight the importance of land conservation in newsletters, social media, and legislative testimony.
Join forces with CVI and our partners to protect access and ensure Idaho’s lands stay in public hands.
