Portneuf River BCH chapter meeting.

When: 7:00 pm Thursday, August 20, 2026
Speaker: Justin Dayley*
First Aid for Human Injuries During Backcountry Horse Travel.
Where: Outdoor Adventure Center at Idaho State University, located on the lower level (first floor) of the Pond Student Union Building.
*Outdoor Adventure Center Director; Outdoor Education Program Liaison, Focus Areas: Outdoor Recreation Management

​Idaho Shifts Agency Oversight: SB 1300 Consolidates Executive Power
Idaho is moving away from decades of board-led agency management following the passage of Senate Bill 1300. Signed on April 2, 2026, the law transfers the power to appoint key state directors directly to the Governor, effective July 1.
Key Impacts:
  • New Gubernatorial Authority: The Governor will now hire and fire the directors of Fish and Game, Parks and Recreation, and the Transportation Department, subject to Senate confirmation.
  • Ending the 1938 Model: This overturns the science-based "merit system" established by the 1938 Fish and Game Initiative, which used independent citizen boards to insulate directors from political influence.
  • One Major Exception: The Department of Lands remains unchanged; its director still reports to the five-member State Board of Land Commissioners.
The Debate:
Supporters claim the move increases executive accountability. Critics argue it politicizes resource management and probably would jeopardize the 1961 Harriman State Park agreement, which specifically required non-political oversight for the donated land. By jeopardizing, we mean that Harriman would return to private ownership and exclude public access.

UPDATE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING TO THE U.S. FOREST SERVICE

Information on the New Explore Act passed in January

Big Springs Campground has six dilapidated corrals. The Westside Ranger District is writing a grant to construct new corrals. The six corrals are shown from west to east below

Our friends the Over the Hill Gang ride regularly every wednesday.

Back Country Horsemen is a non-profit service organization dedicated to preserving the right to use stock animals on public lands and maintaining wilderness trails through volunteer service.