Portneuf River Back Country Horsemen ​Meetings will now be held during the third week of the month on Wednesday at 6:30PM. Pocatello Marshal Public Library, 113 S Garfield Ave
THERE WILL BE NO CHAPTER MEETINGS IN DECEMBER, BUT THERE WILL BE A MEETING AND POTLUCK IN JANUARY.

THERE WILL BE NO GENERAL MEMBER MEETING THIS MONTH

We are still looking for interest in a ride this month. Please respond by calling John McNabb 208 201-6624 or Steve Hurley 208 221-4626

​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.