The 28,000 Acre Payette Lake Land Transfer: What it means for Public Lands & Payette Lake
A 28,000 acre swath of State-managed lands surrounding Payette Lake is in jeopardy of falling into private hands. Trident Holdings LLC is proposing a land exchange with the State of Idaho in order to acquire these forestlands, which provide important public recreation opportunities, wildlife habitat, and clean water benefits for the area. The land, managed by Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), encompasses much of the northern shoreline of the lake and extends southward along Little Payette Lake as well.
At the heart of the issue is the Idaho constitutional mandate that State endowment lands must operate at a maximum possible economic return. Trident Holdings has argued in their proposal that by purchasing this land and the State purchasing private timberland of equal value in North Idaho, a higher net revenue would result. The company has also said that its approach will include continued public access and ensure the natural benefits of the area remain.
However, Trident Holdings is a development company. First and foremost, its proposal will include building homes, condos, and infrastructure along the iconic Payette Lake shore. Development of this scale along the lake and nearby waterways will jeopardize the recreational and natural values of the land and the clean water benefits that this intact forest provides.
After pausing all leases in the McCall area in June, the State Land Board met on July 21st to hear from Trident representatives as well as the public. The State faces a tricky choice in determining how best to proceed. However, it needs to consider the wide-ranging benefits this tract of land has and will have far into the future for the next generation of Idahoans. The qualities of this area support the economy and way of life for local residents and make McCall the special place it is for so many of us.
This process promises to be a drawn-out one, meaning there is still an opportunity to let the State Land Board know that this deal is a bad one for the Payette Lake area. Push the Idaho government to find a better solution that ensures these lands remain open to the public and intact for years to come.
For contact information visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/contact-us/.