Hurry, Access Yes! bids accepted through February 15

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is looking for landowners interested in providing access for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities in the Magic Valley Region. Access Yes! is in its fifth year and continues to gain popularity with landowners and sportsmen. The program compensates private landowners who provide public access to or through their property. Landowners can include stipulations such as the number of sportsmen per day, vehicle restrictions, or the period of time that access will be allowed. "Compensation can come in the form of direct monetary payments, habitat improvement projects, and access development projects, but other types of compensation or assistance are considered," said Brad Lowe, landowner-sportsmen coordinator for Idaho Fish and Game. "The program also provides signs to landowners to help inform the public about access conditions or permission requirements." Time is running out to submit a bid for the 2008 season. Interested landowners need to submit bids before February 15 to Brad Lowe, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 319 South 417 East, Jerome, ID 83338. In 2007 the average compensation was $1 per acre, with the low bid being 34 cents. For bid applications go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/accessyesguide.aspx or call Brad Lowe at 208-324-4359.