IDFG Looking For Landowners And Sportsmen To Be Involved With New Access Yes Program

IDAHO FALLS - In these tight budget times it might seem hard to believe that IDFG is launching a new program, but old dollars are finding a new use today to prevent access problems tomorrow. The pilot access program, Access Yes, currently being implemented will make use of existing funds initially, but as the program grows new sources of funding will need to be created. The Idaho Fish & Game Commission wanted to get the new program up and running as soon as possible so that something could be done to check the loss of hunting access and help reward landowners for working with sportsmen. In each region, the Landowner/Sportsman Coordinator will be leading the charge to implement the various aspects of the new program. Paul Faulkner of the Upper Snake Region has a long history of working with both sportsmen and landowners. Faulkner is the point man for not only rounding up potential landowners who are interested in bring a part of the fledging program, but also interested parties to serve on the local panel that will review bid requests from landowners wishing to become a part of Access Yes. In addition to involving individual sportsmen and landowners, Access Yes is also being supported the Idaho Department of Agriculture. The immediate goal is to provide access to hunting and fishing lands as well as across private lands to public lands that would otherwise have no access. Landowners have already indicated interest in providing sample bids for some 67,000 acres to the program. In early April, details of the enrollment process will be made available to landowners through agriculture organizations. Regional Fish and Game offices will also be able to provide information on the program and landowner/sportsman coordinators will be ready to work with interested landowners. Committees of hunters and anglers will be set up in each region to evaluate bids submitted from their areas. In June, contracts will be completed and initial payments made. Signs will be made to identify Access Yes properties and an access guide to those properties will be made available to the public before the hunting season. Landowners interested in applications for enrolling in Access Yes should contact Paul Faulkner at 525-7290 or pfaulkner @ idfg.state.id.us by May 16.