Sportsmen Approved for Access Program

Meeting in Lewiston April 24, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission unanimously approved recommendations of individuals for the committees that will select lands into the new access program. During its March meeting, the Commission authorized funding to immediately implement Access Yes. This new program is intended to provide hunting and fishing access on private lands and across private lands to previously blocked public lands. The program requires that each region establish a Sportsmen Review Committee to evaluate and recommend which landowner bid proposals the department should accept. Each Committee will be comprised of five local sportsmen with diverse interests including big game, upland game, waterfowl, fishing, and furbearers. This year the committees will meet in early June to evaluate and recommend bid proposals. Beginning in 2004, the Committees will meet each February at a minimum. Initially, each member will serve a one-year term. Future appointments or reappointments will be made for staggered two- to three-year terms. All appointments serve at the discretion of the Fish and Game Director. The Commission retains authority to approve or disapprove all future nominations or reappointments.