Proposed Payette Lake Land swap would privatize public lands and the north shore of McCall.

So many Idaho vacation memories begin here. McCall, situated on Payette Lake, is an iconic Idaho mountain town, loved by its locals, second home owners, and many visitors.  A private Boise investment company, Trident Holdings LLC, is proposing an exchange of timberlands in North Idaho for 28,000 premier acres of state land in and around McCall with an aim to develop lakefront homes, condos and structures that could include development of about 40 miles along Payette Lake, Little Payette Lake, as well as several miles along the North Fork of the Payette River.  

The 28,000 acres currently being considered in this swap are endowment lands managed by the Idaho Department of Lands, with a constitutional mandate to “secure the maximum long-term financial return” to Idaho schools and other beneficiaries. This undeveloped land benefits all Idahoans and is used by a myriad of recreation users. This is land where people hunt, fish, boat, paddle, hike, ride horses, snowmobile and go to take in the scenery and wildlife. 

Kevin Richert, of Idaho Education News, recently reported that in pushing for the land exchange, Trident commissioned a cost-benefit study, concluding that the McCall lands are a burden to the state endowment, costing about $276,000 a year to administer. The analysis claims the exchange for Panhandle timberlands would bring in about $2.9 million a year.

Land swap supporters say this exchange would provide a better rate of return for the state, but Idaho Business for the Outdoors maintains the preservation of this public land is critical to our state, local businesses and our Idaho quality of life. McCall is a desired destination because of its public lands and incredible outdoors. Governor Little, who sits on the Idaho Land Board is urging caution around this proposal: “this is a big hairy piece of ground with lots of conflicting issues," he said. "I have a conflict in the fact that I love McCall,” he said. “We want to do this right.”

Idaho Business for the Outdoors believes the Trident commissioned cost-benefit study deserves further review and economic analysis. While endowment lands need to generate revenue, their long term value as a state holding can't be overlooked or undervalued, especially given rising property prices in and around McCall. As far as a 'constitutional mandate to maximize profit', Bruce M. Smith, Natural Resources Lawyer to the Idaho Department of Land Board, writes, "Selling off these public lands is an irretrievable disposition of valuable endowment assets. The Land Board can buy stocks and bonds all day long—not so with cottage sites at Payette and Priest Lakes. Cottage sites, once sold are likely gone forever, thus foreclosing significant revenues that out compete all other classes."

While we recognize the 28,000 acres of land are invaluable for the current recreation and public enjoyment they provide, Smith's statements also highlight this land's value as  part of a broader strategic, long-term investment strategy. We cannot afford to let down our guard and concede the significant long-term value and benefits our public lands around McCall represent. As the state confronts budget cuts and other economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, that may put pressure on the state to generate additional revenues for near term needs, Idaho Business for the Outdoors will remain vigilant in its support of our public land.