Idaho agencies say state land agreement is a good deal

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BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho officials at two state agencies say an agreement a little over a year ago formalizing public access to state-owned lands has been a good deal for the agencies as well as a benefit to hunters, anglers and recreationists.

The Idaho Department of Lands and Idaho Department of Fish and Game said Thursday that both sides are benefiting from the 2018 agreement.

Fish and Game is paying the Lands Department $580,000 annually, with about a fourth of that in law enforcement.

State lands are working lands that are required under the Idaho Constitution to be managed to make money, mainly for public schools.

They've always been open to the public, but state officials say the agreement has increased awareness that they're publicly accessible and visitors are welcome.