If there were ever a moment for faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to stand for the sanctity of life, this is it.
This November, Idaho voters will decide whether Prop 1 becomes law. For Latter-day Saints, this is more than another election or another political debate. It is a moral moment, one that asks whether we will defend the most vulnerable of God’s children when they cannot defend themselves.
For generations, church leaders have spoken with remarkable clarity about the sanctity of life. The Family: A Proclamation to the World affirms the divine nature of God’s plan for His children, and modern church presidents have repeatedly warned of the tragedy of abortion.
President Gordon B. Hinckley declared:
“Abortion is an evil, stark and real and repugnant, which is sweeping over the earth.”
President Spencer W. Kimball was equally direct:
“Abortion must be considered one of the most revolting and sinful practices in this day.”
There is no ambiguity. For decades, Church leaders have consistently taught that human life is sacred.
The Church has long recognized that there are rare and heartbreaking circumstances in which an abortion may be considered when the life of the mother is in serious jeopardy. Those tragic exceptions are exceedingly uncommon and should never be used to justify policies that permit abortion on demand. The sacred principle remains unchanged: every human life is a gift from God and deserves our protection.
Some faithful members naturally avoid politics because they desire peace, unity, and civility. That is understandable. But this is bigger than politics. This is about whether Idaho will continue to protect innocent human life. It is about whether we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, will stand for principles we have been taught our entire lives.
And make no mistake, Prop 1 is not a “moderate” proposal.
Its provisions would dramatically expand abortion in Idaho in ways that should concern every Latter-day Saint.
Among its most troubling provisions are:
Abortions could be performed throughout pregnancy if a single medical provider determines the unborn child cannot survive outside the womb. There are no additional approvals or independent reviews required for that determination.
Minors could obtain abortions without the knowledge or consent of their parents.
Abortions could be performed by qualifying medical providers beyond physicians, expanding who is authorized to perform these procedures.
These are not small policy changes. They represent a fundamental shift in how Idaho values and protects unborn life.
The good news is that we are not powerless.
Every conversation matters. Every yard sign matters. Every text message, every social media post, every volunteer hour, every donation, and every vote matters.
Talk to your family. Talk to your friends. Talk to members of your ward. Encourage others to study the initiative for themselves and understand what is at stake. As Latter-day Saints, we have always believed that one faithful person can make a difference. Imagine what thousands of faithful Idahoans can accomplish together.
Years from now, when our children and grandchildren ask what we did when Idaho faced this defining moment, may we be able to answer with confidence that we did everything within our power to protect God’s unborn children.
This November, let us stand with courage instead of silence, faith instead of fear, and conviction instead of complacency.
Vote NO on Prop 1. Then encourage everyone you know to do the same.
Note: This article first appeared on HonorIdaho.com, and is republished here by permission.
(U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Press Release, August 11, 2026)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), today is implementing an administration priority consistent with its commitment to protect children from experimental and life-altering sex-rejecting procedures that carry serious long-term health risks and lack sufficiently reliable evidence of clinical benefit. The final rule ends the use of federal Medicaid and CHIP funds to pay for these procedures on children and youth.
“Today, we are ending federal taxpayer funding for sex-rejecting procedures on children,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said. “These interventions carry serious risks and can cause irreversible harm. The federal government will no longer use Medicaid and CHIP dollars to fund procedures that fail to meet the evidentiary standard our children deserve.”
“Children deserve our protection, not experimental interventions that pose serious risks and convey no proven benefits,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “By cutting off federal funds for these sex-rejecting procedures, we’re following the science, saving taxpayer dollars, and, most importantly, protecting children from potentially irreversible harm so they can truly flourish.”
Sex-rejecting procedures on children, which include puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical operations, can result in irreversible damage, including infertility, impaired sexual function, diminished bone density, altered brain development, and other lasting physiological effects.
CMS’s decision follows a review of national and international research by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that identified significant evidence gaps, documented serious safety concerns, and concluded that the evidence supporting these interventions for children remains insufficient to justify federal taxpayer funding. That reassessment is increasingly reflected within the medical community, as leading professional organizations — including specialty societies with direct expertise in this area, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons — clarify their positions on these interventions. CMS also points to international reviews, including the United Kingdom’s Cass Report, and actions taken by other countries and states here in the U.S. that have moved to restrict these procedures for minors.
Under the final rule, federal Medicaid and CHIP funding will be available for a tapering-off period of up to six months from the effective date of the final rule for children currently on hormone therapy. The rule does not affect coverage of mental health services. Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) provisions continue to ensure comprehensive coverage of mental health services for eligible children, and CHIP continues to require coverage of necessary mental health services in accordance with federal law.
This action applies only to federal Medicaid and CHIP funding.
Today’s action reflects CMS’s commitment to protecting children, safeguarding taxpayer resources, and ensuring that federal healthcare programs support treatments grounded in the best available evidence — not experimental interventions that carry potentially irreversible consequences for minors.
The final rule is scheduled to take effect October 13.
(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, August 6, 2026)
Idaho Fish and Game enhances recreational shooting ranges through its Shooting Range Development Grant program to assist organizations or agencies to establish, upgrade, expand, or otherwise improve public firearms and archery ranges in Idaho.
“This is a great opportunity for public range operators — either clubs or government agencies — to improve and enhance their facilities to better serve public shooters and archers,” said Sarah VanAcker, Fish and Game’s Statewide Range Manager.
Organizations eligible to submit a grant application include:
Nonprofit shooting organizations having as their purpose the promotion of firearm and archery safe handling and proper care, and improving shooting technique and marksmanship (e.g., rod and gun clubs, fish and game associations, sportsmen’s clubs, and firearm and archery ranges).
State or local governments that own and manage shooting ranges that are open to the public.
All applications will be evaluated by Fish and Game staff and the Fish and Game Citizen Shooting Range Advisory Committee to determine their potential to expand and enhance safe shooting opportunities for the general public and Idaho’s hunter education program. Other considerations include the federal funding is available by reimbursement, not a cash advance, and requires the grantee to contribute 25% of the project cost through donated labor or materials.
Application process includes:
Complete the application, which are also available at regional offices.
Submit application to regional office by Nov. 2.
Grant awards will be determined in spring and successful applicants notified.
Public shooting range grants are funded through the federal Pittman–Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, which collects excise taxes from manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service distributes these funds to state wildlife agencies based on a formula that accounts for the state’s land area and number of licensed hunters. The funding supports wildlife conservation, hunter education, and the development and management of shooting ranges. Some grants also use Idaho Fish & Game’s Fine and Forfeiture funds, generated from IDFG violation fees.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), today announced a joint initiative to inform student-athletes of some of the cyber-enabled tactics sexual exploitation actors use to obtain and sell their private images, and to direct them to established reporting resources. Our goal is to raise awareness so students can protect themselves and prevent further victimization.
The FBI has determined that student-athletes are frequently targeted due to their public profiles, which are often expanded through Name, Image and Likeness activity, and their visible standing within their schools and communities. This visibility increases both their exposure to targeting and the leverage offenders believe they hold when threatening exposure.
The FBI and NCAA are asking coaches, compliance staff, and athletic department leadership to be part of closing this gap, since they may be the first trusted adults an athlete would turn to. Having these resources available to an athlete before they ever need them is one of the most direct ways an athletic program can protect its own.
“This initiative is about making sure student-athletes, and anyone who may become a target, know they are not alone and that help is available,” said FBI Operation Director, Jose Perez. “Working with the NCAA allows us to reach these students directly with the resources and reporting tools they need, before an incident occurs and after.”
“We hope to break down barrier so law enforcement can help prevent further abuse and connect college athletes who may be targeted with the right support,” said NCAA Vice President for Enforcement, Jon Duncan. “If we play even a small role in preventing these crimes or getting justice or appropriate support for the people impacted by them, we will do everything we can to help.”
The FBI has identified several indicators associated with these schemes, including, unsolicited text messages claiming an account will be disabled absent a verification code and unsolicited emails referencing a new login with an embedded link to reset a password. The FBI advises that a legitimate platform or service will not request a verification code, temporary password, or PIN reset code from an account holder. Utilizing passwords and PINs that do not include personal information, such as names, dates or birth and other easily accessible information, can also help lower the risk of victimization.
Individuals who believe they have been targeted or victimized should not click any links or open unknown documents, cease all contact with the offender, decline to provide any payment or proof of identity, preserve all related messages and images as evidence, and report the incident without delay. Continued contact with an offender, and compliance with payment or other demands, have not been shown to reliably prevent further distribution of a victim’s content and frequently result in additional demands.
The FBI and NCAA are requesting that coaches, compliance staff, and athletic department leadership assist in distributing this information to student-athletes.
Report It
If you believe you are a victim of this type of crime, visit ncii.ic3.gov to report non-consensual intimate images. You can also report incidents to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The FBI is the lead federal agency responsible for investigating cyber-enabled crimes, including sexual exploitation and sextortion, and continues to coordinate with schools, universities, and athletic organizations nationwide on prevention and awareness efforts.
Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party
You’ve surely seen them by now—thousands of signs popping up throughout the state proclaiming a simple yet profound truth: Idaho values life. It seems so obvious, but this November Idahoans will be asked once and for all if we truly value all human life, including the unborn.
I’ve been traveling the state these past few weeks, delivering signs and palm cards and hosting training events put on by the Leadership Institute and Idaho Right to Life that give citizens the tools they need to fight back against Prop 1, the radical abortion initiative. We’ve had full houses in Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls, Grangeville, and Moscow. Tonight, we’ll be in Coeur d’Alene. Later this month, we’ll have training sessions in Ponderay, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and Rexburg.
Out in Twin Falls, we had quite a few people show up without registering after hearing about the event during their morning church service. Well, we pulled out some extra chairs and made some room. I’m so excited to see Idahoans fired up to defend life. I tell you what, I did not leave that building with a single extra sign—every one of them was taken.
Even moderate Idahoans are beginning to realize how extreme Prop 1 really is—legalizing abortion on demand up to 21, 24, or even 26 weeks of pregnancy, depending on how you read the text, and allowing minors to obtain abortions without parental notification. That’s too extreme for Idaho, and I think voters agree.
Just this week, the governor of Massachusetts signed a new law removing nearly all restrictions on abortions until birth. There are now ten states in the union that allow this barbaric practice. While blue states are doubling down on abortion and even infanticide, I believe Idaho will reject the culture of death and stand strong for life.
Many critics say Republicans only care about life until birth, but that’s absurd. Republicans believe that all human beings are made in God’s image and deserve both dignity and equality under the law. We believe that children deserve to grow up in safety and innocence, not groomed or exploited for political purposes. We believe human dignity is best served by hard work and voluntary charity, not confiscatory taxation to support a welfare state. Finally, we believe that the most heinous criminals—those who brutally and wantonly take the lives of others—should face the ultimate penalty following a fair trial and conviction by a jury of their peers.
Valuing life means wanting each and every human being ever conceived to reach his or her full potential. Abortion destroys life before it even has a chance to see that potential. That’s not the Idaho way. Vote no on Prop 1 this November, and keep Idaho a state where all life is valued.
By: IFF’s Local Government Policy Analyst Eireann Van Natta
The City of Lava Hot Springs may be in hot water with the state of Idaho after its repeated noncompliance with transparency and auditing requirements, according to documents obtained by Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF).
For tourists seeking natural hot springs and an Olympic swimming complex, the city in Bannock County is a prime destination. Taxpayers seeking accountability, however, may want to look elsewhere.
Long Time No Transparency
Documents acquired through a public records request show Lava Hot Springs has been noncompliant with the State Controller’s Office’s (SCO’s) Local Government Registry for at least eight years.
The city has failed to report financial data to the SCO since 2021, according to public data from Transparent Idaho. A list of local government entities and their compliance status, obtained by IFF, shows Lava Hot Springs as “not compliant” from the 2017 through 2024 registry years, excluding 2021. Additionally, Lava Hot Springs was not compliant in 2025, according to an April 2026 spreadsheet obtained by IFF.
The city was only listed as compliant in the years 2015, 2016, and 2021, the records show.
Previously, the Legislative Services Office (LSO) managed the compliance status process, but the SCO told IFF it took over during the 2022 reporting year after House Bill 73 passed in 2021. Most entities were labeled as compliant or “not applicable” during 2021, with the exception of certain special districts, likely because of the data transfer.
Notably, Transparent Idaho has data on the Lava Hot Springs Foundation, a state agency. IFF’s Fred Birnbaum previously covered how the Legislature allowed the Lava Hot Springs Foundation continuous appropriation in 2021, meaning the Foundation no longer needs an annual appropriation bill. As of 2024, its budget did not appear in the Legislative Budget Book.
Furthermore, Lava Hot Springs failed to complete annual audits for at least seven fiscal years, according to LSO records obtained through the SCO. In seven out of the eight listed fiscal years (2014-2021), it failed to complete an annual audit. The city conducted one in Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 but allegedly had “outstanding obligations,” and its registry review status from registry years 2015 to 2022 was deemed not compliant.
The city told IFF in a statement it is working to achieve “full compliance” with state law.
“The City of Lava Hot Springs is aware of the reporting requirements identified by the Idaho State Controller’s Office and is actively working toward compliance,” Lava Hot Springs City Clerk and Treasurer Amantha Sierra told IFF in a statement.
“The City has been in direct communication with the State Controller’s Office regarding the outstanding reporting requirements and is working to provide the required information and establish a plan for completing the outstanding annual audits,” she continued. “The City’s last completed annual audit was for fiscal year 2015. The City is currently working with its auditing professionals to address the outstanding audit years and move the City back into full compliance with state requirements. The City remains committed to completing the required financial reporting and audits as efficiently as possible.”
But the City of Lava Hot Springs is not the only entity facing scrutiny.
The SCO sent Bannock County a notice alleging the county was noncompliant with the legal reporting requirements mandated in Idaho Code § 67-1076, as of April 3, 2026. The notice was published in the Idaho State Journal on June 27.
“Bannock County has been notified by the Idaho State Controller’s Office of Local Governing Entities that are not compliant with the legal reporting requirements… as of April 3, 2026,” the notice read. The City of Lava Hot Springs, Inkom Cemetery District, Downey Volunteer Fire District, and the City of Pocatello would face penalties.
Bannock County commissioners appeared unfazed by the noncompliance status during a summer meeting.
“We have been made aware of some noncompliance of some organizations inside of Bannock County and been advised under statutes that it is our responsibility to make public notice of those noncompliance letters,” a county commissioner stated during the June 23, 2026, meeting.
“We do have a Bannock County notice of noncompliance that is being ready to be published,” he continued.
The commissioners laughed while discussing the resolution to publish the notice.
“I thought it was the authorization to embarrass these organizations that did not meet their requirements,” a second commissioner joked in response to an off-camera voice stating there needs to be authorization for the notice to be published.
“Which I think is in the statute,” the first commissioner replied.
Bannock County Commissioner Jeff Hough, who does not appear to have been in the meeting, is also chair of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation.
Bannock County told IFF in a statement that the authority to investigate noncompliance rests with the SCO and State Tax Commission.
“State law requires the County to publish a list of entities that are not in compliance with the legal reporting requirements outlined in Idaho Code § 67-1076. Following publication of that list, any noncompliance is investigated by the State Controller and the State Tax Commission,” the statement read. “Counties only have jurisdiction over non-taxing entities. The entities in question are taxing districts. State law does not provide the County with authority to assess noncompliance fees or cause a special audit to be conducted in this situation. The County will continue to fulfill the requirements established by state law and work within the authority provided to counties under the statute.”
Local accountability is so lacking that a noncompliance notice strikes about as much fear as, well, a piece of paper. Yet actual consequences, such as financial penalties, have also not ensured transparency.
Lava Hot Springs has faced tax penalties for years, and those consequences did not seem to prompt immediate compliance (although according to the city, it is now working towards adhering to auditing and reporting requirements).
“Final Reminder”
A screenshot obtained by IFF shows the SCO responding to the Lava Hot Springs city clerk on Jan. 5, 2026, and sending a “final reminder” to submit additional information for compliance.
“We kindly ask that you complete these requested changes no later than January 9th,” the message read in part. “This will ensure that our team has enough time to process the changes and mark you compliant before the January 15th deadline to report to the Tax Commission. If these changes are not completed by the deadline, you will be reported as non-compliant.”
As of publication, the state has withheld tax revenue from Lava Hot Springs for noncompliance in 18 quarters since the start of FY 2021, according to public documents from the Idaho State Tax Commission (ISTC).
Idaho Code § 67-1076 lists the penalties for failing to report information to the local government entities central registry. “[T]he state tax commission must withhold the quarterly distribution of sales tax distribution… for any noncomplying entity,” the statute states.
There have only been four quarters in which Lava Hot Springs has not had tax revenue withheld for noncompliance since FY 2021, according to ISTC records. Most recently, in the quarter ending in June 2026, it had $10,865.60 withheld.
No entities had revenue withheld in 2022, except for the quarter ending on Dec. 31, where Lava Hot Springs is listed as noncompliant, according to ISTC documents. As IFF previously noted, it was listed as not compliant in 2022 for reporting requirements. (It is unclear why tax was withheld during the prior year, when Lava Hot Springs was considered compliant, but it likely had to do with the data transfer from 2021–2022.)
Lava Hot Springs also did not have money withheld for noncompliance in the quarter ending on Dec. 31, 2021, while other entities faced penalties, although the city did have $33,190.79 in released money withheld.
In Hot Water?
IFF asked the SCO what steps it plans to take to ensure Lava Hot Springs complies with reporting and auditing requirements.
“We are aware of the concerns raised and actively involved in seeking an appropriate resolution. We have communicated with the City of Lava Hot Springs our concerns regarding this compliance status. Currently, we are continuing that dialogue and we will be seeking their insight regarding a proposed roadmap to resolve their noncompliance,” the SCO said in a statement.
“Additionally, we have collaborated with key stakeholders, such as the Association of Idaho Cities, as a means to understand their perspective and identify the best path to resolve the compliance concerns. Furthermore, in coordination with the State Tax Commission and as outlined in Idaho Code 67-1076, the Tax Commission is currently withholding tax revenue for non-compliance,” the statement continued. “Please know that we are engaged in a due diligence process to best resolve City of Lava’s noncompliance with Idaho Code 67-1076. We will continue to actively pursue all appropriate actions until compliance is achieved.”
Lava Hot Springs is home to roughly 375 residents. It may be that smaller entities with less staff and resources have more difficulty complying with reporting requirements, but the city’s noncompliance is not a one-off incident. It’s a routine (and seemingly unresolved) issue.
It’s easy to find examples of waste and alleged malfeasance at state agencies or large cities like Boise. But other municipalities often fly under the radar, even after repeated noncompliance. While audits and transparency are not as flashy as other topics, they are still critical for accountable and representative government.
Eight years of continued noncompliance should trigger audits and further scrutiny, but aside from tax withholdings, not much seems to have changed. Why is there such a lack of accountability?
As IFF previously noted, the chair of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation is also a Bannock County commissioner, which raises questions about why an elected official would hold more than one government position. The SCO’s noncompliance notice specifically called out Lava Hot Springs, but, curiously, that didn’t seem to spur any sense of urgency from the commissioners.
IFF will continue investigating local governments and ensuring transparency. Idahoans may submit tips about their counties and cities HERE.
(Attorney General’s Office Press Release, August 13, 2026)
BOISE, ID — Attorney General Raúl Labrador joined a coalition of 21 other states, led by West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey, in urging the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize new rules that stop activist groups from using a decades-old environmental law to block roads, water systems, and energy projects Americans depend on. For years, groups opposed to development have used the National Environmental Policy Act not to protect the environment, but to bury already-approved projects in lawsuits and endless paperwork, sometimes for years after construction has already begun.
“This law was written to give projects a fair environmental review, not a weapon for activists to kill projects they don’t like,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Time after time, these groups sue after a project is already approved, and the delay alone is enough to bury it. EPA’s proposed rule stops that abuse and gives states a real, predictable path to build the roads, water systems, and energy projects our families need.”
EPA’s proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2026, updates the agency’s procedures for implementing NEPA at 40 C.F.R. Part 6. The coalition’s July 27 letter documents how this litigation strategy has delayed or halted roughly 2,000 projects nationwide, with challenged projects facing average delays of 4.2 years and environmental impact statements ballooning to an average of 661 pages and 4.5 years to complete. The proposed rule expands EPA’s use of categorical exclusions for low-impact projects, clarifies which agency leads a review when multiple agencies are involved, and enforces the page limits and deadlines Congress already set in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. It also implements a new fast-track review option Congress created in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The coalition’s letter also supports EPA’s proposal to eliminate “environmental justice” provisions that gave procedural preference based on race, replacing them with a standard that applies equally to every American. The letter further backs EPA’s clarification that NEPA governs Americans’ relationship with the environment at home, not U.S. agency actions abroad.
The States urged EPA to finalize the rule without modification.
(Idaho State Treasurer Press Release, August 13, 2026)
BOISE – Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth presented the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery with a $47,675 check from the sale of the Idaho Women Veterans Medallion.
Since the minting of the medallion, sales of the Idaho Women Veterans Medallion have generated over $112,000 for Idaho State Veterans Cemeteries. Only 29 medallions remain available for sale.
The funds will be used by the Idaho State Veterans Cemeteries in Boise and Blackfoot, helping support the maintenance and operation of the cemeteries and the continued care of these places of honor for Idaho veterans and their families.
The Idaho Women Veterans Medallion is a commemorative silver medallion unveiled in 2020 to honor Idaho’s women veterans during the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage. The medallion’s motto, “Courageous Past, Unlimited Future,” recognizes the courage and sacrifice of Idaho women who have served their country.
The medallion features five Idaho women veterans who represent the thousands of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Four stars on the medallion symbolize Idaho’s place as the fourth state to grant women the right to vote and the first to do so by constitutional amendment. The reverse features Idaho’s state seal, designed by Emma Edwards Green.
“It was an honor to represent the incredible women veterans who served during the Vietnam era. This medallion belongs to all women veterans from all branches,” said Judith Eighmy, one of the five Idaho women veterans featured on the Medallion.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, we recognize that our veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect the freedoms we enjoy today,” said Idaho State Treasurer Julie Ellsworth. “I am proud that the proceeds from these medallions are helping care for Idaho’s State Veterans Cemeteries and ensuring these sacred places remain a fitting tribute to those who served.”
“The Idaho State Veterans Cemeteries are honored to receive $47,675 from the sale of the Idaho Women Veterans Medallion,” said Jake Faulkner, State Veterans Cemetery Bureau Chief. “This generous donation will support the ongoing maintenance and operation of the Idaho State Veterans Cemeteries in Boise and Blackfoot, helping us continue to provide these special places of honor for veterans and their families. We are grateful to everyone who purchased a medallion and helped make this contribution possible. The medallion is a lasting tribute to Idaho’s women veterans, and its proceeds are now helping care for the resting places of veterans across our state. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we are especially grateful for those who have served and sacrificed for our freedoms. We are proud to put these funds to work honoring their service and preserving these sacred spaces for generations to come.”
(Idaho Fish and Game Press Release, August 10, 2026)
With people hitting the water to escape the last few weeks of summer, Idaho Fish and Game wants you to use and enjoy its 400 access sites throughout the state.
These sites are popular — especially during peak times — because Idahoans love fishing and boating. People should follow these simple guidelines to keep things flowing smoothly.
Quick in/quick out
When using access sites, particularly boat ramps and launches, prepare your craft before you approach the ramp so it’s ready to immediately launch. That way you can quickly get underway and clear the launch site so others can use it.
Same goes for retrieving. Most ramps have areas designated for you to park and prepare for launch, or tie down your boat and get it ready to travel. Use these so you don’t block the ramp when others are trying to use it.
Be patient and courteous
You can expect congestion at many boating access sites during peak seasons and times, especially weekends and holidays. Remember everyone is there to enjoy themselves, and no one wants their day ruined by a shouting match, or worse. Yes, congestion can be frustrating, and people may do dumb things, but take a breath and roll with it.
Avoid recreating at launch sites
If you’re not launching or retrieving boats, give boaters enough space so you’re not interfering with them. Remember, there are many places to fish, swim, picnic and enjoy other water sports, but only a few places to launch boats.
Don’t illegally camp at access sites
Some fishing and boating access sites allow camping, but most do not. If an area allows camping, comply with posted stay limits, with the maximum being 10 days during any 30-day period on department-owned or managed land.
Pack in/pack out
Most boating access sites do not offer trash removal services, so plan to haul your trash home. Do not put trash in outhouses.
Take pride in ‘your’ public access sites
Fish and Game and other public access providers have unfortunately seen increases in littering, vandalism and general misuse in recent years, which drains limited staff resources and funding. So, the department needs your help.
Please take pride in your public access sites, and if you see any illegal activities, report it. Don’t confront the violators, but be a good witness by getting a physical description of the person (or people) by noting their vehicles and license plate numbers (take photos or video if you can safely do so) and report it to the local Sheriff’s Office.
About Fish and Game’s boating access program
Most of these access sites charge no fees because they’re mostly user-funded through fishing and hunting license fees, taxes paid on fishing and hunting equipment, gas taxes paid by boaters, and other funding sources.
Fish and Game uses its limited resources wisely, and in the best interest of hunters, anglers, and boaters to operate, maintain, and improve fishing and boating access. But if rampant misuse and abuse of these sites continues, the department may have to propose charging fees for access site use.
Pocatello for Accountable Government Entities: Keeping Government Accountable
(Pocatello for Accountable Government Agencies, August 12, 2026)
Bannock County–A second Bannock County Commissioner, Ken Bullock, appears to be favoring a special interest involved in an industrial solar project in southern Bannock County. In an email dated January 10, 2026, between Bullock and a private landowner (from a family seeking to lease the largest amount of acreage to the solar interest), the individual requested a meeting with Bullock and he responded, “You have me as an ally. I can’t be bullied and I have a vote. Anytime next week.”
Why is this a problem? In a previous post, we related how Commissioner Jeff Hough had shared a draft of the County’s Land Use and Development Ordinance (LUDO) with an attorney representing the solar development interests while, at the same time, the County was denying access to the public for the same document.
This draft LUDO document is a comprehensive rewrite and compilation of eight separate ordinances, including an added chapter (Ch. 7) for Alternative Energy Regulations. Chapter 7 of the document, along with the revised land use chart, proposes to reverse a 2024 ban and now allow Industrial Solar Projects (both large scale and small scale) through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) on land zoned Commercial General, Industrial, Light Industrial, and Agricultural.
This proposed project is/was extremely divisive. Residents in the Downey area overwhelmingly expressed opposition to this effort in 2024, in large part, due to the project bordering rural residential zoned areas where people reside.
It increasingly appears that a few of our commissioners have exhibited preferential treatment and favor to outside special interests and/or a few landowners seeking to lease thousands of acres of Marsh Valley to the industrial solar projects.
Whether or not you are in favor of these projects or not, communicating favor to any specific group while in the ACTIVE process of the development of a critical Land Use and Development Ordinance destroys the publics’ trust that their elected representatives intend to make a decision with neutrality. A fair process in which all the evidence, plus the pros and cons, are weighed before making a decision is essential. This fairness ensures that a new law represents the best interests of the public as a whole and is not designed to benefit specific groups. Secretly favoring a special interest group is also disrespectful toward County staff who are tasked with working to ensure a fair and equal process.
The public needs to know if their elected officials are representing them or favoring special interest groups while performing their official duties.
P.A.G.E. will continue to investigate this issue and do all that we can to ensure that the public is informed about how their elected officials are acting when they think nobody is paying attention.
Editor’s note: A representative of P.A.G.E. informed us that as of this morning, Commissioner Bullock had not responded to repeated efforts to reach him for comment. Should he respond, this story will be updated to reflect his response.
