Idaho Legislator Calls for Congress to Protect Public Land Access

State senator warns that selling or transferring federal public lands would burden Idaho taxpayers

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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An Idaho state senator has introduced a joint memorial calling on Congress to protect public access to federal public lands and oppose efforts to sell these lands. The memorial warns that selling or transferring public lands would jeopardize access and tradition, and place unsustainable financial burdens on state and local governments.

Why it matters

Access to public lands has been a contentious issue in the Western U.S., with some lawmakers proposing to make millions of acres available for sale. This joint memorial aims to push back against those efforts and preserve public access to federal lands in Idaho.

The details

The joint memorial, introduced by Idaho state Sen. Treg Bernt, R, warns that selling or transferring federal public lands would "jeopardize access and tradition, but also place unsustainable and unpredictable financial burdens on states, local governments and Idaho taxpayers." The memorial calls on Idaho's congressional delegation to protect public access and oppose any efforts to sell off federal public lands.

  • The joint memorial was one of six new pieces of legislation the Idaho Senate Resources and Environment Committee voted to introduce on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The memorial will be read across the desk on the floor of the Idaho Senate later on Monday or on Tuesday.

The players

Treg Bernt

An Idaho state senator who introduced the joint memorial calling on Congress to protect public access to federal public lands.

Mike Lee

A U.S. senator from Utah who previously made an unsuccessful proposal to make millions of public acres of land in the West, including in Idaho, available to be sold to the highest bidder.

Ben Adams

An Idaho state senator who previously introduced a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution designed to protect any new public lands the state acquires from the federal government.

Britt Raybould

An Idaho state representative who previously introduced a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution designed to remove the requirement that Idaho manage state lands to ensure the maximum financial return.

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What they’re saying

“Whereas, removing the threat of mass disposal of public lands will allow decision makers and stakeholders to focus on solutions for improved management, increased funding for counties with public lands, wildfire response, shared stewardship agreements and mutually beneficial land exchanges.”

— Treg Bernt, Idaho State Senator (Joint Memorial)

What’s next

The joint memorial will be read across the desk on the floor of the Idaho Senate later on Monday or on Tuesday, after which it will be publicly posted on the Idaho Legislature's website.

The takeaway

This joint memorial reflects the ongoing debate over public land access in the Western U.S., with some lawmakers seeking to protect these lands while others have proposed selling them off. The outcome of this effort could have significant implications for outdoor recreation, conservation, and the financial burden on state and local governments in Idaho.