Controversial Bill Raises Concerns Over Harriman State Park's Future

Legislation to give governor more control over state agencies sparks debate over the park's protected status.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:03pm

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A bill awaiting the governor's signature in Idaho could put the future of Harriman State Park, the state's oldest, at risk. SB 1300 would give the governor the power to appoint the directors of the Idaho Departments of Transportation, Fish and Game, and Parks and Recreation, raising concerns that it could violate an agreement that led to the park's creation in 1963.

Why it matters

Harriman State Park was gifted to the state by the Harriman family with the condition that the park be governed by a professional, merit-based park service. Opponents argue that allowing the governor to appoint the parks director would undermine this agreement and potentially allow the property to revert back to the Harriman family.

The details

SB 1300 passed the Idaho House with a 41-29 vote, and would require Senate confirmation and gubernatorial appointment for the directors of several state agencies. Sponsor Sen. Doug Okuniewicz says the goal is to bring these departments in line with others, but opponents argue it could violate the 1963 agreement that established Harriman State Park. The Harriman family has threatened legal action if the bill becomes law, as the agreement states the property would revert to them if the state violates the terms.

  • SB 1300 passed the Idaho House on March 26, 2026.
  • The bill was delivered to the governor's desk on March 26, 2026.
  • As of April 1, 2026, the governor has 5 days to sign or veto the bill before it becomes law automatically.

The players

Sen. Doug Okuniewicz

The Republican state senator from Hayden who sponsored SB 1300.

Tom Dixon

The grandson of Roland and Gladys Harriman, who entered into the 1963 agreement that established Harriman State Park.

Harriman State Park

Idaho's oldest state park, established in 1963 after the Harriman family gifted 11,000 acres of land to the state with the condition that it be governed by a professional, merit-based park service.

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What they’re saying

“As long as the director of Parks and Rec is appointed on the basis of merit, the state has complied with the conveyance instrument.”

— Elizabeth Bowen, Attorney, Idaho Legislative Services Office

“The fear is that … the person works at the will of the governor and not the will of the park. It is somebody that could change every time there's an election or a budget change and if the director disagreed with the governor, they're out the door. You don't have a real park professional in there (if the position is appointed by the governor).”

— Tom Dixon, Grandson of Roland Harriman

What’s next

The governor has until the end of the day on April 6, 2026 to sign or veto SB 1300. If he does not act, the bill will become law automatically. The Harriman family has indicated they will consider legal action if the bill becomes law, as they believe it violates the 1963 agreement that established the park.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing tension between state control and the preservation of Harriman State Park's unique history and governance structure. The outcome could have significant implications for the park's future and the state's relationship with the Harriman family.