Idaho Senator Proposes Public Land Protection Amendment

The proposal aims to prevent the sale of federally owned lands in the state.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Idaho state Sen. Ben Adams, a Republican from Nampa, has introduced a draft plan to prevent the state from selling lands acquired from the federal government. The amendment would not apply to the 2.5 million acres of endowment land currently managed by the state, but would help ensure that more than 34 million acres of federally owned land in Idaho continue to benefit the public. The move comes after another proposal from U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) to sell off public land in Idaho and elsewhere caused uproar among residents.

Why it matters

Protecting public lands has emerged as a rare point of consensus among Idaho lawmakers across the political spectrum, as these lands provide important resources and recreational opportunities for residents. The proposed amendment would help ensure that these lands remain accessible to the public.

The details

Adams' bill would help ensure public lands continue to benefit Idahoans, with revenue going toward outdoor facilities and public schools in rural communities. The Senate committee unanimously voted to advance the bill for consideration, and if two-thirds of the state House and Senate support it, voters will decide on the measure in the November general election.

  • In August, state Sen. Ben Adams introduced a draft of the plan to prevent the sale of federally owned lands in Idaho.
  • In June, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) proposed selling off public land in Idaho and elsewhere, which caused uproar among residents.
  • The Senate committee unanimously voted to advance Adams' bill for consideration in February 2026.

The players

Ben Adams

A Republican state senator from Nampa, Idaho, who introduced a draft plan to prevent the state from selling lands acquired from the federal government.

Mike Lee

A Republican U.S. senator from Utah who proposed selling off public land in Idaho and elsewhere, which caused uproar among residents.

Rod Furniss

A Republican state representative from Rigby, Idaho, who said his mailbox "exploded" with messages from people vehemently against Lee's proposal to sell off public land.

John Robison

The public lands and wildlife director of the Idaho Conservation League, who is "excited" about Adams' measure and sees it as a great "conversation starter."

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What they’re saying

“I wanted feedback. I wanted a lot of feedback, because it dealt with and deals with a very personal matter for every Idahoan, and that is our public land here in Idaho.”

— Ben Adams, State Senator (Idaho Statesman)

What’s next

If two-thirds of the state House and Senate support Adams' bill, voters will decide on the measure in the November general election.

The takeaway

This proposal highlights the bipartisan support for protecting public lands in Idaho, which provide important resources and recreational opportunities for residents. The amendment, if passed, would help ensure these lands remain accessible to the public for generations to come.