What We’re Reading — Save Idaho Parks Edition

Governor Otter has proposed eliminating Idaho’s Department of Parks and Recreation.  It’s a proposal that is causing, to say the least, a great deal of controversy.  I suspect you’ll be hearing a lot more about this — from us and from others.  Here are the basics:

The provisions of the deed creating Harriman Park created the Idaho Department of Parks. Get rid of the Department, you get rid of the park too? — Idaho Statesman and Rocky Barker’s Letters from the West blog

Disagreement within Idaho GOP on role of government when it comes to parks — Rexburg Standard Journal

Parks chief addresses lawmakers, says nothing — Eye on Boise

Eliminating Parks Department is a “false economy” — West Yellowstone News

Are Idahoans prepared to pay for parks? — Westword via Magicvalley.com

An online petition — Keep Idaho Parks and Recreation

UPDATE 1/18:  Gov. Otter already backtracking, looking to save face? — Idaho Statesman

UPDATE 1/24:  Indeed, Gov. Otter backs off. — Spokesman Review. 

And Here‘s the Governor’s Press release.  

Gov. Otter’s idea that Idaho parks still need to pay their own way remains a challenge, however. – Idaho Statesman