Taking over Idaho's federal lands could cost Idaho $111 million

BOISE (AP) — Taking control of federal public lands in Idaho could cost the state $111 million a year, a new report shows.

The study by the University of Idaho’s Policy Analysis Group found the state could lose millions of dollars in eight of nine different scenarios involving such a transfer.

Researchers compared various financial benefits for the state’s timber industry to increased costs connected with management of the land.

The report was requested by a legislative committee tasked under a resolution known as HR22 with studying a state takeover of federal lands in Idaho. The panel will finalize its recommendation Tuesday.

Supporters of a land transfer claim timber harvests would boom under state management. Meanwhile, opponents say the boost in revenue would do little to offset the millions of dollars needed for land management expenses.

Researchers only saw a profit of $24 million a year in one scenario. In that case, Idaho would have to boost its harvest by 1 billion board-feet of timber a year and sell it at $250 per 1,000 board-feet.

Under the worst-case scenario, Idaho would increase its harvest sales by half a billion board-feet and would sell it at $150 per 1,000 board-feet. This would result in $35 million of revenue a year and $146 million of costs, resulting a loss of $111 million a year.

To see the rest of the story, read the Dec. 11 issue of the Bonners Ferry Herald in print or online at www.bonnersferryherald.com