HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021.02.26 Payette Endowment Land Strategy Comments 216 East Park Street
City of McCall McCall, Idaho 83638
- Phone 208-634-7142
www.mcca11Jd.us Fax 208-634-3038
February 26, 2021
Idaho State Land Board
Re: Payette Endowment Land Strategy
Dear Governor Little, Attorney General Wasden, Secretary of State Denney, Controller Woolf, and
Superintendent Ybarra;
The future of land development and conservation around Big Payette Lake is a primary concern for our
community and will impact Idaho for generations. We are heartened the Strategy calls for using the
McCall Area Comprehensive Plan to inform your decisions and by Director Miller's comments in
support of finding"win-win" opportunities. We therefore strongly urge you to consider the following:
Big Payette Lake is the sole source of drinking water for our community. It is a critical natural
resource for our community that must be protected. Analysis of the endowment lands within the
watershed that feeds the Lake should evaluate mitigation measures to: protect the shoreline and
riparian areas; to prevent untreated run-off and erosion impacts; and retain the maximum amount of
undisturbed drainage areas with natural vegetation for low cost treatment of run-off. The Strategy and
subsequent plans should honor the decades of effort by Idaho DEQ and our local community to protect
the water quality of the Lake.
Prioritize the development of the "State 80" within our City limits for entry to mid-level priced
housing. Use this as a strategic opportunity to work with the City and our partners to address the local
housing crisis. This will benefit our economy, employers, families, and workers while creating
economic value for the endowment fund.
Prioritize the use of conservation easements which will protect the most sensitive parcels
adjacent to the Lake and allow for recreational uses on other parcels while maintaining state
ownership. Allow time for local conservation groups and other stakeholders to create these easements
which do provide fair market value compensation to the endowment fund and will also meet the
public's goals for access, recreation, and conservation.
Continue to provide for stakeholder engagement throughout your processes. Problem-solving and
innovation come from utilizing the talents of the community. It builds goodwill and understanding for
your efforts.
The City of McCall thanks the Board for their careful consideration of endowment land disposition in
our community. Your staff, specifically Ryan Montoya and Scott Corkill, should be commended for
their extra efforts to engage with the City and our community. We look forward to continuing our work
with them as part of the Focus Group and thereafter.
Sincerely,
n
Robert S. Giles, Mayor
Enclosure: Copy of public comments received by Council at January 28, 2021 council meeting regarding the Payette
Endowment Land Strategy
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #1
Januag 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the culture
of our community.
5121 N. For IDL to recognize the value of the land beyond a one time, bottom-
Greyloch line sale price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism, local
Megan Way, Boise ecology, and the health of the lake has significant consequences for
1 Neve ID 83704 local economies and tax revenues, including funding for local schools.
Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the culture
of our community.
For IDL to recognize the value of the land beyond a one time, bottom-
line sale price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism, local
ecology, and the health of the lake has significant consequences for
local economies and tax revenues, including funding for local schools.
PO Box 628,
McCall, Please don't let the dollar signs influence the changes that would
Savilla Idaho impact your local residents that have lived in McCall and valley for 50+
2 Kiely 83638 years.
Dear Council Members.. Please pressure the IDL to do the following:
Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
1150 This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
heavens voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the culture
gate court, of our community.
McCall,
Idaho Consider the value of the land beyond a one time, bottom-line sale
83638, P.O. price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism, local ecology, and the
Ann M. Box 1932, health of the lake has significant consequences for local economies
3 Nies McCall and tax revenues, including funding for local schools.
My objection is to the process that IDL has undertaken in the
development of this plan. It appears to have been drafted internally by
staff with little or no involvement from others outside the agency.This
process may have worked 100 years ago when the endowment lands
were created or even a dozen years ago, but times have changed.
I understand and appreciate the mission of the State Lands Board and
the purpose of the endowment lands (my father was one of the lucky
ones to receive the extraordinary care provided by the State Veteran's
Home,funded in part by revenue from endowment land) However,the
IDL should be required to meet the same best practices for
1707 W collaborative planning that by state statute is required of all local
Resseguie governments in the state.
Street, The process undertaken in development of the plan may have worked
Diane Boise, ID in earlier years when state lands were isolated parcels far distances
4 Kushlan 83702 from any rural communities, but this is not the case today.The
Page 1 of 7
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #1
January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
decisions made on these lands have substantial externalities for
adjoining jurisdictions including, environmental degradation,
transportation impacts, utility capacity,and affordable housing. For
these reasons these adjoining jurisdictions have a stake in the
outcomes of the plan.
And there are good examples of successful collaborative planning
among levels of government in Idaho.Just review the Owyhee
Initiative and the Clearwater Compact,to name a few. Why go down a
road of conflict, controversy and turmoil when collaborative processes
have been demonstrated to be successful without the strife?
Dear City Council Members,
As a long term investor and financial executive, my belief is that the
Trident proposal before the Idaho Land Board is a pig in a poke. It is
based on half-baked assumptions about value and embroidered with
promises that this one-time trade will produce a mecca in McCall for
homeowners and tourists while leading our State to the promised land
of timber annuities. I believe that it would be reckless for the Board to
succumb to the pleasant assumptions behind this mirage.
Your legacy will be forever influenced by the decision the Land Board
makes regarding this project. I urge you to pressure the Board to do
the following:
• Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the culture
of our community.
• Recognize the value of the land beyond a one time, bottom-line sale
price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism, local ecology, and the
health of the lake has significant consequences for local economies
and tax revenues, including funding for local schools.
2153 East Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Solitude Ct,
Alan Boise ID Sincerely yours,
5 Shealy 83712 Alan Shealy, Boise
Dear IDL,
As a long time homeowner on Payette Lake and a member of the Big
Payette Water Quality Council board, I support the following with
regards to the McCall area Endowment Lands.
Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the culture
of our community.
Laura 2153 E For IDL to recognize the value of the land beyond a onetime, bottom-
6 Shealy Solitude Ct line sale price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism, local
Page 2 of 7
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #1
January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
ecology, and the health of the lake has significant consequences for
local economies and tax revenues, including funding for local schools.
I appreciate the large task at hand and believe that taking the above
steps will serve all of us well.
Thank you, Laura Shealy
It is time to re-consider what best and highest use means.There is
much more value to our community,the environment around the lake
121 and all the wild places of Idaho that so many have come here to enjoy,
Commerce than the monetary potential of state leased land. Please do not ignore
Heather St. McCall, the plea of your citizens to protect the undeveloped lands we have
7 Susemihl ID 83638 left.
195 Concerning the State endowment lands.
Scott J Commerce I will pay more in taxes to keep the land as state property, so all people
8 Bowes st of the State of Idaho can use.
Please establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory
committee. This committee would help local governments and citizens
have a voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the
culture of our community. For IDL to recognize the value of the land
beyond a one time, bottom-line sale price. The Endowment Lands'
P.O. Box impact on tourism, local ecology, and the health of the lake has
455 (890 significant consequences for local economies and tax revenues,
Timber including funding for local schools. Please don't let the dollar signs
Ridge Ct), influence the changes that would impact your local residents that have
Marilyn McCall, ID lived in McCall and Valley County for 40+years.
9 Olson 83638 Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hi,Valley county resident of 8+years here. I moved from a small
backwater Idaho town to Cascade for work in 2012. 1 immediately fell
in love with the area and decided to put down roots. Even in this short
time I have seen McCall and the outlying towns explode in popularity.
People love it here,and why wouldn't they? However,the magic and
tranquility and beauty of this place is in danger.Trident Holdings wants
to take the best tracts of public land and turn it into top-tier real estate
for profit and profit alone.There's no "preservation" in their plans,
regardless of the clever marketing done by their team. I oppose any
transfer of public lands to these greedy land grabbers,and I have yet
to speak with a single Valley County resident that supports said
transfer.Your constituents are DEMANDING that you oppose Trident
with all of your might,so please, listen to them. It's the City Council's
duty to represent the people who voted them into office, and the
people do not want this transfer to take place in any way,shape,or
form. PLEASE,for the sake of the love which we hold for these
Jim 417 Virginia mountains, lakes, and byways, oppose them.Say NO to Trident!Thank
10 Baldwin Blvd you
Page 3 of 7
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #1
January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
By whatever means and tools at your disposal,the Trident Proposal
and land grab absolutely must be stopped or McCall will turn into a
place so different that none of us here now will value living here.
Consider the threat to our drinking water, affordable housing, negative
impact on small business (eg employee shortage, housing shortage).
Water quality may be the biggest negative,and the City is the provider
of safe drinking water.So there's a direct objection. I'm not even sure
that better and much more expensive water treatment methods are
possible to purify water at a certain point. Please don't buy their lies
PO Box 295, about increases in property tax revenues, it's never enough to cover all
Sheree McCall, ID the increased expenditures and long term impacts,there are many
11 Sonfield 83638 books and studies on this topic. Thank you for your hard work.
I much prefer to leave development of endowment land to the State,
rather than to a private business. Regarding potential commercial
development in the Deinhard area, I have two concerns. First,this is a
school area so traffic related issues need to consider safety and
664 congestion. For example, a strip mall might result in too much traffic.
Woodlands Second, development should occur only if/when there is a real
Robert Drive, demand/need for additional commercial space so that buildings do not
12 Bechaud McCall sit empty.
Public sentiment on Trident's proposal is a unanimous, No.The land
board's response was "I wonder whether we should even be
concerned about what the City of McCall thinks" by Secretary of State
Lawrence Denney.And Governor Little admitting, "local goals rarely
align with the state's constitutional mandate to maximize long term
profits from State land." But does the constitutional mandate say the
State is allowed to destroy an ecosystem, destroy wildlife corridors,
wildlife habit,and impact McCall's community?Will the State enable
Trident to maximize profits at the expense of our ecosystem?At the
cost of the beauty that surrounds us? Trident's slick PR campaign to
"Preserve McCall"will do the exact opposite; Preserve is defined "as
maintaining something in its original or existing state."
Growth is inevitable, but we need to think about the cost to the
ecosystem. Development approval rarely considers the most critical
impact on nature's erosion—the damage from human presence.
One solution to preserve McCall's ecosystem would be to declare a
one-year moratorium on new residential construction.And I don't say
that lightly because I have been in construction and property
maintenance most of my life. I know there are faces behind every
business that would be affected. I have also experienced boom and
bust cycles in the industry, and a sustainable growth plan would
prevent bust cycles.
200 Scott St
McCall One year would give the city council, planning/zoning,wildlife experts,
David J Idaho and ecologists time to formulate a sustainable growth plan that places
13 Gallipoli 83638 the McCall ecosystem first by considering wildlife corridors,wildlife
Page 4 of 7
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #1
Januag 28, 2021 Council Meeting
habitat,forest, and the watershed.The second goal would consider
infrastructure and service needs for a growing community.A year to
think about how we want to leave this special place to future
generations.
There has never been a more urgent time to act, so we must act
boldly. We need only look at how quickly we have destroyed ten-
thousand-year-old ecosystems in less than 200 years, and the world
has lost two-thirds of its wildlife in 50 years.
We have a choice not to become a Boulder, Colorado, a Bozeman,
Montana, or a Jackson Hole,Wyoming,to name a few mountain resort
cities that did not control their growth.
I urge our City Council to think beyond traditional growth policies and
change direction for the environment and our community.
Thank You, David Gallipoli , McCall, ID
P.O. Box I urge you to oppose the Trident proposal and ask for additional time
Kristin 2867 in moratorium on proposals of sale, exchange or lease for another 6
Hoff McCall ID months. The Trident proposal puts too much power in one groups
14 Sinclair 83638 hands and too much pressure on the lake/drinking water.
PAGE 1 of 2-Payette Endowment Lands Alliance
The Payette Endowment Lands Alliance (PELA), a grassroots
conservation organization in McCall working to conserve and protect
the McCall area endowment lands, offers the following comments to
the IDL's draft Payette Endowment Lands Strategy. We sincerely
appreciate the efforts of the McCall City Council in addressing issues
associated with these vulnerable endowment lands, and we are always
available to meet/discuss/work with you on this important matter.
These comments are on the behalf of PELA.
Sincerely,
Jeff Mousseau, PELA Board Secretary
Provide a Comprehensive Plan:
•The Payette Endowment Lands Strategy should be based on a
comprehensive analysis of the McCall area endowment lands as a
whole and over the long term.A comprehensive approach whereby all
relevant factors are included in the analysis of alternatives and the
cumulative effects of parcel by parcel decision making should be used.
A broad set of goals should be developed for land preservation, uses,
and development.
105 • Trading or selling these endowment lands and dividing them up into
Brundage pieces,would sacrifice their long-term value: as an intact ecosystem,
View Ct, as a buffer for the watershed, as a crucial wildlife corridor, as a wildfire
Jeff McCall, ID, barrier, as a refuge for plant and animal diversity, and as a source of
15 Mousseau 83638 resilience insurance in climate chaos.
Page 5 of 7
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #1
January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Protect the Public Trust:
• Elected officials have a public trust responsibility for water quality.
Payette Lake waters are the source of drinking water for the City of
McCall and degrading the quality of these waters represents a direct
public health issue. Protecting Payette Lake and its watershed must be
a foundation of the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy.
• The critical public trust obligation of Payette Lake and the North Fork
of the Payette River watershed water quality as well as other factors
including wildlife habitat,wildfire prevention, ecological health,
recreational access, angling, and the small mountain town
characteristics of McCall merit full consideration in the current Payette
Endowment Lands Strategy.
Install a Stakeholder Advisory Group
• The Land Board should support the creation of a stakeholder
advisory group to provide input to IDL Payette Lakes Supervisory Area
personnel for the McCall area endowment lands. The stakeholder
advisory group should be a sincere, long-term effort to engage the
community and provide local stakeholders--who know these lands
best--the opportunity to collaborate in finding appropriate solutions
that will also satisfy the Land Board's duties to the endowment trust.
•The McCall area endowment lands are important to the citizens of
Idaho, and the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy will undoubtedly
serve as a template for endowment lands throughout Idaho.
Therefore, it is important to spend the time and effort necessary to get
it right. The moratorium on transactions involving endowment lands
in the McCall/Valley County area should be extended as necessary to
allow this stakeholder group to be formed and provide input.
Page 1 of 2
Page 2 of 2 -Payette Endowment Lands Alliance
Prevent a Wholesale Land Trade
• Any wholesale trade or sale of the McCall area endowment lands for
future private development would harm the endowment fund
beneficiaries and the citizens of Idaho and overwhelm the ecological
capacities of the land and waters in the McCall area, and we oppose
any wholesale trade or sale.
• It has been discussed to trade northern Idaho timber lands
potentially worth around$45 million for the endowment land in
McCall worth more than $1 billion. Clearly, engaging in such a trade
105 would represent a complete repudiation of the Land Board's fiduciary
Brundage duties, be a violation of the Idaho constitution,would not secure the
View Ct, maximum long term financial return to the endowment trust and
Jeff McCall, ID, institutions, and represent a huge loss to Idaho education.
16 Mousseau 83638 • IDL should develop a comprehensive plan in the Payette Endowment
Page 6 of 7
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #1
January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Lands Strategy that IDL and the Land Board can rely upon and be
bound by in evaluating future proposals for development and
transactions related to these lands, and future proposals outside the
boundary of this plan should be rejected.
Implement Land Conservation Solutions
IDL should work with the stakeholder advisory committee to fully
explore creative solutions that will yield revenues from the
endowment lands,which honor the health of the lands,waters, and
ecosystem.
• IDL should continue to evaluate legacy programs such as logging,
grazing, and mining while analyzing new methods of deriving revenues
that are consistent with the 21st century, including the warming
climate, increasing fires and blights in our forests, population growth,
and the growing scarcity of undeveloped land.
• An asset class and business program similar to what has been
developed for forestry and grazing should be developed for
conservation and recreation leases and easements to support
implementation to raise additional revenues on these lands.The Land
Board should provide assurances that leases/easements would be
legally secure.
Perform a Thorough Economic Analysis
• When the Land Board and IDL are making determinations about
management and transactions regarding endowment lands,they
should consider not just the benefits in terms of revenue but also the
long-term costs that would result from their decisions.
Align Idaho Constitution and Stewardship
• The economic value of Idaho endowment lands are dependent on
sound, long-term stewardship. This stewardship includes protecting
and sustaining the health of the lands and adjacent waters,the
viewsheds,the ecology, open space,and wildlife habitat. The Land
Board should exercise its discretion,and direct IDL to act,to the full
limits of its Constitutional authority so that management of the
endowment lands becomes aligned with these values and with the
IDL's own vision, mission,and values to meet the realities and needs of
the 21st century.
Do Not Exacerbate Economic Divisions
• State-owned lands should be retained to allow access to all and
prevent growing economic divisions in our community and society.
Development of these lands threatens to limit access to only the
wealthy.
Page 2 of 2
Page 7 of 7
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - Janun 28, 2021 Council Meeting
As a resident of McCall I urge our leaders to take our voice to the Idaho
Land Trust, Gov. Little and Trident Holdings and ensure that we truly
PRESERVE McCall and her ecosystem,wildlife for future generations to
enjoy. It is the single most important asset of the area and if we allow it
to be traded,sold,developed beyond local planning and and input-why
even have local leadership? I trust you all will strive to listen to the
713 Bridal unanimous voices of our community and block Trident and continue to
Path Way, let our community guide our lands,schools and businesses. Please take
Rick McCall a stand and take control!Thank you for all your services in this critical
17 Puper 83638 time.
I'm writing to you regarding the important issue of strategic planning for
the 5500 acres of endowment land adjacent to Payette Lake and McCall,
as well as for all the endowment lands in Valley County. The Payette
lakes and the surrounding endowment lands are a precious heritage that
must be preserved for all generations to come.There are several
citizens' organizations striving to assure that disposition of these lands is
optimized to preserve the ecosystem and natural beauty of the lake and
land,while also helping the Idaho Dept.of Lands to fulfill the Idaho
constitutional mandate to maximize financial returns from them for the
beneficiaries. These organizations include the Big Payette Lake Water
Quality Council,the Payette Endowment Lands Alliance, Idaho
Conservation League, Payette Land Trust, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and
others that have much citizen input and support and that would like to
participate as stakeholders and representatives of the citizens as an
advisory group to the IDL, as IDL revises and implements their Payette
Endowment Land Strategy(PELS). There is a fine balance between
preserving this land and lake for their high value as natural resources,
while still fulfilling the public trust to the beneficiaries.
Payette Lake is not only a primary attraction for visitors from all over the
world, but is also a critical watershed and primary drinking water source
for McCall. Any use of land close to the lake shore must be planned
carefully to prevent contamination of the lake,while still attracting the
visitors who contribute to the economy of McCall and Idaho. The
surrounding lands must be preserved for their natural beauty and critical
wildlife habitat by carefully limiting land sale and allowing ongoing low
impact public access as much as possible. Given that McCall is growing
and that the number of visitors has rapidly increased since onset of the
COVID pandemic, it will be important to expand careful management of
these lands to ensure that public access does not contaminate the lake,
damage the surrounding land, or negatively impact wildlife.
Conservation easements and expanding Ponderosa Park are two
potential strategies for assuring that the maximum natural value of these
lands and lake are protected for their long-term value, as opposed to
land sale for development or for wealthy individuals who will build large
939 Flynn homes and make it more difficult for middle income families to buy land
Edith R Lane, in this area. Quick sale has only a short-term value that will degrade the
Welty, McCall, ID land and lakes and will limit land use to only the wealthy. Other
18 MD 83638 strategies include continued judicious timber harvesting,grazing, and
Page 1 of 15
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
other land uses that fulfill the constitutional mandate.
Please ask IDL to:
1) Extend the moratorium on making decisions on these lands until the
public has time to digest the PELS and provide input,
2) Incorporate local stakeholder organizations as advisory groups in their
decision-making,
3) Not sell parcels or large swaths of this land to wealthy developers or
individuals who will likely block public access to the lakes and land and
further exacerbate wealth inequality.
4) Incorporate strategies such as conservation leases and expansion of
Ponderosa State Park to manage land use and protect water quality.
Thank you for your consideration and your ongoing work.
This comment is in reference to the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy.
The McCall area endowment lands are special and unique. I appreciate
the time placed into the document and suggest that the following issues
be addressed prior to approval:
1. Payette Lake is held in public trust and it's health must be of utmost
importance and consideration. It is the sole source of drinking water for
McCall and this is paramount. We do not want a situation like Lake
Coeur d'Alene in the future if development is uncontrolled.
2. A large scale transfer of these lands to one group/private party for
development is not responsible.
3. Access to public lands is critical for tourism as well as recreation for
1299 Warren local citizens.
Darby Wagon Rd, 4. An advisory group with citizen and stakeholder input would likely lead
19 Webb McCall, ID to the best acceptable outcome for all parties.
I oppose the McCall area IDL land exchange proposed by Alec Williams
and his company Trident. Not only will this bring increased demand to
the lake,watershed,wildlife habitat and landscape, it will also impact
our mountain community.
People use these lands to recreate,fish, hunt, hike, bike, motorize and
gather food and wood.This will negatively impact the traditional use of
this land by privatizing and shutting much use off to the people. It will
also put increased demand on the ecosystem with large
scale/unmoderated development.
I have heard IDL has used "the constitution" as an excuse not to take the
time and do what is right for the environment and surrounding
communities.This land is only increasing in value, not value that should
be sold or traded but value to our planet and value to current and future
generations.
We must work together to keep this land undeveloped,to keep it for
everyone to use and to survive for future generations. If it requires the
PO Box IDL to revise the constitution I see that as a win. If it requires Our city
Lea 2741, McCall council members,towns people, activist groups and the land board to
20 albright ID 83638 work towards a solution this is a win.
Page 2 of 15
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - JanuaEy 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Let us be a positive change that surrounding counties and states can take
example from. Let us to the right thing and protect this land.
I stand firmly in objection to the land exchange presented by Trident. 1
do not trust their motives nor their word. If they're backed by investors
Ian 1640 Forest who want a return, I do not believe the land will be preserved with the
21 Cruess Trails Ave wildlife, ecology and local land users as the top three priorities.
Re: Critique of the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy submitted by
Idaho Department of Lands to the Land Board on December 15, 2020
PAGE 1
In spite of Secretary of State Denny's statement in the Star News
questioning why the Land Board should even care aDear Members of the
McCall City Council and Staff,
bout what the City of McCall thinks, IDL has responded to pressure for
public comment on its plan and even set up a short term "focus group'
inviting the city and other stakeholders. I am writing to ask you to
consider the following critiques of the strategy plan when you make your
comments and participate in the focus group.
1.The most unsettling element of the plan is the total dismissal of
Payette Lake. There is no mention of even considering the health of the
lake and the watershed (much less our drinking water source) in any of
their plans for these lands. These lands form a halo around the lake and
provide a necessary buffer protecting not only Big Payette, but also the
North Fork of the Payette,the mouth of Lake Fork Creek and Little Lake
from over-development, run-off pollution,and sedimentation.The Lake
is not only our water source and our love, but our economic driver and
its health and the health of its tributaries is fundamental to our
community. It is also the driver for the high revenues IDL hopes to get for
its land sales,so it seems that its protection is a no-brainer.
2. The Lake is another public trust obligation for the State and the
tributaries running into the lake are corollary to that trust.That public
trust obligation should be considered as important as the state's
fiduciary duty to the endowment land beneficiaries.
3.The value of the lands lies in their connectivity.They are contiguous
with the Payette Forest providing a crucial big game corridor, as well as
access to the forest, lakes, river and creek.Their continuity also provides
insurance against the effects of ecological fragmentation with its
proliferation of noxious weeds, increase of pollution and loss of the
resilience of biodiversity.This connectivity allows open opportunities for
recreation as well as opportunities for IDL to offer long-term
conservation/recreation easements and leases. These opportunities for
long term revenue generation for beneficiaries would be lost with
fractured land parcel development.
Judy 13775 Nisula
22 Anderson Road 4.The IDL plan sets out a 20 year timeline for development/selling off of
Page 3 of 15
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - Januag 28, 2021 Council Meeting
13 parcels of state land.The long timeline and the tiered arrangement of
parcels along the 20 year span are meant to perhaps explore options or
to"participate in city and county processes" or to"convene a
stakeholders group" or to "conduct public outreach". But nowhere in
the plan does it say the needs and concerns of the comprehensive plans
of the city and county would be considered.And there is no guarantee of
adherence to the 20 year schedule. If someone came in with "a suitcase
full of money', could they completely upend the whole tiered scheme
and could blocks of land in tier IV,for example be sold off immediately?
THIS COMMENT IS CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
PAGE 2 of continued comment
Many of us had hoped one of the ideas of the plan was to give McCall
some stability in planning.Yet the plan seems most interested in "taking
advantage of opportunities for higher revenue generation." That
possibility for higher revenue is completely driven by the desirability of
living in McCall. And that desirability is driven by the proximity to a
healthy Payette Lake,the easy access to quality outdoor recreation,the
character of McCall as a small mountain town that cares deeply about
the environment and the culture supported by the city's careful
planning. Ironically all these things could be at risk if the state lands
around McCall are sold and developed.And that it turn could undermine
the high revenue expected for other state land sales.Also if IDL can
acknowledge the debt that it owes to the city and people of McCall for
making their lands way more valuable (in the past few years the state
has made millions off of the sale of the cottage sites),shouldn't IDL at
least be a good neighbor and respect McCall's desires to create a
sustainable, affordable, small town community?And shouldn't IDL try
and further McCall's goals in its plan and implementation?
5. Lastly IDL seems in its plan to be unaware of various infrastructure
limitations most especially the sewer system. It's projections for the
number of residences on its parcels and the worth of the parcels based
on those projections seems out of whack with the present sewer
capacity of the sewer district. With limited present capacity and pressing
need for repairs, priorities for sewer hookups will have to be established
and it is hard to imagine that any of the state lands would be first in line.
Thus the amount of revenue that the state expects to gain from its lands
may be way over estimated if sewer facilities are unavailable and
possible development is curtailed.
Thank you for your attention,
Judy 13775 Nisula Judy Anderson
23 Anderson Road
To those reviewing the use of Idaho endowment lands.
Public open space around the the community of McCall is the best long
Thaona 49 Jughandle term way to preserve Idaho's diminishing resource of open space. I
24 Garber Drive understand the endowment lands were initially set out to generate
Page 4 of 15
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
revenue for the state however the benefits of a one time sale of land is
short sided.
Idaho has lost much of the open space from forests to farmland in the
past 5 years. If we continue at this pace many of the resources we have
valued since our inception will be lost with privatization.
We need to keep Idaho Wild so wildlife,or watersheds, salmon and
historic native landscape remains. I'm
I am opposed to the proposed purchase of Idaho endowment lands and
the development of land and resources.
We are strongly opposed to the Trident land development. Please step
back and get local input and do not rush the process.The purported
910 Yew surveys conducted by Trident about community support are biased and
Diana Wood don't reflect the true community sentiment.The long term effects of the
25 Fields McCall ID decisions you make cannot be reversed.
I whole heartedly disapprove selling public land to take away the rights
211 birch of the people to use our forests and lakes.So much of Idaho is covered
lane with multi-million dollar homes.Vote no on trident holdings! Keep Idaho
Adrienne Donnelly, ID wild and affordable for the people that grew up here and care about the
26 Boland 83615 land.
Dear McCall City Council,
I am writing to express my opposition to the Land Swap/Land Grab being
proposed by Mr.Alec Williams of Trident Holdings. I am also writing to
express my support for a continued dialog between the Idaho
Department of Lands and the Valley County Stakeholders and local
government.
The 28,000 acre Land Swap/Land Grab being proposed by Trident
Holdings would, if it went forward, represent a radical departure from
the historic management of these Public Endowment Lands. Wildlife
depend on these lands for their survival.The lands are crisscrossed by Elk
and Mule Deer in their migrations from the high country to the lower
areas. Shiras Moose make their home in the upper reaches of the North
Fork Payette Watershed. People and kids depend on these lands also.
-The schoolchildren (the beneficiaries of the Endowment Trust) deserve a
chance to have their voices heard.These kids oppose commercial
development of their Public Lands.The schoolchildren represent the
next generation that will roam those lands;they represent our future.
Any decision regarding management of the Endowment Lands is by
nature a Moral Decision. It is neither morally right nor fiscally prudent to
2071 put on blinders and invoke "Constitutional Obligations regarding
Lakeview maximal financial returns..." Management of this Public Land has been
Thomas Avenue, entrusted to the members of the Land Board;the five elected officials in
27 Manning McCall whom Idahoans have put their trust via the ballot box. Idahoans expect
Page 5 of 15
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - Janugy 28, 2021 Council Meeting
their elected officials to possess a strong Moral Compass. Governor Little
has the shared responsibility of protecting Idaho's land and watersheds.
Land Board decisions cannot be made in a vacuum, ignoring detrimental
effects on the land,the lakes, and the rivers. "Long term benefit",as
called for in the constitutional mandate, requires the willingness of
elected officials to strive to see 100-300 years or more into the future,to
consider what will happen if ecosystems and watersheds are destroyed.
If blinders were the rule, and morality and wisdom thrown out of the
analysis,we could end up with any of these possibilities and more along
the North Fork Payette Watershed, and along the shore of Payette Lake:
1)A high-end brothel catering to offshore sex tourism.
2)A nuclear waste storage facility leased for a thousand years to the
Federal Government.
3)A fifteen-story Disneyland-style hotel with casino,ten waterslides, and
a fleet of several hundred surf rental boats,just south of Ponderosa Park
North Beach Unit.
Mr.Alec Williams and his newly established Trident Holdings LLC have
galvanized the citizens if Idaho and the residents of Valley County against
his proposal. Mr.Williams is a 34 year-old just out of law school and
business school and whose work experience to date has included a
couple short stints working for New York Private Equity. He has never
developed any project here in Idaho. He has come from the East Coast to
Idaho, intent on using threats of litigation to try to gain control of 28,000
acres of some of the most valuable public land in the state to fashion his
very own version of Montana's Yellowstone Club.
Alec Williams refuses to disclose his investors, and says the issue is too
sensitive for the investor's names to be made public. Excuse me..we are
talking about some land that's extremely sensitive and the investors
don't want to be named? When we make decisions about our public
lands...we do it in broad daylight under the light of public scrutiny with
public meetings with involvement of the local citizenry and the local
government entities.
I ask the City Council and the Valley County Commissioners to push its
case with the Land Board,the legislature and the public.This issue is too
important to be left to back room dealings.The Land Board has invoked
flawed interpretation of its constitutional mandate too often in the past.
They owe a duty of stewardship to the land..."What would Teddy
Roosevelt do?"
261 Morgan
Drive I have been a resident of McCall for 13 years. I oppose the land swap to
Jan MCCALL preserve what makes this area valuable both economically and
28 Thorien Idaho environmentally.
Please do not privatize our recreational public lands around McCall.
Bonita 80 Elkhorn Nature's wild lands and our access to them is what makes McCall a
29 Glick Ranch Road, healthy,wholesome community.
Page 6 of 15
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - JanuaEy 28, 2021 Council Meeting
McCall, Id
83638
The selling of the land to Trident seems careless.The problems with this
project are huge. I think of fire problems and people trying to exit the
475 Kemble area and crowd to HWY 55 during a maCjor fire. A catastrophe is waiting
Dixie lane. McCall. with a quick decision leaving the whole area vulnerable. Is there any
30 Lewis 83638 planning in place?
16300 US Allowing the land around McCall to be developed by Trident would be a
Highway 10 mistake.The appeal of McCall and the surrounding area is the
Michaela E, Clinton, remoteness,the wildness.Taking that away takes away the reason to
31 Jaquish MT 59825 visit.
Box 4195,
McCall, ID I want to go on record with my opposition to the land exchange near
32 Jon Glick 83638 McCall.
It is critical for the City of McCall and Valley County to have roles in any
decision making by the Land Board and IDL that would affect
endowment lands in the County.The Land Board should establish a local
stakeholder committee to participate and advise in this decisionmaking,
particularly with regard to the disposition (sale, lease, swap, etc.) of
2071 lands.Any decisions should be based upon the health of the lake and the
Julie Lakeview watershed, health of the lands, and carrying capacity of the ecosystem
33 Manning Ave (including infrastructure, roads, sewer system).
January 27, 2021
McCall City Council Members
Mr. Bob Giles, Mayor
Mr. Colby Nielsen, Council President
Ms. Melanie Holmes, Councilor
Ms. Cami Callan, Councilor
Mr. Mike Maciaszek,Councilor
216 East Park Street
McCall, ID 83638
(208)634-7142
Submitted Electronically via McCall City Council Comments Portal
RE: Idaho Conservation League's Comments Regarding the Idaho
Department of Lands Payette Endowment Lands Strategy
Dear McCall City Council Members:
Idaho We understand that there is an opportunity for the McCall City Council
Conservation to submit comments to the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Payette
League,710 Endowment Lands Strategy,which centers on State Endowment Lands in
N. 6th St., and around McCall,Valley County, Idaho.We wanted to share with the
Randy Boise, ID McCall City Council the recommendations that the Idaho Conservation
34 Fox 83701 League will be submitting to the Idaho Department of Lands on behalf of
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Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
our members who live in or recreate in the area. Since 1973, Idaho
Conservation League (ICL) has worked to protect and enhance Idaho's
clean water,wilderness, and quality of life through citizen action, public
education,and professional advocacy. Idaho Conservation League has a
long history of involvement in public land management issues.As Idaho's
largest statewide conservation organization, ICL represents over 30,000
supporters who have a deep personal interest in ensuring that public
lands management decisions protect our quality of life, our land,water,
fish, and wildlife, and the communities that depend on these resources.
The Idaho State Endowment Lands which surround McCall's Payette and
Little Payette Lakes hold a special place in Idahoan's hearts by providing
numerous recreation opportunities for local residents and visitors,
protecting water quality, and supporting an ecosystem rich with
biodiversity which supports numerous wildlife and plant species.These
largely contiguous and undeveloped lands also contribute to the
character of the community and are an integral part of why this area is
so special.
Trident Holdings, LLC is developing a proposal to exchange some 28,000
acres of State Endowment lands in the McCall area for an unknown
number of timberland acres in north Idaho has brought to light the
importance of Idaho State Endowment lands to this community. Trident
promotes their proposal as a mechanism to"Preserve McCall"through
targeted development of highly desirable residential and commercial
sites while promoting"improved public access" and the ability to
conserve undeveloped lands in perpetuity. We are concerned that the
privatization and subsequent development of these lands will threaten
the lands and waters many Idahoans know and love, adversely impact
the quality of life, recreation opportunities, plant and wildlife
populations, and the water quality which all McCall residents and visitors
depend on.This privatization will diminish opportunities for recreation
and sustainable living such as hunting,fishing, and gathering the
abundant natural yields of the forested State lands.The Idaho
Conservation League believes that meaningful conservation, recreational
access and sustainable economic development need not depend on
luxury homes or resort hotels along the lakeshores.
The following document presents our comments and recommendations
regarding the Payette Endowment Land Strategy, and includes several
potential solutions regarding the management of State Endowment
Lands for the benefit of all Idahoans and to ensure the water that McCall
and Valley County residents depend on remains clean and healthy for
human and wildlife consumption. Thank you for considering our
comments as the McCall City Council seeks to find the best path forward
for its residents and the rest of Idaho. Should you have any questions
regarding these recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Page 8 of 15
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Respectfully submitted,
John Robison Randy Fox
Public Lands Director Conservation Associate
Idaho Conservation League Page 1
Idaho Conservation League's Comments on the Idaho Department of
Lands Payette Endowment Lands Strategy
Retain Land Connectivity and Ecological Function
We have long recognized that the economic health and viability of rural
communities directly correlate with the health of the lands and water
that surround them. Ecosystem health becomes more critical and tied to
economic health when we acknowledge that the surrounding landscapes
and opportunities they offer are the very attributes that attract people
to the region for permanent residency, as a second home location, or as
a vacation destination. Clean, drinkable water provides the foundation
for a strong, healthy, and economically viable community, and the nation
has seen the negative impacts of unhealthy or contaminated water
supplies on economic health through the situation in Flint, Michigan, and
in other locations throughout the nation. This is especially true for
McCall and the health of Payette and Little Payette Lakes,which remain
the primary drinking water source for the surrounding communities.
Much of the land surrounding Payette and Little Payette Lakes are
Endowment Lands managed by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL),
and stand at the center of the current discussion. While we understand
that the State has a constitutional mandate to manage their lands for
maximum long-term financial benefit and gain,we do not believe that
the State can achieve their long-term financial goals if the proposed
actions result in ecosystem degradation. Development along the
lakeshores would likely result in increased sediment delivery to the lake
waters and fragmented plant and wildlife habitats,which would degrade
water quality and adversely impact wildlife security and habitat health.
The 1992 asset management plan clearly acknowledges the importance
of IDL staff considering the"needs and concerns' of the citizens of
McCall and greater Valley County regarding the management and/or
disposition of Endowment Lands, and ICL supports McCall and Valley
County residents having the opportunity to shape the trajectory and
health of their own future. We encourage the McCall City Council to
seek out opportunities to work with IDL to conserve lands surrounding
critical water bodies, which are part of IDL's Public Trust, and protect the
foundation of McCall's economic health and security: a sustainable,
Idaho healthy, and drinkable water source. We address our concerns regarding
Conservation maintenance of the public trust below.
League,710
N. 6th St., The Endowment Lands in and around McCall contain migration corridors
Randy Boise, ID and habitats for numerous species, including mule deer, elk, moose,
35 Fox 83701 bears, mountain lions, a variety of raptors and migratory songbirds,
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Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - JanuaEy 28, 2021 Council Meeting
amphibians, reptiles, and the numerous plants and insects these animals
depend on. Maintaining these corridors and habitats is critical to
retaining ecosystem health. Further, maintaining intact migration
corridors and habitats ensures the animals that attract people to the
area for wildlife viewing, hunting,fishing, or gathering remain on the
landscape. Having robust wildlife and plant diversity contributes to the
economic success of the region by attracting wildlife enthusiasts of all
descriptions who support local businesses.
The Payette lakes are also unique in that they are natural bodies of
water, unlike the majority of lower-elevation reservoirs found
throughout the state. Most of Idaho's natural lakes are found at higher
elevations, reducing accessibility for some and limiting recreation
boating opportunities to conveyances that are easily transported. Prior
to the construction of Black Canyon diversion dam on the Payette River
in 1924, salmon regularly made the journey from the Pacific Ocean to
Payette Lake and beyond to spawn. While salmon and steelhead will not
likely return to the Payette watershed,several game fish species
continue to thrive in the cold waters of Payette and Little Payette Lakes
and in the waters downstream.
ICL Comments, Page 2
Public Access to Endowment Lands
Recent surveys and questionnaires circulated in the Valley County
communities by the Payette Land Trust and the Payette Endowment
Lands Alliance demonstrate the importance of having accessible public
lands within an easily commutable distance,oftentimes using non-
motorized methods. The on-going COVID-19 pandemic highlights the
importance of accessible public lands for maintaining physical and
mental health. Many local residents and visitors spend more time
enjoying the Payette Endowment Lands than other portions of the
surrounding Payette National Forest. As urban growth and development
inevitably occur, it becomes increasingly clear that conserving public
access to public lands is vital to the success of rural communities who
rely, at least in part, on tourism trade.
We should not consider land access the sole purview or concern of land-
based development proposals. Many recreationists come to the area to
enjoy the sailing,water-skiing,wake-boarding, paddle boarding, and
kayaking opportunities found at Payette and Little Payette Lakes.
Exploring tucked away coves and islands and relaxing or picnicking on
lakeshore beaches remains a primary attraction for people who come to
Idaho the region specifically for water-based recreation. Increased
Conservation development along the lakeshore by either private or commercial
League,710 ventures could drastically reduce the public access and aesthetic
N. 6th St., components that make Payette and Little Payette Lakes special and
Randy Boise, ID unique. We encourage the McCall City Council to advocate for retaining
36 Fox 83701 public access and protecting the visual aesthetics of these water-based
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Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
locations.
Public Trust Lands
The waters of Idaho, including Payette and Little Payette Lakes,the
tributaries that feed the lakes, and the North Fork of the Payette River
are protected and held in Public Trust by IDL, and the lands below the
ordinary high water mark are considered public trust lands.State Public
Trust lands are fundamentally different from State Endowment Lands in
terms of management and goals.Title to these public trust lands remains
with the state and the lands are administered, "for the public benefit
rather than for a specific beneficiary." We are concerned that
privatization of these endowment lands will lead to adverse effects on
Public Trust Lands, including the nearby waterways and lands below the
ordinary high water marks.
As early as 1925, Idaho Statute and Code recognized the importance of
preserving Payette Lake as a "Health Resort(s) and Recreation" location.
Regarding the Appropriation of Waters in Trust for People, Statute 67-
4301 states:
The governor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate in trust
for the people of the state of Idaho all the unappropriated water of Big
Payette Lake, or so much thereof as may be necessary to preserve said
lake in its present condition. The preservation of said water in said lake
for scenic beauty, health and recreation purposes necessary and
desirable for all the inhabitants of the state is hereby declared to be a
beneficial use of such water. (emphasis added)
ICL comments, Page 3
Statute 67-4302 declares that the land between the ordinary high and
low water mark,as well as"all other lands of the state adjacent to said
lake which are not held in trust for the beneficiaries of the endowed
institutions" are to be devoted public access and use"in connection with
the preservation of said lake in its present condition as a health resort
and recreation place" for Idaho citizens. Further,this public use was
found to "be more necessary....than the use of said lands as a storage
reservoir for irrigation or power purposes." While our leaders in 1925
could not predict the development value of these lands and waters,they
clearly recognized and acknowledged the value of conserving these
natural resources for recreation and health benefits for all Idahoans. We
believe these early statutes provide the McCall City Council, IDL,and the
diverse stakeholders in the region with the statutory and codified
Idaho authority to advocate for continued conservation and preservation of
Conservation these lands for future generations.
League,710
N. 6th St., We understand that Cougar island has been platted and both islands are
Randy Boise, ID zoned for"Rural Residential," allowing for a single residence per 10
37 Fox 83701 acres. Shellworth Island is 13.1 acres and is platted to support a single
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Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - Januag 28, 2021 Council Meeting
residence, and Cougar Island,while only slightly larger at 14.21 acres, is
platted in a manner that identifies 5 buildable lots,which conflicts with
the zoning ordinances.
We believe these islands should remain public lands and protected from
development. While the portions above the ordinary high water may be
considered Endowment Lands that are available for sale or lease to gain
"maximum long term financial gain," direct access and anchorage
opportunities remain within the realm of public trust lands and water.
The sale or lease of these islands would require constructing docks in or
on public trust waters and/or lands,the loss of public access to these
islands would clearly benefit the few rather than the public, and would
unfairly impact Public Trust responsibilities. A related argument for
leaving Cougar and Shellworth Islands undeveloped centers on the City's
limited capacity for infrastructure and services for island residents, and
the potential for contaminants associated with septic infiltration systems
to leach into lake waters. We are also concerned that the conversion of
Cougar and Shellworth Islands from publicly accessed lands to private
property or leased with access restrictions may widen the gap of social
disparity in the community.
We recommend that these islands be considered public trust land in
their entirety. ICL recommends the City of McCall work with IDL to find a
solution that removes the islands from direct sale or development
consideration. One option would be to incorporate the islands as part of
Ponderosa State Park. A second option to explore may involve
conservation easements that allow for public use while limiting or
removing development from the IDL strategy.
ICL comments, Page 4
Recommended Solutions
ICL believes there are several paths forward that will achieve the goals of
both IDL and the McCall community. First and most obvious is to
maintain the status quo for the time being. According to IDL's draft
Payette Endowment Lands Strategy,the McCall area Endowment lands
continue to earn revenues that are commiserate with providing long-
term financial benefit and gain,suggesting that an imperative to alter
course doesn't exist. While these lands have and will continue to gain
value through time,the increasing monetary value directly correlates to
the social values and amenities that attract residents and visitors to the
area. Moreover, by selling the Endowment Land properties, IDL
contributes to the land's appreciation. Any proposal should consider
Idaho whether lands adjacent to parcels now being considered for sale will be
Conservation next for dispensation. While maintaining the status quo may help
League,710 resolve immediate concerns,we do see the value in a long term plan to
N. 6th St., address the trajectory of growth and IDL management in 5, 10, or 20
Randy Boise, ID years and farther out.Any exchanges,sales or leases for development
38 Fox 83701 should be limited to the smaller, isolated IDL inholdings adjacent to
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Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
existing developments that are already encompassed by the current
comprehensive plan. For example,we agree with the Department of
Lands's assessment that the Deinhard parcels represent opportunities
for additional development in areas already impacted by existing
infrastructure. These two parcels are easily accessed by utility
infrastructure and would require minimal investment for their
development. However, rather than selling these two properties to
private developers,we recommend the City of McCall purchase one or
both of these parcels, rezone them for multi-family housing, and re-sell
either individual lots or larger tracts to developers,with the goal of
retaining a certain percentage for affordable housing. As numerous
small mountain communities from Ketchum to Telluride have
discovered, it is difficult to keep a town running if the people who work
in the community cannot afford to live in the community. McCall can
avoid this quandary through proactive planning and management, and
the Deinhard parcels represent an excellent opportunity to make such an
investment in the community's future.
IDL can also fulfill their constitutional mandate by considering
recreational leases on select portions of the McCall area Endowment
Lands. This would allow the state to continue harvesting timber from
appropriately designated parcels while gaining financial benefit from the
lease price. One potential venue may include yurt or small cabin rentals,
similar to those already operating within Ponderosa State Park.
Ponderosa State Park is a central attraction for the McCall area, and both
the local community and broader public would benefit from the park's
expansion. There are numerous options available to achieve this goal,
including private fund raising drives, direct donation from IDL to the
State Park, or through acquisition using Land and Water Conservation
Funds (LWCF). The recently passed Great American Outdoors Act
assures permanent funding for LWCF,which provides funds and grants
to states,soil and water conservation districts, and municipalities to
acquire lands for parks and conservation endeavours.
ICL comments, Page 5
Incorporating lands adjacent to the existing park boundaries makes
sense,allowing park officials to manage the contiguous parcels on a
landscape scale. As we mentioned earlier in these comments, adding
Cougar and Shellworth Islands to the state park system would provide
the greatest benefit to the public, affording permanent protections and
enhancing the intrinsic value of Ponderosa State Park. ICL believes the
Idaho incorporation of Endowment Land parcels into Ponderosa State Park
Conservation represents a viable solution that also achieves the goals of both IDL and
League,710 the McCall community. IDL would reduce its management
N. 6th St., responsibilities for isolated or small parcels,the community would retain
Randy Boise, ID full public access to cherished lands, and the move would retain
39 Fox 83701 ecosystem connectivity.
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Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - #2 - Januag 28, 2021 Council Meeting
A third potential option to conserve the McCall area Endowment lands is
through conservation easements. IDL can sell the development rights to
organizations, like the Payette Land Trust,yet retain physical ownership
and the ability to continue reaping the financial benefits associated with
managing timberlands. While acquiring the funds for the purchase of
these development rights often requires a concerted effort on the part
of the whole community,the benefits far outweigh the potential
disadvantages. ICL recommends that the McCall City Council explore the
option of placing conservation easements on select tracts of the Payette
Endowment Lands with IDL.These lands may also be eligible for inclusion
in the Forest Legacy Program which helps support keeping private and
state lands as working lands while protecting them from development.
While we believe most Tier 1 parcels and some Tier 2 parcels are suitable
for development,we ask that the McCall City Council encourage IDL to
not discount conservation easements for any parcels put forth and
discussed in the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy.
A Direct Correlation Between Communities and Ecosystems
ICL believes that both natural ecosystems and human communities have
a carrying capacity that limits the degree to which a system can support
a particular species or characteristic of that community.
While growing communities realize an increased tax base and
commercial opportunities,there are often challenges that are less
known,such as addressing infrastructure capacity like utilities,fire and
medical services, and education resources. However,the most
significant challenge found from Ketchum to Telluride is the availability
of affordable housing for the essential workers who keep the community
operating. One component of the carrying capacity in this situation is
the ability to house workers within the communities they work.
From our perspective, McCall and surrounding communities may be
approaching this nexus soon. Once this carrying capacity is reached and
housing becomes less affordable for essential workers,the character and
nature of the community often changes. The McCall City Council and the
citizens you represent are likely having difficult,yet necessary
discussions regarding where the limits of growth lie for the town, and
how increased growth may change the character of the community,for
good or ill. ICL encourages the McCall City Council to continue having
these hard discussions to find a path forward that allows for economic
and development growth while retaining the character of the
community, preserving the quality of life,and conserving the natural
resources that make the area special.
ICL Comments, Page 6
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Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
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Dear McCall City Council Members:
As a 21-year resident of McCall, I am deeply troubled by the potential
loss of public Endowment Lands around Payette Lake, particularly the
loss of public stewardship via a sale to Trident Holdings or any such
private company.
Payette Lakes and its tributaries are precious-they provide clean
drinking water,sustain the health of our lake and the Payette River,
provide significant habitat for both large and small land and water
animals, and provide an important source of recreation.The lands
around the northern part of the lake and river-much of which is
designated Endowment Land-should be protected and held in the
public trust, not only to protect this watershed, but also to protect the
integrity of our ecological and human communities.
As Idaho continues to grow, other communities in our state-and in
other western resort regions-will face increasing pressure to sell off
precious public lands to the highest bidders.This short-sighted thinking
trades short-term gain for funds that cannot replace the true value of
these lands over time. What happens here in McCall will set a precedent
for other similar cases and must be addressed with gravity.
As elected public officials, I ask that you consider broad public
sentiment, local impact, and philosophical concerns around the
protection of these lands by:
1. Pressuring the Land Board to establish a long-range stakeholder
advisory committee to involve local governments and citizens in
decisions that will dramatically impact our economies, ecological health,
and community cultures.
2. Pressuring the Department of Lands to acknowledge that these lands
have deep value that cannot be bought with a one-time, bottom-line
sale price. Long-term economic impacts must be included in financial
stewardship as the care of these lands directly and indirectly impacts
local economies,tax revenues,tourism, recreation dollars, and
community livability now and into the future.
Thank you for your time and for hearing my concerns.
62 Garden -Tracey Kindall,full-time resident McCall
Tracey Lane/P.O. Let's be forward-thinking role models in the Western battle to keep
40 Kindall Box 326 public lands in public hands.
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