BOISE, Idaho — Idaho State Senator Ben Adams (R–Nampa) is preparing to introduce a constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring that any new public lands acquired from the federal government remain permanently in public hands.
The proposal, which Adams plans to unveil when the 2026 Idaho legislative session begins in January, would create a new state trust for future public lands. Unlike Idaho’s existing 2.5 million acres of endowment lands — which can be sold to generate long-term revenue for the state — property in the new trust could never be sold.
“Selling it off is just not an option in my mind,” Adams said. “Public lands are where my family hikes, fishes, and makes memories. They belong to all of us.”
Why the Proposal Emerged Now
The push follows a national debate sparked earlier this year when U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R–Utah) floated a plan to auction off millions of acres of federal land, including areas in Idaho. That proposal was ultimately dropped after bipartisan backlash, including opposition from Idaho’s own congressional delegation — Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and Representative Mike Simpson.
Adams said the episode underscored the need for long-term safeguards. “This idea had legs before, but Senator Lee’s proposal gave it wings,” he explained.
How the Amendment Would Work
If approved, the amendment would:
- Create a new land trust for all future public lands acquired from the federal government.
- Prohibit the sale of any lands in that trust.
- Allow for multiple-use management, including recreation, timber harvest, and grazing.
- Direct revenue from grazing and timber sales to support rural schools in communities surrounded by public lands.
The amendment would not change current laws for state endowment lands, which can still be sold under Idaho’s constitutional mandate to maximize long-term financial returns.
Public Support and Political Outlook
To pass, the measure must win a two-thirds majority in both the Idaho House and Senate before going to voters in the November 2026 general election, where a simple majority would be required.
Adams is optimistic about bipartisan backing, noting that public lands enjoy overwhelming support in Idaho. A recent Conservation Voters for Idaho poll found that 96% of registered voters believe public lands should remain public.
More than 60% of Idaho’s land is publicly owned, offering opportunities for hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and other recreation.
Kickoff Event in Pine
Adams will formally present the amendment’s text during a public event at noon on August 15 at the Pine Cafe in Pine, Idaho — a small mountain community along the South Fork of the Boise River, surrounded by public lands.
The retired Marine Corps sergeant, who served two tours in Afghanistan, says the issue is deeply personal:
“Public lands are where I healed when I came home. They are the one place in the world where every person is a king, because they belong to you — and to all of us.”
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