City Government
Too Many People, Too Much Hype
February 8, 2020 
Idaho State PARKS has more happy campers than they can handle, forcing the department to make the wise move to stop advertising for visitors.
The GUARDIAN has long held the GROWTHOPHOBE position that state and local governments should do the same thing–stop paying businesses to come to Idaho.
It makes no sense to us for the state COMMERCE DEPT. to offer “incentives” in the form of tax breaks, job training credits, etc. in their efforts to increase the population and thus the demand for services like schools, police, roads, etc.
Same holds true for the politicos in Boise. The city touts a list of ENTICEMENTS in their efforts to increase the population through corporate welfare.
The GUARDIAN growthophobe mantra has long been, “we welcome anyone willing to pay a fair wage and their share of taxes. If they need financial help, try New York or California.”
Parks has the right idea. Stop advertising for people you don’t need.
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Comments & Discussion
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Feb 8, 2020, 2:57 pm
There is more than enough state land available. The problem is that to much of it is dedicated towards subsidized timber or selling popular lots to the rich (Priest Lake). ALL state land needs reviewed for best use, and much more land dedicated towards camping, hiking, hunting, and fishing.
Feb 8, 2020, 4:36 pm
The valley is being taken over by evasive species that disrupt the native ecosystem.
Feb 8, 2020, 5:02 pm
Thank you. I thought only the county did this. No wonder our taxes are so high.
Feb 9, 2020, 10:52 am
Remember a few ago when the legislature thought State Parks were a waste of time and wanted to do away with them? RV parks would be a good business model right now, if you look at all of the new RV’s for sale.
Feb 9, 2020, 12:07 pm
Related to this problem is that the ITD includes an option to buy a state parks pass with your annual/bi-annual car registration for $10 or $20. They have done this the last 5 or so years. In a state as vast as Idaho it’s not as though we are lacking for places to pitch a tent, so I am not sure why anyone would voluntarily go to a state park that’s filled to capacity.
Feb 9, 2020, 3:56 pm
Eamonn Harter is unaware of the history of the $10/vehicle pass into Idaho State Parks:
The annual fee was previously $30/vehicle. This fee was available for purchase from ITD, but the $$ goes to state Parks and Rec Dept. Kangas is correct, the Idaho Lege took away most or all general fund support for parks. So the Parks Director at the time (Nancy Merrill, former Mayor of Eagle) decided to drop the sticker price to $10, hoping more auto owners would purchase stickers, which would raise more $$ for Parks and Rec. That scenario did occur.
So don’t blame ITD… that agency is merely acting as an agent for Parks and Recreation, and making purchase of the sticker convenient for those who own vehicles. the fee is totally voluntary.
Feb 10, 2020, 9:56 am
“When times are good you should advertise, when times are bad you MUST advertise”
OR the Parks Dept should be charging MORE $ for the services and access so the actual USERS pay 100% of the costs instead of state funds paying to fill the gap.
Supply and Demand- increase the rates! And the increased rates will reduce the # of [poor]users. Econ 101.
Remember, in 2010 Gov Otter considered shutting the Parks Dept down dealing with incredible budget cuts and the GOP seemed happy to drop the Parks Dept like a hot potato.
On the other hand, IF the Parks own “philosophy” is true, they should continue to advertise with tax dollars as those dollars bring in MORE dollars in the long run.
Full? Build more (expand) parks.
From 2018:
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/news/idaho-state-parks-contribute-millions-idaho%E2%80%99s-economy
Seems like the Dept is contradicting itself; or more likely, just doesn’t know what to do.
Current Parks Director for last 5 years, is David Langhorst- an appointee and former Dist 16 legislator.
Feb 10, 2020, 11:37 am
The should do like ski resorts and national parks. Just make it too expensive for most people to enter.