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The weekend is coming up so let's take a minute for some Off-Road Basics: Trail Etiquette. Etiquette is a big topic so we will take small bites. ...

The treatment the Wilkes Brothers (DF Development) received from the Statesman on July 30, 2023, was completely unfair and misleading. Yes, they limit access to their private lands. Who does not limit access to their private property? Do you leave your front door open for the world to use your home as it sees fit? Of course not! We need to stop demonizing DF Development for doing so. We either believe in private property rights or we do not.

The Wilkes family does allow some access to their property. They have worked in good faith with the Idaho Recreation Council from the very beginning to allow public access to many summer and winter roads on their property. They have generously done so with no financial compensation and with little fanfare. Like most of us, they allow people onto their property…. They just don’t let everyone go everywhere. That does not make them bad people. That just makes them responsible private property owners like most of us.

Yes, the previous owner of that land allowed completely unfettered access but that in no obligates the new owners to continue managing the land in the same way. It is their property and they get to decide who uses it!

There is no shortage of public land in Idaho on which our citizens can recreate. Just over 62% of Idaho is ‘held in trust for the American People’ and managed for multiple uses by the federal government. No question about it, there are challenges to using these lands, nothing is easy or quick with the managing agencies because of an over-abundance of federal laws. Regulations, and case law. THAT is about what we should be concerned. THAT is what the Idaho Statesman should take offense with….not treating a good family like the enemy for treating their property exactly how most of us treat our own. A good start for the Statesman would be doing some research before you put misinformation in print!

Thank you.
Jim Kulm,
President 208.866.****
Idaho Recreation Council
...

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Statesman sucks for news! Best to get the Idaho press! Especially in Gem county. Del is a honest and impartial reporter, unlike others!

Why is the IRC standing up for out of state billionaires who’s DEVELOPMENT company only pays $15000.00 a year in property taxes on tens of thousands of acres in Idaho? How about taking a stand for the Idaho sportsmen and recreationalist that pay taxes on property, fuel, sporting goods, and general sales tax. I think DF can afford their own spokesman.

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**Trail Crew Report** This report comes from the East Region Trail Rangers, Hans Lundgren & Henry Tromba working on USFS land on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Challis-Yankee Fork Ranger District.
Henry has joined the East Idaho team after spending two seasons on the North Idaho Trail Ranger crew, thanks Henry!

Idaho has one of the largest trail systems in the United States. Keeping trails accessible to users is the number one priority of the Trail Ranger program. Their goal is to open the most miles of trail in a season while at the same time improving the trail system with light maintenance so all users can enjoy Idaho’s trails.

Making more miles of trail available to trail users, disperses the use, reduces environmental impacts, and user conflict.
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The Idaho Recreation Council is comprised of Idahoans from all parts of the state with a wide spectrum of recreation interest and love for the future of Idaho and a desire to preserve recreation for future generations of Idahoans. If you believe access is important to your recreation please consider joining a club in your area.

Responsible Shared Use

These three words succinctly express the Idaho Recreation Council’s philosophy; a philosophy that emphasis rights and responsibilities.  For example, both motorized and non-motorized users recreate on public lands but each also has a responsibility to act in a way that minimizes their impact on the resource as well as on the other users.  With these opportunities granted to us, comes responsibilities. 

The phrase goes beyond simply advocating multiple use.  It requires from those who advocate it a willingness to not be selfish.  It means other’s preferences are accepted recognizing that one’s choice of recreation is not better than another, just different, and that not one user group has greater rights than another.  Behavior is courteous and respectful at all times and is not dependent upon others behavior.

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Sandra Mitchel | Executive Director

Jim Kulm | President

‘Mike Mickelsen’ | RV

Cliff Hoisington | 4 x 4

David G | ATV

Randy Harrison |  Rock Hounds

Kirk Buck |  UTV

Mark Wood | Snowmobile

Mark Jennings | Vice President

Sean McConnachie | Jet Boat

Steve Frisbie | Treasurer

Steve Swann | Backcountry Aviation

Ron Hancock | Small Suction Dredge Mining

Address:
 
Idaho Recreation Council
PO Box 1317
Eagle, Idaho 83616
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