Upwards of 90% of Idaho’s special use permitted outfitters operate on lands managed by USFS and BLM. Critical ingredients regarding the future of outfitting on these public lands is currently the focus of H.R. 5204, the Modernization of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. We need more letters to Congress supporting this legislation as votes on
popvox.com are running 6 to 1 against the bill.
H.R. 5204
- reauthorizes the Forest Service, USFWS and BLM permitting authority for five years,
- limits permit fees to 3% of gross or an equivalent flat fee and provides for greater accountability as to how this fee and others associated with recreation are utilized,
- requires congressional approval of new amenity and entrance fees,
- waives NEPA compliance for permitted activities and similar activities that have been previously approved. This is HUGE.
- authorizes one permit when a trip crosses multiple boundaries. Wouldn’t it be nice to substantially cut down on your paperwork!
Unless industry support is substantial, H.R. 5204 may not pass. This is legislation that the industry, including IOGA, has worked on diligently for quite some time.
So, if you have a Forest Service or BLM permit go to
popvox.com and write a letter in support of H.R. 5204 today.
Get your key employees to write in support so we overwhelm the opposition.
Write your own letter or copy the statement below and put it in your letter.
I fully support H.R.5204 as unanimously approved by the House Natural Resources Committee in July 2014. The bill provides much greater oversight of recreation fees and their uses and re-authorizes the authority under which my outfitter permits are issued. Please support passage of H.R. 5204 in this session of Congress.
Go to
https://www.popvox.com/bills/us/113/hr5204
After you put in your address popvox will automatically send a letter to your Congressman.
Nominations for Guides of the Year
IOGA would like to recognize and reward our state’s top Guides at this year’s annual meeting in December. Send nominations for your veteran or rookie guide, as years of experience are helpful but not necessary. We are looking for the specific actions, attitudes, approaches and skills that set your nomination apart from the rest. Click here for
more information or a
nomination form.
Nominations for Resource Manager
IOGA is currently accepting nominations from its membership for the 2014 Resource Manager of the Year award. This award has been presented since 1988 during the annual IOGA meeting to a state or federal resource management agency person who exemplifies building understanding, communication and trust in their activities as a resource manager with the industry. Send your nomination along with a short nomination letter to the
IOGA office by November 15th.
Annual Meeting Tentative Agenda
The IOGA annual meeting will be at the Red Lion Downtowner this year. Be sure to mark your calendar for the week of December 8-13, 2014. Primary meeting dates for general sessions, section meetings, exhibitors, party night and auction are Thursday and Friday, December 11-12. A
tentative agenda and registration forms will be mailed later this month and will also be available online.
The IOGA special room rate is $67 single or double occupancy. You must make your reservations by November 17th to receive the special rate. Call the Red Lion Downtowner at 208.344.7691, ask for the Front Desk and be certain to tell them you are with IOGA.
Lobby Day 2015 Meat & Supplies Needed
Save the Date! February 18th, 2015 is the date of the biannual IOGA Lobby Day.
IOGA’s goals with our Lobby Day at the Statehouse and dutch oven dinner at the Basque Center in downtown Boise are to meet and greet elected leaders while sharing information on our industry and related concerns. The IOGA dutch oven dinner is a highlight on the list of events that elected leaders attend.
If you can donate wild game, fish, birds, or other groceries and supplies, please let
Lynn Demerse or
Janey Bruesch know and bring them to the Annual Meeting.
It takes 30-plus volunteers to successfully pull off this event. For more information and other ways you can help or participate,
click here.
