Fish and Game requests $18.2 million in mostly one‑time enhancements; Valley Fire rehab, website overhaul and remote connectivity discussed

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Oct. 24, 2025, that it plans to seek $18,184,900 in enhancements for fiscal 2026 — a package the department said is largely one‑time and aimed at capital projects, facility replacement and targeted operating needs.

Janet Jessup, the committee’s budget analyst, said the agency is allocated roughly 550 full‑time positions and operates 19 state‑run hatcheries. She emphasized that the department receives no general fund and instead relies on dedicated license and fee revenues plus federal grants; she cited Idaho Code section 36‑103 as the statutory basis for the agency’s mission and rulemaking structure.

Why it matters: Fish and Game oversees fisheries, wildlife enforcement and hatcheries that drive operating and utility costs statewide. The enhancement package and supplemental requests address infrastructure, a wildfire rehabilitation response and technology investments needed to manage data and public services.

Key p…