Idaho parks seek higher seasonal pay, program consolidation and marina replacements at Heyburn State Park

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation on Thursday asked the Joint Finance Committee to approve a package of budget changes that would (1) consolidate management services and park operations into a single budget program, (2) raise seasonal employee pay and address ranger pay compression, and (3) fund capital projects including replacement of two marinas at Heyburn State Park.

The requests were presented by Janet Jessup, a budget and policy analyst with legislative services, and by Director Susan Buxton, who spoke with committee members about the agency's staffing and capital needs. Jessup told the committee the agency is allocated about 190.8 full‑time positions and that capital development currently carries no ongoing FTP because capital outlay is funded as one‑time projects. She noted the governor's recommendation included the agency's full list of capital requests.

Why it matters: The proposals would affect park operations across Idaho, seasonal workers who staff parks each year, and local economies that rely on recreation. The consolidation and compensation changes are framed by the agency as operational fixes…