United Payette survey finds Valley County support for land exchange to keep Payette endowment lands public

United Payette presented results of a University of Idaho–administered survey showing majority support among Valley County respondents for a proposed exchange of Payette endowment lands intended to keep those parcels in public ownership and public use.

Kristen Hoff Sinclair, who introduced United Payette’s presentation, said the coalition’s goal is to "focus on the endowment lands and figure out ways to make sure that they don't go away." The mailed survey invited 6,738 Valley County addresses; organizers received 840 completed responses (a 3.3 percent margin of error). Of those respondents, 66 percent said they support or strongly support a land exchange between the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and the U.S. Forest Service. Separately, 91 percent said they were very or extremely concerned about future privatization of state endowment lands around Payette Lake and Little Payette Lake.

Survey results highlighted local priorities and perceived threats: protecting water quality, preserving wildlife and fish habitat, maintaining natural areas and public access were ranked by respondents as highly important; residential subdivision and mining were the least supported uses. The presenters said Donnelly responses showed relatively higher opposition or requests for more information, while McCall respondents were broadly supportive.

Chris Better (United Payette steering committee) and other presenters described the organization’s prior work — recreation leases, a Cougar Island conservation easement, and outreach to state authorities — and said the survey will be used in briefings with county commissioners, the governor’s office and the congressional delegation. Bridal Harris (retired, Payette National Forest), who spoke during the session, said one of the survey’s key values is showing elected officials public support for a land-exchange approach: “One of the key aspects of this survey is indicating to our congressional delegation that there's support for that exchange to take place.”

Council discussion focused on practical next steps and limits of local authority. Council members asked how the city could assist; presenters requested help amplifying the executive summary in briefings and outreach. Presenters also acknowledged limits to agency authority and funding: state endowment law requires compensation for land sales, and any Forest Service acquisition of IDL parcels would likely require congressional action because the parcels fall outside the Payette National Forest's original boundary.

Presenters and councilors noted other implementation considerations: which parcels might be included or excluded from an exchange, how an exchange would affect access to trails and rivers beyond the lake, the possible roles of regional partners, and the importance of government-to-government consultation with tribal nations. United Payette said it will continue outreach to the Nez Perce and other tribes and to state and federal partners.

United Payette asked the council to share the two-page executive summary with state and federal offices and to consider how the city can assist with public education and scenario planning should a formal proposal emerge. The presentation concluded with council and presenters agreeing to maintain communication as the group pursues legislative, agency and public-engagement steps.