The 28,000 acres of state lands surrounding Payette Lake and Little Payette Lake are a valuable cultural and economic asset to the communities in Valley County and all Idahoans who enjoy them. It is an iconic Idaho landscape not only because it is scenic and offers multi-use recreation opportunity, but simply because it is a public resource available for all to enjoy.

Now this land is proposed for sale into private ownership. If fulfilled, the proposed land exchange will change how we experience McCall and its surrounding areas forever, and in a fundamental way. It will no longer belong in public hands, but will be parceled, subdivided, developed, and gated- benefitting only the highest bidders at the expense of every Idahoan.

By signing this petition, I oppose the Payette Lake land exchange proposed by Trident LLC and support the State of Idaho Land Board to engage the McCall City Council and Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Commissioners, state senators and representatives, and any interested stakeholders to explore other options to permanently keep this state land parcel in public hands.