Tag Archives: Nancy Merrill
Idaho parks depending more on fees to stay open
Idaho parks could see fewer state tax dollars in the next state budget, though its total spending plan could increase slightly due to an increased use of fees on visitors and recreational vehicle (RV) campers. The shift is part of … Continue reading
State parks’ new business model includes company sponsors
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has taken some of the largest proportional hits in state funding as the economy has dwindled, and director Nancy Merrill said the agency is looking to adapt to a new funding and … Continue reading
This trail brought to you by … Corporate branding considered for state parks
Idaho State Parks, brought to you by … The North Face? Columbia Sportswear? REI? With backup cash dwindling and no new income streams in sight, the state might sign a corporate sponsor to stave off park closures. “We’re trying to … Continue reading
State parks expecting 20 percent reduction
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) will need to find a new way of doing business with significantly less state support. Idaho parks will see 20 percent less money in the next budget set by the Joint Finance-Appropriations … Continue reading
Otter refutes criticisms on cuts to schools, state agencies
Gov. Butch Otter refuted criticism that he wants to cut funding to public schools and eliminate several state agencies in a news release issued Friday afternoon. Otter singled out newspaper columnists, saying they “consider facts little more than obstacles to … Continue reading
Dworshak State Park likely reopening
The Idaho Parks and Recreation Board has directed staff to come up with a plan in the next month for reopening Dworshak State Park near Orofino in north central Idaho. The park closed last year and has been a sticking … Continue reading
Lawmakers press park board member on proposed changes
A longtime member of the Idaho Parks and Recreation Board told lawmakers she will follow the new plan to reduce state funding and staff, as well as seek out more public/private partnerships to keep parks open. Democrat Jean McDevitt of … Continue reading
Parks director outlines layoffs, fees, and future
Idaho parks director Nancy Merrill said it won’t be easy to end general fund spending for parks, but she’s working with stakeholders to make it happen. “This is not fluff or extra money,” Merrill said about the proposed $4.5 million … Continue reading
Schroeder introduces plan to de-power parks board
Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Moscow, has introduced a plan that could turn the Idaho Parks and Recreation Board into an advisory committee, and give the board’s full power to parks director Nancy Merrill. Schroeder said he won’t move forward with the … Continue reading
Otter and Merrill offer specifics on parks
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation will not be eliminated, but will see funding reductions and layoffs, according to Gov. Butch Otter. He and parks director Nancy Merrill presented some changes Friday to Otter’s original plan to merge parks … Continue reading