About Parks & Recreation
5657 Warm Springs Ave
Boise, ID 83716-8700
Our office is open Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm (MST), with the exception of state-observed holidays.
(208) 334-4199
Email
"Idaho's state parks represent the great variety and beauty of the state, and our park rangers are proud to share some of our state's splendor with you. It is my pleasure to join them in welcoming you to Idaho. I hope you will return often to experience the excitement and diverse opportunities we have to offer."
Governor Butch Otter
Our Mission
The mission of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship.
Our Vision
We are innovators in outdoor recreation, committed to excellent service and resource stewardship. We foster experiences that renew the human spirit and promote community vitality.
What We Do
IDPR manages 30 state parks throughout every region of Idaho and the registration programs for boats, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles (OHV). Money from these registration programs goes back to users to develop and maintain trails, facilities and programs. IDPR also provides free education courses for boaters and OHV operators.
We also manage several outdoor recreation grant programs that provide facilities and services to a wide variety of recreationists and the local governmental and nongovernmental organizations that serve them. You can learn more about these programs under "Grants and Funding."
IDPR Board and Director
The Idaho Park and Recreation Board provides citizen oversight for the agency. Board members are appointed by the governor to six-year terms. The Board appoints and supervises the agency director.
Agency Statutes
Statutes directly applying to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
Agency Rules
Rules directly applying to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative
The Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative (IRTI) is a coalition of state and federal agencies and others dedicated to providing Idaho citizens and visitors with expanded recreation opportunities. Click here to access information about the intiative.
IDPR's core values include integrity, compassion, service, stewardship and commitment. We protect the resources that are entrusted to us, we strive to help visitors experience those resources in a positive way and we endeavor to be vital members of the communities in which we operate.
Next Events
No events found.
Contact IDPR
Click below to jump to IDPR programs
- Administration
- Regional Park Offices
- Grants and Funding Program
- Recreation Programs
- Employment
- Volunteer and Seasonal
- Management Information Systems
Directory of Personnel
If you know the name of the person you are trying to reach, email addresses and telephone numbers are available in the Idaho State Directory.
Headquarters
Headquarters Administration
Human Resource Officer
Jamie Little
Experience/Education Coordinator
(208) 514-2408
Regional Park Offices
David White
Grants and Funding Programs
Recreation Programs
P.O. Box 83720
Randy Herman
randy.herman@idpr.idaho.gov
(208) 799-5126
Employment
Volunteer Services and Seasonal Hiring
PO Box 83720
IDPR Documents and Downloads
Click the titles below to view or download Idaho Department of Parks and Recreations planning documents, rules and more.
State of Idaho Administrative Rules for IDPR
IDPR Board Minutes and Agendas
To search for IDPR Rules, check the Office of the Administrative Rules Coordinator website.
Looking for park or activity brochures?
Order an IDPR related publication
History of Idaho State Parks
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation owes its existence largely to the vision of one man, Governor Robert E. Smylie. He looked into the future and saw a professionally managed system of state parks available for the enjoyment of all Idaho’s citizens and visitors. He kept that vision in mind when Roland and Averell Harriman offered to donate their beloved Railroad Ranch to the state if a professional managing agency was put in place before the transfer of their generous gift would take place.
Others took up this vision and, when the opportunity presented itself, added recreation to the agency’s charge to take advantage of the new federal Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1966. The agency became the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and through that federal program helped countless cities and counties across the state fulfill their own outdoor recreation visions in their individual communities.
|
Steve Bly with Gladys and Roland Harriman |
Since 1965, the Department has been governed by a six-person board with each member representing a different geographic area of the state. The board has the power "to appoint a director to serve at its discretion" (Title 67, Chapter 42, Idaho Code).
|
Past Directors
1971-1975
Steve Bly
1976-1984
Dale R. Christiansen
1984-1987
Robert L. Meinen
1987-2001
Yvonne Ferrell
2001-2004
Rick Collignon
2004-2009
Robert L. Meinen
2009-2014
Nancy Merrill
2014-Current
David R. Langhorst
Do What You Love, Love What You Do
Applying for a job with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is easy. The Idaho Department of Human Resources allows you to apply online or download the application and exam from the DHR website and mail the information to us at:
We are now accepting applications for the summer of 2017. Apply now!
Become a seasonal employee!
Why spend the summer indoors when you can work outside in a beautiful state park? Idaho State Parks offers a variety of seasonal employment opportunities. Click here for more information and to apply for seasonal employment opportunities.What kinds of work do seasonal employees perform?
- Building and ground maintenance
- Public Relations
- Retail
- Clerical
- Interpretive
- Resource management
- Marine assistance
Volunteer!
Spread your wings in some of the Idaho's most spectacular places! Volunteer at an Idaho State Park with an old growth forest, a trout-filled stream or a pristine mountain lake. How about helping maintain trails, teach boating safety, or work at a visitor center? As part of our team, volunteers provide essential services with a personal touch. You can make visitors' experiences more enjoyable and complete. Your volunteer efforts help preserve Idaho's natural treasures for generations to come.
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation News and Alerts
Check out the latest agency news and alerts.
Media Relations Contact
Jennifer Okerlund
Communications Manager
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
Ph: (208) 514-2254
Fax: (208) 334-5232
Idaho Park Visitation and Recreation Statistics
Visitation Statistics
Day Use
2012/2013
Day Use / Camping
Idaho Recreational Vehicle Registration Statistics
Idaho Snowmobile Registrations
Idaho Recreational Vehicle Registration Data
Please read: How to interpret this data
Economics
Off-Highway Vehicle Economic Impact in Idaho
Agency Plans
2013-2017 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan
2006-2010 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan
State Park Master Plans
Heyburn State Park Master Plan
Land of Yankee Fork Master Plan
Harriman State Park Master Plan
Harriman Plan Section 2
Eagle Island State Park Master Plan
Ponderosa State Park Master Plan
Castle Rocks State Park Master Plan (links below)
Thousand Springs State Park Master Plan
Mary Minnerva McCroskey State Park Master Plan
About the Director
David Langhorst became director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) in August, 2014.
Prior to joining IDPR, Langhorst served as a Commissioner for the Idaho State Tax Commission. He also served as a State Senator in the Idaho Legislature from 2002 to 2008, and on several Boards of Directors throughout Idaho and on a national level.
Langhorst has a long history of public service, a strong desire to move the mission of the agency forward, and is excited to begin relating and interacting with all of the diverse groups that IDPR serves.
Learn more about Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation's 30 state parks and free boating, ATV/Motorbike and snowmobile courses!
Next Events
No events found.
The Idaho Park and Recreation BoardThe Idaho Park and Recreation Board provides citizen oversight for the agency. Board members are appointed by the governor to six-year terms. No more than three members can be from a single party. Each member represents one of six districts of the state. The Board appoints and supervises the agency director. |
|
District 1TOM CRIMMINS
12662 N Avondale Loop
Hayden Lake, ID 83835
(208) 762-2298
Appointed July 2010
Term Expires June 2016
Independent |Retired Forester/OHV Trails Consultant
|
|
District 2RANDY DOMAN, Chairman
PO Box 186
Cottonwood, ID 83522
(208) 962-7716
Appointed July 2010
Term Expires June 2020
Independent |County Commissioner/Rancher/Wildland Fire Manager
|
|
District 3MICHAEL BOREN
1050 N. Briar Lane
Boise, ID 83712
(208) 866-8555
Appointed July2016
Term Expires July 2018
Republican I COO Clearwater Analytics
|
|
District 4GORDON HANSEN
2523 Hansen Ave Burley, ID 83318 (208) 878-4646 H Appointed April 2016
Term Expires April 2022
Republican |Owner of Idaho Water Sports
|
|
District 5PETE J. BLACK
1315 Delphic Way Pocatello ID 83201 (208) 237-1779
Appointed July 2015
Term Expires July 2021
Democrat | Retired Educator | Former Lawmaker
|
|
District 6ROBERT HANSEN, Vice Chair
1279 Twin Butte Rd
Menan ID 83434
(208) 754-0030
Appointed July 2011
Term Expires July 2017
Republican |Financial Planner
|
Our Mission
The mission of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship.
Our Vision
We are innovators in outdoor recreation, committed to excellent service and resource stewardship. We foster experiences that renew the human spirit and promote community vitality.
What We Do
IDPR manages 30 state parks throughout every region of Idaho and the registration programs for boats, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles (OHV). Money from these registration programs goes back to users to develop and maintain trails, facilities and programs. IDPR also provides free education courses for boaters and OHV operators.
We also manage several outdoor recreation grant programs that provide facilities and services to a wide variety of recreationists and the local governmental and nongovernmental organizations that serve them. You can learn more about these programs under "Grants and Funding."
IDPR Board and Director
The Idaho Park and Recreation Board provides citizen oversight for the agency. Board members are appointed by the governor to six-year terms. The Board appoints and supervises the agency director.
Agency Statutes
Statutes directly applying to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
Agency Rules
Rules directly applying to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative
The Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative (IRTI) is a coalition of state and federal agencies and others dedicated to providing Idaho citizens and visitors with expanded recreation opportunities. Click here to access information about the intiative.
IDPR's core values include integrity, compassion, service, stewardship and commitment. We protect the resources that are entrusted to us, we strive to help visitors experience those resources in a positive way and we endeavor to be vital members of the communities in which we operate.
Next Events
No events found.
Contact IDPR
Click below to jump to IDPR programs
- Administration
- Regional Park Offices
- Grants and Funding Program
- Recreation Programs
- Employment
- Volunteer and Seasonal
- Management Information Systems
Directory of Personnel
If you know the name of the person you are trying to reach, email addresses and telephone numbers are available in the Idaho State Directory.
Headquarters
Headquarters Administration
Human Resource Officer
Jamie Little
Experience/Education Coordinator
(208) 514-2408
Regional Park Offices
David White
Grants and Funding Programs
Recreation Programs
P.O. Box 83720
Randy Herman
randy.herman@idpr.idaho.gov
(208) 799-5126
Employment
Volunteer Services and Seasonal Hiring
PO Box 83720
IDPR Documents and Downloads
Click the titles below to view or download Idaho Department of Parks and Recreations planning documents, rules and more.
State of Idaho Administrative Rules for IDPR
IDPR Board Minutes and Agendas
To search for IDPR Rules, check the Office of the Administrative Rules Coordinator website.
Looking for park or activity brochures?
Order an IDPR related publication
History of Idaho State Parks
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation owes its existence largely to the vision of one man, Governor Robert E. Smylie. He looked into the future and saw a professionally managed system of state parks available for the enjoyment of all Idaho’s citizens and visitors. He kept that vision in mind when Roland and Averell Harriman offered to donate their beloved Railroad Ranch to the state if a professional managing agency was put in place before the transfer of their generous gift would take place.
Others took up this vision and, when the opportunity presented itself, added recreation to the agency’s charge to take advantage of the new federal Land and Water Conservation Fund in 1966. The agency became the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and through that federal program helped countless cities and counties across the state fulfill their own outdoor recreation visions in their individual communities.
|
Steve Bly with Gladys and Roland Harriman |
Since 1965, the Department has been governed by a six-person board with each member representing a different geographic area of the state. The board has the power "to appoint a director to serve at its discretion" (Title 67, Chapter 42, Idaho Code).
|
Past Directors
1971-1975
Steve Bly
1976-1984
Dale R. Christiansen
1984-1987
Robert L. Meinen
1987-2001
Yvonne Ferrell
2001-2004
Rick Collignon
2004-2009
Robert L. Meinen
2009-2014
Nancy Merrill
2014-Current
David R. Langhorst
Do What You Love, Love What You Do
Applying for a job with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is easy. The Idaho Department of Human Resources allows you to apply online or download the application and exam from the DHR website and mail the information to us at:
We are now accepting applications for the summer of 2017. Apply now!
Become a seasonal employee!
Why spend the summer indoors when you can work outside in a beautiful state park? Idaho State Parks offers a variety of seasonal employment opportunities. Click here for more information and to apply for seasonal employment opportunities.What kinds of work do seasonal employees perform?
- Building and ground maintenance
- Public Relations
- Retail
- Clerical
- Interpretive
- Resource management
- Marine assistance
Volunteer!
Spread your wings in some of the Idaho's most spectacular places! Volunteer at an Idaho State Park with an old growth forest, a trout-filled stream or a pristine mountain lake. How about helping maintain trails, teach boating safety, or work at a visitor center? As part of our team, volunteers provide essential services with a personal touch. You can make visitors' experiences more enjoyable and complete. Your volunteer efforts help preserve Idaho's natural treasures for generations to come.
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation News and Alerts
Check out the latest agency news and alerts.
Media Relations Contact
Jennifer Okerlund
Communications Manager
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
Ph: (208) 514-2254
Fax: (208) 334-5232
Idaho Park Visitation and Recreation Statistics
Visitation Statistics
Day Use
2012/2013
Day Use / Camping
Idaho Recreational Vehicle Registration Statistics
Idaho Snowmobile Registrations
Idaho Recreational Vehicle Registration Data
Please read: How to interpret this data
Economics
Off-Highway Vehicle Economic Impact in Idaho
Agency Plans
2013-2017 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan
2006-2010 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan
State Park Master Plans
Heyburn State Park Master Plan
Land of Yankee Fork Master Plan
Harriman State Park Master Plan
Harriman Plan Section 2
Eagle Island State Park Master Plan
Ponderosa State Park Master Plan
Castle Rocks State Park Master Plan (links below)
Thousand Springs State Park Master Plan
Mary Minnerva McCroskey State Park Master Plan
About the Director
David Langhorst became director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) in August, 2014.
Prior to joining IDPR, Langhorst served as a Commissioner for the Idaho State Tax Commission. He also served as a State Senator in the Idaho Legislature from 2002 to 2008, and on several Boards of Directors throughout Idaho and on a national level.
Langhorst has a long history of public service, a strong desire to move the mission of the agency forward, and is excited to begin relating and interacting with all of the diverse groups that IDPR serves.
Learn more about Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation's 30 state parks and free boating, ATV/Motorbike and snowmobile courses!
Next Events
No events found.
The Idaho Park and Recreation BoardThe Idaho Park and Recreation Board provides citizen oversight for the agency. Board members are appointed by the governor to six-year terms. No more than three members can be from a single party. Each member represents one of six districts of the state. The Board appoints and supervises the agency director. |
|
District 1TOM CRIMMINS
12662 N Avondale Loop
Hayden Lake, ID 83835
(208) 762-2298
Appointed July 2010
Term Expires June 2016
Independent |Retired Forester/OHV Trails Consultant
|
|
District 2RANDY DOMAN, Chairman
PO Box 186
Cottonwood, ID 83522
(208) 962-7716
Appointed July 2010
Term Expires June 2020
Independent |County Commissioner/Rancher/Wildland Fire Manager
|
|
District 3MICHAEL BOREN
1050 N. Briar Lane
Boise, ID 83712
(208) 866-8555
Appointed July2016
Term Expires July 2018
Republican I COO Clearwater Analytics
|
|
District 4GORDON HANSEN
2523 Hansen Ave Burley, ID 83318 (208) 878-4646 H Appointed April 2016
Term Expires April 2022
Republican |Owner of Idaho Water Sports
|
|
District 5PETE J. BLACK
1315 Delphic Way Pocatello ID 83201 (208) 237-1779
Appointed July 2015
Term Expires July 2021
Democrat | Retired Educator | Former Lawmaker
|
|
District 6ROBERT HANSEN, Vice Chair
1279 Twin Butte Rd
Menan ID 83434
(208) 754-0030
Appointed July 2011
Term Expires July 2017
Republican |Financial Planner
|