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.

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

1966- 1971

Wilhelm A Beckert

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

2014-2020

David R. Langhorst

2020 (September, Interim), 2021 (April, Permanent)-Today

Susan E. Buxton