Kevin Cook — Asked follow-up questions about whether the binoculars matched the online claims.
Kevin Cook — Likely the senator asking a question, though the transcript garbles the name as 'O'Connorowitz.'
Kevin Cook — The questioning senator's name is unclear in the transcript; likely a transcription error.
Kevin Cook — Seconded the motion on House Bill 502.
Kevin Cook — Senator Kevin Cook thanked Director Kaiser and asked about the Snake River Basin Study, specifically the Bureau of Reclamation’s role and how IWRI was involved in the study.
Van Burtenshaw — The chair, identified as Chairman Burtenshaw, is repeatedly addressed during Bobbitt's responses in the same ongoing discussion. The mentions are part of a continuous exchange rather than separate topics.
Van Burtenshaw — The chair informed the committee that Van Burtenshaw’s confirmation would not be voted on at this meeting and would instead be taken up at the next meeting, then immediately transitioned the committee to House Bill 502 and recognized Senator Harris.
Van Burtenshaw — The chair is addressed by name.
Van Burtenshaw — Van Burtenshaw is repeatedly addressed as chairman during a committee Q&A exchange, with members directing questions and follow-ups to him and him granting permission for a comment. The discussion remains within the same hearing segment and concludes with Burtenshaw stating that the agenda is complete and adjourning the committee.
Dave Bobbitt — Dave Bobbitt introduced himself as a commissioner from North Idaho and noted that he had served four years and was seeking confirmation/reappointment as chairman of the board. He described his long banking career and lifelong hunting and fishing experience, then discussed his views on Idaho Fish and Game issues, including wolf management, the impact of thermal and camera technology on hunting, and the importance of considering long-term effects on wildlife for future generations. He explained that modern optics and infrared tools make locating game much easier, acknowledged their effectiveness, and said he supports the prohibition on such technology because it helps protect sustainable wildlife populations and had broad support from the task force. He also noted that population estimates come from camera data and mentioned Wildlife Services’ role in working with the state.
Joshua Kohl — Senator Cole thanks the chairman and Mr. Bobbitt, then raises concerns about recent Fish and Game rules related to big game hunting and optics, asking about the rulemaking process. A brief reference to Senator Cole appears during Bobbitt's response, but the discussion remains on the same topic.
Phil Hart — Phil Hart raised concerns about wolf population monitoring in Idaho, asking whether wolves are being monitored in central Idaho wilderness areas, whether the state has an accurate count of wolves, and how much the federal government is currently involved in wolf management in Idaho.
Elizabeth Kreiner — Elizabeth Kreiner is introduced as a witness and then testifies on behalf of the J.R. Simplot Company in support of House Joint Memorial 9.
Ms. Kreiner / Elizabeth Kreiner — The chair thanks Kreiner and asks whether anyone else wished to testify or whether she has closing remarks.
Jim Guthrie — Senator Jim Guthrie is recognized and then moves that H.J.M. 9 be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
Jim Guthrie — Jim Guthrie questioned whether the Idaho Department of Water Resources is using its data to issue curtailment orders and challenged the value of planning information if it does not affect actual shutoffs. He said that in Water District 29 users receive little notice before pumps are turned off, and later broadened the point to argue that tributaries are overlooked in East Snake Plain Aquifer management. He emphasized that tributary users are collateral damage in the process and lack representation when curtailments occur.
Ron Taylor — Seconded the motion.
Ron Taylor — Ron Taylor is referenced as one of the representatives whose priorities help guide research, then he asks how many of the 90 identified research needs have been undertaken, prompting a response about the progress made from the prior year’s process.
Kendra Kaiser — Kendra Kaiser introduces herself for the record as the director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute at the University of Idaho.
Grace Pevin — Described as a new scientist and University of Idaho graduate studying historical lake conditions.
Doug Okuniewicz — Likely the intended senator being addressed; transcription appears to have mangled the name as 'O’Conowitz.'
Director Kaiser — Director Kaiser explained the forecast and analysis work, clarifying that it was a statistical analysis created to support the methodology order rather than a groundwater model. He noted that the main uncertainty is the forecast itself, especially precipitation timing, and emphasized that the work is intended as planning information, not the department’s actual curtailment decision. He said the analysis was requested by water users and others, who wanted earlier insight into likely curtailment timing so they could make cropping, fallowing, or recharge decisions. He also described how results would be shared through the website, presentations, and advisory/steering committees, stressed the importance of stakeholder and tributary collaboration, and concluded by thanking the committee.
Dr. Kaiser — Clarified that the May analysis is independent of the Department of Water Resources and is for early planning information for water users, not for issuing curtailment orders.
Mark Harris — Senator Harris first moved to introduce several RS measures and send them to print. She then participated in the hearing by thanking Bobbitt for his service and asking what goals he would like to pursue on the Fish and Game Commission, with Bobbitt responding to her questions.
Mark Harris — Mark Harris appeared before the committee to present House Bill 502, explaining that it consolidates Idaho Forest Products Commission provisions into Idaho Code, moves related requirements from administrative rule into statute, and removes outdated language without making material policy changes. He requested the bill be sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation and confirmed it was a relocation of rules rather than a substantive change. He then introduced House Joint Memorial 9, describing FLPMA as the longstanding federal framework for public land management, emphasizing its importance for land exchanges in the West where federal, state, and private lands are intermingled, and noting concerns about a recent Idaho court decision affecting that framework. The segment ends as he yields for questions.
Kevin Cook — Seconded the motion.
Kevin Cook — Thanked Bobbitt for his service in the Army Reserve and asked a follow-up question in the next section.
Kevin Cook — Asked about the wolf-related line item and Bobbitt's plans.
Kevin Cook — Prompted Dave Bobbitt to finish his story about the binoculars and technology.