2025 Year in Review

As we reflect on 2025, it’s clear that Idaho Business for the Outdoors (IBO) continues to grow as a powerful, nonpartisan voice for the protection and stewardship of Idaho’s public lands and the economy they support.

Thanks to the commitment of our business members and hundreds of volunteers, this year marked meaningful progress across advocacy, education, community engagement, and research.

A Year of Impact by the Numbers

In 2025, IBO helped mobilize:

  • 20+ volunteer projects across Idaho

  • 300+ business and youth volunteers

  • 500 native seedlings planted in restoration efforts

  • Support for an outdoor economy representing $4.5 billion and 39,000+ jobs statewide

These efforts represent a growing movement of Idaho businesses investing in the long-term health of our lands, communities, and economy.

Click this button or the image below for the full PDF

Leading with Advocacy

IBO played a key role in one of the year’s most significant public land victories: opposing the proposed sale of 2–3 million acres of federal public lands. The provision was ultimately removed from the federal budget reconciliation bill, underscoring the strength of a unified business voice in protecting access to public lands.

At the state level, IBO also:

  • Championed sustainable funding solutions for Idaho’s trail systems

  • Supported policies to strengthen the state’s endowment lands

  • Represented business perspectives in statewide policy and advisory forums

Expanding Education and Partnerships

Through programs like Learn Over Lunch and a growing newsletter reaching more than 500 subscribers, IBO created space for informed conversations on public lands, recreation, and policy.

In 2025, IBO also:

  • Joined the board of the Idaho Environmental Forum

  • Participated in the Idaho Mineral Resources Advisory Board

  • Launched a statewide county outreach initiative, building relationships with local leaders in all 44 counties

Connecting Communities to the Outdoors

IBO continued to bring people together through hands-on stewardship and outdoor access initiatives:

These programs help connect Idahoans and businesses to the outdoors in meaningful, lasting ways.

Advancing Research and Data

IBO strengthened its role as a leader in outdoor economy research and policy. In partnership with organizations like United Payette and the University of Idaho, IBO helped with the implementation of a public survey with 800+ responses showing strong support for keeping endowment lands around Payette Lake open and accessible.

At the same time, IBO continues to elevate the importance of outdoor recreation as a key economic driver in Idaho, accounting for 3.5% of the state’s GDP.

Looking Ahead

From protecting millions of acres of public land to expanding access and deepening community connections, 2025 demonstrated what’s possible when Idaho’s business community comes together in support of our shared outdoor heritage.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring Idaho’s outdoors continue to support our economy, our communities, and our way of life.

Heather Eastman