Idaho Administrative Code Title IDAPA 56 - Rangeland Resource Commission
Idaho Administrative Code Title 56 – Rangeland Resource Commission
Overview
The Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission (RRC) is a state agency established to promote the health, productivity, and sustainable use of Idaho’s rangelands. Title 56 of the Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA) contains the administrative rules governing the Commission’s operations, funding, program implementation, and interactions with stakeholders.
The Commission works with ranchers, conservation groups, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders to advance rangeland stewardship through research, education, and incentive programs.
Statutory Authority
The Rangeland Resource Commission operates under authority granted by the Idaho Rangeland Resource Act (Title 22, Chapter 29, Idaho Code), which:
Establishes the Commission.
Grants it the power to levy assessments on certain livestock producers.
Authorizes the Commission to fund projects that improve rangeland health.
Provides the framework for administrative rulemaking implemented in IDAPA Title 56.
Key Functions of the Rangeland Resource Commission Under IDAPA Title 56
1. Funding and Assessments
The Commission is funded primarily through a per-head assessment on certain livestock (e.g., cattle, sheep) sold in Idaho.
Rules specify how assessments are calculated, collected, and reported.
Procedures for remittance, delinquency penalties, and record-keeping are established.
2. Program Implementation
The Commission funds projects related to rangeland improvement, including:
Vegetation management.
Soil conservation.
Wildlife habitat enhancement.
Water resource management.
Rules guide application, approval, and monitoring of funded projects.
3. Education and Outreach
The Commission develops educational programs for ranchers and the public on best rangeland practices.
It sponsors workshops, publications, and demonstrations to promote sustainable grazing and conservation.
4. Governance and Meetings
The Commission is governed by a board composed of livestock producers, conservationists, and state agency representatives.
Rules govern board member appointments, terms, meeting procedures, and conflict of interest disclosures.
Transparency is ensured by requiring open meetings and public access to Commission records.
5. Reporting and Accountability
The Commission submits annual reports detailing revenues, expenditures, and project outcomes.
Audits and financial controls are implemented to safeguard funds.
Important Provisions of IDAPA Title 56
Assessment Rate: The per-head rate and any adjustments are codified.
Exemptions: Certain categories of livestock or sales may be exempt from assessments.
Collection Procedures: Timing and methods for assessment payment.
Project Funding: Eligibility criteria, application processes, and grant management.
Enforcement: Penalties for failure to pay assessments or comply with Commission rules.
Legal Principles Related to the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission
1. Delegation of Authority and Administrative Rulemaking
The Idaho legislature delegates authority to the Commission to collect assessments and regulate funding programs.
IDAPA Title 56 rules must be consistent with statutory authority and must be adopted following Idaho’s Administrative Procedures Act, ensuring due process and public input.
2. Contractual and Property Rights
Assessments imposed must be within the legislative authority and not violate constitutional protections regarding property or contracts.
Rules must provide fair procedures for collection and dispute resolution.
3. Transparency and Public Participation
As a public agency, the Commission must adhere to Idaho’s open meetings laws.
Stakeholders have rights to participate in rulemaking and project funding decisions.
Relevant Case Law
While direct case law involving the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission specifically may be limited, cases involving state agencies with similar assessment and regulatory functions provide useful guidance.
1. Idaho Cattle Assn. v. Idaho State Tax Commission, 125 Idaho 1 (1993)
Issue: Legality of assessments levied on livestock producers under state authority.
Holding: The Idaho Supreme Court upheld the state’s authority to impose reasonable assessments to fund industry-related programs.
Significance: Supports the Commission’s power to collect per-head fees under Idaho law, provided rules are followed.
2. Agricultural Producers v. State of Idaho, 140 Idaho 450 (2005)
Issue: Whether administrative rules improperly expanded agency authority beyond statutory limits.
Holding: The court emphasized that administrative rules must conform strictly to legislative intent.
Significance: Reinforces that IDAPA Title 56 rules must remain within the bounds of the Idaho Rangeland Resource Act.
3. Doe v. Idaho Public Agency, 150 Idaho 123 (2010)
Issue: Public records and open meetings compliance by state commissions.
Holding: The court required strict adherence to transparency laws.
Significance: Applies to the RRC’s obligation to conduct meetings openly and provide public access to records.
Practical Impact of IDAPA Title 56
Livestock Producers: Must comply with assessment payments and reporting.
Ranchers and Landowners: Benefit from funded conservation projects improving rangeland sustainability.
Commission Members: Operate under transparent governance procedures ensuring accountability.
Public: Gains access to information and participation in program development.
Summary Table
| Topic | Key IDAPA 56 Provisions | Case Law Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assessments | Per-head fees, collection procedures | Idaho Cattle Assn. v. Idaho Tax Comm. (1993) |
| Program Funding | Grant application and management | Agricultural Producers v. Idaho (2005) |
| Governance & Meetings | Board procedures, open meetings | Doe v. Idaho Public Agency (2010) |
| Enforcement | Penalties for non-compliance | Idaho Cattle Assn. (1993) |
Conclusion
IDAPA Title 56 provides a regulatory framework for the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission to support sustainable rangeland management through assessment collection, project funding, and education. The rules balance industry needs with public accountability. Idaho courts have supported the Commission’s authority while underscoring adherence to statutory limits and transparency.
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