Policy Analysis Group
Driving evidence-based solutions for natural resource management
The Policy Analysis Group (PAG) was created by the Idaho Legislature in 1989 as a way for University of Idaho to respond quickly to requests for information and analysis about current natural resource issues. PAG is administered through the College of Natural Resources Dean, Dennis Becker.
As defined in its enabling legislation, PAG’s formal mission is to provide timely, scientific and objective data and analysis, and analytical and information services on resource and land use questions of general interest to the people of Idaho.
PAG reports and publications
Access fact sheets, reports and publications from the Policy Analysis Group.
Greg Latta
Associate research professor of forest economics; director, Policy Analysis Group
Ph.D. forest and resource economics ’13
M.S. forest resources ’00
B.A. economics ’92
- Small farms
- Soil health
- Cover crops
541-619-9212
College of Natural Resources, 17BCollege of Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Society
Chelsea Pennick (McIver)
Associate director of Policy Analysis Group and research assistant professor of natural resources policy and administration
Ph.D. natural resources policy and administration ’23
M.S. forestry ’15
B.A. rural sociology ’06
- Collaborative governance
- Public lands policy
- Rural communities
- US Forest Service
- Procurement policy
College of Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Society
Advisory committee
A standing advisory committee is required by PAG’s enabling legislation. The committee is appointed by the dean and made up of a variety of natural resource leaders from around the state. The committee’s main charge is to review current issues and suggest topics for analysis.
Current advisory committee members
- Vacant — USDI Bureau of Land Management
- Jim Fredericks — Director, Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- Michael Gibson — Idaho policy advisor, Trout Unlimited
- Russ Hendricks —Vice president - government affairs, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
- Dustin Miller — Director, Idaho Department of Lands
- John Robison — Public Lands and Wildlife director, Idaho Conservation League
- Vacant — Idaho forest group
- Anna Torma — Vice president of Public Affairs and chief ESG officer, PotlatchDeltic
- Allison Ginn—Idaho state liaison, USDA Forest Service
Overview
Legislation
In 1989, PAG was created by the Idaho state legislature under Idaho State Code 38-714. Creation of forest policy analysis group – Powers and duties.
Research and analyses
Evidence is essential for sound policymaking. We collaborate closely with state and federal agencies, county and local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses and industry associations to provide comprehensive, data-driven insights that inform decision-making and policy development.
The Policy Analysis Group evaluates the impacts of state and federal policies on landowners, businesses, communities and other stakeholders in Idaho through economic impact analysis, scenario modeling, storytelling with data and qualitative and quantitative policy implementation studies.
Funding
Most PAG operations are funded by an annual appropriation from the Idaho State Legislature via a special program budget called Forest Utilization Research (FUR). As a result, projects often include collaborations with state and federal agencies relevant to Idaho citizens.
University of Idaho College of Natural Resources administers this funding on behalf of the Experimental Forest, Pitkin Forest Nursery, Rangeland Center, Mica Creek Experimental Watershed and the Policy Analysis Group.
Research
Upcoming projects
A to Z Stewardship Contracting Guidebook
A project to document the purpose, design, community benefits and lessons learned from innovations in contracting on the Colville National Forest and identify considerations for diffusion to other forests and regions.
Boundary County
Assessment of the economic contributions of the Boundary County forest sector and challenges presented due to fragmentation of the forest land base.
Current projects
Business Perspectives on Increasing Utilization of Hazardous Fuel Reduction and Restoration Byproducts
A project to summarize the barriers, opportunities and policy considerations for increasing utilization of forest biomass in the interior West.
Economic Contribution of Idaho’s Natural Resources
Analysis of the economic contribution of recreation, mining, grazing, wildlife and other natural resource sectors.
Forest Carbon Offset Reserve Pool Risk Evaluation
Review and summary of all existing U.S. forest carbon offset projects listed on the Climate Action Reserve, American Carbon Registry and Verified Carbon Standard registries.
Forest Carbon Leakage Quantification
Evaluation of potential leakage values for differing forest carbon offset types across a range of regions and forest types.
County-level Wildfire Reports
Companion report to our Forest Factbook (Station Bulletin 109) focusing on the latest USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis inventory data.
Economic Feasibility Study for Forest Industry in Challis, Idaho
Evaluation of the potential for economic opportunities related to timber harvest for fuel reduction and forest restoration on the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Challis, Idaho.
Resource Availability and Productive Capacity Mapping of Idaho’s Forests
A spatial analysis of Idaho’s forest resources comparing current forest stand conditions to a location-specific maximum density, identifying areas where trees can be added or removed to best utilize the land base.
Student research opportunities
Engagement with the Policy Analysis Group offers students at all levels a unique opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge to real-world problems.
Existing master’s and doctoral students with an interest in natural resource policy and policy analysis are encouraged to include PAG faculty on their committees. PAG faculty also take on students for specific projects, dependent upon funding.