Heyburn State Park Leaseholder Interviews

By Chris Zajchowski

Students walking along Chatcolet Lake at Heyburn State Park and examining ongoing construction projects. Photo Credit: Cole Buzzini, ‘26

This Fall, University of Idaho students in NRS 1250: Introduction to Conservation and Natural Resources are busy learning about different public, private, tribal, and nonprofit land management models. Their semester-long research project puts this learning into practice through interviews with cabin leaseholders at Heyburn State Park.

On September 27^th, students met with Heyburn State Park Manager, Nathan Blackburn, to learn about the park, the management of cabin leases, the park’s relationship with Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and current development projects underway.

Nathan Blackburn discussing management considerations at Hayburn State Park with NRS 1250 students. Photo Credit: Cole Buzzini, ‘26

After completing their Institutional Review Board “Investigators and Student Researchers” training, 30 students began interviewing current Heyburn leaseholders to understand the benefits they receive from their leases within the park and their hopes for future park planning and management.

While the project is still ongoing, completed interviews thus far have provided undergraduate students with a rich picture of the importance of Idaho State Parks for leaseholders and the complexities of providing access to natural resources across different groups. We look forward to continuing this work and thank park staff and leaseholders for sharing their expertise and experience with us.