Former land manager to join Idaho Fish and Game Commission

Former Idaho State Bureau of Land Management Director Tim Murphy will fill a vacancy on the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.

Governor C.L. ” Butch” Otter appointed Murphy to replace former Commissioner Blake Fischer, who resigned in the wake of a series of inappropriate photographs and captions that circulated after a hunting trip he took to Africa.

In addition to his work at BLM, Murphy worked for a decade as Director of Fire and Aviation at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. Otter said he has focused on seeking collaborative solutions to challenges affecting the management of wildlife habitat, livestock grazing, energy transmission, recreation and public land access.

“Among the challenges facing wildlife management in Idaho, I always keep a keen focus on the value of agricultural land to Idaho’s wildlife and open space,” said Murphy. “Hunting, fishing, trapping, and other wildlife based recreation are key components of life in Idaho. I’m pleased to join the Department as a commissioner for the southwest region and look forward to opportunities to hear and address issues and needs important to Idahoans.”

Murphy’s appointment will take effect immediately and will fulfill Fischer’s unexpired term, which ends June 30, 2022. The assignment is subject to confirmation by the Idaho Senate.