The Idaho Legislature’s interim committee looking into a possible takeover of federal lands is backing away from any demand for the lands, instead focusing on long-term collaboration approach with federal officials, the AP reports. “I think for us to make a demand … is meaningless, ” said state Republican Sen. Chuck Winder of Boise, the panel’s chair. “It certainly doesn't help us.” The tone is a marked shift from the 2013 resolution Idaho lawmakers passed that explicitly demanded the federal government immediately cede most of its public lands —which cover nearly 60 percent of Idaho— back to the state/Eye on Boise. More here.

Question: What's this? Are the Sagebrush Rebels finally starting to make sense re: collaboration rather than takeover demand?