Idaho's state-owned forestland -- also known as "endowment land" -- is a significant source of revenue for public schools and other public institutions. The State Board of Land Commissioners and the Idaho Department of Lands share the responsibility for managing the state's endowment lands.

By law, 90% of the reveneue generated by sale of timber on these state lands goes directly into Idaho's Endowment Fund to support public schools, universities, and other public institutions. As of the end of 1995, Idaho's Endowment Fund had more than $557 million in principal on deposit.

In 1995, Idaho's forest products companies contributed $77.3 million or 71% of the total Endowment fund revenue for 1995 through purchases of timber ($52.3 million) and through its share of the interest on Endowment Fund Principal paid out to schools ($25 million).