National Farmers Organization stages 120 vehicle caravan to Boise to protest potato prices. 1971 Legislature enacts a stream protection law. Last log drive on the Clearwater River. Rail passenger service ends May 1 for all places in Idaho except Sandpoint. 1972 New Idaho uniform probate code goes into effect.
Idaho voters return to open primary system.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area established, includes the Sawtooth Wilderness Area. Dworshak Dam completed. Constitutional amendment adopted requiring state government reorganization into no more than 20 agencies. Fire at the Sunshine Mine in Kellogg takes the lives of 91 men. U.S. Congress passes a bill to replace the deteriorating American Falls Dam.