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BOISE, Idaho (AP) Idaho has agreed to pay $50,000 and pledged to follow anti-discrimination rules to settle a federal lawsuit against state officials who awarded grazing leases to ranchers, not the environmentalist who had offered more money.

The five-member Idaho Board of Land, including Gov. C.L.

"Butch" Otter, has also committed to revising its rules to allow conservation groups to lease state endowment trust lands, a big change after years of fierce litigation.

In 2006, Washington state businessman and environmentalist Gordon Younger was the high bidder on seven Idaho grazing leases, but lost when the Board of Land with then-Gov. Jim Risch gave them to livestock owners.

Younger sued in U.S. District Court, contending he was the victim of discrimination.

Laird Lucas, Younger's attorney, says he's optimistic Tuesday's settlement represents a departure from the past, when conservation groups were bullied out of winning state grazing leases.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-17-09 2037CST | save this article / add to your favorites list