Idaho confronts climate change with money to protect forests
Associated Press, 1-11-22
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Increasingly destructive Idaho wildfires that the state’s Republican governor blames in part on climate change have resulted in him proposing a budget adding more firefighters and $150 million for future firefighting costs.
Gov. Brad Little included the money in his proposed budget unveiled Monday to start the 2022 legislative session.
His budget includes a 21% general fund increase of $1.5 million for the Idaho Department of Lands to hire eight fire engine bosses, three fire management officers and more on-the-ground firefighters. The department’s total budget, which also includes a $10 million boost in federal money, would increase by just over 21%, to $80.6 million.
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Opinion: Investment in firefighting capacity crucial for stopping wildfires
Argus Observer, 1-11-22
Fire season is ever-present on Idaho’s seasonal calendar. Last summer’s fires arrived with clockwork precision.
In July, a dry thunderstorm, akin to the storm that helped ignite 1910’s Big Burn, rolled across Idaho, sparking wildfires. Some fires that may have been extinguished quickly burned unchecked because not enough firefighting resources were available.
Most experts agree extreme fire seasons are likely the new norm. Alongside this increased fire risk, Idaho is growing with more people living near and recreating on forests and rangelands. Unfortunately, with growth comes even more unwanted human-caused wildfires.
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IDL Sand and Gravel Auction Generates $835,000 for Idaho Public Schools
Big Country News, 1-7-22
BOISE - Idaho Public Schools will benefit from competitive bidding after an Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) public auction held Thursday, January 6, generated $835,000 in premium bids on two sand and gravel leases located on public school endowment land south of Boise.
The public auction took place at the IDL Southwest Supervisory Area Office in Boise.
Five bidders registered to bid on a 78-acre parcel (Mineral Lease E600102) with ASG Resources, LLC coming in as the high bidder. ASG won the auction with a bid of $500,000.
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