Recent IDL News Releases
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Current News Coverage
Got wetlands?
Coeur d'Alene Press, 5-5-23
A friend of mine came to me recently and told me the property they bought over a year ago was mostly covered with wetlands. Urgent questions followed: “Are they going to let us build a shop here?” “What are we allowed to do on wetlands?” “Shouldn’t my Realtor have shown me this before we bought it?” The truth is, realtors are NOT wetland experts.
Wetland types
One client that I had in the past purchased a waterfront home. His wetland type is Lacustrine/Limnetic. While we were in escrow, we checked to make sure the dock was permitted (it was) but discovered there was another permit that was not complete for the beach. We finished the process during escrow and closed the transaction successfully. Through this process, I learned that the dock was the easiest thing to permit because its footprint was so small. The piers of the dock only impacted a tiny portion of the wetland. The sand that was hauled in for the beach was far more impactful to the environment and required the involvement of the Army Corps of Engineers, as well as the Idaho Department of Lands. Both agencies required permits, surveys, and professional designs drawn by a qualified expert, and it needed to be built by expert landscapers under the supervision of designated inspectors. The encouraging part: All of it was doable. It wasn’t hard; it just took time. Both departments were not antagonists to my client. They simply wanted to make sure the beach could be installed in a way that wouldn’t harm the fish or the birds in the environment on the lakeshore or cause undue erosion.
READ MORE
Ledges Fire near Laclede still uncontained
Bonner County Daily Bee, 5-4-23
Crews from the Idaho Department of Lands and Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS are battling the Ledges Fire, approximately 1.5 miles east of Highway 2, just south of the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area.
The 20-acre fire started at approximately 8:30 p.m. May 2 and was uncontained and uncontrolled as of press time. Five engines and 18 crew members are currently assigned to the fire. The cause is under investigation.
Anyone living near the fire is instructed to not fly drones. Should the need to use fire aircraft arise, those aircraft will be grounded if unauthorized drones are in the air, putting resources and the lives of firefighting personnel at risk.
30 acre wildfire burning in Bonner County, Idaho
KHQ, 5-4-23
Watch story here
20 acre wildfire burning in Bonner County, Idaho
KHQ, 5-3-23
Watch story here
Members of the Idaho Department of Lands show students the kinds of tools they use in their every day work.
St. Maries Gazette Record, 5-3-23
 Members of the Idaho Department of Lands show students the kinds of tools they use in their every day work.
Tyson Juarez
Federal and Idaho state agencies sign wildfire contract
KTVB, 5-2-23
BOISE, Idaho — Federal and state agencies reach an agreement and develop a partnership to enhance response efforts to wildland fires in Idaho.
On Tuesday, six agencies signed the Idaho Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act Agreement - an agreement serving as an interagency framework for wildfire response.
"There is a long-standing partnership between the state of Idaho, Forest Service and Department of Interior in how we respond to fires within the state," said USDA Forest Service Intermountain Regional Forester Mary Farnsworth. "This agreement strengthens this relationship."
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the agreement not only provides the foundation for how the agencies will combine their efforts, but it also creates a contemporary model for the sharing of resources, simplifies business processes and aligns applicable core missions.
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Federal/state partners sign Idaho wildland fire response agreement
KBOI2, 5-2-23
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Several state and federal agencies signed the Idaho Master Cooperative Wildland Fire Management and Stafford Act Agreement, according to a recent news release. The agreement provides a framework for successful wildfire response through shared resources and improved processes.
“Coordination among the agencies with a wildfire response jurisdiction is critical. Together, this agreement will help us better serve and protect the public and natural resources of Idaho,” said Idaho State Forester Craig Foss.
Through the agreement, fire response agencies have the means to provide interagency response across the state and the flexibility to adjust to the complex and dynamic fire environment found in Idaho.
Fire officials urge extreme caution when burning debris and grass
KIFI, 5-2-23
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Although much of Idaho received significant winter snow and spring precipitation, escaped burning operations present a significant wildfire risk this spring.
“Spring is no exception. Everyone must do their part to prevent unwanted human caused fires,” Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management Chief Josh Harvey said.
If you plan to burn debris or grass, conditions on the ground still warrant extreme caution.
“If your fire escapes, and you are found negligently responsible, you will be held liable for the costs of suppressing the fire,” Harvey said.
Following these simple, common-sense tips can help prevent your fire from escaping and limit your liability if something goes wrong.
READ MORE
Gov. Little declares May as Wildfire Awareness Month in Idaho
KMVT, 5-1-23
BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Governor Brad Little has proclaimed May to be Wildfire Awareness Month, hailing Idahoans to prepare for the threat of wildfire in the state.
Fire season is quickly approaching and now is the time to begin preparing your property and homes for the wildfire season.
The Idaho Department of Lands is using this month to raise awareness and educate the public on how they can protect themselves.
Homeowners can try to create a defensible space around their home and utilize a fire-resistant landscape design around their property.
Recreators should use Idaho’s public lands safely and properly in order to prevent any human-caused wildfires on the trails and in the mountains.
May is 'Wildfire Awareness Month'
Rexburg Standard Journal, 5-1-23
Idaho Governor Brad Little today proclaimed May to be Wildfire Awareness Month, calling on all Idahoans to prepare for the threat wildfire represents to families and communities.
With fire season quickly approaching, there’s no better time for all Idahoans to learn about protecting their homes, families and property from the effects of wildfire.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is doing its part in getting the fire prevention word out by participating in many wildfire preparedness events across the state. Additionally, the agency’s website offers detailed information about fire prevention, defensible space strategies, and wildfire preparedness.
May is Wildfire Awareness Month
KIFI, 5-1-23
BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho Governor Brad Little proclaimed May to be Wildfire Awareness Month, calling on all Idahoans to prepare for the threat wildfire represents to families and communities.
With fire season quickly approaching, there’s no better time for all Idahoans to learn about protecting their homes, families and property from the effects of wildfire.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is doing its part in getting the fire prevention word out by participating in many wildfire preparedness events across the state. Additionally, the agency’s website offers detailed information about fire prevention, defensible space strategies, and wildfire preparedness.
“Educating the public about what actions they can take to reduce unwanted human caused fires and increase their wildfire resilience is a top priority,” Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller said. “Once started, fires don’t recognize fence lines or jurisdictional boundaries. Fire will race across the landscape without regard for what lies in its path. This is why it’s critical for folks to do their part to prevent unwanted human-caused fires and prepare for fire in advance.”
READ MORE
Johnson Creek Bridge, road reopen
Bonner County Daily Bee, 5-1-23
CLARK FORK — The Johnson Creek Bridge near Clark Fork has reopened, U.S. Forest Service officials said Thursday.
The site was targeted for bridge replacement after USFS officials identified structural deficiencies in the old bridge, a treated timber structure built in 1957. Located immediately south of the Clark Fork River delta, the bridge crosses Johnson Creek about three-quarters of mile from Johnson Creek Road.
Work to replace the bridge began in September as well as to improve Forest Service Road 278. The new concrete bridge has a longer span and will provide long-term access to the Monarch Mountains as well as public and private lands to the south.
The work was completed through a partnership with Idaho Department of Lands and the U.S. Forest Service using the Good Neighbor Authority. The Forest Service provided engineering and contract administration support to complete the complex project.
READ MORE
Governor Little proclaims May as Wildfire Awareness Month
Idaho Press 4-30-23
Idaho Governor Brad Little last week proclaimed May to be Wildfire Awareness Month, calling on all Idahoans to prepare for the threat wildfire represents to families and communities.
With fire season quickly approaching, there’s no better time for all Idahoans to learn about protecting their homes, families and property from the effects of wildfire.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is doing its part in getting the fire prevention word out by participating in many wildfire preparedness events across the state. Additionally, the agency’s website offers detailed information about fire prevention, defensible space strategies, and wildfire preparedness.
READ MORE
North Idaho fire officials issue burning guidelines as wildfire season approaches
KREM2, 4-30-23
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — In spite of all the winter snow and spring rain Coeur d'Alene received this year, fire officials with the Idaho Department of Lands are saying escaped burning operations present a significant wildfire risk to the region.
Officials say those planning to burn debris or grass will be found "negligently responsible" if their fire escapes.
“Spring is no exception. Everyone must do their part to prevent unwanted human caused fires,” said Josh Harvey, Fire Management Chief with the Idaho Department of Lands.
Residents should follow these tips to help prevent their fires from escaping and limit their liability if something goes wrong.
READ MORE
Here are some tips for a safe burn season
KBOI2, 4-29-23
Boise, ID (CBS2) — Most of Idaho has seen a lot of moisture this spring, but wildfires still pose a risk during the spring burn season.
“Spring is no exception. Everyone must do their part to prevent unwanted human-caused fires,” said Josh Harvey, Fire Management Chief with the Idaho Department of Lands.
Here are some tips to help keep your fire in check.
- By law, a responsible adult is required to be present until the fire is completely out.
- Make sure to clear any flammable material and vegetation that is within 10 feet of your burn pile.
- Keep water and a shovel near the burn pile for easy access.
- If it is windy wait to burn on a less windy day.
- Keep your pile at a manageable size and add to it as it burns down.
- Make sure your burn pile is safe for burning and not under power lines or overhanging limbs, near buildings, vehicles, or equipment.
“If your fire escapes, and you are found negligently responsible, you will be held liable for the costs of suppressing the fire,” added Harvey.
Use caution if you are planning to burn this spring.
Idaho Training Loggers to Fight Forest Fires
Big Country News, 4-28-23
IDAHO - As the State of Idaho actively gears up for fire season, Governor Brad Little's administration is teaming up with the Idaho Department of Lands to create opportunities that will train loggers, foresters and landowners to safely help fire wildfires.
Loggers and foresters have long been a valuable resource during fire season, as they are often the first to spot or report a fire. Their heavy equipment skills and forest knowledge can also assist with creating and clearing fire lines.
In his State of the State and Budget Address in 2019, Little talked about Idaho’s leadership in embracing fresh, collaborative approaches to land and fire management. He pointed to the hundreds of ranchers and farmers who have become members of rangeland fire protection associations across southern Idaho. Now he says he wants to expand that model to loggers.
Little proclaims May as Wildlife Awareness Month
Moscow Pullman Daily News, 4-28-23
Idaho Gov. Brad Little proclaimed May to be Wildfire Awareness Month and is calling on all Idahoans to prepare for the threat of wildfire.
According to a news release, the Idaho Department of Land is hoping to get the word out by participating in wildfire preparedness events across the state. The agency’s website also offers detailed information about fire prevention, defensible space strategies and wildfire preparedness.
The department has partnered with Idaho Firewise, a nonprofit organization to help Idahoans make their homes and landscaping fire-resilient. This includes creating defensible space around homes and utilizing fire-resistant landscape design principles to create a buffer zone to slow or halt the spread of wildfire to a structure.
The department is also creating opportunities to train loggers, foresters and landowners of large tracts of industrial forestland to help fight wildfires, keep lands healthy and save scarce firefighting resources.
In his state and budget address in 2019, Little talked about the hundreds of ranchers and farmers who have become members of rangeland fire protections associations in southern Idaho.
“I want to carry over this successful wildland firefighting model to Idaho’s forestlands by expanding the initial attack capabilities of our loggers,” Little said.
Fire officials urge extreme caution when burning debris and grass
Big Country News, 4-28-23
COEUR D'ALENE - Although much of Idaho received significant winter snow and spring precipitation, escaped burning operations present a significant wildfire risk this spring.
“Spring is no exception. Everyone must do their part to prevent unwanted human caused fires,” said Josh Harvey, Fire Management Chief with the Idaho Department of Lands.
If you plan to burn debris or grass, conditions on the ground still warrant extreme caution. “If your fire escapes, and you are found negligently responsible, you will be held liable for the costs of suppressing the fire,” added Harvey.
Following these simple, common-sense tips can help prevent your fire from escaping and limit your liability if something goes wrong.
READ MORE
Governor Little proclaims May as Wildfire Awareness Month
Idaho Press, 4-28-23
BOISE, Idaho — Governor Brad Little appeared at the National Interagency Fire Center on Friday to proclaim May as Wildfire Awareness Month.
"A little bit of carelessness by an Idaho citizen...they're not thinking about who might be in trouble," Little said at the ceremony.
More people than ever live in fire-prone land within the Wildland Urban Interface. That's the transition zone between wild space and developed land. In Idaho that translates to about 300,000 homes.
Another looming threat is a lengthening fire season. It's over three weeks longer, on average, for Southwestern Idaho since the 70s, according to Climate Central.
READ MORE
Idaho training loggers to fight forest fires
KBOI2, 4-28-23
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — In his first State of the State and Budget Address in 2019, Governor Little talked about Idaho’s leadership in embracing fresh, collaborative approaches to land and fire management. He pointed to the hundreds of ranchers and farmers who have become members of rangeland fire protection associations across southern Idaho.
“I want to carry over this successful wildland firefighting model to Idaho’s forestlands by expanding the initial attack capabilities of our loggers,” Governor Little said.
The IDL online fire training portal provides access to training resources that qualifies these boots-on-the-ground to safely fight fire within areas where the IDL provides fire protection. It is available at HERE.
The portal connects forestry professionals with traditional in-person or virtual classes and free self-directed online learning.
“Building wildfire suppression capacity by empowering loggers, industrial landowners and foresters to safely fight fires leads Idaho to greater self-sufficiency,” Governor Little said. “We’re making it easier to access the training and certification needed to safely fight fire, enabling industry folks to extend their helping hands when fire strikes.”
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How do you thank a wildland firefighter on International Firefighters’ Day
Posted May 4, 2023
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Question: How do you thank a wildland firefighter on International Firefighters’ Day tomorrow?
a) Prevent unwanted human caused fires by understanding how your actions could cause an unintentional ignition, and take steps to prevent it.
b) Make room for firefighting efforts by creating defensible space around your home and property
c) Learn about local fire restrictions in your area or intended area of travel
d) All of the above
Answer: Yes! All of the above. Our website has what you need to do it ALL:
https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/
#OneTeam #WildfireAwarenessMonth
Ledges Fire
Posted May 3, 2023
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Bonner County, Idaho – Crews from the Idaho Department of Lands and Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS are battling the Ledges Fire approximately 1.5 miles east of Highway 2, just south of the Pend Oreille Wildlife Management Area.
The 20-acre fire started at approximately 8:30 pm yesterday evening and is currently uncontained and uncontrolled.
Five engines and 18 crew members fought the fire through the night and were relieved by fresh personnel this morning.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
If you live near the fire, do not fly drones. Should the need to use aircraft arise, the aircraft will be grounded if unauthorized drones are in the air, putting resources and the lives of fire personnel at risk.
If you plan to engage in a burning operation this spring, fire officials urge caution. If your fire escapes, and you are found negligently responsible, you will be held liable for the costs of suppressing the fire.
Following these simple, common-sense tips can help prevent your fire from escaping and limit your liability if something goes wrong.
General Burning Guidelines
- A responsible adult is required by law to be in attendance until the fire is out.
- Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of the pile.
- Keep a water supply and shovel close to the burning site.
- If it’s windy and the surrounding vegetation is dry, it may be best to wait and burn debris another day.
- Keep your pile at a manageable size. Add additional debris slowly as the pile burns down.
- Look up. Choose a safe site for burning that’s away from power lines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment.
More information about fire prevention and burning guidelines can be found at https://www.idl.idaho.gov/.../fire-prevention-and.../.
Find all IDL fire updates at www.idl.idaho.gov/fire
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