Director Miller Testifies at Natural Resources
Interim Committee Meeting
On Monday, Nov. 6, Director Miller addressed the Idaho Legislature's Natural Resources Interim Committee, chaired by Sen. Van Burtenshaw and Rep. Britt Raybould. He discussed IDL's Good Neighbor Authority Program, the recently signed Idaho Master Fire Agreement, and efforts to modernize its Fire Program. The committee asked about preventing human-caused wildfires and efforts underway to change unwanted human behaviors. Rep. Mendive, who also chairs the House Resources and Conservation Committee, commended IDL's wildfire suppression efforts.
Legislative Showcase Tour Begins Next Week
PERSI, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Idaho State Tax Commission will host six conveniently located Legislative Showcase meetings this month. The tour kicks off on Monday, Nov. 13, and legislators and county commissioners have been invited to participate.
During the meetings, representatives from the agencies will highlight their priorities and answer questions about their operations. Each of the six meetings will follow this schedule:
- 9:00 - 10:00 am - Idaho Department of Fish and Game
- 10:05 am - 11:05 am - Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
- 11:10 am - 12:10 pm - Idaho Department of Lands
- 12:10 pm - 1:40 pm - Networking Lunch (lunch provided)
- 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm - Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
- 2:50 pm - 3:50 pm - Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho
- 3:55 pm - 4:55 pm - Idaho State Tax Commission
Showcase Schedule
November 13, 2023 - Coeur d'Alene
November 14, 2023 - Lewiston
November 20, 2023 - Idaho Falls
November 21, 2023 - Pocatello
November 27, 2023 - Jerome
November 28, 2023 - Nampa
Idaho Outdoor Recreation Advisory Fund Council
The Idaho Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council, established by Gov. Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature, recommends projects to enhance outdoor recreation in the state. This may involve expanding recreational facilities or securing access to new areas for public use. Director Miller represents IDL on the council.
In early 2023, the Legislature allocated $5 million for the council's work. They are currently accepting project applications until November 17, 2023, with the goal of investing this funding wisely in projects that benefit all Idahoans.
During this week's meeting, the council discussed project criteria, ranking, and proposals but has not yet made decisions on project funding.
More information about the council is available online.
Governor to Host Wildfire Roundtable
Governor Little has invited wildfire stakeholders to engage in an informal conversation about wildfire policies that incorporates views beyond direct fire suppression. This roundtable will unite those involved in suppression and post-wildfire efforts, including representatives from insurance, emergency management, local communities, and utilities.
The roundtable is scheduled for November 29th, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM MT.
NASTL 2024 Summer Conference to Convene in Coeur d'Alene
The National Association of State Trust Lands (NASTL), a non-profit group representing administrators who manage more than 500 million acres of state trust lands in 21 western states, will hold its 2024 summer conference in Coeur d'Alene. IDL is excited to host the event.
The agenda will address Idaho-specific issues like timber, mining, and recreational impacts on endowment land while also featuring topics relevant to all participating states. Idaho's Land Board members and staff will be invited to participate.
West Central States Wool Growers Convention
On Friday, Nov. 3, Scott Phillips represented IDL at the 2023 West Central States Wool Growers Convention in Boise, hosted by the Idaho Wool Growers Association. During the Idaho breakout session, he discussed recreation on endowment land and provided a recap of the 2023 fire season and IDL's fire modernization initiative. About 80 producers attended this session.
Rep. Jerald Raymond, a sponsor of Senate Bill 1049 related to endowment land recreation, also addressed the group, highlighting ongoing efforts to address recreational impacts on endowment land. The Wool Growers actively contributed to the development of this legislation and are participating in the rulemaking process for its implementation.
Miller Meets with Governor, Legislators to Discuss Glamping
This week, Director Miller met with Governor Little, Sen. Van Burtenshaw, Rep. Rod Furniss, Rep. Britt Raybould, and Rep. Jerald Raymond to address glamping on endowment land. The legislators voiced constituent concerns regarding glamping operations in eastern Idaho.
The discussion revolved around balancing resource protection with traditional land uses, aligning with the Land Board's constitutional mandate to maximize long-term returns. Director Miller is optimistic about finding solutions that serve the endowment beneficiaries and Idaho's citizens.
Sand, Gravel & Basalt Auction Nets Over Half a Million for Idaho’s Schools
Idaho Public Schools earned over half a million dollars through a competitive bidding process for a sand, gravel, and basalt lease in southwest Ada County, following an auction by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) on November 9. ASG Resources, LLC won the lease with a $550,000 premium bid. The lease, located on public school endowment land south of Boise, will have an annual rent of $286 and a minimum annual royalty payment of $7,500. The revenue benefits Idaho's public schools and taxpayers. The Land Board will review the auction results, and the lease is valid for 10 years starting from March 1, 2024.
In Case You Missed It
Here's a recap of other recent IDL newsletters you may find interesting:
One Team One Voice Webpage
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