Director Miller Engages with Grazing Lessees at ICA Convention
Director Miller attended the Idaho Cattle Association's (ICA) Annual Convention in Sun Valley. This event was a key gathering for discussing issues facing the cattle industry, featuring informative presentations and discussions with industry experts.
At the convention, Director Miller participated in a panel discussion with student ICA members covering career options off the ranch, offering insights into diverse agricultural career paths. He also participated in the Public Lands Council Meeting,
Among the ICA members, the challenges posed by the ever-increasing use of endowment land for recreation, and rulemaking related to Senate Bill 1049, were hot topics of conversation.
Miller's participation underscored IDL's dedication to collaborating with grazing lessees to address recreation's impacts on endowment land.
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 Begins in Coeur d'Alene
The 2023 Legislative Showcase, hosted by state agencies including the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, IDL, and others, kicked off with its first two events this week. The showcase events foster dialogue with Idaho legislators and county commissioners. This series aims to highlight agency priorities and enhance mutual understanding.
Craig Foss represented IDL at the Coeur d'Alene meeting on November 13, followed by Scott Phillips in Lewiston on November 14. These meetings underscore the value of direct interaction between state agencies and elected officials. IDL appreciates the opportunity to engage and respond to inquiries.
Four more sessions are scheduled in this series:
- 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 last 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.
Because an IDL Team Member Asked for It...
Because Thanksgiving is almost here...
Director Miller's Favorite Dad Joke This Week:
Q: Why was the turkey asked to join a band?
A: Because he could bring his own drumsticks.
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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.
Reminder: Keep Personal Mail Separate - Adhering to Security Protocols and Idaho Code
We're sharing this crucial reminder from the Department of Administration regarding our state mail policies. It's essential to remember that personal mail should not be delivered to the agency address. This practice isn't just a breach of internal security protocols – it also goes against Idaho Code.
We understand the convenience of having personal mail and packages arrive at work, but it's vital for the security and efficiency of our operations to keep personal and professional correspondence separate.
However, there's good news! As a gesture of courtesy, Central Postal will continue to handle your outgoing personal mail, provided it has the correct postage attached. This small accommodation ensures your personal mail is sent off without a hitch, while helping us maintain the necessary security standards.
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.
New Kiosks Enhance Winter Access Information in Boundary County
Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and Idaho Parks and Recreation (IDPR) teamed up to build and install kiosks in North Idaho to post information on winter access on endowment lands.
IDL's recreation program manager, IDPR's North Idaho trails specialist and the trail cat operator collaborated on the kiosks that were installed in the Fall Creek and Ruby Creek areas of Boundary County.
Providing clear guidance to winter recreationists in this region is challenging given its checkerboard of land ownerships. The area includes endowment land and private timber land managed by Stimson Lumber and Manulife Forest Management.
The three (3) kiosks have been meticulously constructed and installed, serving as essential waypoints for outdoor enthusiasts. These kiosks will play a pivotal role in informing the public about how to retain winter access, crucial in an area with such diverse land ownership.
Each kiosk features an information poster and a map equipped with a convenient QR code. This technology allows recreationists to easily download an up-to-date map directly to their smartphones. Popular applications like Avenza Maps can further enhance the experience by providing real-time location tracking with a distinctive blue dot.
Doubling Down on Dad Jokes
Just when you thought the jokes couldn't get worse...
Q: Which side of the turkey has the most feathers?
A:The outside!
Miller Meets with Governor, Legislators to Discuss Glamping
Last 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.
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.
IDL Navigable Waterways Program Success
As the demand to live and recreate in Idaho increases, so does the workload for Idaho Department of Land’s staff who manage Idaho’s Public Trust lands and administer the Idaho Lake Protection Act. There are 61 lakes and 32 rivers across the state that are considered navigable and dedicated for public use, and there is no shortage of work to manage these lands.
Our Lands Resource Specialists issue new encroachment permits, assign existing encroachment permits, perform inspections, and respond to public records requests, inquiries, and complaints, making them invaluable to our state and local communities.
There are currently 10,742 active encroachment permits throughout Idaho, and that number continues to grow as valuable waterfront property is acquired and developed. Between January and October 2023, IDL staff issued 384 permits statewide, including 315 in Bonner, Kootenai, and Benewah counties where the state’s largest lakes are located.
Revenue from the navigable waterways program has seen a yearly average of 13% growth every year over the last 5 years reaching over $1.2 million in FY23. Funding for managing these lands comes entirely from the revenue it generates, meaning no general tax dollars are used to support this work.
A big thank you to the dedication and hard work of IDL navigable waterways staff. If you’re interested in joining this team, please watch for an opening for a navigable waterway Resource Specialist in Coeur d’Alene recently vacated by Jennifer Barker who was promoted to the Forest Legacy Program Manager.
In Case You Missed It
Here's a recap of other recent IDL newsletters you may find interesting:
One Team One Voice Newsletter Archive
Did you miss some important news? Are you curious about knowing what's happening across IDL? Our One Team, One Voice webpage contains an archive of IDL's newsletters covering:
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