Transforming Idaho's Landscape: Expert Insights at the Land Leaders Summit
In October, IDL and Idaho's forest products industry hosted the Idaho Land Leaders Summit in Coeur d'Alene. The event brought together a diverse group of state and industry experts to discuss the transformative strategies and innovative practices reshaping Idaho's landscape.
In follow up, IDL launched this video that recaps the event and offers a deep dive into the many aspects of sustainable forestland management.
WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
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.
Legislative Showcase Underway
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 last week and two more 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. Phillips also represented IDL at the Idaho Falls and Pocatello meetings this week.
These meetings underscore the value of direct interaction between state agencies and elected officials. IDL appreciates the opportunity to engage and respond to inquiries.
Two more sessions are scheduled in this series:
- November 27, 2023 - Jerome
- November 28, 2023 - Nampa
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.
Miller Meets with Governor, Legislators to Discuss Glamping
Recently, 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.
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.
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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