Roger Jansson: Leader, Mentor, Supervisor, Forester, Firefighter, and Much More
Roger Jansson with State Controller Donna Jones and Mick Schanilec
Here is a heartfelt message from Jim Elbin about his friend and mentor, Roger Jansson:
This message is a tribute to IDL employee Roger Jansson who had 44 years of service for the agency (Roger retired in summer of 2013). I knew of Roger early in my career with the State from back in 2005. I was attending that era’s version of the Spring Leadership Meeting to learn about budget procedures and was able to interact with many of the agency’s leaders. Roger was a legend then and though not a direct mentor to me at the time, was the man many of my mentors talked about as the best leader, mentor, supervisor, forester/firefighter, you name it they knew. Roger’s impact on people and the workings of the agency is the ideal to shoot for as an IDL employee.
My direct contact and appreciation of Roger came with my “Friday Chats with Roger.” Many Friday afternoons, I would drop in to see Roger and talk all things forestry and fire and learn department history from him. He witnessed and led this agency through many changes and was huge in shaping and protecting the programs many of us work in today. I have talked with quite a few retirees and internal people to provide the following highlights and impressions of Roger:
- Roger’s boys: these are people who worked for and with Roger and built much of the IDL culture we have, especially in forestry and fire. Mick Schanilec, Ed Robinson, John Pollard, Frank Waterman, Tom Fleer, Geoff Meek, Gary Darrington, and many, many more. If you ever get a chance to talk to any of these folks have them regale you with stories about some after-hours management tours that Roger hosted.
- He was renowned for his skill in timber sale review. The scrutiny that IDL sales went under in the aftermath of the spotted owl and environmental movements that were anti-timber management was intense. Roger’s leadership helped to protect and keep our sale write-up process as simple as it is compared to our federal neighbors and adjacent states.
- Roger dedicated his life to IDL. He was the first one to work and the last one to leave. He was a bachelor and as part of the fire crew when we would work on his state residence, it was strewn with IDL paperwork. Even when he was hospitalized with kidney issues, he’d be working.
- Roger promoted cross-program participation in the fire program and IDL’s participation in incident management teams, fire safety, and firefighter mental health. Each year Roger would take a group of IDL firefighters to the Mann Gulch Fire staff ride in Montana. Why? Rogers's dad was Ranger Robert Jansson who was the USFS duty officer on August 5, 1949, when he ordered twelve smokejumpers to initial attack the Mann Gulch Fire. Twelve smokejumpers perished in the fire and Rogers's dad survived the incident. Three months later, Ranger Jansson escorted a fire researcher, Harry Gisborne, the father of wildfire sciences, into Mann Gulch. There, Gisborne died of a heart attack. Roger would talk about how the events forever changed his family’s life. The author, Norman Maclean authored the book Young Men and Fire about the incident.
- Roger was the timber supervisor at Priest Lake in the late ’80s and early ‘90s when IDL was sued by the Selkirk-Priest Basin Association and Idaho Environmental Council to halt logging on endowment lands in portions of Bonner and Boundary counties. The State Board of Land Commissioners and IDL were sued over water quality issues and that the Land Board state-wide harvest goals would result in harmful long-term effects on the value of school endowment trust lands. Roger worked tirelessly along with co-workers to ultimately prevail in court. The court victory has protected our statewide timber management on endowment lands and defined what navigable waters are when it comes to streams. After the court case, Roger was instrumental in updating and creating timber program policies and procedures, many of which IDL still adheres to today.
- Later in the early 2000s, Roger was instrumental in having conservation groups voluntarily drop a lawsuit challenging IDL’s protection of endangered species after the agency worked out a compromise. IDL was able to find a way to boost the protection of bull trout, grizzly bears, and caribou while increasing harvest levels to meet funding needs for the endowments.
- Here is a paraphrase of a quote Roger had about dealing with people, “Be kind, empathetic, and compassionate in all your interactions, but keep your BS meter handy.”
READ ROGER'S OBITUARY
IDL Participates in Governor's Wildfire Roundtable
Governor Little invited Director Miller to lead a panel discussion at this week's Wildfire Roundtable in Boise. The roundtable served as a first and important step of aligning the resources and goals of policy makers, public agencies, utilities and insurance companies to prevent wildfires, mitigate risks, suppress fires aggressively, and help impacted communities recover quickly.
IDL protects more than 9.5 million acres of state, private and federal land from wildfire, and appreciated being included in the event.
Miller was joined on the panel by Clearwater Potlatch Timber Protective Association's Chief Fire Warden Kane Steinbruecker, and Chairman of the Three Creek Rangeland Fire Protection Association Mike Guerry. Together they discussed their organizations' role in fire suppression and how they collaborate. Miller also provided an update about the 2023 fire season.
As the meeting concluded, participants received direction from the Governor to form smaller working groups to address the challenges and opportunities identified by the group.
 
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
Simplifying the Budget Process: IDL's Decision Unit Summary
Every year, as required by law, IDL and other state agencies face the crucial task of submitting their budgets by September 1st to both the Governor's Office and the Legislature's Budget and Policy Analysis Division. A key component of this process is developing Decision Unit requests. These "DUs" outline any proposed additions, changes, or reductions to the agency's funding.
Given the extensive and often complex nature of these budget documents, navigating through them can be a tough task. To address this challenge, IDL takes an extra step in preparing an annual summary of its Decision Units. This summary serves as a clear and concise guide, focusing on the Decision Units approved by the Land Board and submitted by the deadline.
This effort improves transparency and makes it easier for staff and stakeholders to understand the financial direction and priorities of the agency.
DOWNLOAD IDL'S FY2025 DECISION UNIT SUMMARY
IDL Releases FY2023 Annual Financial Report
In accordance with Idaho Code 58-114 and 58-123 IDL publishes its annual financial report by December 1 of each year. This report is available online on our website.
This report is distributed to Land Board members and the Idaho Legislature.
The full annual report that includes program highlights, snapshot facts and a centerfold highlighting IDL's Forest Legacy Program will publish later this month.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
Because an IDL Team Member Asked for It...
This joke is so bad you'll feel compelled to tell it at holiday parties!
Director Miller's Favorite Dad Joke This Week:
Q: What can you catch in the winter, even with your eyes closed?
A: A cold.
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It's Time for Cold Hands & Warm Hearts
Again this year, IDL's Boise staff office will participate in the Cold Hands & Warm Hearts campaign, collecting donations of new winter hats, gloves/mittens, socks and scarves. A gift wrapped donation box will soon be under the Christmas tree ready to accept these gifts for our fellow neighbors in the Treasure Valley.
GIS Program to Host Field Maps Training Class
IDL's GIS Program will host a Field Maps Training for staff on December 7 at 9am MT.
Recently, there have been some concerns and questions about Field Maps and how it is impacted by the GIS monthly maintenance. This training will explain how Field Maps works behind the scenes as well as provide best practices information. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.
IDL and Smokey Bear Bring Cheer to the Coeur d'Alene Lighting Ceremony Parade
Last Friday, the Mica Fire Crew and Fire Prevention Jen (Jen Russell) participated in a magical event that embodied the spirit of togetherness—the Coeur d'Alene Lighting Ceremony Parade.
This year's parade was extra special, thanks to Smokey Bear and Jon Songster and his family, who volunteered to join along and make it memorable!
Firefighters from the Mica Area Office decorated one of the area's newest engines, alongside the prevention truck, spreading smiles and goodwill to all who lined the parade route. Their presence served as a reminder of the dedication these individuals have to ensuring our safety, even during the busiest time of the year.
Fire Prevention Jen, known for her commitment to spreading the word about wildfire safety, joined the parade with her truck “Judy” lit up for the holiday season. Her creative approach to combining safety education with holiday cheer was both entertaining and informative for all attendees.
A heartwarming aspect of the event was the collaboration with Jon Songster, our GNA Bureau Chief, and his kids. Jon and his family, filled with the holiday spirit, assisted Smokey Bear and Jen in the prevention truck waving to the crowds and spreading holiday cheer. Their involvement showcased the true essence of community engagement and how families can come together to create lasting memories.
The parade featured an array of beautifully decorated floats, local businesses, and community organizations, all contributing to the festive atmosphere. From twinkling lights to holiday music, the Coeur d'Alene Lighting Ceremony Parade truly brought the magic of the season to life.
As we reflect on this wonderful event, let's take a moment to appreciate the efforts of individuals like the Mica Area Office firefighters, Jennifer Russell, and Jon Songster and his family. Their commitment to our community goes beyond their daily duties, and their involvement in the parade exemplifies the unity that makes IDL so special.
Thank you to everyone who participated, attended, and supported the Coeur d'Alene Lighting Ceremony Parade. May this holiday season continue to bring us together, fostering a sense of community and warmth that lasts throughout the year.
Doubling Down on Dad Jokes
Just when you thought the jokes couldn't get worse...
Q: What did the icy road say to the car?
A: Wanna to go for a spin?
Employees Leaving IDL
We wish departing team members the very best in their new endeavors.
- Chris Gozzo, Boise Staff Office
- Kellie LeBonte, Boise Staff Office
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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