Idaho Sportsman Policy Meeting
Director Miller participated in the Idaho Sportsman Policy Meeting on Tuesday, December 5.
Miller updated the group about efforts by the Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council to review proposals for projects to meet citizen demand for recreational access and opportunities. A few projects have been proposed on endowment lands, which would require a financial return. The council has $5 million to award, but the list of submitted projects exceeds $20 million.
The director shared information from the Governor's Wildfire Roundtable meeting last week and conversations from that meeting. The governor wants to make sure the right people are talking and that we are engaging non-traditional partners. The roundtable served as a first and important step of aligning the resources and goals of policy makers, public agencies, utilities and insurance companies regarding wildfire.
The director spoke about the Legislative Roadshow that was completed in November. The six stops provided good discussions with local legislators and county commissioners about their issues and concerns. GNA, wildfire, recreation and access were big issues during the roadshow.
Popular Tubing Hill Near Boise to Remain Closed Until a New Operator is Found
IDL reached out to the public in the Treasure Valley to let them know Steamboat Gulch Tubing Hill will be closed this winter while IDL looks for a new operator.
Steamboat Gulch is a popular winter destination located less than two miles from downtown Idaho City and an hour from Boise on endowment land.
Doug Pottenger, the former operator, can't continue due to his health and need for a liver transplant. Now, someone is needed to both keep the tubes sliding and help ensure recreational mischief on the site doesn’t damage this endowment land parcel.
Steamboat Gulch has been left open for unattended public recreation in the past, but there were significant problems.
Mick Thomas Tapped to Lead Utah's Mineral's Program
Mick Thomas, IDL's Division Administrator over Minerals, Navigable Waters, Oil & Gas has accepted a position leading the State of Utah's Oil, Gas and Mining Division. Mick will oversee the regulation of mining coal, minerals, oil and natural gas in Utah - a $10 billion component of that state's economy.
His last day at IDL will be December 29.
Mick was an invaluable member of the director's executive team and will be missed. We wish him the best of luck in his new endeavor and thank him for his service to the people of Idaho.
Choir, Check and Cheer at the Idaho Capitol
The Land Board is hosting its' annual Christmas celebration on December 19. At 8:30 a.m., just before the Land Board meeting, the elite high school choir, Capital Singers, will perform in the Capitol rotunda.
The Land Board will present a symbolic check to the children noting the amount public schools endowment has disbursed this school year.
Donuts and coffee will be served.
IDL employees who are local are encouraged to attend and enjoy the concert and goodies.
A special thanks to Boise staff employees who have signed up to set up and tear down for this special event
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 do you call cutting down a Christmas tree?
A: Christmas chopping
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Boise Staff Office Christmas Party
The Boise Staff Office held its 54th annual Christmas party and tree lighting on Tuesday afternoon. About 25-30 people participated in person, with the ability to join by zoom.
Director Miller took a few minutes to speak, telling everyone how much he appreciates them, their hard work, persevering with Luma and other challenges. He asked employees to remember the work life/home life balance and make home life a priority.
The group sang several Christmas carols together, and new employees carried on the tradition of bringing an ornament with their name and year and hung them on the tree.
With a quick countdown, the lights were turned on for the IDL Christmas tree.
Employees brought food for a potluck, and it was delicious. It gave everyone the opportunity to talk and laugh together.
One of Dustin's first changes when he became director was that the office would have a real Christmas tree. A special thanks to Rick Finis and Jay Hein for finding, cutting, delivering, and setting up the Christmas tree! Thanks are also due to Renee Jacobsen who organized the event and to Jen Bellino and Grace Paduano who decorated the tree!
  
Director Miller Visits Coeur d'Alene Offices
Last week Director Miller paid a visit to staff at the Coeur d'Alene Staff Office as well as the Mica Supervisory Area Office in Coeur d'Alene.
The director spent time catching up with staff and even joined the Mica staff (late) for their Christmas luncheon. Miller also presided over the fall meeting of the Idaho Board of Log Scaling Practices that Friday morning.
Safety Committee Member Transition
Our recent recruitment efforts for Safety Committee members have been successful!
Three of our Safety Committee members, Amy Johnson, Tim Gates, and Tim Cox will be leaving the committee.
All three have been instrumental in bringing various safety projects to completion. Their knowledge and experience will be missed, but we will continue to rely on their expertise with specific projects. Their committee work was above their normally assigned duties and exemplifies the type of dedication that make IDL such a great place to work! Be sure to thank them for their efforts and commitment to the safety and well-being of you and your workplace.
New Safety Committee members!
Please join me in welcoming our newest Safety Committee members:
- Tanya Smith - Office Specialist II, Maggie Creek
- James Thum - Oil & Gas Program Manager-Boise
- Mike Slack - Mechanic-CDA Shop
All three have backgrounds in safety and will provide valuable input and ideas for our employee and workplace safety. We appreciate their dedication to helping make IDL a safer place to work. Please join me welcoming them to the committee.
Doubling Down on Dad Jokes
Just when you thought the jokes couldn't get worse...
Q: Why was the snowman going through the bag of carrots?
A: He was picking his nose.
Employees Leaving IDL
We wish departing team members the very best in their new endeavors.
- Mick Thomas, 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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