Land Board Presents Giant Check
Last week the Land Board Christmas celebration and giant check presentation garnered significant media attention. IDL launched a media advisory prior to the event and news release following it.
Media across the state picked up on the story and used photos and video provided by IDL. The giant check highlighted the hard work undertaken by the Land Board, IDL and the EFIB with the result being $61 million distributed to our public schools - out of the more than $100 million distributed to all beneficiaries.
IDL Releases 2023 Year in Review Video
This year, IDL embraced a new format for its annual year in review video. Instead of highlighting specific accomplishments, it tells the story of our endowment mission, and how we collaborate with others in ways that benefit all Idahoans.
The 11 minute video demonstrates how the Idaho Department of Lands innovates with effective programs like Forest Legacy, Good Neighbor Authority and Shared Stewardship, and cutting-edge technology like LiDAR. It highlights how we sustainably manage more than one million acres of endowment timberland, help citizens improve the health of their privately owned forestland, and empower industrial timberland owners to keep working forests working.
By featuring a series of 13 informative interviews from agency staff, Land Board members, and our public and private partners, the video showcases sustainable forestry practices and explains how collaboration helps us balance economic development with forest stewardship and our endowment mission.
If you haven't seen the video yet, please watch it and join us in this journey of nurturing the land that nurtures our state's future.
WATCH THE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
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 is today.
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.
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 soon step down from this important role and welcome in their replacements.
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 and beyond their normal work duties and exemplifies the type of dedication that makes IDL such a great place to work!
Be sure to thank Amy, Tim G. and Tim C. for their efforts and commitment to the safety and well-being of you and our 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
These new members have backgrounds in safety and will provide valuable input and ideas for our employee and workplace safety. We appreciate their willingness to take on this extra responsibility.
Boise Staff Office Christmas Party
The Boise Staff Office held its 54th annual Christmas party and tree lighting earlier this month. 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 and their hard work. He asked employees to remember that maintaining a healthy work life/home life balance must be 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 first changes Miller made when he joined IDL was ensuring the Boise Staff Office had 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!
  
Coeur d'Alene Staff Office Christmas Party
The Coeur d'Alene Staff Office held its Christmas party Friday, December 22 complete with a nacho bar and dessert bar with so many delicious homemade goodies.
The celebration provided a great opportunity to present service awards. This year Ara Andrea and Tyre Holfeltz were recognized for their years of hard work for the endowments and the people of Idaho.
This year was the first annual competition for the best door or cubicle decorations. The winner of the "Traveling Tree" award this year was the fiscal division.
Craig Foss and Jim Elbin drew raffle tickets for the donated prize giveaways.
Everyone enjoyed a slideshow of pictures from Christmas parties past. It was a great opportunity to share some food, fun and laughter this holiday season.
   
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 Webpage
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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