Forever Idaho: How Sustainable Forest Management Funds Education, Fuels Idaho's Economy
This year, IDL embraced a new format for its annual year in review video that was screened during December's Land Board meeting. 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
Phillips Announces Retirement from State Service
Scott Phillips, IDL’s Policy and Communications Chief, announced his retirement from state service. His last day will be January 19.
Joining IDL three and a half years ago, Scott brought a vision that would transform our communication landscape. His tenure has been marked by significant milestones including securing hazard pay for IDL wildland firefighters and launching popular communications products like Wildfire Alerts and the bi-weekly Director’s Update newsletters. These products enhanced our outreach capabilities while helping citizens and policymakers understand our agency’s accomplishments. His philosophy of demonstrating "proof of performance" has helped secure vital funding for fire program modernization and built confidence among Legislators in agency operations.
For nearly two decades Scott was engaged in IDL and natural resource issues while working for a governor, two state controllers and a superintendent of public instruction. But in his own words, “working for IDL, alongside our great, committed team, has been the high point of my career.”
As he steps into the next chapter of his life, Scott is not one to rest on his laurels. His plans include delving into the world of real estate investing and, most importantly, spending quality time fishing with his wife!
On behalf of IDL, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Scott Phillips for his years of service to the people of Idaho.
FY2023 Annual Report Now Available Online
IDL's FY2023 Annual Report is now available online. Printed copies will be delivered to all IDL team members soon.
The communications team greatly appreciates all who helped contribute and confirm the information published in the report, and encourages every employee to make it their go-to source for information and facts about our agency.
From the Governor's Office: Executive Branch Protocols for 2024 Legislative Session
IDL received guidance from the Governor that outlines how agencies should respond to information requests from the Legislature and what protocol must be followed prior to testifying before the Legislature. The Legislature convenes on Monday, January 8.
The memo underscores the importance of a cohesive Executive Branch stance on legislative issues that aligns closely with the Governor's agenda. Agencies are instructed to:
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Promptly respond to information requests from the Legislature, ensuring immediate communication with their Governor's Office liaison and DFM analyst following such requests. If you receive a request for information, reach out to Sharla Arledge immediately to coordinate the agency's response.
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Seek prior written or email approval from their Governor's Office contact before testifying on non-Executive Branch legislation. Before you provide in-person or written testimony on any matter before the Legislature, you must obtain permission from Director Miller.
Also, IDL employees visiting the Idaho Capitol on official business need to clear their visit in advance with Director Miller.
Watch the Governor's State of the State Address on Monday
Governor Brad Little will deliver his 2024 State of the State and Budget Address in the Idaho House Chambers at 1 p.m. Mountain Time on Monday, January 8, 2024. IDL team members are encouraged to watch the address.
Land Board Presents Giant Check
Last month's 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.
Because an IDL Team Member Asked for It...
Time to ring in the new year with this bad joke!
Director Miller's Favorite Dad Joke This Week:
Q: What is a New Year’s resolution?
A: Something that goes in one year and out the other.
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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.
   
Doubling Down on Dad Jokes
Just when you thought the jokes couldn't get worse...
Q: Why did Dracula pass out on New Year's Eve?
A: There was a count down.
Employees Leaving IDL
We wish departing team members the very best in their new endeavors.
- Scott Phillips, 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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