Idaho Legislative Session
IDL is closely following the legislative session and bills that might affect how we do business on behalf of the endowment beneficiaries.
Two bills were introduced that would affect certain grazing leases and all endowment leases, land permits and other land use agreements. A third clarifies the term modification on encroachments put in place prior to 1974.
Senate Bill 1243 - Grazing
This legislation would allow the grazing leases from the Owyhee Land Exchange that came in from federal lands to be treated as if it were a federal permit, automatically renewing every 10 years with no auction. It would only apply to lands acquired through federal land exchanges.
House Bill 434 - State Land Leases
This legislation would require all leases, land permits and other land use agreements for state land entered into by the State Board of Land Commissioners have standard terms and conditions for maintenance and repair and include provisions for remediation.
Senate Bill 1257 - Navigational Encroachments
This legislation adds a clarifying definition to section 58-1312 in relation to the Lake Protection Act. It defines what the term “modified” means so that the statute can be applied in the way that the legislature originally intended when it amended this section of code in 2006.
The IDL Legislative Update will be available each week as we follow the session noting hearings and legislation that we will be following.
IDL Budget Information
Director Miller had the opportunity to answer questions concerning IDL's FY25 budget request and decision units at our scheduled JFAC hearing on Monday, January 29. There were a wide variety of questions that included GNA harvests, IDL building its own fire trucks, the need for laptops for administrative assistants, and the need for a UTV for Recreation staff.
JFAC Natural Resources Maintenance Budget
JFAC has changed its procedures for budget setting this session. They took up maintenance budgets for categories. IDL falls under the Natural Resources Maintenance Budget which also includes DEQ, Fish & Game, EFIB, Parks & Recreation and Water Resources.
On January 16, 2024, a total of $525,672,500 was approved for the agencies combined. Representative Steve Miller made the motion, Senator Van Burtenshaw seconded, vote 15-3-2.
Budget Documents
 Director Miller at JFAC hearing on Monday, January 29.
Annual Performance Report
Director Miller presented IDL's Annual Performance Report to the House Resources and Conservation Committee on Wednesday, January 31.
The director provided an overview of accomplishments, goals, and performance measures.
The committee requested a second presentation to specifically discuss the endowment fund and distributions. Dustin Miller and Chris Anton will present on Endowment Land Management and the Land Bank on Tuesday, February 13.
Rulemaking Presentations
On Wednesday, January 31, IDL presented five sets of proposed rule changes to the House Resources and Conservation Committee.
Rules of Practice and Procedure Before the State Board of Land Commissioners
IDAPA 20.01.01 - Pending Rule
IDAPA 20.01.01 protects citizens’ due process rights by governing the practice and procedure in contested cases before the State Board of Land Commissioners and the Idaho Department of Lands.
This rule chapter implements the following statutes: Idaho Code 58-104 State Land Board – Powers and Duties and Idaho Code 67-5206(5)(b) – Promulgation of Rules Implementing Administrative Procedure Act.
The committee voted to accept this pending rule.
Rules Governing Dredge and Placer Mining Operations
IDAPA 20.03.01 - Pending Fee Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.03.01, Rules Governing Dredge and Placer Mining Operations under the authority of the Idaho Dredge and Placer Mining Protection Act (Title 47, Chapter 13, Idaho Code).
IDAPA 20.03.01 allows responsible resource extraction while protecting the lands, streams and watercourses of the state.
This rule was held until February 13, 1:30 p.m. MT, Rm EW40.
Rules Governing Administration of the Reclamation Fund
IDAPA 20.03.03 - Pending Fee Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.03.03, Rules Governing Administration of the Reclamation Fund under the authority of Title 47, Chapter 18, Idaho Code.
IDAPA 20.03.03 provides consistent guidance in how Idaho’s Reclamation Fund (Fund) is implemented. The Fund is a type of state bond pool created in 2002 to provide an alternative form of performance bond or financial assurance as required by Idaho mining regulations. The Fund is to be used by the Department to complete reclamation in the event an operator is unable to so.
The committee voted to accept this pending fee rule.
Rules Governing Navigable Waterways Mineral Leasing
IDAPA 20.03.05 - Pending Fee Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands manages the beds of navigable waterways to provide for their commercial, navigational, recreational or other public use. IDAPA 20.03.05, Riverbed Mineral Leasing in Idaho establishes a consistent process to authorize mineral exploration and extraction on state-owned navigable rivers and collect rents and royalties.
The committee voted to accept this pending fee rule.
Rules Pertaining to the Recreational Use of Endowment Land
IDAPA 20.05.01 - Pending Rule (New Chapter)
This is negotiated rulemaking for a new rule chapter: Rules Pertaining to the Recreational Use of Endowment Land (IDAPA 20.05.01).
Senate Bill 1049 was designed to curb the abuse or misuse of endowment land, preserving its revenue-generating potential for the beneficiaries. The legislation, which was signed into law, created a new section of Idaho Code that became effective on July 1, 2023.
The law requires rulemaking to specify prohibited activities that are subject to a warning ticket for minor first offenses, with second violations under the statute being punished with an infraction and $250 fine.
The committee voted to accept this pending rule.
OGCC Commissioners Confirmation
The Senate Resources and Environment Committee took up the consideration of the Gubernatorial Appointments for the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Wednesday, January 31. In the 2023 legislative session, House Bill 120 changed the criteria for the make up of the OGCC Commission, therefore, Ray Hinchcliff, Betty Coppersmith, Margaret Chipman, Marc Haws and Jennifer Riebe needed to go through the confirmation process. The Senate Resources and Environment will vote on the appointments during their next meeting.
Because an IDL Team Member Asked for It...
In honor of Valentine's Day...
Director Miller's Favorite Dad Joke This Week:
Q: What happens to trees on Valentine's Day?
A: They get sappy.
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Over Snow Vehicle Funds and Educating the Public
IDL sent out a news release last week explaining possible damages snowmobilers can do by "boondocking" or navigating through snow in open meadows or between trees.
“Accidental or careless activities such as running over young trees emerging out of the snow can stunt tree growth,” said Todd Wernex, IDL Recreation Program Manager. “Trees provide product for the forest industry and help fund Idaho’s public schools.”
The release explained how $1 from each Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) tag now goes to IDL to provide snowmobile opportunities and to repair impacts directly related to snowmobile use on endowment land.
The OSV fund allows us to build kiosks, purchase snow poles for grooming, and assist with brush clearing on trails, as well as developing maps and signs to guide snowmobilers away from vulnerable areas.
IDL accepting project proposals for grants
Several forestry and fire grants are now open for submission of project proposals. The grants help reduce wildfire risks in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), support county wildfire protection planning and improve forest health. They are administered through Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and fall under three categories: Hazard Fuel Reduction, Western States Fire Managers and Landscape Scale Restoration.
Those eligible to apply include: state, county and local agencies; non-profit (501c3) organizations; tribes; and educational institutions. A limited number of project proposals for each program will be selected for full development and submission for a competitive process for the western United States.
IDL will hold an informational pre-proposal webinar Friday, February 9 to assist those who are interested in participating. IDL also offers detailed information about the grants on our Forestry and Fire Grants webpage: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-forestry/forestry-fire-grants/
De-Escalation Training
IDL's Safety Officer Vikki Snider has partnered with the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) to provide a de-escalation training in both the North and South regions for IDL employees.
The training will take place in March and will be geared to IDL's unique interactions with the public and the possibility of difficult interactions with the public.
The training will provide IDL staff with tools and techniques to better deal with interactions with a disgruntled customer.
Dates and locations:
CDA Staff Office-Sundance Room
March 12th
8:30 – 12:00 PST
Boise-JRW East Conference Room-700 W State Street, Boise
March 20th
8:30 – 12:00 MST
To ensure adequate space and set up registration is required.
Doubling Down on Dad Jokes
Just when you thought the jokes couldn't get worse...
Q: What do you call sweets that can keep a beat?
A: Candy rappers.
IDL Annual Report Distributions
IDL Annual Reports are in the process of being distributed to the legislature, county commissioners, other stakeholders, and to IDL full-time employees and area offices.
This process is a huge undertaking and we want to recognize those going the extra mile to get these sent out. A big thanks to Kourtney Romine who did the heavy lifting on this project. Also thank you to Renee Jacobsen and Tim Cox for their assistance.
The IDL Annual Report provides an opportunity for IDL employees to see the messages we, as an agency, share with the public and others regarding state endowment trust lands and our work on behalf of the beneficiaries. It allows our team to be prepared with the same, consistent messages as we interact with the people in our communities.
IDL's information can be viewed at a glance on the FY2023 Snapshot and Fast facts cards. These cards provide excellent information as handouts when meeting with stakeholders. Cards will be located at each staff and area office or by contacting Sharla Arledge.
 Kourtney Romaine sorts out Annual Reports at the Boise Staff Office.
Chester the Peacock
Peacocks have a reputation for guarding yards, but Chester the Peacock has taken his job to a new level by guarding a load of timber. Chester hitched a ride to the logging yard at the Idaho Forest Group Chilco Mill in North Idaho, riding 38 miles on top of the logs.
IDL used a photo of this adventure-seeking bird for social media posts. Chester helped us reinforce the importance of supplying fiber to Idaho's timber industry.
Chester was safely captured by his owner and taken back home.
 Photo by IDL log scaler Becky Hendrickx.
 Photo by IDL log scaler Becky Hendrickx.
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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