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$1M earmarked for North Idaho forests
Bonners Ferry Herald, 6-21-24
Aerial shots show a thinned area in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest to reduce the threat and severity of wildfire. The species that remain, primarily ponderosa pine Douglas-fir and western larch, are fire adapted and more drought tolerant, forestry officials said. Chase Bolyard, Idaho Department of Lands GNA Program Specialist
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Northern Region said Tuesday it is investing $1 million to expand work with the Idaho Department of Lands to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health through the Good Neighbor Authority.
The investments will fund projects on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest while also providing funding for IDL staffing.
The funds will support about 3,000 acres of fuels reduction work administered by IDL such as fuel breaks and vegetation treatments to improve forest health, a press release said.
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Work is underway throughout 621,400 acres of Forest Service land within a 2-million-acre landscape in the Idaho Panhandle which was jointly prioritized for fuels reduction and forest restoration activities.
“These funds will expand the work IDL is able to do on federal ground to better protect our communities,” said Idaho State Forester Craig Foss.
He said much of the current GNA work is within the Wildland Urban Interface, where homes and forestland meet.
"This work is vital to help decrease the risk of catastrophic wildfire to adjacent forests, homes, and nearby towns," Foss said.
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$1M earmarked for North Idaho forests
Bonner County Daily Bee, 6-21-24
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Northern Region said Tuesday it is investing $1 million to expand work with the Idaho Department of Lands to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health through the Good Neighbor Authority.
The investments will fund projects on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest while also providing funding for IDL staffing.
The funds will support about 3,000 acres of fuels reduction work administered by IDL such as fuel breaks and vegetation treatments to improve forest health, a press release said.
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Low snowpack and drought put Idaho’s Panhandle, Salmon regions at higher wildfire risk
Idaho Capital Sun, 6-20-24
As weather experts forecast above normal temperatures nationwide this summer, the risk of wildfires will rise across the country, including in Idaho.
On Tuesday, the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands gave a fire forecast briefing to the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners.
East central Idaho near Salmon and southern parts of the Idaho Panhandle are the most vulnerable to wildfire this summer, BLM meteorologist Jim Wallmann told the land board.
While much of the southern part of Idaho had wet winter conditions and steady snowpack, Wallmann said low snowpack and dry summer conditions put those areas at higher wildfire risk.
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U.S. Department of Agriculture investing $1 million into North Idaho forests
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Northern Region said Tuesday it is investing $1 million to expand work with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health through the Good Neighbor Authority.
The investments will fund projects on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest while also providing funding for IDL staffing.
The funds will support about 3,000 acres of fuels reduction work administered by IDL such as fuel breaks and vegetation treatments to improve forest health, a press release said.
The funds will also expand road repairs to improve watershed conditions and provide access for wildfire management and implementation of project activities.
“Our strong partnership with IDL through the Good Neighbor Authority program is an important component in restoring National Forest System lands in Idaho,” said Deputy Regional Forester Tim Garcia.
The additional investment in GNA expands forest management capacity to help meet Shared Stewardship goals, the release said.
To read more from our content partner the Coeur d'Alene Press, click here.
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Idaho Department of Lands gives Idaho fire forecast
KMVT, 6-19-21
BOISE, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —Every year the Idaho Department of Lands gives the Land Board of Commissioners a fire forecast on what the fire season may bring.
This year they expect an average to slightly above average fire season but there are certain things to look out for. Like the grass growth in some areas.
Josh Harvey, Bureau Chief-Fire Management “What I’m expecting is that it’s going to be a little bit of a slow start to fire season, but the potential is there for southern Idaho, especially with the grass growth which really turns into a pretty high rate of spread if we get starts. So that could turn into some pretty severe fire danger there.”
While the fire season hasn’t officially started—the state has already seen several fires this year. Harvey says Idaho has recorded 50 fires to date.
The Idaho Department of Lands has its fire staffing to protect endowment land and help with other fires as needed. They have 31 engines to staff, and they’ve hired 140 firefighters with more spots to fill.
Based on the outlook and start of the season they will bring on additional resources.
“We’ll be bringing on five additional contract engines and a type two initial attack crew to supplement our own firefighting resources across the state. We’ve also taken steps to secure a type one heavy helicopter. That brings a very high-capacity water delivery system to our aviation assets and then we’ll have the four single-engine water scoopers and four single-engine air tankers also available for fire across the state, “said Harvey.
IDL reminds those recreating on endowment or Idaho land to take the needed precautions to prevent fires. Don’t park on grass, put out campfires, don’t drag chains, know the weather, and report any fires you see immediately.
For more information including how to become a firefighter with the Idaho Department of Lands can be found here.
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Smokey Bear celebrates poster contest winners
Bonner County Daily Bee, 6-19-24
Smokey Bear had a busy June, visiting several schools in the West Bonner School District as students wrapped up the school year. Among the schools visited were Priest Lake, Priest River, and Idaho Hill elementary schools, as well as House of the Lord Christian Academy near Oldtown.
To celebrate turning 80, Smokey celebrated his upcoming birthday by riding atop an Idaho Department of Lands fire engine in the Coolin parade.
During the school visits, Smokey was accompanied by helpers from the Priest Lake U.S. Forest Service Ranger District and the Priest Lake Idaho Department of Lands. These helpers shared Smokey's messages about fire prevention and staying safe with fire.
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