Current News Coverage
North-central Idaho forest improvements underway with Good Neighbor Authority partnership
Idaho Capital Sun, 9-12-24
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and Idaho Department of Fish and Game are working to improve north-central Idaho fish and wildlife habitats and restore forest ecosystem health.
The years-long Good Neighbor Authority partnership now has another $1.3 million for the work, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests announced in a news release Wednesday.
“We’ve demonstrated our commitment to build a strong partnership that we hoped would support our priorities in the long term,” Tara Ball, Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s partnership lead, said in a news release. “We are starting to see this transpire with work in the Selway, South Fork, and North Fork watersheds and are excited to do good things for wildlife in areas where it matters most.”
In 2020, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game joined the partnership with the national forest. The Idaho Department of Lands is also a partner.
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Daring to Leap: Meet Paris Harris
Mountain Journal, 9-10-24
It was peaceful from the bench outside of the Deary, Idaho fire station just after the Fourth of July. Birds were calling and answering, and Potato Hill, colloquially called “Spud,” rose in the distance. Deary has a population around 500, quite a change from the southern suburbs of Chicago where Paris Harris grew up.
Harris had never been to Idaho, nor had she been in a car for 27 straight hours, which was how long it took her and her father to drive from their home in Calumet Park, Illinois. The trip was a big deal for Harris in the summer of 2023. After all, she was about to enter her first year at the University of Idaho.
“Being in the city your whole life, you just feel trapped,” said Harris, now 19 and starting her sophomore year at U of I. “But when you go out here you see things you’ve never seen before like all these different types of trees and mountains … it’s very beautiful.”
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Harris would be a new “first” if she takes her inaugural leap out of a plane as a member of firefighting’s most elite force. She spent this summer fighting wildfires on an engine crew with the Idaho Department of Lands, during which she reported to 15 fires, working the engine and digging fireline. As of early September, according to the National Interagency Wildfire Center, 1,088 fires in Idaho had burned more than 750,000 acres so far this year.
Harris is still grappling with all the firsts. “I feel like I am making my mark in history, but I don’t know,” she said.
Illegally Placed Buoys to be Removed from Coeur d’Alene Lake
DailyFly, 9-3-24
(COEUR D’ALENE, ID) – Authorities will remove illegal buoys in Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River. In response to boaters coming too close to docks and shorelines, some waterfront property owners have placed unpermitted buoys in the water to mark the no wake area. This presents a danger to those recreating in the water.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) and Kootenai County Parks and Waterways are asking for the public’s assistance in Kootenai County to help solve this problem.
Safety is the first priority of our all three agencies in regard to our local waterways and we are asking for a spirit of cooperation and consideration for others. Boaters, please follow local ordinances regarding wake zones, to help protect the property and beauty of the lakes and rivers. Property owners, please do not put out illegal buoys as they create a hazard by interfering with navigation.
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Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest updates ‘good neighbor’ agreements
Lewiston-Tribune, 9-1-24
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest recently updated agreements with the Idaho Department of Lands, Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho County and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game that allow the entities to work on federal land.
Known as good neighbor authorities, the agreements are designed to foster collaborative work and increase efficiency. For example, the nonfederal entities are sometimes able to move quicker to implement federally approved actions like timber sales, road work or restoration projects.
“Good Neighbor Authority projects have extended our ability to perform critical work on the 4-million acre Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests,” said Molly Ryabn, acting supervisor of the forest.
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Outdoor Funding Council Seeks Candidate Projects to Enhance Recreation in Idaho
DailyFly, 8-31-24
The Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council (ORFAC) is accepting applications to build projects that expand recreational opportunities within Idaho. For 2024, the council has $5 million to spend on capital projects (trails, bridges, campgrounds, etc.) that create or enhance outdoors access.
Funding for this round of projects comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, which carries firm timelines for any funds to be obligated and spent. The Council seeks projects that can be under contract by the end of 2024 and completed before the end of 2026.
“This represents a great, potential opportunity for those who have shovel-ready projects, or ones that are close to it, to build facilities that create new access to the outdoors,” said Susan Buxton, director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and an ORFAC council member. “We want proposals that can be done quickly and give the recreating public something new opportunities.”
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Idaho Outdoor Funding Council accepting recreation projects
KREM2, 8-30-24
IDAHO, USA — The Idaho Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council (ORFAC) announced that it is accepting applications to build projects that seek to expand recreational opportunities within Idaho.
ORFAC said in a press release that it has $5 million to spend on projects such as bridges, trails and campgrounds that will create or enhance access to the outdoors.
ORFAC says the funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, which has firm timelines for any funds to be distributed and spent.
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IDPR, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Idaho Department of Lands also work cooperatively to propose projects, manage resources and monetize outdoor recreation for long-term sustainability.
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Payette Lake parcels net state $6 million
Star-News, 8-29-24
AnnMarie and Zeke Johnson were relieved last week when the Waters Edge Event Center in Eagle grew quiet after they placed an opening bid on a Payette Lake cabin site the couple has been leasing from the state.
The Boise couple’s bid was the only one placed for the cottage site at 993 Grouse Way, one of two lots that did not receive more than one bid during last Friday’s auction by the Idaho Department of Lands.
“We didn’t know what to expect, but there were way more people at the auction than we thought,” Johnson said. “We were the only bidder (for the lot), which was kind of a surprise.”
The $473,000 the couple paid for the lot at 993 Grouse Way contributed to $6 million raised during the auction, which offered six lots with cabins for sale around Payette Lake, including one lakefront lot.
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IDL Wildfire News
The Chimney Fire is now a four-service fire
KMVT, 9-11-24
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —The Sawtooth National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands ordered the Southwest Incident Management Team 4 to come out and help attack the Chimney Fire that ignited last week. The team set up camp just nine miles outside of Fairfield.
“Our primary and always first objective is firefighter safety,” said Sarah Brown. “So, what we do here at this ICP is we support the firefighters and all the crews and resources that are mobilized in terms of providing food, a place to sleep, and take a shower at the end of their shift.”
There are currently 428 personnel on the ground assisting with the Chimney Fire in Fairfield. According to Sarah Browne, the PIO of the Incident Management Team, they’ve ordered mobile showers, caterers to make food, as well as tents and RV’s to house crews.
Browne also says they could be stationed out there for about a month depending on how long it takes to contain and control the fire.
Changing weather brings red flag conditions to the Chimney Fire
KMVT, 9-11-24
FAIRFIELD, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Chimney Fire is at 6,475 acres and is only 10% contained.
On Tuesday, there was low fire behavior in lower elevations due to the work that occurred along the Lime Creek drainage. In upper elevations, low to moderate fire behavior was observed due to the fire reaching natural barriers. Crews are continuing to scout for containment lines and initial attack crews are staffed for any new fire starts
Smoke may be visible from the Fairfield area and there is a Red Flag Warning for scattered dry thunderstorms.
The Sawtooth National Forest has issued an emergency closure of the trails for the Chimney Fire.
Fire destroys historic Wolf Lodge Steakhouse in Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene Press, 9-4-24
COEUR d'ALENE — The historic Wolf Lodge Steakhouse in Coeur d'Alene is a "total loss" following a large fire on Monday, according to Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris.
The fire started in a kitchen exhaust hood, according to general manager Nicole Martel. The fire quickly spread to the chimney and attic before engulfing the entire building.
The blaze also sparked a small wildland fire behind the restaurant, according to Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Police Chief Chris Way. The Idaho Department of Lands was called in to put out the wildland fire and establish a fireline.
Several IDL and hand crews remain on the scene, and officials are asking for people to avoid the area. Assistance has also been requested from Shoshone and Spokane Counties.
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County Line Fire near Plummer contained at 192 acres
KLEW, 9-2-24
Plummer, Idaho (KLEW) — A fire near Plummer over the weekend has been contained.
The County Line Fire started Saturday, Aug, 31. and grew to over 150 acres. Evacuation notices were issued by the Kootenai County Emergency Management Office.
Resources from a nearby fire were able to attack the blaze on the same day.
Full containment was reached this afternoon at 192 acres however, County Line Rd. is still closed.
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County Line Fire nearing full containment
Coeur d'Alene Press, 9-2-24
The County Line Fire, near Plummer, is 80% contained, according to the latest update from the Idaho Department of Lands.
County Line Road remains closed at this time as crews work to remove hazardous trees that were weakened by the fire. Avista is also working on a plan to replace power poles in the area.
The fire was first reported Saturday morning and has burned 192 acres.
READ MOREhttps://cdapress.com/news/2024/sep/02/county-line-fire-nearing-full-containment/
All evacuations lifted for wildfire near Plummer
KREM2, 9-2-24
PLUMMER, Idaho — All evacuations have been lifted for the County Line Fire near Worley and Plummer.
Kootenai County Emergency Management (KCEM) says there are no longer any evacuations in the area.
The fire caused both Level 3 and Level 2 Evacuations on Saturday, August 31.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) says the County Line Road remains closed for fire crews to continue working and prevent any further damage.
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Mowry Fire contained after 103-acre blaze
Fox 28, 9-1-24
Updated on Sept. 1 at 4:10 p.m.- The Mowry Fire was completely contained and reduced to 86 acres Sunday afternoon according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
Update on Aug. 30 at 9 a.m. – Containment has reached 70% as firefighters continue to make progress on the flames.
A small spot fire popped up across the containment line that kept crews busy but was eventually knocked down.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
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Resources diverted from contained Mowry fire to County Line fire near Plummer that is 80% under control
Spokesman-Review, 9-1-24
Fire crews have reached 80% containment on the County Line fire burning near Plummer, as officials diverted resources from the completely contained Mowry fire near Worley that burned nearly 90 acres.
The County Line fire hasn’t grown since Saturday evening, consuming 192 acres between Kootenai and Benewah counties.
County Line Road remains closed as nearby trees weakened by fires present hazards near the roadway. Firefighters are working to clear the snags along the roadway. Crews are “hopeful” the road will open Monday, said Idaho Department of Lands Spokesperson Jonathan Luhnow.
The fire downed some power poles in the area, and Avista personnel are assessing plans to replace them, a release from the Department stated.
No structures were damaged in the fire. Luhnow said he wasn’t aware of any injuries stemming from the fire.
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All evacuations lifted for 150-acre County Line fire in Kootenai County
KXLY, 9-1-24
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho -- UPDATE, September 1, 2024: The County Line Fire is now 80% contained burning 192 acres.
Idaho Department of Lands says County Line Road will remain closed until trees weakened by the fire are removed.
UPDATE, August 31, 6:02 p.m.
Kootenai County Emergency Management said all evacuations have been lifted for the 150-acres County Line fire near Plummer.
County Line Road will stay closed through the evening.
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Crews battle County Line Fire near Worley
Coeur d'Alene Press, 9-1-24
The County Line Fire is pictured Saturday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Kootenai County Sheriff's Department)
The County Line Fire, burning about 2 miles northwest of Plummer, was 40% contained as of Saturday night, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
The fire was first reported to authorities at 11:45 a.m. Saturday.
Authorities said the blaze quickly grew from about 40 acres in size to about 150 acres in the area of Bronco Road and County Line Road, prompting evacuation orders Saturday afternoon that were later rescinded. No structures have been lost to the fire so far and no injuries have been reported.
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County Line Fire near Worley 80% contained
KHQ, 9-1-24
WORLEY, Idaho – A wildfire started near Worley on Saturday afternoon.
Updated Sept. 1 at 1:30 p.m. - The County Line Fire hit 80% containment Sunday afternoon according to the Idaho Department of Lands, and grew overnight from 150 to 190 acres.
Crews have dug a fire line entirely around the fire, and aircraft dropped water on the flames throughout the weekend.
No structures were lost, and County Line Road will remain closed until fire crews have removed hazardous trees.
There are no current evacuation orders.
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County Line wildfire near Worley now 40% contained
Fox28, 8-31-24
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, crews have dug a fire line entirely around the fire, and aircraft are dropping water on hotter portions. On-ground crews are installing hose lays to bring water to the fire edge.
No structures were lost, and County Line Road will remain closed until fire crews have removed hazardous trees.
There are no current evacuation orders.
Updated Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. – All evacuations for the County Line Fire have been rescinded as of 5:45 p.m. by Kootenai County Emergency Management.
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County Line fire threatened structures in Idaho; crews work to suppress spotting
Spokesman-Review, 8-31-24
The County Line fire on the border of Idaho’s Kootenai and Benewah counties consumed 192 acres Saturday.
Level 3 “go now” evacuation notices were issued for residents and livestock south of West Louie Road and down past West County Line Road, according to a map put out by the Kootenai County Emergency Management department.
As of 5:45 Saturday, Kootenai County Emergency Management wrote on its Facebook page that “All evacuation notices have been rescinded. County Line Road will remain closed through the evening due to dangerous snags.” This includes spotting activity at the frontlines of the fire, said Idaho Department of Lands Spokesperson Jonathan Luhnow.
Luhnow said structures were under threat but that he had not received news of any structural damage as of 5 p.m. Saturday.
The response to the fire has included three air tankers, three water scoops, and two helicopters, Luhnow said. One helicopter was pulled off to respond to another fire around 4 p.m.
No cause for the fire has been determined as of Saturday afternoon.
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Chimney Fire Update
Posted September 12, 2024
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Precipitation moderates fire activity on Chimney Fire
Daily Update – Thursday, September 12, 2024
Acres: 6,475
Start Date: 9/2/2024
Location: 9 miles northwest of Fairfield, ID
Personnel: 457
Containment: 10%
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, understory
Highlights: Community meeting will be held tonight at 6 pm at the Camas County Senior and Community Center at 129 Willow Avenue in Fairfield, Idaho.
Operations: Firefighters added containment on the southern perimeter to keep the fire from moving across the Lime Creek drainage and to protect values at risk. A reconnaissance flight detected a spot fire on the northern section of the fire that grew to 40 acres by the afternoon. Fire growth is pushing northeast towards a significant natural feature, Rock Ridge, that could help to hold the fire. Crews scouted access roads and planned for future work along the eastern and western flanks. Today’s activities will be weather dependent; if the roads are passable and safe for crews to continue scouting routes, cleanup work will continue on the proposed bulldozer line. With anticipated high relative humidity at a minimum of 53, minimal fire activity expected today. Heat is expected to remain in heavy dead and down timber, despite the expected weather pattern.
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