Weekly Fire Update
As of Friday, September 13, 2024, IDL has spent a total of approximately $46.8 million on fire suppression activities. Approximately $5.2 million of that is reimbursable to IDL for assisting other agencies on their fires, leaving a total estimated net obligation to the General Fund of $41.7 million so far this year.
 As of Friday, September 13, 2024
9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
This week, IDL’s Cataldo Forest Protective District firefighters honored first responders and remembered the sacrifices made on September 11th by participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Wallace, ID. Their efforts supported the JW Memorial Foundation which assists the families of first responders who have lost their lives or sustained significant injuries in the line of duty in the State of Idaho.
The event was started several years ago by the Shoshone County Fire District #1, and they invited other firefighters in north Idaho to participate. IDL tries to participate each year based on what is happening with wildfires. This year seven IDL firefighters were able to participate.
We are thankful for all the brave first responders who serve.
Photos courtesy of Shoshone County Fire District #1
  
IDL Hosts NASTL Conference in Coeur d'Alene
In late August, the Idaho Department of Lands hosted the annual meeting of the National Association of State Trust Lands (NASTL) in Coeur d'Alene. NASTL, a non-profit consortium, includes administrators from 21 western states managing over 500 million acres of school trust lands.
The annual meeting is a platform for member states and affiliates to exchange ideas, address challenges in endowment land management, explore opportunities, and establish association policies.
NASTL was privileged to have three Land Board members attend the meeting, each addressing the crowd at various times during the three day event. A special thanks to Secretary Phil McGrane, Superintendent Debbie Critchfield and Controller Brandon Woolf for making the attendees feel welcome and sharing about their roles as Land Board members and the initiatives that are important to Idaho and our endowment beneficiaries.
The spotlight this year was on timber and forest management, with IDL showcasing its timber program. In addition to a presentation from Jim Elbin on the IDL endowment timber program, attendees also heard a presentation from the Idaho Forest Group (IFG) and toured IFG’s state-of-the-art Chilco mill near Athol.
Additionally, attendees got a first-hand tutorial on endowment forest management from staff from the Pend Oreille Lakes Area Office at a nearby state timber sale.
Photo by Amber Mitchell, showing attendees gathered after touring the Chilco Mill.
Capital for a Day in Priest River
On Thursday, August 29, Director Dustin Miller, Dan Brown from the Priest Lake Supervisory Area, and Erik Sjoquist from the Pend Oreille Lake Supervisory Area joined Governor Little and other agencies at the "Capital for a Day" event in Priest River. Governor Little hosts these events throughout the year to bring state government leaders and discussions to predominantly rural areas.
A significant portion of the discussion in Priest River centered on the public schools within the West Bonner School District. Superintendent of Public Schools Debbie Critchfield attended to address and discuss local concerns.
At the meeting Governor Little commended the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) for their achievements in advancing the endowment mission of generating revenue for public schools. He also praised the department's effective wildfire suppression efforts over the summer. Additionally, the Governor took the opportunity to explain the purpose and benefits of the endowment fund to attendees.
Craig Foss Retirement
After 29 years of dedicated service, State Forester Craig Foss will retire in October.
To celebrate hanging up his work boots and putting away his tie, IDL employees, Land Board and staff are invited to share a piece of cake at the Boise staff office at 1 pm on September 18.
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:
 photo by Brian Evans
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