Interim Natural Resources Committee Meeting
Director Miller and Josh Harvey met with the legislative Interim Natural Resources Committee on Monday, October 28. The committee asked for an update on the 2024 fire season.
The Director and Harvey provided an update on fire season, how we operate during the season, and discussed our continued planning efforts towards fire program modernization. The legislature continues to play a critical role in ensuring we have the resources and capabilities we need to fight fire safely but aggressively while maintaining our success on keeping most of our fires under 10 acres in size. A link to the recorded presentation can be found here.
 
Capital for a Day in Jerome
Deputy Director Bill Haagenson, Eastern Supervisory Area Manager Ryan Woodland and Lands Resource Supervisor from the Jerome office Randal Brunmeier joined Governor Little and many other agencies for Capital for a Day in Jerome on Thursday, October 24.
Most of the questions were regarding Quagga Mussel and the water rights agreement that is in process.
The first and perhaps most lengthy topic raised by the community members was the Arco Wind and Solar lease in Bingham County. The community members were curious about the Land Board approval of that lease which they felt was contradictory to the positions of elected officials regarding the Lava Ridge renewable energy project, which is mostly on BLM managed federal land closer to Jerome. The Governor, Secretary of State, and Deputy Director fielded questions related to the Arco Wind and Solar lease and renewable energy leasing in general. Other topics included irrigation/water rights, election administration and integrity, Quagga mussel treatment in the Snake River, transportation, and various health and human services issues.
The afternoon portion of the meeting was held at Jerome High School where the elected officials and agency leaders fielded questions on a wide variety of topics from high school students. The questions were impressive and addressed topics such as the economy, Idaho population growth, housing affordability, wages, elections, natural resources and tourism, and more.
Here are some of the statistics for Jerome County:
Endowment Ownership in Jerome County = 7,782 surface acres
Endowment Subsurface Only Mineral Estate = 10,982 acres
FY24 endowment distributions for the school districts in the county:
Jerome Joint School District #261 $753,059.00
Valley School District #262 $125,019.00
Heritage Academy $ 43,819.00
Total $921,897.00
FY 2024 Endowment Income in Jerome County:
Grazing Leases (12 leases / 2341 AUMs) $ 15,356.96
Cropland Leases (1 lease / irrigated) $ 18,397.52
Mineral Leases (4 leases) $170,000.00
Comm Sites/Commercial (19 leases) $180,000.00
Total $383,754.48
Craig Foss Retirement
On Monday, October 28, Craig Foss celebrated his retirement surrounded by IDL staff, family, and friends at Ponderosa Springs Golf Club in Coeur d'Alene. After dedicating 29 years to the Idaho Department of Lands in various roles, including the last 4½ years as Idaho State Forester, Craig has made a lasting impact on IDL and the people of Idaho.
His contributions to forestry and fire management are numerous and significant, reflecting his deep commitment to his work and the well-being of his colleagues. The large turnout at the celebration was a testament to the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career. Craig is not only a leader but also a mentor, consistently inspiring those around him to strive for personal and professional growth.
During the event, staff and guests presented multiple gifts, and the IDL band, “Sustained Yield,” provided lively entertainment. Craig will certainly be missed, leaving behind big shoes to fill. We wish him all the best in his retirement, where he can enjoy quality time with his wife Jill, family, and chasing game birds with his beloved bird dog, Bud.
 photo by Lynn Buhl
 photo by Bjorn Jordan
 photo by Brooke Heasty
Raedene Farmer Retirement
After 26 years of service at IDL, Raedene Farmer has retired. Raedene was the Financial Technician Senior for the Timber Bureau. The bureau took her out for a nice lunch and presented here with a few special items, including a plaque recognizing her service to the agency and the endowments. Raedene had asked for a small, more private celebration. Her last day with us was August 16th. We wish her well in her retirement.
Vikki Snider Retirement
Vikki Snider has hung up her safety clipboard this week. She served as the IDL Safety Officer for three and a half years, doing a great job of listening to staff, bringing in new ideas, and communicating important information to the IDL family. Some of her accomplishments include development of the Mentor Program, safety boot program, and the ice cleats for employees.
Vikki also spent 10 years as an area office Administrative Assistant prior to being the Safety Officer.
About 60 people attended the farewell party, enjoying pork sliders and potluck dishes. A Hawaiian "Aloha to Vikki" them was chosen and everyone wore a lei.
"I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work at IDL and with you," said Vikki. "You are what makes it such a great place to work and I have so many good memories!"
Everyone wished her well on her new adventure in retirement.
Halloween in the Boise staff office
October 31, 2024 marked the 66 1/6th annual Halloween costume contest and chili cook-off. Five chili recipes were submitted for tasting, each having its own unique ingredients and distinct flavor, some spicy, some tangy, some savory, all delicious.
It was a close race again this year, the winning chili was prepared by Paula Amdal. This is Paula's first Halloween with IDL and first time entering the chili contest; congratulations, Paula! Other chefs were Shannon Chollett, Michele Andersen, JJ Winters, and Marde Mensinger.
A number of creative employees participated in the costume contest: one group entry and a handful of individuals. Costumed characters included a trio from Napoleon Dynamite: Napoleon (Jessica Hale), Pedro (Paula Amdal), Deb (Addie Faust); individuals were Indiana Jones (Marde Mensinger), Waterboy Bobby Boucher, Jr. (Shannon Chollett), a body-sized Friendship Bracelet on a Spook (Maggie Maggied), and authentic "good" witch (Mariah Eliason). The trio of Napoleon, Pedro, and Deb won the grand prize, with Pedro receiving enough individual votes to win runner-up!
Great participation from contestants and very nice turn-out by many employees to taste-test, vote, and have fun socializing and enjoying some fine food!
 photo by Amber Mitchell
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:
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