Current News Coverage
Communication and evolution key between city and state wildfire fighting efforts
KIVI, 11-7-24
NAMPA, Idaho — Idaho Department of Lands and local fire departments have communications in place for when additional wildfire assistance is needed. Fire departments are reimbursed for helping the state fight wildfires, and also helping maintain certifications for wildfires.
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$3,166,300,000 was spent in 2023 suppressing wildfires according to NIFC.
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Neighbor Helping Neighbors, Idaho Fire Chiefs offer 24-hour free help to nearby fire departments.
(Below is the transcript from the broadcast story)
Wildfire season is nearly over for the year. Idaho Department of Lands reports that nearly 350 fires have occurred in 2024 -- over 65,000 acres protected by IDL. A lot to have resources for without some extra help.
Local fire departments can get dispatched for help through the National Interagency Fire Center.
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Idaho County Commissioners: Next meeting moved to Friday; Central Idaho Land Exchange discussed
Idaho County Free Press, 11-6-24
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Brandt reported the Upper Lochsa Land Exchange (now called the Central Idaho Land Exchange) has resurfaced with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), the USFS, Idaho County, the Nez Perce Tribe, and others. The exchange involves 39,000 acres of the Upper Lochsa that were given originally to the Northern Pacific Railroad; but, when the railroad was built to the north, the land did not return to public ownership. In 2005, Western Pacific Timber (WPT) purchased 39,000 acres of largely clear-cut land on both sides of Lolo Pass. The exchange would be for the logged WPT lands for 18,000 acres of lower-elevation public land in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. There was fierce opposition from the public, and from Idaho County that they would lose a private property tax base. There have been several attempts to complete it, but strong opposition in 2016 led Senator Risch to say he would not pursue federal legislation.
Brandt stated that in light of renewed discussion of the deal, “Fulcher, in the House, will want to know what we want to do. It will require a full-on examination, and it is very complicated.”
There will be more to come.
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IDL rescinds closed fire season order
Clearwater Progress, 11-7-24
Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) rescinded its extended closed fire season order, effective Nov. 1, due to cooler temperatures and reduced fire risk across the state. This change lifts the statewide requirement for IDL burn permits on private land outside city limits.
While IDL will no longer require burn permits after this date, voluntarily obtaining a free permit is still encouraged to assist fire managers and are available at https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/. IDL encourages anyone planning to burn to check with local fire authorities and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) for any local permits or restrictions for open burning or air quality in their area.
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Road access to Grangemont road to close Friday
KLEW, 11-4-24
Orofino, IDAHO (KLEW) — Access to Grangemont Rd. east of Orofino is set to close down soon.
Beginning Friday, Nov. 8th.roads accessing Grangemont Road between Rudo and Cow Creek road will close to vehicle traffic.
The route will only be open for ATVs under 50 inches and motorcycles. The annual closure comes from the Idaho Department of Lands and Idaho Fish and Game.
The closure is meant to reduce erosion, wildlife disruption, and road maintenance expenses.
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Idaho Department of Lands ends extended closed fire season
KHQ, 11-3-24
BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) ended its extended closed fire season Friday.
The IDL fire season was extended in mid-October due to dry conditions and unseasonably high temperatures.
Now that the closed fire season has ended, Idaho residents no longer require a permit to burn, but are encouraged to voluntarily seek a permit or check their local fire conditions.
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Inside outdoors briefs
Lewiston Tribune, 11-3-24
Road restrictions for South Grangemont trust land to take effect Friday
OROFINO — Roads accessing the South Grangemont block of Idaho state endowment trust land will close to vehicle traffic starting Friday, but will remain open to motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles with a width less than 50 inches.
According to a news release from the Idaho Department of Lands, the annual change in access applies to state land south of the Grangemont Road between Rudo Road and Cow Creek Road and will remain in effect until May 23, the Friday before Memorial Day weekend.
The travel restrictions, made in partnership with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, are designed to reduce erosion, minimize road maintenance expenses and minimize wildlife disturbance.
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Idaho Department of Lands ends extended closed fire season
Fox 28, 11-3-24
BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) ended its extended closed fire season Friday due to dry conditions and unseasonably high temperatures.
“Please remain vigilant and practice safe burning habits, as fire prevention is essential year-round. Anyone starting a fire is responsible for the fire, which may include responsibility for damages and suppression costs of an escaped fire,” IDL said.
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Idaho Capitol Christmas tree to be cut Nov. 25 in Boise
Idaho Capital Sun, 11-1-24
The Idaho Capitol’s official Christmas tree is set to be cut Nov. 25 in downtown Boise.
That day, the tree will be moved to the front of the Idaho State Capitol Building to become the official 2024 state Christmas tree, and a planned lighting ceremony will follow later.
How to attend the Christmas tree cutting ceremony
The tree will be cut and then moved to its typical spot in front of the Idaho State Capitol Building, the Idaho Department of Administration announced in a news release.
Cutting will start at 9 a.m. Nov. 25 in front of the Len B. Jordan building, located at 650 W State St. in downtown Boise. Around 11 a.m., the tree will be moved to the Idaho State Capitol Building.
The tree will be cut and rigged for lifting by the Idaho Department of Lands. Apex Crane Service will load the tree. The Idaho Transportation Department will haul it to the Idaho Statehouse. Boise police will escort.
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Preventing Wildfires
Posted November 8, 2024
 Did you know? Preventing wildfires doesn’t mean avoiding fire altogether
When used responsibly, fire can be a powerful tool to manage and reduce hazardous fuels, meet slash regulations, and support sustainable land management practices.
Whether you're a private landowner or a fire professional, the Idaho Prescribed Fire Council serves as a forum to advance the safe and effective use of prescribed fire across Idaho. Working collaboratively we can achieve healthier forest…
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