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.
 
IDL Participates in State Foresters’ Critical Incident Management Course
Pursuing IDL’s goal to develop a well-trained, high performing workforce focused on carrying out IDL's mission, the Fire Bureau sent three staff to the National Association of State Foresters’ Critical Incident Management Course in Phoenix Arizona, October 27 – November 1.
Forty eight students from 17 states attended the training including our own Ian Bridges (logistics section chief), Dean Johnson (agency administrator), and Andrew Smyth (agency administrator).
Presentations covered topic such as Strategic and Critical Thinking, Team Dynamics, Evacuations, and Safe Management of Personnel. Simulations offered students opportunities to demonstrate competencies managing natural and human caused incidents.
The final simulation lasted 8 hours and included a constant stream of injections exposing students to a variety of situations with tight deadlines. This training also fostered collaboration and networking with counterparts from across the country. At least three IDL employees attended this training in October 2023 as well for incident command, operations, and agency administrator roles.
Between January and October 2024, there were 144 Complex Incident management Team Assignments nationwide, including many in Idaho. There are 40 complex interagency teams nationwide and at the peak, 26 were deployed at one time this year. These teams supplement district staff managing these large incidents and allow local resources to focus on initial attack efforts. Cooperation is critical to serving our communities during these crises.
 Ian Bridges participating in simulation, photo by Andrew Smyth
Reminder: Keep Personal Mail Separate - Adhering to Security Protocols and Idaho Code
We're sharing this crucial reminder from the Department of Administration regarding our state mail policies. It's essential to remember that personal mail should not be delivered to the agency address. This practice isn't just a breach of internal security protocols – it also goes against Idaho Code.
We understand the convenience of having personal mail and packages arrive at work, but it's vital for the security and efficiency of our operations to keep personal and professional correspondence separate.
However, there's good news! As a gesture of courtesy, Central Postal will continue to handle your outgoing personal mail, provided it has the correct postage attached. This small accommodation ensures your personal mail is sent off without a hitch, while helping us maintain the necessary security standards.
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
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!
photos by Renee Jacobsen and Amber Mitchell
 
Rick Finis Retirement Party
Rick Finis has retired from IDL and a retirement party is planned to send him off in style. The event will take place December 12, 5:30 p.m. MT, at the Payette Brewing Company at 733 S. Pioneer St. Boise. Food trucks will be on site.
More Photos From Craig's Retirement
photo by Bjorn Jordan
photo by Archie Gray
photo by Brooke Heasty
 photo by Brittney Esser
 photo by Brittney Esser
photo by Brooke Heasty
photo by Lynn Buhl
photo by Lynn Buhl
In Case You Missed It
Here's a recap of other recent IDL newsletters you may find interesting:
One Team One Voice Newsletter Archive
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:
|
