Happy Thanksgiving!
I want you to know how thankful I am for our IDL family. Your dedication and hard work is appreciated each day, but even more so, your thoughtfulness for each other. When one of our family has a need and a request goes out to donate time, so many jump at the opportunity to help, the need is often filled in minutes after the request goes out. It means so much to those you assist.
This Thanksgiving know that I am thankful for each of you and wish the best for you and your families.
Thank You To IDL’s Veterans!
On Monday, November 11, we observed Veterans Day—a day dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of our military personnel and their families. Many of our colleagues at IDL have served in the military, playing a vital role in safeguarding our freedoms and way of life.
I am deeply grateful to all our veterans for their dedication and service to our state and our country. We are fortunate to live in a land of freedom because of their sacrifices. Please take a moment to express your gratitude to the veterans within our organization, as well as those in the broader community, for all they’ve done.
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Legislative Showcase
I and other executive team members have been participating in Legislative Showcases, with other natural resources agencies around the state.
These events give agencies the opportunity to talk with legislators about issues and decision units that will come up before the legislature this coming session. A discussion on fire season and modernization efforts of the IDL fire program was a large focus of all the meetings.
Presentations have taken place in Nampa, Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston and Idaho Falls.
United Aerial Firefighters Association Meeting
IDL had a strong presence at the UAFA meeting held in Boise from Tuesday, November 12, to Thursday, November 14. Our team was represented by Deputy Director Haagenson, Deputy Fire Bureau Chief Julia Lauch, Aviation Program Manager Corrie Ivey, Central Zone Fire Manager Jeremiah Miller and myself
Haagenson welcomed everyone to Idaho and provided an overview of IDL’s mission, including our work through the endowments and fire program. He emphasized how lean our resources are, shared the aviation-related challenges we've faced in recent years, and highlighted the successes we've had in this area.
Corrie Ivey gave a detailed update on our aviation program and the improvements we are aiming to implement. I helped open the following day on our fire program's strategic planning efforts. During this discussion, I opened a conversation about the tragic loss of Fire Boss 205 and pilot Julianna Turchetti this summer. Later in the day, Corrie was given the opportunity to speak openly about the tragedy, sharing how she and others managed the situation alongside our contractor.
Incidents like this are unexpected, and when they occur, there is no playbook for how to navigate the human side of the response, ensuring that we are supporting each other and those involved. I want to express my deepest gratitude for our staff—Corrie Ivey, Jeremiah Miller, and Julia Lauch—who immediately stepped in to assist our contractor and Julianna’s family following this tragedy. Their compassion and support were invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for their efforts during such a difficult time.
Governor's Wildfire Report Meeting
IDL continues to work on the recommendations made in the Governor's Wildfire Report. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, IDL, Office of Energy and Mineral Resources, Idaho Office of Emergency Management, Department of Insurance, and the Governor's office met to discuss progress on the Governor's Wildfire Report recommendations and directives. The Governor's Wildfire Report can be found https://gov.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2024-wildfire-report.pdf
Wapiti Fire and SNRA Discussion
North Operations Chief Jason Svansara represented IDL in a recent meeting hosted by Senator Crapo's office regarding the Wapiti Fire and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
Much of the discussion was between the Forest Service, county representatives and private citizens. The Forest Service talked through the timeline of events with the Wapiti Fire and explained their suppression policies.
The county grants coordinator talked about various grants that could be used for fuels work on private property.
Capitol Christmas Tree
You know Christmas is near when the tree goes up in front of the Capitol building. Each year IDL's Southwest Supervisory Area plays a key role, cutting down the tree and rigging it up to the crane. A special thanks to Fire Warden Casper Urbanek, Assistant Fire Warden Bryan Durkin and Assistant Fire Warden Alex Cox who did a fantastic job.
This year's tree came from the lawn in front of the Len B. Jordan Bldg directly north of the Statehouse.
Thousands of lights will don the tree when decorated. The Idaho Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting will be held December 3. Entertainment and comments will be at 5:30 p.m. and the official lighting will be at about 6:30 p.m.
Read the Governor's News Release
photos by Natalie Morris
IDL Issues Permit for Steamboat Gulch
The Steamboat Gulch Sledding and Tubing Hill, a popular winter destination located less than two miles from downtown Idaho City and an hour from Boise on endowment land, will open again this winter.
Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has issued a permit for Tim Hurlburt, the owner of Smokejumper Tiny Home Resort and Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Parlor, in partnership with 18 year old Carter Elliot. The Idaho City pair will operate the tubing hill.
IDL is pleased to have a partner in place this winter. The public was very disappointed last season after the previous operator had to step down due to health issues, which required the hill to shutdown for the season. IDL does not allow unattended public recreation here due to previous abuse and costly rehabilitation.
Coeur d'Alene Staff Office Halloween Costumes
The Coeur d'Alene staff office had plenty of Halloween fun with costumes, snacks and chili and wanted to share these photos.
photographs by Debra Welch
   
More Capitol Christmas Tree Photos
photo by Natalie Morris
photo by Natalie Morris
photo by Natalie Morris
photo by Natalie Morris
 photo by Natalie Morris
 photo by Jane Kreller
 photo by Jane Kreller
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:
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