IDL tracks and monitors news coverage of our activities and significant events that may impact our operations, recapping the coverage in this newsletter.
This publication also details IDL's social media posts for the week, keeping stakeholders and our front-line customer service staff apprised of our public-facing communications.
Regional schools get share of $63M distribution; $500K to four area districts in fiscal year 2024
Idaho Clearwater Progress, 12-31-24
North Central Idaho school districts will benefit from a $63,039,600 distribution for the current fiscal year 2025 school year, which is the largest portion of the $103,221,600 distributed to all endowment beneficiaries.
While local FY25 distribution numbers are not available for FY204, the four area school districts received a half-million dollars. Breakdown is as follows:
• Cottonwood Joint School District 242: $106,040
• Salmon River Joint School District 243: $51,658
• Mountain View School District 244: $249,305
• Kamiah Joint School District 304: $95,724
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, (IDL), there is currently $3.3 billion in the endowment fund, which supports current and future endowment beneficiaries. Reserves are held to cover about seven years of distributions for the nine beneficiaries, protecting future distributions when problems arise in the economy.
“They put their heart and soul into their jobs here,” says Cody Griffin from Idaho Department of Lands as he hugs waitress Macy Barnes in front of the burned down Wolf Lodge Inn in Coeur d’Alene on Monday, September 2, 2024. Macy has worked there for six years. (Kathy Plonka/The Spokesman-Review)
Families enjoy a day of sledding at Steamboat Gulch near Idaho City
KIVI, 12-29-24
IDAHO CITY, Idaho — Families were out in full force to enjoy a day of tubing and sledding at Steamboat Gulch as this recreational area will be open all week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
While we were there, we met Alex and his cousin Lincoln as they were having a blast. I was impressed with their skills as I saw Alex successfully navigate a turn, which I discovered was extremely difficult.
"You can get really fun air time and there are bumps," said Alex.
Steamboat Gulch sits on Idaho Department of Lands' endowment land. They want people to be able to utilize this area for recreation, but they require somebody to manage it.
IDL budget request calls for specialized fire managers, equipment
Capital Press, 12-27-24
The Idaho Department of Lands plans to ask the legislature to fund several new jobs and pieces of equipment for its Forest and Range Fire Protection Unit.
The annual legislative session starts Jan. 6 with Gov. Brad Little’s State of the State and budget address.
Little and the legislature in recent years have continued to invest in the fire program. Requests for the July 1 fiscal year include:
• Fire emergency support program manager: $108,700 personnel cost plus operating, one-time capital costs.
The department plays a “pivotal” role in mobilizing non-wildfire suppression resources such as structure firefighting engines, said Josh Harvey, Fire Management Bureau chief.
Fire Prevention Friday 2025 Join me- Fire Prevention Jen in turning up the heat on fire safety this year—because being fire-wise means being safe, aware, smart, and ultimately responsible. Fire can be a great tool, but every spark matters, and every person plays a part. Let's make 2025 the year of zero unwanted human-caused wildfires in Idaho!!
Together, we can protect our communities and our beautiful Idaho forests.
Happy New Year from the Idaho Department of Lands!
As we ring in 2025, we reflect on the past year with gratitude and look forward to continuing our work together to protect and manage Idaho’s lands and resources.
Our offices will be closed on New Year’s Day so our team can celebrate and recharge for the year ahead. We’ll see you soon and are excited for what’s to come!
Here’s to a safe, happy, and prosperous new year for all!
