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University of Idaho hosts backyard forest workshop
Bonners Ferry Herald 2-6-25
University of Idaho is hosting a backyard forest workshop on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 1-4 p.m., at the University of Idaho Extension office.
A two-hour workshop will help forest owners apply basic concepts of forest ecology to keep their trees healthy. Participants will learn about tree species native to North Idaho, how forests grow and change over time, common forest insects and diseases, methods to improve forest tree health and reduce potential insect, disease and fire problems, and ways to enhance forest wildlife habitat.
“Homeowners with five acres of less of forestland do not usually want to manage them intensively for timber harvest. Most owners of these “backyard forests” are primarily interested in keeping their trees healthy and attractive,” workshop organizers said. “Unfortunately, many homeowners do not consider doing anything actively until backyard forest trees are visibly suffering from some kind of insect or disease problem.”
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The program is co-sponsored by the University of Idaho Extension and the Idaho Department of Lands and is being held in conjunction with the University of Idaho Master Gardeners in Boundary County.
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Local firefighters aid in L.A. wildfire battle
Bonners Ferry Herald, 2-6-25
Paradise Valley firefighters returned safely to Boundary County Jan. 28 after two weeks in California fighting the most destructive wildfires to ever hit Los Angeles County.
The fire district received a call to action from Idaho Office of Emergency Management on the afternoon of Jan. 8, a day after the fires broke out. By 5 a.m. the next morning, PVFD Deputy Chief Matt Solt and firefighters Marta Matthews and Ben Wilson had already begun their 1,400-mile journey to Southern California in a Paradise Valley fire engine. They were among the 104 firefighters — including four from Bonner County — and 25 fire engines across the state that deployed to support California’s response efforts.
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The Boundary County Fire Prevention Cooperative has worked with the Idaho Department of Lands for years to offer advice to local landowners on how to prepare for wildfires. It offers free wildfire home assessments, information on general forest health and best practices and free smoke detectors for county homeowners. Community members are also able to request free wildfire home protection zone evaluation classes from IDL.
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Idaho Capital Sun, 2-4-25
The Idaho Land Board and the Idaho Department of Lands are planning to “commercially” develop Idaho public lands throughout the state.
The Idaho Constitution requires that Idaho maximize profits from endowment lands to support schools. However, the Constitution also requires that these lands be “preserved and protected” for the people.
In January 2024, the Idaho Land Board issued a new commercial leasing policy. It states, in part, the following:
“A. The Department has the discretion to evaluate commercial ground lease applications, initiate the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and create and maintain leasing processes for activities falling within the purview of an existing commercial ground leasing portfolio. These include ground leases for industrial enterprises, retail sales outlets, business and professional office buildings, hospitality enterprises, commercial recreational activities, multifamily residential developments, and other similar businesses.”
How is a commercial lease for an “industrial enterprise” or a “professional office building” preserving and protecting the land? It is doing just the opposite. It is destroying the land and removing it from public use permanently.
This is wrong, and the people of Idaho must take immediate steps to stop it.
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Idaho's federal land management faces scrutiny after devastating wildfires
CBS2, 2-4-25
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — BOISE, Idaho—The federal government owns 61% of Idaho, much of it wilderness. Last year's wildfires burned 640,000 acres, primarily in federally managed areas. This has become a significant concern for Representative Russ Fulcher as he looks to the future.
"In this environment with the national debt, frankly, the Forest Service budget and Interior budget is likely to go down," Fulcher said. "So we got to get creative and utilize all resources at hand to make sure this doesn't happen again."
Fulcher recently hosted a roundtable discussion focused on increasing fire prevention and decreasing risk. The meeting included representatives from the Forest Service, Department of the Interior, Department of Lands, loggers, and commissioners.
"There is a big reluctance from the federal to allow local logging or fire departments to assist when they are perfectly capable," Fulcher said. "I think they're concerned about liability, but the reality is we have to be able to do more with less."
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Rep. Russ Fulcher shares views on faith and land management
North Idaho Times, 2-3-25
Rep. Russ Fulcher, a U.S. Congressman representing Idaho's 1st district since 2019, has shared a series of tweets addressing both spiritual and environmental concerns. His posts reflect his commitment to his constituents and highlight key issues affecting the state of Idaho.
On February 2, 2025, Rep. Fulcher shared a biblical verse from John 3:16, stating “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” He extended well wishes for a blessed Sunday to his followers.
The following day, on February 3, 2025, he expressed confidence in the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), asserting that “The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has demonstrated Idahoans are far superior in managing our lands than the federal government—which is currently mismanaging it.” He emphasized that local management is more effective because "Idaho is our home."
Later on February 3, Rep. Fulcher addressed the issue of wildfires in Idaho through another tweet. He reported that “Wildfires scorched approximately 640K acres across Idaho last year, resulting in an estimated $131M loss in timber.” He thanked various organizations including @BLMIdaho and @IdahoLands for participating in discussions on wildfire prevention.
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Idaho Rep. Russ Fulcher brings state and feds together to prevent wildfires
Local News Idaho 8, 2-4-25
CANYON COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) - Idaho Congressman Russ Fulcher brought federal and state officials together on January 31, 2025, to curtail the 2025 wildfire season after what he calls a "devastating" wildfire season in 2024. He gave an overview of the roundtable in an interview with Local News 8.
"Last year, we burned - and I say 'we, the state of Idaho' - right at a million acres of wildfire that that tragically went up in smoke all over the state."
Fulcher, currently serving on the Natural Resources Committee in Congress, says he "could see writing on the wall," for more fires in Idaho this year.
"I can see that the Forest Service in Idaho and the Department of Interior have about a billion dollars in what's called 'deferred maintenance,' and that is projects and things that have been approved they need to do, but they don't have the resources to do it."
'Deferred maintenance' refers to the fuel load clearing that Fulcher says isn't happening in Idaho's forests. The 'fuel' is from brush, dead branches, and small trees that can ignite and intensify wildfires.
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Congressman Fulcher Holds Roundtable to Discuss the Importance of Wildfire Prevention
Dailyfly, 1-31-25
(Cascade, ID) Today, U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher held a roundtable with officials from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), local county commissioners, and key stakeholders. The discussion focused on addressing the financial toll of Idaho’s devastating 2024 wildfire season, the importance of wildfire prevention and land restoration efforts, in addition to the need for stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies.
In 2024, wildfires scorched approximately 640,000 acres across Idaho, resulting in an estimated $131 million loss in timber sales. This impact could reduce Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) by $1.5 to $2 million, putting significant strain on local governments that depend on these vital funds.
Key excerpts from the roundtable:
“These conversations are essential to reduce the devastating impacts of wildfires across the state and help me champion long-term solutions on the federal level in Washington, D.C.,” said Congressman Fulcher.
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Idaho seeking more state funding for wildfires
KREM, 2-3-25
As the threat of wildfires grow in Idaho, fire officials are looking for more resources. (KTVB)
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