Increasing Management of National Forests
A message from Dustin Miller:
I was pleased to hear that our former director, Tom Schultz, has been appointed Chief of the U.S. Forest Service! Tom brings the right experience and vision to lead the Forest Service with distinction. I am confident he will prioritize strong collaboration with the states, particularly when it comes to wildland fire suppression, timber management and forest health. We have already begun discussing ideas with Tom, especially considering the recent Presidential Executive Order issued over the weekend, which aims to expand timber production on National Forests.
The Governor has asked IDL to develop recommendations that align with this order, focusing on policies and programs to assist in its implementation. We are currently working on the details of how to help the administration execute this order and will have more information to share soon.
In addition, most of you are aware of the federal funding freeze that took effect shortly after President Trump took office. This freeze impacted many of our programs within the Forestry and Fire Division. As a result, the State Forester issued a stop-work order in February on all projects funded through federal grants to avoid incurring additional costs.
We have verbally received word that the USFS can process payments again. We are in the process of testing this, as we would like to have a higher level of confidence before rescinding the stop-work order and resuming work.
We continue to work closely with the Governor’s office, Congressional staff, and the USFS to get the freeze completely lifted. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
Idaho Legislative Session
The Idaho Legislative Session began Monday, January 6, with Governor Little's State of the State address. IDL has several pending rules this session, however, we have no proposed legislation this session. The IDL Legislative Update will be available each week as we follow the session noting hearings and legislation that we will be following.
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IDL Budget
JFAC - IDL Decision Units
IDL's Decision Units went before JFAC on February 11. Janet Jessup with Division of Financial Management presented the budget and decision units to JFAC. Director Miller answered questions from committee members and made himself available for future questions.
JFAC Natural Resources Maintenance Budget
For the second year JFAC is first setting maintenance budgets for categories of agencies. IDL falls under the Natural Resources Maintenance Budget which also includes DEQ, Fish & Game, EFIB, Parks & Recreation and Water Resources.
On January 17, 2025, a combined total of $513,855,000 was approved for the agencies.
IDL Annual Update to Legislative Committees
Director Miller gave his annual update to the House Resources & Conservation Committee on Thursday, February 13 and to the Senate Resources & Environment Committee on Wednesday, February 26. This provided an opportunity to share IDL's successes in the last fiscal year, and to answer questions from committee members on a variety of topics and about some of the challenges we face with fire.
Rulemaking
All Rulemaking presentations have been completed before the House Resource & Conservation Committee and the Senate Resources & Environment Committee. Below are the final results
Rules Governing Administration of Cottage Site Leases on State Land
IDAPA 20.03.13 - Pending Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.03.13 Administration of Cottage Site Leases on State Lands, a residential cottage site leasing program on behalf of the Land Board for state endowment trust lands.
- House Resources & Conservation - approved
- Senate Resources & Environment - approved
Rules Governing Grazing, Farming, Conservation, Noncommercial Recreation, and Communication Site Leases
IDAPA 20.03.14 - Pending Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands (Department) administers IDAPA 20.03.14 – Rules Governing Grazing, Farming, Conservation, Noncommercial Recreation, and Communication Site Leases, leasing programs on behalf of the Land Board for state endowment trust lands.
- House Resources & Conservation - rejected section of original rule
- Senate Resources & Environment - rejected section of original rule
Rules Governing Geothermal Leasing on Idaho State Lands
IDAPA 20.03.15 - Pending Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands (Department) administers IDAPA 20.03.15, Rules Governing Geothermal Leasing on Idaho State Lands a geothermal leasing program on behalf of the Land Board for state endowment trust lands and lands owned by other state agencies.
- House Resources & Conservation - approved
- Senate Resources & Environment - approved
Rules Governing Oil and Gas Leasing on Idaho State Lands
IDAPA 20.03.16 - Pending Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.03.16, Rules Governing Oil and Gas Leasing on Idaho State Lands, an oil and gas leasing program on behalf of the Land Board for state endowment trust lands and lands owned by other state agencies.
- House Resources & Conservation - approved
- Senate Resources & Environment - approved
Rules Pertaining to Forest Fire Protection
IDAPA 20.04.01
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.04.01, Rules Pertaining to Forest Fire Protection under the authority of the Idaho Forestry Act (Title 38, Chapter 1, Idaho Code).
- House Resources & Conservation - approved
- Senate Resources & Environment - approved
Rules Pertaining to the Idaho Forestry Act and Fire Hazard Reduction Laws
IDAPA 20.04.02
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.04.02, Rules Pertaining to the Idaho Forestry Act and Fire Hazard Reduction Laws under the authorities of the Idaho Forestry Act (Title 38, Chapter 1, Idaho Code) and Fire Hazard Reduction Programs (Title 38, Chapter 4, Idaho Code).
- House Resources & Conservation - approved
- Senate Resources & Environment - approved
Rules Governing Conservation of Oil and Natural Gas in the State of Idaho
IDAPA 20.07.02 - Pending Rule
The Idaho Department of Lands administers IDAPA 20.07.02, Rules Governing Conservation of Oil and Natural Gas in the State of Idaho under the authority of Title 47, Chapter 3, Idaho Code.
- House Resources & Conservation - approved
- Senate Resources & Environment - approved
Associated Logging Contractors
Director Miller and several staff met with the Associated Logging Contractors on Wednesday, February 26. Each legislative session loggers & haulers spend time meeting with elected officials, watching committee meetings, and talking with the Director and staff.
IDL provided updates to the group on the Governor’s budget recommendation for IDL, legislation, and agency initiatives. IDL provides a third of the entire statewide volume for the timber industry, which helps support thousands of jobs in the forest sector, including harvesting operations. IDL also depends heavily on our loggers to voluntarily assist in fire suppression operations during fire season. The partnership with ALC is critical in meeting our endowment mandate and protecting our forests and natural resources.
Strength in Preparation: IDL Trains with Volunteer Fire Departments
IDL's Southwest Forest Protective District participated in a joint training with 32 firefighters from eight volunteer fire departments in Boise County. The training was held February 8, and focused on strengthening wildfire response skills before the next major incident occurs.
Sand table exercises simulated Type 5 Initial Attack scenarios. Participants worked through incident size-ups and practiced effective communication with county and interagency dispatch centers – key components of a successful wildfire response. By refining these fundamental skills now, firefighters are ensuring they can act decisively to keep fires small.
This session was just the first in a series of training events, with exercises planned in March, April, and May. Each exercise will increase in complexity, ultimately preparing departments to conduct community evacuations during large-scale, emerging fires. By working together, building and reinforcing skills progressively, these firefighters are preparing themselves, and their communities, for a stronger, more coordinated response.
photo by Bryan Durkin
 
Out With the Old
The old St.Joe Supervisory Area administration building has been torn down after a new building was built. IDL staff moved into the new building last month. A new fire equipment structure was also built and is awaiting clearance for occupancy.
The demolition is part of phase two of the overall project and will include the creation of a retaining wall, grading of the east portion of the property for employee and customer parking, new perimeter fencing and landscaping.
The project should be wrapped up in June, with a plan to hold an open house for the community.
Area manager Tony Brede says they are enjoying the new building with all the niceties they did not have in the old building.
photos by Tony Brede
  
Desert Raiders Race
The 28th annual Oreana 100 was held March 1-2, on Missle Base Road outside of Grandview. IDL provides a land use permit for this race on endowment land. The Desert Raiders hosted a two day format with Youth classes racing on Saturday and Big Bikes racing on Sunday. Below are photos from the mass start of the race on Sunday.
 photo by Ruth Luke
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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