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.
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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.
IDL is following several bills:
IDL Budget
JFAC - IDL Decision Units
JFAC held a budget setting hearing for IDL's Decision Units on Friday, March 14.
IDL's Decision Units initially 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 - EFIB Decision Units
JFAC held a budget setting hearing for EFIB Decision Units on February 28.
House Bill 371- EFIB appropriations
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.
House Bill 248 - Appropriations - Natural Resources
Rulemaking Completed
IDL Rulemaking presentations before he House Resources & Conservation Committee and the Senate Resources & Environment Committee have been completed.
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
Endowment Land Cleaned Up and Now Protected
Employees of Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), along with an Ada County Sheriff’s work detail, recently cleaned up a 31-acre parcel of endowment trust land east of Boise near Highway 21 and Gowen Road. The site, formerly the KOA campground, had been littered with debris left behind by squatters and illegal dumping.
Abandoned tires, mattresses, and other garbage piled up on the property, forcing IDL to spend more than $8,000 on cleanup and protective measures—funds that should have supported Idaho’s school children. The cleanup effort took several days and required multiple dump-trailer loads to remove the waste.
To prevent further issues, IDL has installed concrete barriers around the property to restrict vehicle access while still allowing foot traffic. New signage reinforces the prohibition on camping and dumping.
photos by Ruth Luke
   
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 Webpage
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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