Spring Fire Meeting
IDL held its Spring Fire Meeting in Coeur d'Alene on April 29 - 30. The Director presented his Leader's Intent and gave a legislative and budget update. Josh Harvey gave updates on the Master Agreement, and Jane Kreller presented a Communication Update. Other topics included Mental Health in Leadership, Fire Weather Report, Dispatch Consolidation, the Detection System, Fire Strategic Plan, and much more. Superintendent of Public Instruction and Land Board member Debbie Critchfield also attended the meeting to speak about the Idaho Career Ready Students program, which helps provide technical skills for young people to prepare them for jobs in places like IDL.
This is an important meeting held each spring in preparation for the upcoming fire season for IDL staff who participate in wildfire suppression and support.
 Superintendent Debbie Critchfield speaking to the Spring Fire Meeting, photo by Dustin Miller
Spring Fire Meeting, speaker Rob Feeley Operations Branch Chief for IOEM, photo by Jane Kreller
Make Forest Healthy Again Act
Governor Little issued a new executive order on April 22, at the IDL Coeur d'Alene Fire Cache. The order, titled Make Forests Healthy Again Act, directs the Idaho Department of Lands to expand its partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to increase management activities and reduce fire risk on federally managed national forests in Idaho.
The executive order received a great deal of attention from the media. Director Miller had the opportunity to talk with a number of media around the state, explaining the success of Good Neighbor Authority and Shared Stewardship and what expanding these efforts could mean for Idaho forest health and communities.
Following the news conference, Miller had interviews with Northwest Public Broadcasting, Lewiston Tribune, and the Idaho Statesman. This week he went to Idaho Public Television for an interview for both the Idaho Reports podcast and the television show, and was also interviewed by KIVI in Boise. The director joined joined Matt Todd with the Ranch Podcast to discuss the executive order and a post session recap related to IDL's budget and legislation from the legislative session.
The Idaho Reports interview can be found here:
YouTube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRoMsUPKGLk
Podcast audio - https://soundcloud.com/idaho-reports/episode-idahos-role-in-federal-forest-management
 Governor's Executive Order news conference
 photo courtesy Idaho Reports
Governor Proclaims May Wildfire Awareness Month
With fire season approaching, Governor Brad Little has proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month in Idaho, urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes, families and communities from wildfire.
“There’s no better time than now for Idahoans to learn how to reduce the risk of wildfire and take action to protect what matters most,” Little said.
IDL is in collaboration with state, federal, tribal, and local partners statewide to educate the public on wildfire prevention and preparedness.
Director Miller emphasized that wildfire doesn’t stop at fences or property lines.
“Fire is part of the Idaho landscape, but it doesn’t recognize boundaries,” Miller said. “It will race across forests, fields and neighborhoods without hesitation. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to do our part to prevent wildfires before they start and prepare in advance.”
Arbor Day 2025
IDL joined the Idaho Forest Products Commission for the annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Idaho State Museum on Friday, April 25. The Director read the Arbor Day Proclamation, and State Forester Julia Lauch shared the History of Arbor Day - the Importance of Forests. Urban Forestry Program Manager Matt Perkins honored the cities that received Tree City USA with certificates.
 Director Miller reading the Governor's Proclamation- photo courtesy IFPC
 Julia Lauch speaking at the Arbor Day event, photo by Dustin Miller
Take Your Kids to Work Day
On Thursday, April 24, we celebrated Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at the Boise Staff Office with a full day of activities and learning. The kids enjoyed a packed agenda, including a mock Land Board meeting where some participants presented items for their own “department reports,” while others shared their future goals and aspirations.
Marin Sanborn hosted a hands-on Minerals station, complete with artifacts, a sandbox, and PPE gear to give the kids a feel for what’s involved in the mining field.
Chris Haines led an engaging “Map Genius” session where he explained his work as a GIS Analyst. Parents and kids got involved by creating their own maps in this interactive workshop.
After lunch, the group visited the Capitol for a special tour with the Department of Administration. The tour included interesting local facts, behind-the-scenes stories, and a chance to step inside the Senate chambers.
Back at the office, kids and parents explored the workspace to meet staff, learn about different roles, and complete their bingo cards for a prize. It was a fun, educational, and memorable day for everyone.
Photos by Amber Mitchell
 View of the Capitol
 Meeting Smokey Bear
 Mock Land Board meeting
IDL Employees Volunteer to Install Playground Equipment
IDL Employees and other volunteers made a difference in their community of St. Maries by installing playground equipment.
Heyburn Elementary didn't have playground equipment that could support the number of students during recess. A local initiative raised money for the new playground and PotlatchDeltic was a key contributor.
So far installation has included swing sets and an adventure playground that offers slides, ladders, climbers, bridges and platforms, and tunnels. an obstacle course with multiple climbers and a rock-climbing wall and is expected to be completed in 2025.
Thank you IDL employees who participated and gave back to the community! An article was published in the Morning Star and can be read here.
photo by Morning Star
RT-130 Class at Southwest
On Thursday, April 24, Southwest Supervisory Area Office hosted the Wildland Fire RT-130 class and pack test with 32 participants. The RT-130 and the pack test are required to renew Red Cards for individuals who wish to participate in wildfire suppression and support.
This training includes time in the classroom reviewing previous fire incidents and the importance of safety while working in wildfire suppression.
Also, a part of the Wildland RT-130 course participants were tested on their ability to use practice fire shelters properly.
Not only did IDL staff participate in the RT-130 course and pack test, but they were also joined by employees from Idaho Fish and Game, Idaho Parks and Recreation, and Idaho Department of Corrections.
Secretary of State Phil McGrane showing his support in wildfire suppression by also participating in the grueling pack test.
Photos by Ruth Luke
 RT-130 classroom training
 Secretary McGrane doing his Pack Test
 Pack Test participants
 Fire shelter testing
Coeur d'Alene Easter Basket Hunt
Tara Mayers and Debra Welch coordinated an Easter Basket Hunt for employees in the Coeur d'Alene staff office and the Mica Area Offices. There were six bunnies hidden around the buildings with clues to help find them. When spotted, a photo was snapped, then they hopped on over to show Debra Welch or Crystal Falcon. First six bunny hunters to capture all the bunnies scored Easter baskets full of goodies.
The winners were: Matt Hicks, Corrie Ivey (& son Roland), Amidy Fuson, Andrew Mock, Jennifer Barker, and Megan Johnson.
Here is an example of a clue and photo of the find.
 
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:
|
