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Governor Proclaims May as Wildfire Awareness Month in Idaho
DailyFly, 5-1-25
 Left to right, IDL Fire Prevention Officer Jennifer Russell, Smokey Bear, IDL Director Dustin Miller
BOISE, ID – As Idaho prepares for the upcoming fire season, Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of wildfire prevention and preparedness across the state.
In collaboration with state, federal, tribal, and local partners, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) will lead efforts throughout the month to educate residents on reducing wildfire risk. The department plans to share daily safety tips and resources on its social media platforms and encourages Idahoans to take proactive measures to protect homes, families, and communities.
“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,” said Governor Little.
IDL Director Dustin Miller highlighted the statewide threat of wildfire, noting, “Fire is part of the Idaho landscape, but it doesn’t recognize boundaries. It will race across forests, fields and neighborhoods without hesitation.”
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“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.
The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is in collaboration with state, federal, tribal, and local partners statewide to educate the public on wildfire prevention and preparedness.
IDL Director Dustin 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.”
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Forest health project near Bogus Basin to cause temporary closures
KBOI2, 4-30-25
Boise, ID (CBS2) — The Boise National Forest is set to launch the Deer Point Forest Stewardship Project, a 1,300-acre initiative aimed at enhancing forest health and reducing wildfire risks near the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area. The project, located one mile southwest of the area, will involve active forest management practices, including commercial logging and the removal of hazard trees affected by insects and disease.
To ensure public safety, temporary closures of roads and trails will be implemented. Boise County will close Bogus Basin Road from mile marker 9.8 to the paved Bogus Basin parking lot. This closure will affect all vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic from 8-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., Monday through Friday, from May 12 through June 20. The road will remain open all day on weekends and Memorial Day.
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The Deer Point Forest Stewardship Project continues similar efforts by the Boise National Forest to improve forest health and protect the wildland urban interface in the Boise Foothills. Recent projects include the 315-acre Bogus Basin Forest Health Project and the 43-acre Aldape Good Neighbor Authority Project, completed in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Lands. For more information, contact the Mountain Home Ranger District at 208-587-7961.
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Little readies state for more federal logging
Idaho Press, 4-30-25
Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed an executive order April 22 directing the Idaho Department of Lands to prepare for an expected uptick in work supporting and implementing federal logging projects.
Dubbed the “Make Forests Healthy Again Act,” Little’s order is designed to align with a recent executive order from President Donald Trump and a memorandum from U.S. Department Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins that both direct the U.S. Forest Service to increase timber production by fast-tracking environmental reviews.
Little said Idaho leads the nation in use of the Good Neighbor Authority and Shared Stewardship — congressionally authorized tools that allow state, tribal and local governments to partner with the Forest Service to reduce the risk of large and damaging fires.
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Firefighting agencies host Wildfire Preparedness Day this Sat. in Driggs
Buckrail, 4-30-25
DRIGGS, Idaho — In an effort to help reduce wildfire risk, local, state and federal firefighting agencies have come together to host the Teton Valley Community Wildfire Preparedness Day at the Driggs City Plaza on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Through this free, educational event, residents of Teton Valley can learn more about the importance of wildfire preparedness and planning, defensible space and how to get a home ignition zone evaluation, according to the City of Victor. Additional activities include a visit from Smokey Bear, wildland fire trucks and free hot dogs and hamburgers, while they last.
“It is never too early to prepare and protect your home, family and community from the threat of wildfire,” the Idaho Department of Lands wrote via Facebook.
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Idaho governor gives executive order to ramp up timber harvests on national forests within the state
Northwest Public Broadcasting, 4-29-25
A new executive order this month from Idaho Gov. Brad Little has been issued to ramp up timber harvests on national forests throughout the state.
“For too long, millions of acres of national forests in Idaho have remained totally untouched, creating a tinderbox of fuel that threatens communities, air quality and the environment,” Little said in a press release.
The executive order, titled “Make Forests Healthy Again Act,” directs the Idaho Department of Lands to expand its partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to reduce fire risks on federal forests in Idaho.
The directive mirrors a recent executive order from President Donald Trump to increase timber production in the U.S.
“We want to make these landscapes more resistant and resilient to catastrophic fire, make them healthier, and make them more enjoyable for the public,” said Dustin Miller, the director of IDL.
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VIEW THE SOCIAL MEDIA ARCHIVE ON IDL'S WEBSITE
 May is Wildfire Awareness Month!
Posted May 1, 2025
Governor Brad Little has officially proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month in Idaho—and we’re kicking things off with a big rem…
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