IDL tracks and monitors news coverage of our activities and significant events that may impact our operations, recapping the coverage in this newsletter.
This publication also details IDL's social media posts for the week, keeping stakeholders and our front-line customer service staff apprised of our public-facing communications.
Former Idaho legislator Carl Crabtree dies after brain cancer diagnosis
Idaho Capital Sun, 5-7-25
Carl Crabtree, a rancher and former member of the Idaho Legislature who was known for his support of students and public schools, died Tuesday following a battle with brain cancer, state officials said.
Crabtree, a Republican from Grangeville, served in the Idaho Senate from 2016 to 2022.
During his tenure in the Idaho Legislature, Crabtree supported literary instruction initiatives and pushed to make kindergarten available all day, not just as a half-day class.
During his final legislative session in 2022, Crabtree co-sponsored House Bill 731, a law that spells out requirements to screen Idaho students for dyslexia and provides dyslexia professional development training for educators. House Bill 731 received bipartisan support, passed both chambers of the Idaho Legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Gov. Brad Little on March 23, 2022.
On a bright and sunny Saturday, May 3, several agencies hosted a Community Wildfire Preparedness Day in the Driggs City Plaza. Representatives from the Teton County Fire and Rescue, University of Idaho Extension Dept. of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Science, the Idaho Department of Lands, the Forest Service, BLM, and Jackson Hole Fire and EMS and other agencies distributed information on wildfire management, along with helpful information for residents to prevent wildfire. Teton County Fire and Rescue personnel fired up a grill and handed out burgers and hotdogs free to the crowd, and Smokey Bear greeted everyone beneath a giant inflatable statue of himself. There were fire engines for display, and the festive scene was a pleasant excursion for valley families.
Booths for each of the agencies handed out information on wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts, which is knowledge that all Teton Valley residents need to have, particularly since it’s been a few years since the Valley experienced serious wildfire danger. Wildfires can crop up quickly and with little warning, especially as NOAA has forecast an unusually hot, dry summer. Information on fire mitigation, education and preparedness can be found through multiple sources, but a good place to start is the Idaho Department of Lands website, available through https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/prevent-and-prepare/. Teton Valley is a beautiful place to call home, but all residents should be aware of the danger of wildfires. Teton Valley News thanks all the good folks who made this event happen, and who will be on the front lines during the upcoming wildfire season, and urges Valley residents to plan ahead in order to protect our valley from wildfires.
Starting May 10, Idaho residents outside city limits are required to obtain a burn permit for most outdoor burning activities.
The annual closed burning season runs through Oct. 20, ensuring compliance with Idaho law (Idaho Code 38-115) and the reduction of unwanted human caused wildfires.
Who needs a permit: Individuals living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho, who plan to burn for any reason including yard waste and crop residue must obtain a burn permit. Recreational campfires do NOT require a burn permit.
Burn permits required after May 10 outside of city limits
Local News 8, 5-5-25
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — Starting May 10, Idaho residents outside city limits are required to obtain a burn permit for most outdoor burning activities. The annual closed burning season runs through October 20, ensuring compliance with Idaho law (Idaho Code 38-115) and the reduction of unwanted human-caused wildfires.
Who needs a permit: Individuals living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho, who plan to burn for any reason including yard waste and crop residue must obtain a burn permit. Recreational campfires do NOT require a burn permit.
How to get a Burn Permit: Visit the self-service website https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/ Permits are available seven days a week and are immediately issued and valid. A permit may also be issued by your local IDL office. Burn Permits are free and good for 10 days.
Burn permits required for outdoor fires in Idaho starting May 10
KHQ, 5-5-25
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho – Beginning May 10, Idaho residents living outside city limits will need a burn permit for most outdoor burning activities. This requirement comes as part of the annual closed burning season, which runs through October 20.
Idaho law mandates the need for burn permits to help reduce human-caused wildfires. Permits are necessary for activities such as burning yard waste and crop residue. However, recreational campfires are exempt from this requirement.
Residents can easily obtain a burn permit by visiting the self-service website, burnpermits.idaho.gov, or by contacting their local Idaho Department of Lands office. Permits are free, valid for 10 days, and available seven days a week. It is essential to carry the permit while burning.
What does "Make Forests Healthy Again" actually mean for Idaho
KIVI, 5-4-25
BOISE, Idaho — In March, President Donald Trump issued an executive order called Freeing our Forests Act. Shortly thereafter, Governor Brad Little signed a state-level executive order in late April called the Make Forests Healthy Again Act.
These two executive orders aim to give Idaho supplemental assistance when it comes to guarding against wildfires. The Idaho Department of Lands is tasked with implementing these changes to improve long-term forest management in Idaho.
"The Trump administration is actually treating the wildfire crisis in Idaho and the west like a crisis," said Dustin Miller, the director of the Idaho Department of Lands. "The past administration called it that, but they didn’t really act on it."
Caldwell council turned down 1,000 homes. With changes, they changed their mind
BoiseDev, 5-7-25
A previously denied housing development in the Caldwell vicinity will proceed after all.
The Caldwell City Council approved the annexation, zoning, and preliminary plats for the 282 acres south of the intersection of W. Homedale Rd. and S. 10th Ave. Jeff Bower, representing Toll Brothers West, said that the Verbena Ranch Subdivision will bring 1,019 homes to the area once built in about 7 years.
The land was part of a 2021 Idaho Department of Lands Auction that initially sold to an LLC associated with Corey Barton Homes. But the developer chose to walk away from the project, and the land was re-auctioned, with Toll Brothers West purchasing the land.
