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.
Idaho Department of Lands to Auction Eight Priest Lakes Lots
Big Country News, 8-14-25
PRIEST LAKE - Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) will auction eight state endowment lots on Priest Lake appraised at just over $10.4 million for deeded ownership on Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Coeur d’Alene. Six lots are leased and two are unleased.
The auction starts at 10:30 a.m. (PT) at the Best Western – Coeur d’Alene Inn.
All leased lots have cabins on them. The land is held in trust by IDL for Public Schools beneficiaries, but the cabins and other improvements on the land are owned by the leaseholders as personal property. One of the unleased lots also has a cabin on it, which is owned by the endowment.
Six of the lots are currently leased and two are unleased, according to the IDL, and all six lots have cabins on them. The agency stated that current leaseholders have applied to participate in the auction, and “if the high bid is from someone other than the current leaseholder, the winning bidder must pay the leaseholder the appraised value of the home and personal property on the land at the time of the auction.”
Teton County, Idaho commissioners poised to oppose selling 160 acres in billionaire's sights
Jackson Hole News & Guide, 8-13-25
Teton County, Idaho, commissioners on Monday showed interest in objecting to a state trust land sale in Tetonia, citing community opposition to the sale.
The public has expressed their disapproval through emails, public comment and a petition with over 1,400 signatures.
“It’s obvious to me that the community is against this,” Commission Chair Brad Wolfe said. “I don’t have a big feeling one way or the other, except that I represent the community and there’s just been overwhelming consensus that they don’t want this to happen.”
Advances in AI cameras help catch wildfires faster
Northwest Public Radio, 8-12-25
Summer is slowly fading, but it’s still hot. Especially in North Idaho.
“ Our fire danger today is very high,” said Kane Steinbruecker, the chief fire warden of the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association. “We’re one step below extreme, so we’re still very much in fire season, and we want folks to understand that and to plan accordingly when they go to the woods.”
The summer fire season in North Idaho is on track to be average, he said, not better or worse than normal. But firefighting is becoming a year-round activity.
And as technology advances, firefighters are utilizing new ways of detecting fires early.
...
We have had dozens of fires that have been detected this year by the cameras,” said Scott Hayes, deputy fire chief for the Idaho Department of Lands.
Two of those fires, the Cherry Fire and the Center Canyon Fire, were big wildfires, he said. Early detection allows fire teams more time to assess the situation and prepare the right response.
Hayes said there is a lot of time remaining this fire season, and conditions are still hot and dry.
“We are still seeing the effects of a very dry spring and early summer,” he said. “We have been lucky with a few rain showers, but are still in drought conditions across nearly all of the state.”
Fire season can extend into November, Steinbruecker said, and with hunting season around the corner, he said to “make sure your campfires are dead out.”
The Craig Mountain Forest Protective District responds to the Center Canyon Fire on the Salmon River Drainage in July 2025. (Credit: Terry Cochran)
Idaho legislator to unveil proposed constitutional amendment protecting public lands
Idaho Capital Sun, 8-8-25
A Republican state senator from Nampa said he will introduce a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution that would prevent the state of Idaho from selling any future public lands granted or obtained from the federal government.
Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, said he will introduce the proposed constitutional amendment at the beginning of the 2026 session of the Idaho Legislature, which begins in January.
He hopes the amendment will go before voters in the November 2026 general election.
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How would the proposed public lands amendment in Idaho work?
If the amendment passes, it would create a new land trust and all future new public lands granted by or acquired from the federal government would be placed into that trust, Adams said.
The amendment would not change anything for the roughly 2.5 million acres of state endowment land Idaho already has, Adams said. Under the Idaho Constitution, existing state endowment lands are managed to secure the “maximum long term financial return” to the state and beneficiaries, which means the land can be sold. That’s not changing.
Instead, the new amendment would apply to all new and future public lands that would be placed into a new trust created by the amendment. That land could not be sold.
Evacuation levels ramp up as 1,600-acre Sunset Fire near Athol moves northeast
Fox28, 8-14-25
The Sunset Fire has more than doubled since Wednesday, expanding to approximately 1,600 acres, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) reported.
Officials stated that the fire is expanding northeast, exhibiting volatile behavior as it continues to engulf timber. Dense smoke has created difficulties for the aircraft attempting to drop water and retardant compounds on the flames, limiting their ability to fly in the area.
This afternoon, the North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire, according to IDL.
Sunset Fire Grows to 1,600 Acres Northeast of Athol; Evacuations Expand
Big Country News, 8-14-25
ATHOL – As of August 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM PT, the Sunset Fire burning northeast of Athol has expanded to approximately 1,600 acres as of Thursday evening, more than doubling in size from the previous day. The fire is moving northeast and exhibiting extreme fire behavior with short crown runs through timber. Air resources are dropping water and retardant; however, dense smoke has at times limited the use of aviation assets. Air and ground firefighting crews continue to engage the fire directly where it is safe to do so. Firefighter and public safety is the number one priority.
Values at risk continue to be threatened and fire crews are assessing structures and implementing point protection where possible. The North Idaho Type 3 Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander, Mike McManus assumed command of the fire this afternoon.
Evacuations expanded for 1,600-acre wildfire near Athol
KXLY, 8-14-25
ATHOL, Idaho -- Updated at 7:45 p.m. on August 14 - Evacuations have been expanded for the growing wildfire burning near Athol on Thursday evening, according to Idaho Department of Lands.
The wildfire burning northeast of Athol has grown to about 1,600 acres, or 2.5 square miles.
All previously issued Level 3 (GO NOW) evacuations are still in place (see 5 p.m. update below.)
Evacuation levels ramp up as 1,400-acre Sunset Fire near Athol destroys structures
KHQ, 8-14-25
UPDATE: August 14, 2025 11:15 a.m.
Evacuation orders from Bonner County Sheriff’s Office are still in place for the Sunset Fire northeast of Athol, which is now about 1400 acres according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
Evacuation orders are listed below:
GO Status for all residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road and east of 2268 Sunset Rd.
SET Status for all residents on Blacktail Rd 1/4 mile north of Little Blacktail.
READY Status for all residents on Blacktail north of the 1/4 mile.
There is an evacuation reception area at Sagle Elementary School.
Evacuated cows and horses can be taken to the fairgrounds
Evacuations are remaining in place Thursday for the Sunset Fire northeast of Athol, which thermal imaging now shows to be at about 1,400 acres, according to the latest update from Idaho Department of Lands.
Evacuation Orders from Bonner County Sheriff’s Office are as follows:
GO Status for all residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road and east of 2268 Sunset Rd.
SET Status for all residents on Blacktail Rd 1/4 mile north of Little Blacktail.
READY Status for all residents on Blacktail north of the 1/4 mile.
Sunset Fire forces evacuations as it grows to 675 acres
KHQ, 8-13-25
ATHOL, Idaho — The Sunset Fire, burning northeast of Athol, has rapidly expanded to an estimated 675 acres, leading to the loss of three structures and prompting evacuation orders.
The Bonner County Sheriff’s Office has issued a "GO" evacuation status for residents on Raven Road, Crosswhite Road, Little Blacktail Road, and areas east of 2268 Sunset Road. A "SET" status is in place for residents on Blacktail Road, a quarter mile north of Little Blacktail, while a "READY" status is advised for those further north.
An evacuation reception area has been established at Sagle Elementary School, and the fairgrounds are available for evacuated livestock, including cows and horses. The Kootenai County Sheriff has also placed the community of Bayview under a "READY" status, should shifting winds threaten the area.
Robie fire fully contained, mop-up efforts continue in Boise County
KBOI2, 8-13-25
Water choppers battle Robie Fire (Courtesy Boise County Sheriff's Office)
Boise, Idaho (CBS2) — Firefighters have successfully contained the Robie fire after working diligently throughout the day to mop up and secure the area.
While many resources are being released, a few local fire engines will remain on scene to address any remaining hot spots.
Light smoke may still be visible within the fire perimeter as firefighters continue their efforts over the next few days. The fire will be considered controlled once no further heat is detected near the fireline.
Authorities urge the public to exercise caution and drive slowly, particularly on Robie Creek Road, where fire engines may still be positioned. The Boise County Sheriff’s Office will keep monitoring the situation and provide updates on the evacuation status throughout the day. Updates can be found on the Boise County Sheriff Facebook page.
The fire was investigated and determined to have been caused by sparks from a vehicle pulling a trailer with a flat tire. All wildfires under Idaho Department of Lands protection are subject to investigation.
Update: Evacuations lifted, fire crews work to extinguish wildfire east of Boise
Idaho Statesman, 8-13-25
Officials have lifted all evacuation warnings after a wildfire prompted concern for residents around Robie Creek, a rural community east of Boise on Idaho 21.
The Boise County Sheriff’s Office told the Idaho Statesman on Monday morning that crews had made significant progress with the fire, which crews were able to keep to 54 acres overnight.
The Idaho Department of Lands said it expects crews to have the fire fully contained — meaning they will create a line around its perimeter to stop the spread — by the end of Wednesday and extinguished by the end of Thursday.
Robie Fire contained at 54 acres; all evacuation orders lifted
KIVI, 8-12-25
BOISE COUNTY, Idaho — Firefighters have contained the Robie Fire’s forward spread at 54 acres and expect full containment by the end of shift Wednesday, with full control anticipated Thursday, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
The fire began Tuesday near milepost 3.5 on Robie Creek after a trailer blew a tire, a Boise County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said. One structure was involved.
At the height of the blaze, Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations were ordered for lower Robie, Flowing Springs and Burnett Lane, while Wilderness Ranch was under Level 2 “Be Set” status. Those orders have since all been fully lifted.
2 Wildland Blazes Keep Fire Crews Busy Tuesday In Latah County
Pullman Radio, 8-12-25
Fire crews were very busy Tuesday with two wildland blazes that forced brief evacuations in Latah County.
The first broke out around 2:00 on Lamb Road South of Troy. Crews stopped the fire at 80 acres and the evacuation orders were lifted around 5:00. Idaho Department of Lands crews stayed on scene overnight to put out hot spots. The cause of the blaze is under investigation. Volunteers from the Troy and Moscow Rural Fire Departments initially responded to the fire South of Troy.
Around the time the Lamb Fire was being brought under control another blaze erupted on the North side of Moscow Mountain. The Cuatro Fire broke out East of Viola on Four Mile Road around 5:30. Several crews were diverted from the Lamb Fire and jointed Potlatch Volunteer Firefighters in battling the blaze. The fire burned about five acres and was quickly contained. Helicopters were called in for an aerial attack while a bulldozer dug a line around the fire. Moscow Rural Fire Department Volunteers, IDL and the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association fought the fire. IDL crews stayed on scene overnight to extinguish hot spots. There will be a hand crew working the fire today for additional mop up. The Cuatro fire also forced a brief evacuation of nearby residents.
The Latah County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) announced that all evacuation orders have been lifted after conferring with the Idaho Department of Lands.
The Lamb Fire was reportedly burning 80 acres as of 4 p.m.
Residents have been cleared to return to the area, but not the general public, as fire crews will continue working there over the next few days, according to the LCSO.
Authorities added that smoke will likely be visible in the area for several days.
Evacuations lifted for wildfire burning outside Troy
KREM 8-11-25
TROY, Idaho — All Evacuations have been lifted for a wildfire burning just outside Troy.
The Latah County Sheriff's Office says the fire, dubbed the Lamb Fire, is burning about 50 acres.
The sheriff's office says only residents should return to the area as fire crews will still be doing some work over the next few days and notes that residents will most likely continue to see smoke in the area for several days.
UPDATE AT 8:20 P.M.: IDL reports crews have stopped forward progress of fire
Lewiston Tribune, 8-11-25
UPDATE AT 8:20 P.M.:
Idaho Department of Lands is reporting that firefighters have stopped the forward progress of the Lamb Fire near Troy.
The 80-acre fire is 50% contained.
The Latah County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all evacuation orders. IDL crews will remain on scene overnight to monitor the fire for flare ups and hotspots.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Sunset Fire Grows to 1,600 Acres Northeast of Athol; Evacuations Expand
(ATHOL, Idaho – August 14, 2025- 6:00PM PT) – The Sunset Fire burning northeast of Athol has expanded to approximately 1,600 acres as of Thursday evening, more than doubling in size from the previous day.
