Current News Coverage
Idaho partners with US Forest Service with goal to double timber sales
Idaho Capital Sun, 12-5-25
Idaho is planning to work with the U.S. Forest Service to significantly boost logging and timber sales from National Forest trees in the Gem State.
Idaho Gov. Brad Little and fellow Idahoan, Chief of the Forest Service Tom Schultz, on Friday announced the renewal of the state’s Shared Stewardship agreement with the U.S. Forest Service.
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Idaho, Forest Service renew timber vows
Lewiston Tribune, 12-5-25
Idaho and the U.S. Forest Service said Friday they will attempt to double logging volumes on federal land as they seek to improve forest health and reduce the risk of wildfires.
The goal was embedded in a Shared Stewardship memorandum of understanding signed by Gov. Brad Little, Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz and Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller that renewed a similar commitment first made in 2018.
Read the Lewiston Tribune article
Idaho, feds sign new land and timber management agreement
Spokane Public Radio, 12-5-25
The state of Idaho and Forest Service today renewed an agreement that will continue and expand their joint work to manage forests within the Gem State.
“We have a rare opportunity to shift the trajectory. In a state where two-thirds of our land is federally owned, close collaboration between the state and the feds is not optional. It's necessary,” Governor Brad Little said during a ceremony in the governor’s conference room.
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Idaho renews stewardship agreement to boost forest health and reduce fire risk
KTVB, 12-5-25
BOISE, Idaho — Idaho renewed its Shared Stewardship Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service on Thursday, with Gov. Brad Little signing the updated 2025 plan aimed at improving forest health and reducing wildfire risks across the state.
The agreement focuses on expanding sustainable timber work, accelerating large-scale forest restoration and supporting the federal “Make Forests Healthy Again Act.” Little said the effort reflects growing frustration among Idahoans with “mega fires, endless smoke and soaring suppression costs.”
Read the KTVB article
Governor Little signs historic agreement to increase management of Idaho forests
KIVI, 12-5-25
BOISE, Idaho — Governor Brad Little joined U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz and Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller on Friday to renew and expand Idaho’s Shared Stewardship agreement with the federal government — a move aimed at increasing the pace and scale of forest management across the state.
The updated agreement establishes a collaborative framework between the U.S. Forest Service and the State of Idaho to strengthen policies related to forest restoration, land management, and wildfire mitigation "across Idaho’s forests and nearby communities."
Read the KIVI article
Idaho renews and expands shared stewardship agreement to increase management of Idaho forests
Local News 8, 12-5-25
BOISE, Idaho — Governor Brad Little joined U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz and Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Director Dustin Miller today to renew and expand Idaho’s Shared Stewardship agreement with the federal government to increase the pace and scale of management activities on Idaho forests.
“Idaho’s early leadership with the Good Neighbor Authority laid the groundwork for an even more ambitious model – Shared Stewardship. We are building on a foundation of cooperation and resource-sharing and expanding that work across entire landscapes and ownership boundaries. I am confident that our continued efforts and partnerships will deliver lasting benefits for Idaho’s forests and our rural communities. Idaho once again is leading the nation in collaborative, innovative approaches to improving forestlands in Idaho, and we’re just getting started,” Governor Little said.
Read Local News 8 article
Idaho Expands Forest Management Partnership with U.S. Forest Service
DailyFly, 12-5-25
BOISE, ID— Idaho leaders signed a renewed Shared Stewardship agreement Friday, expanding a statewide effort to accelerate forest management and reduce wildfire risk.
Governor Brad Little joined U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz and Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller to formalize the updated partnership, which broadens cooperation across federal, state, and private lands. The agreement boosts long-term planning, expands active forest treatments, and increases timber production targets.
Little said Idaho’s early work under the Good Neighbor Authority positioned the state to take on a stronger leadership role. He described the new agreement as a continuation of Idaho’s strategy to manage forests across entire landscapes and reduce threats to rural communities.
Read the DailyFly article
Idaho to ‘double’ logging efforts under new USFS wildfire agreement
Wildfire Today, 12-5-25
The United States Forest Service announced a new wildfire risk reduction agreement with Idaho officials on Friday that will, in part, double the state’s current timber production.
The USFS and Idaho committed to increasing an annual sustainable timber sale volume of up to 100 million board feet within five years, which would be double the state’s current output, according to a press release from the Service. Officials said the agreement supports President Donald Trump’s Expansion of Timber Production Executive Order to increase timber harvests on national forests by 25% by 2028.
“For too long, federal red tape and hands-off policies left our forests overgrown and our communities at risk,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in the press release. “By doubling timber production through Good Neighbor Authority and speeding up active management, we’re protecting Idaho families, supporting rural jobs, and making our forests stronger for generations to come.”
Idaho Governor Brad Little previously signed his own “Make Forests Healthy Again Act” executive order in April to increase collaboration between the state and federal government for the purpose of wildfire reduction and general forest management.
Read the Wildfire Today article
Invasive moth detected in Sandpoint
Idaho County Free Press, 12-1-25
SANDPOINT – The Idaho Department of Lands has confirmed the detection of the invasive spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), formerly known as the gypsy moth, in Sandpoint for the second consecutive year. The recent spongy moth captures reflect the first time a potential population has been detected in the Sandpoint area since 1991. Spongy moth is not established in Idaho, but new introductions can sometimes occur when people accidentally transport insects on firewood, RVs, outdoor gear or vehicles.
In 2024, one male European spongy moth was detected in a standard monitoring trap in Sandpoint. In 2025, heavy follow-up trapping was conducted around the initial capture site. Three additional spongy moths were then captured in two delimitation traps in 2025. One trap in a residential tree captured two, and a second trap near the confluence of Syringa Creek and Chuck Slough captured an additional moth.
Read the Idaho County Free Press article
Idaho Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting to Take Place December 3
Observer News Group, 11-29-25
Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little invite all Idahoans to celebrate the holiday season at the Idaho Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday, December 3.
The free celebration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and includes entertainment and remarks from the Governor and First Lady before the official tree lighting at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Holiday music will begin playing at the Capitol at 5:30 p.m. as guests arrive and enjoy complimentary cookies, hot cocoa, and coffee while supplies last.
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Additionally, we would like to thank the Idaho Department of Administration, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho State Police, Inland Crane, Production Services International Inc., Ada County Highway District, and the Boise Police Department for their assistance in making the celebration possible.
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