Current News Coverage
Managing downed trees critical to preventing bark beetle outbreaks in Idaho
Big Country News, 3-19-26
COEUR D'ALENE - A severe winter storm in December 2025 downed trees across North Idaho, creating conditions that can lead to bark beetle outbreaks if not properly managed.
Downed trees can act as “beetle bait,” allowing bark beetle populations to rapidly increase. If left untreated, these beetles can spread to nearby healthy trees, causing widespread damage. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is encouraging landowners to take timely action to reduce risks.
Three primary bark beetle species in Idaho are attracted to downed timber: pine engraver beetle, Douglas-fir beetle and spruce beetle. Each species targets different tree types and requires different management timelines.
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Idaho Department of Lands urges landowners to remove downed trees to prevent bark beetle outbreaks
KREM2, 3-19-26
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is encouraging landowners to get rid of downed trees in order to prevent bark beetle outbreaks in Idaho.
Due to the winter storm in December 2025, there are many downed trees in North Idaho. According to IDL, bark beetles love downed trees due to the fact they are essentially "beetle bait." Downed trees that are left alone create an environment ripe for bark beetle populations to rapidly increase, according to IDL.
There are three primary bark beetle species in Idaho that are posing a potential threat: the Pine engraver beetles, Douglas-fir beetles and spruce beetles.
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Second public lands amendment pulled before Senate vote amid opposition
Valley Lookout, 3-17-26
A proposal aimed at keeping any public land transferred to Idaho in public hands is dead for the year.
On Monday, Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, asked the Idaho Senate to pull his bill SJR 103, which sought to amend the Idaho Constitution to prevent federal public land transferred to the State of Idaho from being sold. Adams argued the bill would help preserve Idaho’s public lands even if the federal government no longer owned them, but the idea came under criticism from environmental groups and the powerful business group, the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry.
After the bill had been on hold for roughly a week, the Senate went into a lengthy caucus meeting on Monday. When they returned, Adams asked for the bill to be returned to the committee before it had a full debate and vote on the floor.
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Idaho firefighters aid Texas crews as dry, windy conditions fuel wildfire danger
KBOI2, 3-15-26
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Idaho firefighters are on the ground in Texas, backing up wildfire response efforts during a stretch of elevated fire danger fueled by dry vegetation, low humidity, and strong winds.
Strike teams from Idaho are working alongside crews from across the country to strengthen initial attack efforts and help protect communities as conditions remain challenging. Firefighters are staying ready to respond quickly to new fire starts while also helping local resources manage ongoing incidents.
In total, nine engines, support rigs, and 31 firefighters from Idaho are staging in Texas to assist with extreme weather fire conditions. Their presence is providing additional capacity as Texas experiences one of its most active winter wildfire periods in recent years.
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Idaho Department of Lands accepting applications for Urban and Community Forestry grants
Big Country News, 3-13-26
BOISE- Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program, with $200,000 available to support forestry projects in Idaho communities.
Eligible applicants include cities, counties, tribal governments, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and state or publicly owned educational institutions.
Grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 are available. All awards are provided on a reimbursement basis.
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