Current News Coverage
Bonner County agencies launch virtual emergency info center
KHQ, 4-2-26
SAGLE, Idaho – Officials with the Selkirk Fire District (SFD) released a statement on Thursday announcing the creation of the Bonner County Joint Information Center, in partnership with Bonner County Emergency Management and the Idaho Department of Lands.
The center is being developed to address a need for sharing information across agencies during major incidents, when time is critical.
Read KHQ article
Invasive ash tree beetle may be on its way to Idaho
Owyhee Avalanche, 4-1-26
This year as you are working,recreating, pruning or just strolling through the beautiful lands that Idaho has to offer, be on the lookout for an invasive beetle.
The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrillus planipennis, is an invasive, metallic,
wood-boring beetle (Family: Buprestidae)originally from northeastern Asia.
It was first detected in the Midwest in 2002 and has since spread throughout most of the eastern United States and southeastern Canada,
as well as a few western states and British Columbia.
EAB has not yet been found in Idaho, so monitoring for early detection in Idaho is critically important.
This beetle has decimated millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) within its current North American range, and millions more ash trees in yet un-infested areas are at very high risk. Stopping the spread of EAB is not feasible, but timely, proper management can slow it down.
Read Owyhee Avalanche article
Marina project could return
Coeur d'Alene Press, 4-1-26
Plans for the proposed Hayden Lake Marina expansion project may be resubmitted following the recent withdrawal of the application.
The Idaho Department of Lands received the withdrawal March 27, preceded by the Hayden City Council’s unanimous vote to withhold support of the project without first hearing from the public.
A representative of the project, who asked to remain anonymous, said the project organizers have paused their efforts and are reassessing next steps while shifting focus to other projects. At this time, there is no timeline for when, or if, the current application or a revised version will be resubmitted.
Read CDA Press article
North Idaho Forest Legacy Project Protects Working Lands
National Today, 3-31-26
The first phase of the Spirit of Mount Spokane Forest Legacy Project has protected a significant portion of privately owned, working forest land in northern Idaho. The project was a collaboration between the Trust for Public Land, Inland Empire Paper Co., the USDA Forest Service, and the Idaho Department of Lands, aimed at preserving this forested area between Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Spokane.
Why it matters
The protection of working forests is crucial for maintaining sustainable timber supplies, preserving wildlife habitats, and upholding the region's natural character. This project represents a successful public-private partnership to safeguard an important economic and environmental resource in the Pacific Northwest.
The details
The Spirit of Mount Spokane Forest Legacy Project secured a conservation easement on the privately owned forest land, ensuring it will remain in active timber production while also protecting its ecological values. This first phase of the project preserved a significant portion of the overall targeted acreage, with plans to expand the protected area in future phases.
- The first phase of the project was completed in March 2026.
Read National Today article
Easement-tied project in north Idaho protects working forest
Capital Press, 3-30-26
The first phase of the Spirit of Mount Spokane Forest Legacy Project protects a chunk of privately owned, working forest land in northern Idaho.
Trust for Public Land, Inland Empire Paper Co., the USDA Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Lands partnered in the project between Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Spokane, Wash. The first phase protects 22,352 acres of Inland Empire Paper forestland in Bonner and Kootenai counties in Idaho, according to an IDL news release.
The Forest Legacy easement ensures the forest land remains intact and actively managed for timber production, according to the Idaho Department of Lands. The easement safeguards public access, wildlife habitat and drinking water resources for communities in both states.
Read Capital Press article
North Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Districts partnering with IDL
9b News, 3-27-26
Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, and Benewah Soil & Water Conservation Districts are partnering with the Idaho Department of Lands to promote local afforestation projects this spring.
Landowners planning timber planting projects on pastures, hayfields, or areas affected by wildfire or windstorms may be eligible for free, high-quality native conifer seedlings sourced locally.
If you intend to plant 75 or more trees in one of these qualifying areas, contact your local conservation district to complete a simple certification process.
Read 9bNews article
Hayden Lake Marina expansion plan withdrawn
Coeur d'Alene Press, 3-28-26
An application to the Idaho Department of Lands to expand the Hayden Lake Marina was withdrawn Friday.
The move was greeted with relief by some residents near the marina.
"We welcome the opportunity for a reset," said Brookes Spencer when contacted by The Press.
He said concerns were not about opposing the marina itself.
"Our objections were about the scale of the proposed expansion, the inadequacy of the application, and the complete absence of community consultation during two and a half years of planning," Spencer said.
Read Coeur d'Alene Press Article
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