Liberty Grove celebrates America250 and Idaho's legacy of endowment land stewardship
IDL hosted Liberty Grove, a signature event celebrating Idaho’s lands, legacy, and future, on May 12 at Payette Lake in McCall.
As part of Idaho’s commemoration of America250, Liberty Grove featured a ceremonial tree planting and remarks highlighting the critical role Idaho’s endowment lands play in supporting public schools and other beneficiaries while promoting healthy, sustainable forests.
We were honored to welcome Gov. Brad Little, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Controller Brandon Woolf, Treasurer Julie Ellsworth, and Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield.
Thank you to everyone who participated in and helped organize this special day celebrating Idaho’s natural resources and the lasting legacy of our endowment lands.
Director Miller issues Leader's Intent Letter for 2026
Director Miller outlined the department’s priorities for the 2026 fire season, noting that below-average snowpack, drought conditions, and warmer temperatures are expected to increase wildfire activity across Idaho and the West.
Despite these challenges, firefighter and public safety remain IDL’s top priority. IDL enters the season fully staffed across all fire management positions, with additional firefighters available to support wildfire response.
Key priorities for the season include implementing the new Shared Stewardship Agreement, advancing wildfire resilience efforts, modernizing IDL’s aviation program, strengthening interagency coordination, and continuing investments in prevention, fuels management, and community risk reduction.
Miller emphasized that strong partnerships, sound risk management, and a continued commitment to safety will be essential as Idaho prepares for another demanding wildfire season.
Read the letter here.
Idaho State Forestry Contest draws 225 students
IDL, in partnership with the Bonner Soil & Water Conservation District (BSWCD), hosted another successful Idaho State Forestry Contest at Farragut State Park on May 14. The event marked the 43rd year of this unique, hands-on forestry and natural resource education experience for Idaho youth.
More than 225 students from across the state participated in forestry-related challenges designed to test their skills in tree and plant identification, log scaling, compass and pacing, soil and water quality, tool identification, and more.
The contest gives students the opportunity to experience real-world forestry practices while building critical thinking and teamwork skills. Events like this help connect the next generation of land stewards with Idaho’s rich natural resource heritage.
Director Miller joins The Ranch Podcast for a conversation about Idaho's endowment lands
Director Miller stopped by The Ranch Podcast for a conversation about Idaho's endowment lands and IDL's mission. Check out the podcast here.
IDL evaluating potential land exchange with Forest Service near Payette Lake, due diligence ongoing
IDL is conducting due diligence and reviewing options to determine whether a potential exchange would be in the best interest of Idaho’s endowment trusts and the beneficiaries they support.
Some endowment lands around Payette Lake have significantly increased in value, while revenue generated from those lands has not increased at the same rate. Under Land Board policy, underperforming assets may be evaluated for improved management, leasing, exchange, or other opportunities to maximize long-term returns for beneficiaries.
While exact acreages will not be known until independent, third-party appraisals are completed, a potential exchange could include up to approximately 15,700 acres of endowment land around Payette Lake in Valley County. Substantially more than 15,700 acres could be acquired to achieve equivalent value. The exact number of acres won't be known until the appraisals are complete.
Federal lands under consideration are located in Adams, Benewah, Boise, Bonner, Latah, Shoshone, Valley, and other identified counties.
IDL will host public information sessions to share details and gather input as the evaluation process continues. More information will be available soon.
Governor Little, Director Miller Highlight Idaho’s Wildfire Readiness
Governor Little and Director Dustin Miller recently met with the Idaho Capital Sun to discuss Idaho’s wildfire outlook and how the state is preparing for the upcoming fire season. Read the article here.
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