Current News Coverage
Idaho state report shows mistakes made during prescribed burn on ranch co-owned by USDA undersecretary
Buffalo's Fire, 9-24-26
A 2024 wildfire incident report from the Idaho Department of Lands obtained by High Country News and Public Domain reveals how an unauthorized prescribed burn eventually broke containment from private property co-owned by a Trump administration appointee.
Michael Boren was confirmed in 2025 as the U.S. Department of Agriculture undersecretary of agriculture for natural resources and environment, which oversees the U.S. Forest Service. His brother, Steve Boren, manages the Josephine Creek Ranch in Idaho. Public financial disclosure documents show Michael Boren has an ownership stake in the ranch.
On Sept. 30, 2024, Steve Boren called local authorities to report that he would be doing a prescribed burn on the ranch.
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Idaho wildfire debt climbs above $40 million in August
BSU Radio Public Radio, 9-15-26
Idaho has racked up nearly $40 million in debt fighting wildfires on its public lands this summer as the season starts to wind down.
That total mostly comes from personnel, though aircraft and supplies also ate up significant chunks, according to the Idaho Department of Lands.
IDL Director Dustin Miller said about $14 million of that will be reimbursed by the federal government or other agencies – leaving $25.5 million on the state’s credit card balance.
He said people should still be careful in the backcountry, despite the cooling temperatures.
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