Category: 2024 News Releases

(Orofino) – Roads accessing the South Grangemont block of state endowment trust land from Grangemont Road between Rudo Road and Cow Creek Road will close to vehicle traffic beginning Friday, November 8, but will remain open to ATVs (under 50 inches) and motorcycles.

The closure is designed to reduce erosion and sedimentation, minimize road maintenance expenses, and minimize wildlife disturbance.
This is an annual closure by Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for roads accessing the South Grangemont block of state endowment trust land.

The closure will remain in effect until May 23, the Friday before Memorial weekend.

The public is urged to help protect this area by reporting violations or suspected violations to the appropriate wildlife conservation officer.
For questions or concerns, please contact the IDL office in Orofino at (208) 476-4587.

 

 

(Boise) – Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) will rescind its extended Closed Fire Season order, effective Nov. 1, 2024, at 8 a.m. MST, due to cooler temperatures and reduced fire risk across the state. This change lifts the statewide requirement for IDL burn permits on private land outside city limits.

While IDL will no longer require burn permits after this date, voluntarily obtaining a free permit is still encouraged to assist fire managers and are available at https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/. IDL encourages anyone planning to burn to check with local fire authorities and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) for any local permits or restrictions for open burning or air quality in their area.

Permits for burning crop residue are issued by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and available online at https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/CRB/.
Please remain vigilant and practice safe burning habits, as fire prevention is essential year-round. Anyone starting a fire is responsible for the fire, which may include responsibility for damages and suppression costs of an escaped fire.

IDL thanks Idahoans for their cooperation and commitment to wildfire prevention during the extended Closed Fire Season. Together, these efforts have helped protect Idaho’s forests, homes, and communities.

For more information on fire safety and burning requirements, please visit www.idl.idaho.gov.

To verify air quality restrictions, visit the Idaho DEQ Open Burning Map.

 

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MEDIA CONTACT
Sharla Arledge
Idaho Department of Lands
(208) 334-0286
pio@idl.idaho.gov

 

 

(Sandpoint, Idaho) The Invasive Spongy Moth was detected in Sandpoint for the first time in more than 30 years. The Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), in collaboration with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) and the USDA Forest Service (USFS), conducts extensive annual monitoring to identify new introductions. This includes placing thousands of traps throughout the state. These traps feature sticky inner walls and utilize a pheromone lure that mimics a female moth to attract males. The traps are deployed statewide during the moths’ flight period in summer and are collected in the fall for evaluation.

What was detected this year: A spongy moth trap located near the intersection of Oak Street and Division Street in Sandpoint captured a single male moth strongly resembling a spongy moth. The specimen was quickly sent to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for DNA confirmation, which confirmed it as the European spongy moth. Relevant authorities were promptly notified of the detection. Most likely, this moth was accidentally introduced by someone traveling to Idaho from an infested state in the eastern US. Spongy moths (especially their egg masses) can hitchhike on materials like firewood, campers, outdoor furniture, and even vehicles.

About the European spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar): This type was introduced into the eastern US in 1869 and is now established in about 20 northeastern and midwestern states. European spongy moth feeds on the leaves of various broadleaved trees and shrubs, particularly oak trees. Outbreaks can lead to significant damage, costing millions of dollars. European spongy moth has limited dispersal capabilities because the female moths cannot fly, so new introductions are often caused by humans moving infested materials to new locations.
Preventing the establishment of spongy moth populations: Since its inception in 1974, the Idaho spongy moth trapping program has captured spongy moths in many Idaho cities and has successfully eradicated spongy moth from the state multiple times. The last time spongy moths were captured in Sandpoint was between 1986 and 1990. At the peak, 334 moths were captured in Sandpoint in 1988. The population was successfully eradicated by 1991. Traps are placed in Sandpoint every year at a density of one trap per square mile, and no additional spongy moths have been captured in Sandpoint until this year.

Next steps: A single moth capture does not usually lead to an established population that requires eradication. The next step is to determine whether this incident was a one-off occurrence or if it signifies the beginning of a breeding population. To investigate this, IDL will conduct delimitation trapping in 2025. This will involve placing 36 traps per square mile across the four square miles surrounding the capture site (covering all of the downtown area of Sandpoint). If additional moths are present, this intensive trapping will help outline the extent and severity of the infestation while also reducing the local moth population.

What to look for: Residents can expect to see numerous bright green or bright orange cardboard traps throughout Sandpoint in the summer of 2025. It is crucial to leave these traps undisturbed to allow for proper monitoring by the Idaho Department of Lands. Removing or vandalizing the traps can hinder data collection on the potential spongy moth population.

“Although capturing an invasive insect is never good news, the Idaho spongy moth trapping program is working as designed to help keep this damaging and expensive pest out of Idaho,” said Erika Eidson, Forest Health Specialist with the Idaho Department of Lands. “We detected this new introduction quickly. Early detection lowers the need for costly, large-scale pest management and improves eradication outcomes.”

Help prevent the spread of spongy moth and other invasive insects: Avoid moving firewood long distances (buy it where you burn it), check outdoor objects for signs of insects before relocating them, and report any suspicious sightings or tree damage to the Idaho Department of Lands.

Name change: The spongy moth was formerly known as the gypsy moth (a name changed by the Entomological Society of America in 2021). The new name reflects its spongy egg masses, aligning with the French common name for the species (spongieuse).

Learn more about forest health and insect detection: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-forestry/forest-health/

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FOREST HEALTH CONTACT
Erika Eidson
Idaho Department of Lands
(208) 666-8625
eeidson@idl.idaho.gov

MEDIA CONTACT
Robbie Johnson
Idaho Department of Lands
(208) 908-1786
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov

 

 

 

(Boise) – Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has announced the extension of the closed fire season, requiring burn permits statewide beyond the original end date of October 20, 2024. This decision comes in response to unseasonably warm, dry weather and increasingly hazardous fuel conditions, which continue to elevate the risk of wildfires.
Under Idaho Code §38-115, IDL’s director is granted the authority to regulate burning activities during the closed fire season. Director Dustin Miller directed the state forester to issue a proclamation extending the closed the fire season.

Typically, the closed fire season runs from May 10 to October 20 each year, during which burn permits are required for any open burning outside of city limits. However, due to the ongoing high fire danger and a decrease in firefighting resources as seasonal crews wrap up, burn permits will remain mandatory until further notice.

“Conditions across Idaho remain dry and volatile, and our firefighting resources are limited this fall,” said Craig Foss, IDL State Forester. “We are asking the public to remain vigilant and ensure all fires, including campfires and debris burning, are fully extinguished. The extended closed fire season is critical to minimizing the potential for human-caused wildfires.”

During this extended period, anyone conducting burn activities must obtain a free burn permit through the Idaho Department of Lands website www.burnpermits.idaho.gov.

Burn permits are crucial in helping local fire agencies monitor controlled burns and ensure that fire danger remains manageable. Each fire protection district assesses local fire danger to determine which types of burning, if any, are allowed—burning of any type may be prohibited.
Steps for Idaho Residents:

1. Obtain a Burn Permit: Visit www.burnpermits.idaho.gov to acquire a free burn permit, valid for up to 10 days.
2. Check Local Conditions: Ensure that local fire restrictions do not further limit burning activities in your area.
3. Follow Best Practices: Use extreme caution during any burn activities, never leave a fire unattended, and always have sufficient water and tools to fully extinguish it.

The Idaho Department of Lands reminds all residents that by working together and following these guidelines, we can reduce the risk of wildfires and help protect Idaho’s lands and communities.

Boise, ID – The Idaho Board of Land Commissioners (Land Board) approved a record distribution of $110.4 million to endowment beneficiaries in Fiscal Year 2026. This eclipses the prior year record of $103.2 million by 6.9%.

Land Board members include the Governor, State Controller, Secretary of State, Attorney General and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Endowment Fund Investment Board (EFIB) manages the endowment fund, which had a balance of $3.3 billion at the end of the fiscal year. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) manages nearly 2.5 million acres of endowment land held in trust for the financial support of endowment beneficiaries. The Land Board oversees both the EFIB and IDL.

The Endowment Fund generated an investment return of 12.0% and the Idaho Department of Lands generated $60.8 million in net revenue during fiscal year 2024. EFIB and IDL ended the fiscal year with healthy financial reserves and a solid backlog of timber orders.

“We are pleased with the endowment fund’s investment returns in Fiscal Year 2024,” said Endowment Fund Investment Board Manager (EFIB) Manager Chris Anton. “Stewardship of the endowment fund and endowment land ensures the beneficiaries will receive strong returns for years to come.”

“This year’s distribution shows the success of the efforts of the endowment fund and the endowment land working together to generate returns for the beneficiaries,” explained Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Director Dustin Miller. “Coupled together, the financial and land assets provide reliable and consistent sources of funding for beneficiaries like our public schools.”
Endowment beneficiaries include Idaho’s public schools, colleges and universities, and veterans’ homes, among others.

FY26 Beneficiary Distributions 

 

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Media Contacts:
Chris Anton
Manager of Investments, EFIB
208-334-3312
chris.anton@efib.idaho.gov
Sharla Arledge
Public Information Officer, IDL
208-334-2086
pio@idl.idaho.gov

 

 

Boise, Idaho: Idaho Governor Brad Little plans to be in Lapwai, Idaho, Thursday, August 15. The Governor’s schedule includes flying in a black hawk helicopter over the Gwen and Texas fires. This will provide a firsthand view of the fire damage and include areas of both success and loss.

Immediately after the flight there will be a briefing for the Governor in Lapwai. The briefing will offer a chance to recognize the collective efforts of local farmers, state, communities, tribal agencies, and others in battling the fires, and to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts, needs and resources. The Governor’s visit underscores the importance of continued support for these communities as the process of rebuilding and healing from this historic combination of fire events continues.

Media and Community: There will not be media access on the fire tour in the helicopter. The helicopter will land in Lapwai for the briefing. There will be feed video and photos available of the aerial tour for media use immediately after as well as content from the briefing. The media and members of the community are welcome to attend the briefing. There will be opportunities for questions. There is parking around the field where the briefing will take place, but no formal parking area.

Schedule for August 15
Note Pacific Standard Time. Times are approximate.

10:30 a.m.
Governor arrives in Lewiston
11:00 a.m.
Governor departs for Gwen Fire/Texas Fire flight via black hawk helicopter
12:00 p.m.
Governor lands at Lapwai parade grounds softball field.
Please see map. The star indicates landing location.
12:30 p.m.
Briefing at Lapwai softball field
1:45 p.m.
Governor leaves Lapwai via black hawk

Briefing Details

The briefing will include fire summaries and a recovery update from various speakers. The number of structures lost will be officially released.

When: August 15, 2024
Location: Lapwai parade grounds softball field (see map)
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Who: Farmers, fire managers, state and local representatives, community members, and others 

About the Fires

Gwen Fire
Idaho Department of Lands
Location: East of Lapwai, Idaho
Reported: July 24, 2024
Cause: Lightning
Containment: Near 100%

Texas Fire
Idaho Department of Lands
Location: East of Kendrick, Idaho
Reported: July 15, 2024
Cause: Human
Containment: 100%

Download printable version

 

Contact
Robbie Johnson
Public Information Officer
Idaho Department of Lands
208-908-1786
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov 

Clarkia, ID – A popular road for campers and other recreational users will temporarily close for about a month following the long memorial weekend.

Aquarius Road between the Floodwood Road and Grandad Bridge (near mile marker 7.5) will temporarily close for a road repair on May 28. The closure will run from the junction with the Floodwood Road (approximately marker 1) to the Breakfast Creek Bridge (approximately marker 10).

An alternate route for those wishing to access Grandad Bridge can be made by entering Elk River, ID and following the Elk River Aquarius Road (Diamond Road).

The Aquarius Road has been prone to failure in the past and is showing signs of potential failure in the future. Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) will rebuild the road and install a 200 foot by 10 foot Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall to prevent road failure and provide safer travel for heavy trucks and vehicles of all sizes.

This project is expected to be completed and the road re-opened by early July.
For questions regarding the closure contact the IDL St. Maries office at 208-245-4551.

CONTACT
Sharla Arledge
Public Information Officer
208-334-0286
pio@idl.idaho.gov

 

 

IDAPA 20.07.02 Rules Governing Conservation of Oil and Natural Gas in the State of Idaho is going through the rulemaking process in 2024. 

The third draft text is now available for review on the rulemaking webpage on the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (OGCC) Website: https://ogcc.idaho.gov/rulemaking/docket-20-0702-2401-oil-gas/.

The Draft text #3 will be presented at the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. (MT) with public comments being accepted. This meeting will also have a Zoom option for virtual attendance. Written comments will be accepted on this third draft text until Friday, May 31, 2024.

Information pertaining to this rulemaking and how to submit comments can be found at https://ogcc.idaho.gov/rulemaking/docket-20-0702-2401-oil-gas/.

(Athol, Idaho) Students battled to be the best in log measurement, tree and plant identification, and determining timber volume May 9 at the 41st Annual Idaho State Forestry Contest at Farragut State Park in north Idaho. About 200 students, 50 coaches/chaperones and 125+ volunteers participated. See high resolution contest video and images for media use via Dropbox.

The contest is for students in grades 5 through 12 to compete for scholarships and cash prizes in basic forestry and resource management. The contest is typically held the second Thursday in May and is sponsored by the Idaho Department of Lands, Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and hosted by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Top individual winners included Jonathan McComas of Whistlestop 4-H in the Senior Division who won $2500 in cash and scholarships. Other winners included Caitlyn Cramer of Whistlestop 4-H who won the Junior Division, and Elsie Turcotte of Selle Valley Carden School won the Rookie Division. See the full winners list or visit the contest website: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-forestry/idaho-state-forestry-contest

Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Land Commissioner Debbie Critchfield helped hand out awards and addressed the competitors who may one day be Idaho foresters. “More than $60 million was distributed to Idaho public schools last year, coming from money earned from managing endowment land and investments. And the land revenue comes mainly from Idaho Department of Lands timber sales,” Critchfield said. “Where I live in the Magic Valley, we are not the ones producing the timber, it is up here. Thank you for what your communities do to contribute to the state endowment fund and a strong economy in Idaho.”

“It’s hard to measure the impact all of these student competitors have had on Idaho as we continue to grow, protect, enjoy and sustainably harvest our timber resources,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “We want to thank the countless participants, schools and volunteers over the years for their commitment to this contest.”

CONTACT
Robbie Johnson
Public Information Officer
Idaho State Forestry Contest
Idaho Department of Lands
(208) 908-1786
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – Idaho Burn Permits are required annually between May 10 and October 20. Obtaining a burn permit ensures your burn is in compliance with Idaho law (Idaho Code 38-115).

Who needs a permit: Individuals living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho, who plan to burn for any reason including yard waste and crop residue must obtain a burn permit. Recreational campfires do NOT require a burn permit.

How to get a Burn Permit: Visit the self-service website https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/. Permits are available seven days a week and are immediately issued and valid. A permit may also be issued by your local IDL office. Burn Permits are free and good for 10 days. You must have your permit with you when burning. No matter where you want to burn and what you plan to burn, our system will either issue you the burn permit you need on the spot or tell you which entity to contact for alternate or additional permits. Using burnpermits.idaho.gov also connects you to tips for safe burning practices.

Why get a Burn Permit: Obtaining a burn permit lets fire managers know where permitted burning is occurring so they can respond more quickly. Permits also help prevent false runs to fires that are reported to dispatch, saving firefighting resources for instances when they truly are needed. And it is the law.

How to know if burning is allowed: Using burnpermits.idaho.gov will inform you of current fire restrictions in place statewide. However, some local jurisdictions and counties may have other fire restrictions in place. Always check with your local fire department or county sheriff’s office before burning.

Air quality restrictions: Burners in Idaho must check with the respective Tribe (within Reservation boundaries) or DEQ to ensure there are no air quality restrictions in place. DEQ regulates all open burning outside the five Tribal Reservation boundaries. For more information on what can be burned, go to http://www.deq.idaho.gov/airquality/burning. For allowable burning within Tribal Reservation boundaries, contact the respective Tribal government.

Additional assistance: If you have questions about Burn Permits and requirements, contact Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management in Coeur d’Alene at (208) 769-1525. You can also email inquiries to comments@idl.idaho.gov.