Category: All News Releases

(Boise) – In response to yesterday evening’s earthquake, Idaho Department of Lands (IDL)
Division of Minerals, Public Trust, and Oil and Gas is working with operators to conduct initial
checks on oil and gas wells in Payette County. No initial problems have been found. IDL
inspectors will be conducting further inspections of the facilities and wells through the end of
the week.

Initial checks on surface mines across the state also have not indicated any problems. IDL field
staff will continue to work with mine operators, as well as state and federal agencies in
evaluating the situation. The main focus will be on facilities and water handling operations to
ensure that earthen dams and holding ponds have not been damaged by the earthquake.

Media contact:
Sharla Arledge
Public Information Officer
pio@idl.idaho.gov
208-334-0286

Some notable changes in forest health: In 2019, fir engraver mortality was observed on over 95,000 acres compared to 101,000 acres in 2018. Approximately 71,000 acres were impacted by mountain pine beetle compared to 65,000 acres in 2018.

See the report: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/04/2019-Idaho-Forest-Health-Highlights.pdf

 

 

 

Editor’s note: Download broadcast-quality video and images of people working in the timber industry for use in news coverage: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wpzx2s8hhtq0v0a/AAAfHFyqRUofIKkYeX-inBIwa?dl=0

(BOISE) – The Idaho Department of Lands manages about a million acres of forests growing on Idaho Endowment Lands. In fiscal year 2019, $1.3 billion in services and goods (including Idaho-produced toilet paper) were generated from timber harvests on endowment land. Timber sales generated $77 million in revenue, supported more than 6,600 jobs, and more than $270 million in wages.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has identified “Workers who support the manufacture and distribution of forest products, including, but not limited to timber, paper, and other wood products as critical during the COVID-19 response”: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA-Guidance-on-Essential-Critical-Infrastructure-Workers-1-20-508c.pdf

“The Idaho Department of Lands is moving forward with forest management during the COVID-19 crisis, not only to ensure necessary products get to consumers, but to keep our forests healthy through sustainable forest practices,” said State Forester Craig Foss of the Idaho Department of Lands. “Our practices of planting, taking care of our young and aging forests, and harvesting when the time is right, allows us to provide a renewable resource while keeping forests growing strong for future generations.”

Forest management operations are taking place while still following Governor Brad Little’s stay-home guidelines, as well as social-distancing practices. In many ways, the timing of the coronavirus outbreak comes at a good time for the logging industry. Traditionally, the transition from winter to spring creates difficult timber hauling conditions due to melting snow and mud on logging roads, resulting in a slowdown of logging activity.

IDL foresters and contractors will also move forward with seedling planting operations beginning in the coming weeks while practicing social-distancing policies. More than 1.6 million seedlings were planted last year on endowment lands and this year’s number is 1.9 million.

“My priority is to keep our staff as healthy as possible and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this time, while still continuing to provide these critical services,” said Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller. “Our foresters work in remote areas already, but we will be disinfecting work vehicles, practicing social-distancing and other important guidelines.”

When Idaho became a state, Congress granted Idaho Endowment Trust Lands for the sole purpose of funding specified beneficiaries. Chief among the endowment beneficiaries are public schools, as well as the University of Idaho, state hospitals for the mentally ill, Lewis-Clark State College, state veterans’ homes, Idaho State University, the Capitol Commission, Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, and Idaho’s juvenile corrections system and prison system. There are 2.5 million acres of endowment land in Idaho, with about 1 million acres of timberlands. Sustainable forest management and timber sales generated more than $43 million in net income for beneficiaries in fiscal year 2019.

 

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Media Contact

Robbie Johnson
Public Information Officer
Idaho Department of Lands
208-334-0236/ 208-908-1786
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov
pio@idl.idaho.gov

(BOISE)—The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) remind the public to refrain from all nonessential open burning activities as communities respond to the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 affects the respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs) and gastrointestinal system. It can cause asthma attacks and can lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress. People with asthma are recommended to avoid asthma triggers such as smoke from burning wood or other plants.

To avoid additional health impacts, the public should take standard preventative measures to protect their health from smoke exposure and refrain from residential open burning (tree limbs, leaves, yard trimmings, garden waste, burn barrels and fire pits) and other nonessential open burning activities until further notice. If open burning is essential, please follow best smoke management practices.

Smoke from open burning can cause unnecessary public health and safety concerns and impact local service providers:

• Smoke inhalation can cause upper respiratory symptoms, which could be incorrectly attributed to COVID-19.
• Smoke exposure impacts can lead to unnecessary testing or self-isolation.
• First responders and other emergency services are operating at a reduced capacity and have limited resources to respond to out-of-control burns.
• Personal protective equipment to reduce smoke exposure is not readily available at this time.

Local officials may have already prohibited open burning in your area. Prior to burning, contact your local fire agency and visit https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/air/AQIPublic/Map/OutdoorBurn to verify open burning is allowed.

DEQ, IDL, and DHW encourage the public to use alternative burning options:

• Lawn mulching—Leave grass clippings on your lawn to add nutrients back into the soil and improve lawn health.
• Composting—Compost yard waste to recycle organic material and add nutrients back into the soil.
• Chipping—Add chipped brush, pruning, or wood waste to your compost pile or soil to increase nutrient content.
• Curbside pickup—Collect and separate yard waste, organic material, and recyclables and set out for curbside collection. Check with your local government or waste management company for local services.
• Landfills—Many landfills offer free or reduced fees for yard waste.

See the following websites for additional information:

https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

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Media contacts:

 

Mary Anderson	DEQ	(208) 373–0202	mary.anderson@deq.idaho.gov
Sharla Arledge	IDL	(208) 334–0286	pio@idl.idaho.gov
Niki Forbing-Orr	IDHW	(208) 334-0668	Niki.Forbing-Orr@dhw.idaho.gov

This is an effort to minimize exposure to COVID-19. You will see this poster on lobby doors across the state indicating that we are still open, yet only seeing customers by appointment. We will get through this! Here is the list of offices: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-us/supervisory-areas/

Archie Gray, Scaling Program Manager had to write this to those who were planning to go to scaling school March 31. “It is with great reluctance that I am required to cancel the 2020 IDL scaling school due to the COVID-19 virus. It has been my intention to hold the school if there was any way possible to do so, but we have been instructed to postpone or cancel all nonessential events.” Refunds will be given to participants.

Governor Little issues statewide stay-home order, signs extreme emergency declaration

Boise, Idaho – Following the guidance of Idaho’s public health experts, Governor Brad Little issued a statewide stay-home order today for all Idahoans.

He also signed an extreme emergency declaration, which allows the state to more effectively increase health care capacity, take steps to reduce and slow coronavirus spread, and take rapid and decisive steps to improve the condition of Idahoans whose job and incomes are being harmed by the pandemic.

“From the get-go, our focus has been to slow the spread of coronavirus to protect our most vulnerable citizens and preserve capacity in our healthcare system,” Governor Little said. “And from the beginning, I stated my commitment to making decisions about our response to coronavirus based on science. With confirmed community transmission of coronavirus now occurring in Idaho’s most populated areas, we need to take strong measures to ensure our healthcare facilities are not overburdened. I am following the guidance of our public health experts and issuing a statewide stay-home order effective immediately.”

The stay-home order requires citizens to self-isolate at home if you can, not just if you are sick. This excludes healthcare, public safety and other essential workers as defined in the order. If you are high-risk, avoid leaving home. People can leave home to obtain or provide essential services as defined in the order. Employers that do not provide essential services as defined in order must take all steps necessary for employees to work remotely from home. Grocery stores, medical facilities, and other essential businesses as defined in the order will remain open. Restaurants across the state are being ordered to close dine-in but drive-thru, pick up, and delivery will still be available. Non-essential businesses and services will close their physical locations. This includes bars, nightclubs, gyms, recreational facilities, entertainment venues, convention centers, hair and nail salons, and others not included in the “essential” category as defined in the order. People must limit public transit unless to provide or obtain essential services. People must limit all discretionary travel. People must limit all non-essential gatherings of any number of individuals outside the household. When you go for a walk, run, bike ride, or other outdoor recreation near your home, stay 6-feet away from individuals who are not part of your household.

“Our healthcare and public safety workers are putting themselves in harm’s way to respond to the coronavirus emergency, and we owe it to them to do our part by following this statewide stay-home order,” Governor Little added.

The statewide stay-home order is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 21 days. Governor Little and public health officials will evaluate later whether to extend the order past 21 days.

Governor Little made the announcement at Gowen Field, where he visited with the Idaho National Guard personnel he recently mobilized to support civil authorities and local jurisdictions during the coronavirus emergency. At the Governor’s request, the Guardsmen are prepared to stand up a joint task force to provide mobile testing support, transport commodities, provide facilities, tents or other equipment, and other perform other duties as needed in Idaho’s coronavirus response effort. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management, a part of the Idaho Military Division, is the key emergency response planner and coordinator for interagency preparedness in Idaho.

“We will get through this together as long as we all play an active part in fighting the spread of coronavirus. I am proud of Idaho and the way we support and love our neighbors. Let’s keep it up,” Governor Little said.

The statewide stay-home order is being finalized with public health, local officials, and business today and will be available later today at https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/.

View Governor Little’s extreme emergency declaration here.

 

(COEUR D’ALENE) – The 2020 Idaho State Forestry Contest is cancelled due to concerns about COVID-19. The annual contest introduces students in grades 5 through 12 to basic forestry and resource management skills. More than 250 volunteers donated their time to help run the contest in past years and a record 700 students from around the state participated in 2019. The contest has always been held the second Thursday in May north of Coeur d’Alene. It is sponsored by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), Bonner Soil and Water Conservation District, U.S. Forest Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The decision to cancel was made to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in preparing for and/or attending the contest. Although it is disappointing not to have the contest this year, plans are already underway for the 2021 Idaho State Forestry Contest.

Videos of past Idaho State Forestry Contests

Short version: https://youtu.be/sAiYz6I_qik

Long version: https://youtu.be/onrzDz3omgo

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

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 20, 2020

Bark beetles may attack trees damaged in winter storms

(COEUR D’ALENE) – Damaging winter storms across northern Idaho this season mean forested areas are more susceptible to infestations of certain bark beetles this spring. In December and January, heavy, wet snow led to breakage in treetops and branches. Storms with strong winds toppled trees on several occasions, including this past weekend. Please see attached photos for examples.

Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) forest health officials want forest landowners to know that trees uprooted or broken in the storms can become infested by bark beetles as the weather warms. The beetles can build up populations in fresh, damaged logs and then attack and kill neighboring healthy trees. Dead trees do not pose a threat, only green trees that were damaged this past winter or spring are cause for concern. The following species are especially susceptible to bark beetle attack but taking certain steps can mitigate problems.

Pines and pine branches larger than three inches in diameter can be infested by the pine engraver beetle (Ips beetles). Pine engraver beetles infest and reproduce in wind-thrown trees and slash in April and May. Their offspring emerge in June, often attacking adjacent live pines.

Douglas-fir can be infested by the Douglas-fir beetle. Douglas-fir beetles infest large-diameter logs in spring, and their offspring emerge to attack new trees the following year (spring 2021). Large, fallen western larch are also attacked by Douglas-fir beetle, but live, standing larch are rarely attacked.

Engelmann spruce can be infested by the spruce beetle. Large-diameter logs are attacked, and offspring emerge one to two years later. Spruce beetles can attack ornamental species like Norway or blue spruce, but these are infrequent hosts.

The best option to reduce beetle infestations is to remove damaged trees. Otherwise, consider safely burning or chipping. Fresh chips should not be piled near live trees because their odors can be attractive to bark beetles in spring.

If damaged trees cannot be removed or destroyed, cut logs and branches into small pieces and spread them in a sunny area to hasten drying as soon as possible. Piled logs in shady areas are more likely to be infested. DO NOT stack green firewood next to live standing trees.

In pines, quick action is necessary since beetles can emerge from damaged pine materials this coming June. Large-diameter logs of Douglas-fir, western larch, and spruce will not pose a threat until spring 2021. If infested logs of these species are split for firewood by this summer, they will dry out in time and kill developing beetles before they emerge. These logs can also be removed, chipped, de-barked, or burned during the winter of 2020-2021.

More information on Idaho forest health is available here. IDL Private Forestry Specialists also are available in offices across the region to assist forest landowners. Information about landowner assistance is available here.

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Robbie Johnson
Public Information Officer
Idaho Department of Lands
208-334-0236/ 208-908-1786
rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov
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New state forester will continue to advocate for sustainable forest practices, clean water in Idaho

 Download a broadcast-quality interview with Craig Foss, the new state forester, with b-roll: https://www.dropbox.com/s/i5p3zpac95nlliy/Video%20Mar%2010%2C%203%2057%2028%20PM.mov?dl=0  A picture of Foss is attached to this email.

 (Boise, Idaho) The state forester is the leading advocate for the management of state and private forests and strives to protect not only the trees, but also the landscape and watersheds.

Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) Division Administrator of Forestry and Fire Craig Foss was designated as the new state forester by the director of the Idaho Department of Lands in February. Foss will add this responsibility to his duties at IDL. Working from the Coeur d’Alene office, Foss oversees IDL’s Forestry and Fire Management Division and works with federal partners on forest restoration efforts.

Foss believes in the importance of healthy forests for long-term sustainability, and to ensure that forest management practices support fish habitat and water quality.

“The Idaho Department of Lands manages a million acres of endowment trust forest land, and our primary objective in managing that forest land is for the long-term benefit to the beneficiaries, which in large part are Idaho public schools,” said Foss. “We also manage those forests in a way that is sustainable and renewable over the long-term, by adhering to the Idaho Forest Practices Act. Our goal is healthy resilient forests that are better able to withstand threats from insects, disease and wildfire.”

Foss is also now a member of the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), which was established in 1920. NASF is a leading authority on forest policy, which advocates for policies that promote the health, resilience, and productivity of forests across the country.

“Craig has been a terrific advocate for Idaho forests,” said Whitney Foreman-Cook, Communications Director with the National Association of State Foresters. “We can’t wait to have him be part of our forestry efforts.”

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CONTACT:   Robbie Johnson|IDL PIO|208-334-0236|rjohnson@idl.idaho.gov