Department of Lands seeks funding for wildfire staffing and equipment; governor recommends large transfers to suppression fund

The Idaho Department of Lands told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that wildfire activity, federal partnerships and growing program responsibilities are driving a suite of FY2026 budget requests focused on fire response, staffing and forest management.

Director Dustin Miller and Legislative Services Office analyst Janet Jessup described requests ranging from new fire program managers and aviation oversight to equipment and onetime needs tied to district buildouts. The department also highlighted the Good Neighbor Authority program and Timber Protective Associations (TPAs) as central to forest restoration and wildfire protection.

Why it matters: Committee members heard the department's projection that suppression costs and complexity have increased in recent years, reimbursement timing from federal partners remains variable, and a lower balance in the fire suppression deficiency fund could pose risks during a heavy fire season.

Major items and governor's recommendations

- Fire staffing and positions: The department requested six positions in FY2026, including a fire emergency support program manager, a fire aviation section manager, a statewide forest assessment program manager, an assistant fire…