The Courier
NEWS
May 2021 Water Supply Outlook Report
The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Idaho has released the May Water Supply Outlook Report for the 2021 water year. This spring has continued to be exceptionally dry with well below normal precipitation across Idaho. A few storms during April brought minimal snowpack (SWE) increases to the highest elevation sites, but overall, this frozen water resource is transitioning to its liquid form. Throughout Idaho, the snowpack is melting earlier and more quickly compared to the historical average. Peak snowpack occurred up to 26 days earlier than normal at some sites. “Based on dry soil conditions and lack of spring precipitation, we expect continued water supply shortages in the Big Wood, Little Wood, Big Lost, Little Lost basins.” said Erin Whorton, Hydrologist-Water Supply Specialist for NRCS Snow Survey in Idaho. “Diminished agricultural irrigation water supply is also predicted for the Snake River above Heise, Oakley, Salmon Falls, and the Owyhee basins. Dry conditions across Idaho will continue to impact ranchers who utilize non-irrigated pastures.” Streamflow, snowpack, and precipitation data for each basin can be accessed on the NRCS Idaho Snow Survey web page. For information on specific basins, streams, and reservoirs, please view the full report online at May Water Supply Outlook Report.
State Burn Permits Required May 10 - October 20
The number of burn permits issued averages about 18,000 a year in Idaho, and that number continues to rise. Burn permits are required May 10 - October 20 each year and issued by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL). Who needs a permit: Idaho law (38-115) requires any person planning to burn outside city limits within Idaho, including crop residue burning, to obtain a state burn permit during this period, referred to as closed fire season. A burn permit must be obtained before starting debris burning activities and you must have it with you when burning. Other laws related to open burning in Idaho also apply. Permits are free and good for 10 days. Campfires do not require a burn permit. How to get a burn permit: Visit the self-service website burnpermits.idaho.gov. Permits are available seven days a week and are immediately issued and valid. No matter where you want to burn and what you plan to burn, the 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. A permit may also be issued by your local IDL office. Why permits are important: Obtaining the burn permit lets fire managers know where permitted burning is occurring so they can respond more quickly to a controlled it escapes, see burn pageif5..... potentially reducing the liability of the burner. You will also help prevent false runs to fires, saving firefighting resources for instances where they are truly needed.
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
May 12, 2021
Vol 45 Num 19
Indoctrination in Idaho Education Press Release from Idaho Lt. Governor's office Idaho Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin's Task Force to Examine Indoctrination in Idaho Education continues to take shape. Interviews are ongoing and the full task force member roster should be available within the next two weeks. "We are assembling a comprehensive task force that provides a broad representation of the community," Lt. Gov. McGeachin said. "We have already received an outpouring of interest in the task force regarding its mission and many people have expressed a willingness to participate." Even as the task force is being assembled, the Lt. Governor is moving forward by soliciting public feedback and experiences regarding Idaho education. A new page has been added to the Lt. Governor's website for the Education Task Force that includes a link where Idahoans can provide feedback regarding their experiences and concerns. The link for this page is:
lgo.idaho.gov/education-task-force
"One of our primary goals with this task force is to give concerned citizens a voice regarding education in Idaho," said Lt. Gov. McGeachin. "If you, your child, or someone close to you has information regarding problematic teachings on social justice, critical race theory, socialism, communism, or Marxism, please provide us with as much information as you are comfortable sharing." The form allows those providing feedback to include their names and contact information, but feedback can also be submitted anonymously. "We want to make sure all Idahoans — especially those employed in education — can provide us with unbiased feedback without fear of blowback or retaliation," Lt. Gov. McGeachin said. The initial schedule for the task force includes four meetings taking place in May, June, July, and August. Meetings will be held at the Idaho State Capitol in the Lincoln Auditorium. "We intend for these meetings to be physically open to the public and livestreamed," said Lt. Gov. McGeachin. "This format worked very well for the Capitol Clarity events we held throughout the first three months of the Legislative Session, and I look forward to providing similar access to the people when our task force meets." More information regarding the task force will be made available in the coming weeks.