Category: News & Updates
Idaho PSAP Conference Coming to Boise
The Idaho Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Conference returns to Boise this fall, bringing dispatch professionals together from across the state for training, networking, and hands-on learning. Scheduled for October 6 – 8, 2025, the conference will be held at The Riverside Hotel and is free to attend.
This year’s keynote speakers include Kris Inman from The Healthy Dispatcher, presenting “Be Who You Need,” and Danny Ziem with Echelon Front, delivering his presentation on “Extreme Ownership.” Breakout sessions will cover timely and critical topics such as internet crimes against children, discipline and communication in the communications center, crisis negotiation for Emergency Communications Officers, and more.
Those interested in attending can register now. POST credits will be available for attendees.
This year marks the 12th annual event, hosted by the Idaho PSAP Standards & Training Committee and the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission.
For questions or for more information, please contact Marci Williams at MWilliams@latahcountyid.gov.
SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Gwen Fire
Release Date: July 22, 2025 | Media Contact: Susheel.Kumar@sba.gov |
Release Number: ID 20641-04 |
SBA Relief Still Available to Idaho Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by the Gwen Fire
Deadline to apply for economic injury loans approaching
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Idaho of the Aug. 22, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the Gwen Fire occurring July 24‑Aug. 9, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the Idaho counties of Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce as well as the Oregon county of Wallowa, and the Washington counties of Asotin and Whitman.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than Aug. 22.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Fecha: 22 de julio de 2025 | Contacto para la Prensa: Susheel.Kumar@sba.gov |
Número: ID 20641-04 |
La Ayuda de la SBA sigue Disponible para los Pequeños Negocios y Organizaciones Privadas sin Fines de Lucro de Idaho Afectados por el Incendio de Gwen
Se acerca la fecha límite para solicitar préstamos por daños económicos
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – La Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés) les recuerda a los pequeños negocios y a la mayoría de las organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro (PNP, por sus siglas en inglés) de Idaho la fecha límite del 22 de agosto de 2025 para solicitar préstamos federales para desastres a bajo interés para cubrir las pérdidas económicas causadas por el incendio de Gwen ocurrido del 24 de julio al 9 de agosto de 2024.
La declaración cubre los condados de Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis y Nez Perce así como el condado de Wallowa en Oregon, y los condados de Asotin y Whitman en Washington.
Esta declaración permite que el programa de Préstamos de Desastre por Daños Económicos (EIDL, por sus siglas en inglés) de la SBA esté a disposición para pequeños negocios, pequeñas cooperativas agrícolas, pequeños negocios involucrados en acuacultura y la mayoría de las organizaciones privadas sin fines de lucro elegibles que hayan sufrido pérdidas financieras como consecuencia directa de este desastre. Las SBA no ofrece préstamos para desastre a productores agrícolas, granjeros o ganaderos a excepción de los negocios de acuacultura.
Los EIDL son para cubrir necesidades de capital circulante causadas por el desastre y están disponibles incluso si el negocio no sufrió ningún daño físico a la propiedad. Los préstamos pueden utilizarse para pagar deudas existentes, nóminas, cuentas por pagar y otras facturas que podrían haberse pagado de no haber ocurrido el desastre.
“Los préstamos de la SBA ayudan a los pequeños negocios y organizaciones sin fines de lucro elegibles a cubrir los gastos operativos después de un desastre, lo que es crucial para su recuperación,” dijo Chris Stallings, administrador asociado de la Oficina de Recuperación y Resiliencia ante Desastres (ODR&R, por sus siglas en inglés) de la SBA. “Estos préstamos no sólo ayudan a los propietarios de negocios a volver a ponerse en pie, sino que también desempeñan un papel clave en el sostén de las economías locales después de un desastre.”
Los prestamos pueden ser hasta de $2 millones de dólares con tasas de interés de 4% para pequeños negocios y 3.25% para las PNPs por plazos hasta de 30 años. Los intereses no comienzan a acumularse, y los pagos mensuales no comienzan hasta 12 meses después de la fecha del desembolso inicial. Los montos y términos de los préstamos los establece la SBA y se basan en las condiciones financieras de cada solicitante.
Para llenar su solicitud en línea, visite sba.gov/desastre. También pueden comunicarse al Centro de Servicio a Clientes para Asistencia de Desastres de la SBA marcando (800) 659-2955 o enviando un correo electrónico a disastercustomerservice@sba.gov para obtener más información. Las personas con discapacidades auditivas o del habla, favor de marcar 7-1-1 para tener acceso al servicio de retransmisión de telecomunicaciones.
Envíe las solicitudes de préstamos completadas no más tarde el 22 de agosto.
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Acerca de la Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios
La Agencia Federal de Pequeños Negocios hace realidad el sueño americano de ser propietario de un negocio. Como único recurso y voz para las pequeñas empresas y con el respaldo de la fortaleza del gobierno federal, la SBA permite a los empresarios y propietarios de pequeños negocios contar con los recursos y el apoyo que necesitan para crear, desarrollar o ampliar sus negocios o recuperarse de un desastre declarado. Ofrece servicios a través de su amplia red de oficinas de campo y asociaciones con organizaciones públicas y privadas. Para obtener más información, visite www.sba.gov o www.sba.gov/espanol.
Water and Wastewater Security Summit Brings Idaho Partners Together to Protect Critical Systems
Nearly 100 professionals from across Idaho’s public and private sectors gathered last month for the state’s first Water and Wastewater Security Summit on June 17. The full-day event focused on one clear goal: protecting the systems our communities rely on every day.
Hosted by the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and the Idaho Rural Water Association, the summit opened with a focused look at today’s threat landscape. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation kicked things off with an in-person briefing on current risks. From there, speakers covered a range of topics including cyber disruptions, physical security threats, and the role drone technology plays in both.
Sessions throughout the day featured state, federal, academic, and industry leaders sharing practical tools and strategies for resilience planning. Experts from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Environmental Protection Agency, and Water Information Sharing & Analysis Center (WaterISAC) discussed everything from risk assessments to emergency response planning. Attendees also heard real-world lessons from incident response leaders at Veolia North America.
Later in the day, participants split into breakout sessions to dive deeper into cyber incident response and risk and resiliency assessments. These workshops gave teams a chance to talk through challenges and identify steps they can take now to strengthen local systems.
What stood out was the level of engagement. The agenda was built to encourage conversation, and participants took full advantage. People asked questions, shared experiences, and made connections they can expand on and take back to their communities.
With planning already underway for future events, Idaho continues to lead in building resilient systems that protect essential services and support public safety statewide.
Idaho Approves Statewide Transition to Next Generation 911
BOISE, ID – The Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission (IPSCC) approved grant funding to move forward with the implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911), a major step toward modernizing Idaho’s emergency response system and connecting all 911 call centers across the state through a secure, digital network.
NG911 replaces decades-old analog infrastructure with a more advanced system that allows dispatch centers to receive real-time mobile location data, text messages, photos, videos and live call transcription. It enables public safety answering points (PSAPs) to serve as backups to one another and includes the technology and connectivity needed to route calls based on a caller’s exact location within seconds, including specific rooms in large buildings. NG911 is also built to handle call surges during disasters and to ensure Idaho’s 911 system can adapt as emergency communications technology continues to evolve.
“We are proud to have been part of the process in developing a strategy to bring Next Generation 911 to Idaho,” said IPSCC Chairman and Payette County Sheriff, Andy Creech. “This transition will save lives and strengthen the connection between 911 callers and our law enforcement, fire and EMS teams. It’s a major step forward in ensuring every Idahoan has access to fast, reliable emergency response.”
Idaho now joins nearly every other state and U.S. territory in adopting NG911. This decision sets the stage for a phased implementation that will bring all participating counties online with the new system in the months ahead.
The $15 million NG911 transition is funded through the Emergency Communications Grant Fee, a 25-cent surcharge on phone bills. Forty-three of Idaho’s 44 counties will participate in the grant program.
IPSCC also approved a $1.33 million grant to support Geographic Information System (GIS) projects in communities across Idaho to help integrate seamlessly with NG911. The funds will help create a four-person team to work directly with counties throughout the state, including the 32 that do not have a GIS professional on staff.
GIS professionals play an integral role in NG911 effectiveness. The data curated by GIS personnel contains crucial information concerning response districts, cellular user data, and most importantly, the caller’s precise location within a few feet. Accuracy is important, as even the slightest discrepancy in data can delay telecommunicators from quickly and confidently dispatching help.
IPSCC and the Idaho Office of Emergency Management will work closely with counties and emergency response partners to support implementation, training, and public education throughout the rollout process.
For media inquiries, please contact 911 Program Manager Eric Newman at 208-995-6984 or enewman@imd.idaho.gov.
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The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is part of the Idaho Military Division. The services we provide are to facilitate emergency management in Idaho, and to assist neighboring states. The women and men of this Division are dedicated to their mission of protecting the lives and property of the people of Idaho, as well as preserving the environmental and the economic health of Idaho.
Next Generation 911 and GIS Q&A Sessions
Idaho is taking the next step toward modernizing its emergency response capabilities. As part of the state’s transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911), the Idaho Office of Emergency Management is partnering with Motorola and 911 Program GIS personnel to host a series of in-person Q&A sessions across the state.
NG911 is an upgrade to replace aging analog 911 systems with a faster, more reliable digital infrastructure. The updated system will better support modern communication technologies like text-to-911, improved caller location accuracy, and multimedia messaging all critical to delivering the right help to the right place, faster.
This shift will involve all levels of emergency communication from dispatch centers to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and will require collaboration, preparation, and planning.
Representatives from Motorola and the 911 GIS Program will walk through key aspects of the rollout, including the NG911 roll-out schedule, owning agency requirements for PSAPs, expectations and state policy, and more.
Attendees will get a better understanding of how their agency fits into the broader state network and what support is available as Idaho moves forward with NG911 implementation.
Join us at one of the following sessions:
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | 1200 NW 6th Ave, Fruitland, ID
- 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | 209 S. 1st Ave, Hailey, ID
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Chubbuck Police Department
5160 Yellowstone Ave, Chubbuck, ID
Thursday, July 17, 2025
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | 1230 Main St., Lewiston (1st floor)
- 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Post Falls Police Department
1717 E. Polston Ave, Post Falls, ID
A virtual option is also available for those unable to attend in person.
Join via Microsoft Teams
For more information, contact Eric Newman at enewman@imd.idaho.gov.
Novich Named Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) is pleased to announce Heidi Novich as the new Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief. Novich brings nearly two decades of leadership, institutional knowledge, and experience to the role, building on a career dedicated to strengthening Idaho’s emergency preparedness.
Novich has been with IOEM since 2007, serving in a range of capacities that have shaped the agency’s capabilities and programs. Her career at IOEM has included leading efforts in Community Preparedness, managing the Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Program, and most recently, serving as an Area Field Officer supporting local jurisdictions across the southwest and south-central regions of the state.
“Heidi has been a cornerstone of IOEM’s success for many years,” said IOEM Bureau Chief Ben Roeber. “Her depth of knowledge, commitment to collaboration, and experience make her well-suited to lead our Preparedness and Protection Branch. I am excited to work alongside her in this new capacity.”
Novich has also served various roles within the Idaho Response Center, led statewide Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) initiatives, and consistently taken on additional responsibilities that support both the agency’s internal operations and its coordination with local, state, and federal partners.
“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue working with the outstanding team at IOEM,” Novich said. “Idaho’s preparedness depends on strong partnerships, practical planning, and constant improvement and I’m excited to support those efforts in this role.”
The Preparedness and Protection Branch plays an important role in maintaining Idaho’s disaster readiness. The team is responsible for developing and updating state emergency plans, supporting coordination and resource sharing across all levels of government during any type of disaster. The branch oversees programs like the Hazard Mitigation and Critical Infrastructure programs, and Emergency Planning, and provides Geographic Information System (GIS) technical support, and WebEOC, the emergency coordination platform.
Novich assumes her new duties as Preparedness and Protection Branch Chief on July 7.
HazMat Week Brings Together First Responders Across Idaho
Hazardous materials professionals from across the state came to the Treasure Valley to take part in Idaho Office of Emergency Management’s (IOEM) Hazmat Week 2025. The annual training event offers first responders and regional teams the opportunity to strengthen their skills, build partnerships, and stay prepared for the challenges of hazardous material incidents.
Participants this year included members from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Meridian Fire Department, and three of the state’s Regional Response Teams (RRTs): Boise Fire (RRT4), Idaho Falls Fire (RRT7), and Twin Falls Fire, which is in the process of becoming RRT5.
Regional Response Teams serve as a critical state-level resource made up of members from fire departments across Idaho. By bringing together RRTs from different regions, HazMat Week not only strengthens individual team capabilities but also encourages joint operations—so multiple teams can respond as one during large-scale emergencies.
Throughout the week, attendees participated in a series of technical, scenario-based classes led by subject matter experts. These courses focused on emerging threats, interagency coordination, and real-world response tactics. Training locations included the Boise Fire Training Center, Boise Fire Station 17, Union Pacific in Nampa, and Amalgamated Sugar in Weiser.
Participants learned how to safely identify unknown substances using field testing kits and classification tools, reviewed best practices for managing incidents involving compressed natural gas vehicles and fuel systems, worked alongside rail partners, and more.
The week concluded with a full-scale HazMat rail exercise, where professionals put their training to the test where they were evaluated on their communication, operational coordination, teamwork, and more in a simulated emergency event.
All three RRTs worked together to operate as one unified response. This level of integration reflects the long-term goal IOEM, and its partners have been working toward by building regional teams that can function seamlessly together when large-scale incidents demand it.
By investing in high-quality training and creating opportunities for collaboration with agencies across Idaho, IOEM is helping responders stay ready to protect their communities and reduce the impact of hazardous material incidents.
Idaho Bureau of Emergency Medical Services to Join Idaho Military Division
BOISE, IDAHO — The Idaho Military Division is excited to welcome the state’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services into the organization. This transition, effective July 1, 2025, marks a significant step toward enhancing Idaho’s emergency response capabilities and building a more resilient state.
As the state’s coordinating body for emergency management through IOEM, the division brings decades of experience in disaster preparedness, coordination and community support. The integration of EMS creates new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and expanded service.
“This transition presents IMD with an opportunity to use our knowledge and build upon our expertise while continuing to serve Idahoans through expanded capabilities that enhance our commitment to public safety,” said Adjutant General of Idaho Maj. Gen. Tim Donnellan. “We’re excited to welcome EMS into IMD and look forward to the incredible impact we can make together for communities across the state.”
The EMS Bureau supports a range of critical programs, including EMS systems and licensing, State Communications and the Time Sensitive Emergency program. While EMS delivery varies across Idaho, this move brings renewed focus and coordination to address system-wide challenges such as staffing and long-term sustainability.
EMS operations will relocate to Gowen Field in Boise, further aligning daily coordination with state emergency functions and reinforcing Idaho’s unified approach to public safety. StateComm will continue operations from its current location in Meridian.
Additionally, increased grant funding has been authorized for nonprofit and governmental 911 response agencies to support personnel and operational needs, an important step toward strengthening EMS at the local level.
“Across a large and geographically diverse state like Idaho, timely response and efficient coordination are important to saving lives,” said EMS Bureau Chief Wayne Denny. “This transition will help maintain and continue to improve strong partnerships with healthcare providers, emergency responders and public health professionals across the state.”
House Bill 206, introduced in the House Transportation and Defense Committee, passed both chambers with majority support during the 2025 legislative session. The legislation directed the move of EMS from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to IMD.
IMD is working closely with EMS leadership, the Governor’s Office, IDHW and other partners to support a smooth transition.
The Idaho Military Division remains fully committed to the bureau’s mission: to reduce disease, injury and death through prevention, awareness and quality service. By aligning resources and expertise under one roof, this transition enhances Idaho’s ability to protect the health and safety of its residents today and into the future.
For media inquiries regarding this news release, please contact EMS Bureau Chief Wayne Denny at Wayne.Denny@dhw.idaho.gov or 208-334-4000.
Idaho Mourns the Loss of Two Firefighting Heroes
The Idaho Office of Emergency Management is saddened by the tragic events of Sunday, June 29, when two firefighters were shot and killed and a third critically injured while responding to a brush fire on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene. Battalion Chiefs John Morrison of Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and Frank Harwood of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue lost their lives in the line of duty. Engineer David Tysdal was seriously wounded in the shooting.
Our hearts are with the families, friends, colleagues, and northern Idaho communities grieving this immense loss. We also hold Engineer Tysdal in our thoughts as he recovers.
Harwood had a longstanding relationship with IOEM, working closely with our HazMat Duty Officers and Regional Response Team 1. His commitment and expertise made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to work with him.
“Battalion Chief Harwood was an integral part of communication between IOEM HazMat Duty Officers and RRT1,” said IOEM HazMat Program Manager Sarah Cerda. “Frank was often the one who answered the calls for RRT1 and joined coordination calls to support local responders across Region 1. His willingness to help made him a trusted and valued partner. Frank’s knowledge, expertise, and genuine care for those he served will be deeply missed.”
Despite the unthinkable tragedy and unknown threats, first responders from across Kootenai County and North Idaho acted swiftly and professionally during the Sunday incident. Kootenai County Emergency Management, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue, the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department, Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Post Falls Police Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Idaho Bureau of Land Management all played key roles in rescuing the injured and trapped firefighters and preventing the suspect from fleeing the area. These agencies, along with other supporting partners, worked with exceptional coordination to protect public safety, confront the threat, and combat the fire.
Their teamwork and strength reflect the deep dedication behind Idaho’s emergency response community.
Several donation opportunities are available to help support the families of Chief Morrison, Chief Harwood, and Engineer Tysdal:
Support the Morrison Family
Donate via Stripe
Support the Tysdal Family
Donate via Stripe
Support the Harwood Family
Donate via Stripe
Support All Three Families via the Red & Blue Foundation
redbluefoundation.org
Memorial T-Shirt: All proceeds go to the Harwood and Morrison families
Relentless Defender Apparel – Remember Harwood & Morrison
Donate at First Interstate Bank
Visit any branch and ask to contribute to the fund for the fallen firefighters.
JW Foundation – Supporting Families of Fallen Emergency Responders
jwmfidaho.com/donate-2
Recovery Resources After a Wildfire
Wildfires can devastate entire communities by damaging homes, businesses, and farmland in their path. In the wake of these events, emergency managers often become the first point of contact for community members seeking recovery assistance.
While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) often plays a central role in disaster support, there are several additional federal programs that may be available to help individuals, families, agricultural producers, and small businesses recover. The resources below may be useful for jurisdictions impacted by wildfire.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may provide low-interest disaster loans to individuals, businesses, and nonprofits impacted by wildfire. These include:
- Homeowners and renters
- Businesses of all sizes
- Private nonprofit organizations
- Small agricultural cooperatives
These loan programs become available following a federal disaster declaration, usually requested by the Governor after certain thresholds are met. Emergency managers play an important role in gathering local damage data to support these declarations.
Once approved, SBA loans can help cover repair costs, replace property, and restore operations. Learn more at the SBA Disaster Assistance page.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Disaster Assistance Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a wide range of support for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and landowners affected by wildfires.
Disaster Resource Center
The USDA’s Disaster Resource Center provides centralized information on how to prepare, recover, and build long-term resilience after a disaster. Because wildfires often span public and private land, USDA firefighting and recovery efforts extend beyond national forests to assist landowners, producers, and communities across the landscape.
Farm Service Agency Assistance Programs
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) Disaster Assistance Programs provide targeted support for agricultural producers recovering from wildfire and other disasters.
Livestock Assistance
- Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP): Offers payments to eligible livestock producers for grazing losses caused by drought or wildfire.
- Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Provides financial relief for abnormal livestock deaths due to wildfire or adverse weather.
- Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP): Covers losses not included in other livestock disaster programs, such as those caused by fire, disease, or weather.
- Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP): Provides relief to livestock producers with approved 2021 LFP applications related to drought or wildfire. No separate application required.
Farm Loans
- Emergency Loan Program: Provides low-interest loans to help producers recover from production or physical losses caused by disasters.
- Disaster Set-Aside Program: Allows eligible producers with existing FSA loans to defer one year’s loan payment in federally declared disaster areas.
Farmland Recovery
- Emergency Conservation Program (ECP): Helps repair farmland and implement conservation measures during severe drought or post-wildfire.
Learn more. - Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP): Assists landowners in restoring non-industrial private forests damaged by wildfire.
Learn more.
Crop and Tree Loss
- Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP): Assists producers of non-insurable crops when losses are caused by natural disasters, including wildfire.
- Tree Assistance Program (TAP): Provides financial aid to orchardists and nursery growers to replace trees, bushes, or vines damaged by fire or other disasters.
You can also download a printable overview of USDA disaster programs here: USDA Disaster Assistance Brochure (PDF)
Natural Resources Conservation Service – Disaster Recovery
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps farmers, ranchers, and communities recover from wildfires and other disasters through both technical and financial assistance.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) helps producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by wildfire. Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, and non-industrial private forestland. Available practices may include:
- Immediate soil erosion protection
- Minimizing spread of noxious or invasive plants
- Water quality protection
- Restoration of livestock infrastructure needed for grazing
- Emergency animal mortality management
Technical Assistance
NRCS conservationists can provide expert guidance to help producers and communities rebuild and strengthen their land. Services may include:
- Erosion prevention and control
- Soil protection and health restoration
- Directional water flow planning to avoid future flooding
- Preventative wildfire strategies
- Post-fire rehabilitation planning
- General conservation planning
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program supports communities recovering from watershed damage caused by wildfires, floods, drought, and other disasters. Through the EWP, NRCS can help reduce hazards to life and property by supporting the following:
- Debris removal from stream channels, bridges, and culverts
- Reshaping and stabilizing eroded streambanks
- Repairing damaged drainage systems and levees
- Reseeding burned or eroded areas to prevent further degradation
For those jurisdictions with questions, need help reporting disaster impacts, or want to connect with available resources, please reach out to your IOEM Area Field Officer or Jarod Dick at jdick@imd.idaho.gov.