Wildfire Mitigation Efforts Expand in Adams County
Representatives of the Adams Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) provided commissioners with an overview of the district’s role, recent activities, and ongoing partnership with Adams County. Representative Wendy Green highlighted recent projects, including the Thorn Creek culvert replacement, and announced receipt of an $89,000 Idaho Water Resource Board grant for irrigation infrastructure improvements. Outreach efforts related to noxious weed education throughout the county and the annual weed tour were also discussed.
Green presented commissioners with a $20,339.37 flood management grant payment to Adams County for the Thorn Creek culvert project. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the district’s support and collaboration.
Planning and Zoning Official Meredith Fisher reviewed proposed revisions to setback language related to buildings near property lines and state highways. The discussion focused on clarifying definitions, particularly the use of the term ‘building’ rather than ‘structure,’ and whether movable or non-permanent buildings should be treated differently under the ordinance. Commissioners generally agreed that the proposed ten-foot setback for outbuildings was reasonable and would not unduly restrict property use.
Additional discussion addressed building setbacks adjacent to state highways. The board agreed to clarify that setbacks would be determined and enforced based on Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) standards and that applicants must submit written ITD setback documentation with building permit applications. Commissioners asked Fisher to revise the language accordingly and consult legal counsel before proceeding with the required publication and a public hearing.
Waste Management Official Steve Shelton reported that no landfill construction is planned for the winter. The board reviewed concerns that construction and demolition waste rates are below regional standards and discussed potential rate increases and minimum charges to better recover costs. Additional topics included building permit-related landfill fees, the coupon-based tracking system, and staff coordination on ordinance and operational issues. Commissioners requested an annual review of tipping fees and directed Shelton to collaborate with the building inspector and prosecuting attorney before presenting updated recommendations.
Road and Bridge Official Adam Balderson presented a professional service agreement for next year’s chip sealing engineering, with fees capped at $37,000, and proposed cost savings by limiting the engineer’s role to bid preparation while county staff handle inspections. The board also reviewed a $15,000+ quote for three mini-split HVAC units at the new shop, to be funded from existing building funds, and discussed advertising timelines for a pending sales agreement. Further updates included positive public feedback on the recreation center parking lot improvements, with permanent drainage and concrete repairs planned for a future budget cycle.
Commissioners held a public discussion in relation to a recent snow removal complaint from resident Sean Malloy regarding blocked driveway access on Pine Ridge Avenue. Malloy suggested a tax break or property purchase by the county and indicated he might gate the area if no solution was reached, potentially limiting county plowing for other residents. Neighboring property owners gathered at the meeting in support of continued county snow removal due to safety, steep terrain, heavy snowfall, and emergency access needs. The board noted the county lacks an easement beyond the end of the road and explored obtaining a limited easement from the adjacent property owner to allow plowing and turnaround without affecting existing private easements. Commissioners emphasized their role is limited to road maintenance and plowing, not resolving private easement disputes, and asked Malloy to submit proposed easement terms for review.
Sheriff Ryan Zollman discussed finalizing a marine waterways agreement and the Idaho Department of Corrections (IDOC) inmate contracts. Jefferson and Bonneville counties will pay a flat $75 per bed, regardless of whether they send fewer inmates than contracted, with 24 beds planned. The contract includes a clause to adjust if state rates rise, as $75 is below the state average of $116 per day. Additionally, two county pickups are slated for auction, potentially via silent auction with a minimum bid, aiming for completion in January. Zollman suggested maximizing interest by including additional items from other departments.
Emergency Management Coordinator Carol Walsh, introduced the National Forest Foundation (NFF) team, who presented their work in Adams County as part of the Southwest Idaho All Lands Partnership, focusing on wildfire mitigation across public and private lands. They highlighted collaboration with Shared Stewardship, Northwest Management and other federal, state, and county partners to coordinate efforts, share resources, and increase funding for strategic treatment projects.
A $21,250 grant from NFF was approved to support administrative duties and expand local programs. The partnership uses tools like the Vibrant Planet system to prioritize treatment areas and ensure the most effective use of funds.
The Fire Ready Forest program was introduced, offering cost-share support for private landowners to treat roughly 8,500 acres over the next five years. Outreach will begin this winter to engage landowners and encourage stewardship, emphasizing neighbor cooperation and long-term maintenance.
The Southern Idaho Shared Stewardship representative outlined Adams County’s Shared Stewardship Program, emphasizing collaboration among federal, state, local agencies, and non-government organizations to manage wildfire risk across 2.1 million-acre landscapes. Projects like the 92,000-acre Highway 95 initiative demonstrate coordinated fire resiliency and timber management efforts.
The program integrates local wildfire mitigation, supports adjacent federal projects, and partners with organizations such as the Good Neighbor Authority Program and the National Forest Foundation. The 2025 Enhanced Shared Stewardship Agreement raised timber sale targets to 100 million board feet, with $13 million in grants secured and counties acting as project contractors.
In 2024, over 46,000 acres were treated via timber sales, thinning, and prescribed fire, benefiting 66 landowners. Despite 2025 delays, Adams County applied for a $5 million Community Wildfire Defense Grant, with matching funds growing to nearly $1 million and leveraging over $2.5 million in total investment. A neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach promotes fire-resilient communities, with more than 80 landowners enrolled for future projects.
Finally, the Shared Stewarship representative discussed the potential use of wood for rebuilding the Packer John Cabin. He suggested that, rather than chipping the wood, it could be repurposed to reconstruct the cabin or create a public shelter for community use, highlighting the opportunity to provide a functional and communal structure while making efficient use of available resources.
