Coeur d’Alene District and Nez Perce Tribe Strengthen Community Through Partnership

All too familiar in the West is the threat of wildfire. Mitigating and fighting these fires is becoming increasingly difficult and it is vital to limit damage to life, property and resources. North-central Idaho prides itself on its ability to combat wildfire through cooperative agreements amongst federal, tribal and state agencies. The Nez Perce Tribe (Nimiipuu) and Coeur d’ Alene (CDA) District have a long-standing working relationship rooted in stewardship for our shared natural resources.

 On Jan. 23, 2025, the tribe and CDA District continued to foster their relationship through the finalization of transferring an excess BLM Type 6 wildland fire engine to the tribe. Just the day prior, the CDA District had its first fire of 2025; the less than one-acre understory fire was a stark reminder of why we need to champion our partnership. The engine provides necessary equipment to the tribe to defend their community, which includes BLM-managed public lands, against an ever-mounting threat of catastrophic wildland fire. The tribe experienced its most significant fire in recent history in 2024. The Gwen Fire scorched almost 30,000 acres including 143 structures within communities on and surrounding the Nez Perce Reservation.

 A gathering of tribal and BLM representatives consisted of inspirational words of our shared community and objectives from leadership of both organizations. Our continued willingness to work together in combatting wildland fire and minimizing the stress on our neighbors and resources was the common denominator. Efforts extend past incident management and venture into restoring wildlife habitat and fisheries, with projects like the ongoing acclimation station on the Lower Salmon River.  Both organizations are extremely proud of the collaborative efforts and projects that we have accomplished together.

After a ceremonial handover, the former engine boss provided a familiarization briefing to the inheriting crew. Basic operation and acclimatization to controls of the engine were covered. The unfortunate truth is that this engine may need to be used this upcoming season. With its new capable crew, it will continue to be a tool to help protect residents and resources.

The CDA District would like to thank our partners at the Nez Perce Tribe: Chairman Shannon F. Wheeler, Howard Teasley (director of forestry fire), Aaron Miles (natural resource program manager), Jeff Handel (fire management officer), Kip Kemak (fire prevention and mitigation specialist), Riston Bullock (lead engine operator), and Tammy Davis (administrative assistant). We know that you will put the engine to good use. We would also like to thank the CDA District Assistant Fire Management Officer Ian Morgan, and all other BLM staff involved in making this transfer happen. Your dedication to your community and the landscape is unrivaled.