Governor Brad Little and Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke welcomed top officials from the Trump administration to Idaho this week for a wildfire preparedness roundtable and the Governor’s annual trail ride, bringing together state, federal, and local leaders to coordinate efforts ahead of the 2025 wildfire season.
The visit included senior leaders from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), who joined state officials to discuss wildfire mitigation strategies, land management reforms, and resource coordination. Among the federal participants were:
- Kate MacGregor, DOI Deputy Secretary
- Kristin Sleeper, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources & Environment
- Tom Schultz, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service
- Adam Suess, Acting DOI Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management
- Andrew Mott, Assistant to the DOI Deputy Secretary
The roundtable focused on enhancing federal-state collaboration and reinforcing the 100% full suppression approach for federally managed wildfires—a strategy emphasized by the Trump administration to improve rapid response, reduce community risk, and strengthen firefighter safety.
“Getting together to talk about the issues in person is always the best way to get things done,” said Gov. Little. “None of the progress we’re making on land and fire management would be possible without President Trump’s sheer ambition to drive big changes, and Idaho is grateful for it.”
Federal officials echoed the importance of land management as a wildfire prevention tool, stressing the role of targeted forest thinning, grazing, and prescribed fire in reducing hazardous fuels and protecting communities. They also highlighted Idaho’s leadership in implementing initiatives like the Good Neighbor Authority and Shared Stewardship, which allow the state to increase the pace and scale of forest management on federal lands.
The roundtable comes on the heels of Governor Little’s “Make Forests Healthy Again Act”, an executive order issued in April, and President Trump’s “Freeing Our Forests Act”, both of which are aimed at ramping up coordination and cutting red tape to accelerate forest health projects.
“We are moving full speed ahead with reforms that empower land managers and put the right tools in the hands of those on the front lines,” said Kate MacGregor, Deputy Secretary of the Interior. “Under President Trump and Secretary Burgum’s leadership, we’re working shoulder to shoulder with states like Idaho to protect communities and safeguard our natural resources.”
The Governor’s annual trail ride, a two-day event held in Idaho’s backcountry, brought together a wide range of participants, including ranchers, state agency heads, federal officials, and congressional staff. Around the campfire, attendees discussed issues such as wildfire and fuels management, federal regulation, sage grouse conservation, and energy development.
“Governor Little’s trail ride is a unique opportunity to see firsthand the truly unique natural treasures in this great country and hear how we can work closely to ensure the future viability of our public lands,” said Kristin Sleeper of USDA. “President Trump and Secretary Rollins have made it a priority to further our working relationship with the States.”
Tom Schultz, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, praised the event for strengthening intergovernmental partnerships: “The challenges we face today require an all-hands, all-lands approach to safeguard our communities and return health and productivity to our forests and grasslands. The Governor’s deep appreciation for public land and unwavering commitment to shared stewardship is truly valued.”
By: DNU staff