HB 511: Fire Management in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) (2026)
Summary: House Bill 511, sponsored by the Idaho Department of Lands, proposes increasing the structure surcharge levied on improved private forest land parcels in the WUI by raising the cap from $40 to a maximum of $100 per parcel. ICL supports this proposal as a step in the right direction and would like to see continued discussion about sustainable funding and responsibility for fuel reduction and fire management projects in high-risk areas.
ICL’s Position: Support
Current Bill Status: Committee - Senate Resources & Environment (Passed through House)
Issue Areas: Fire Management, WUI
Fire management in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) has become an increasingly pressing issue as more Idahoans build homes outside urban areas. House Bill 511, sponsored by the Idaho Department of Lands, proposes increasing the structure surcharge levied on improved private forest land parcels in the WUI by raising the cap from $40 to a maximum of $100 per parcel. The funds collected are utilized by forest protective associations like the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association who work on proactive hazardous fuel reduction projects and fire fighting efforts.
The structure surcharge was last increased in 2009. While the bill does not specify how much will ultimately be charged up to the $100 maximum, it opens the door to higher assessments to help cover wildfire prevention efforts and fire fighting costs.
ICL supports this proposal as a step in the right direction and would like to see continued discussion about sustainable funding and responsibility for fuel reduction and fire management projects in high-risk areas.
