In the Spotlight: Fire Management   

 Murphy Complex Emergency Stabilization & Rehabilitation   

Sagebrush Seeds Collected by Volunteers Assist in Rehabilitation of Burned Public Lands
Sagebrush seeds collected this fall by volunteers with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDF&G) have already made their way back onto the lands in Idaho.  The Boise District completed an aerial seeding of over 2,000 acres located north of Weiser on land burned in the Warm Springs Fire during July of 2007.  That fire burned nearly 24,000 acres of public and private lands.  The aerial seeding was successfully completed through the cooperative efforts of the BLM, IDF&G, The Nature Conservancy, Thomas Helicopters and the 12,000-acre Sage Rock Ranch.  While completing the project, managers reported seeing over 100 head of Elk just south of the treatment area, which is known for its big game and upland bird habitat.  This coordinated effort brings Idaho Governor Butch Otter’s sagebrush collection campaign full circle and will help to rehabilitate the fire damaged area.  An additional 9,000 acres of aerial seeding has been completed on six other unfunded Burned Area Rehabilitation projects located throughout the District.