|
Print Page | ||
|
Check out our previous editions! Idaho BLM in ActionJanuary 2007 From the Washington Office
Tom Dyer Installed as Idaho's State DirectorAssistant Secretary Stephen Allred administers the Oath of Office
“Tom is particularly special to me,” Allred said. “He has a wide range of experiences and has always been very helpful. I know I can depend on Tom.” In his opening remarks, Associate State Director Peter Ditton said, “It is fitting that we commemorate this milestone in his career. This is a wonderful place to live and work. It is my home for now, for me and my family. For Tom, however, I know this has always been his home. He was raised just down the road in Fruitland, and I know how happy he is to return here as Idaho BLM's State Director." Ditton said Tom has a tremendous understanding of the public lands we manage and, equally important, he understands the value of these lands to the people who love and depend on them. He also has a great respect for the civil servants who work for the BLM here in Idaho. "Tom is also very family-oriented," he said. "He understands that through his management, a positive difference will be made on these public lands and resources for generations to come. (Contact: Cheryle Zwang, 208-373-4016) BLM Seeks Bids for One or More New Pasture Facilitites in West to Care for and Maintain Wild HorsesAdditional space needed to place wild horses in long-term holding facilities
Each pasture facility must be able to provide humane care for and maintain at least 750 wild horses – up to as many as 1,500 – over a one-year period, with an option under BLM contract for an additional four one-year extensions. The BLM needs additional space for wild horses placed in long-term holding facilities, all of which are currently located in Kansas and Oklahoma. Details of the BLM’s requirements will be posted in solicitation NAR070052, which is available at http://www.fbo.gov. Applicants must be registered at http://www.ccr.gov to be considered for a contract award. The solicitation ends February 8, 2007. For information about the BLM’s wild horse and burro adoption program, see http://www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov; for information about the agency’s sale of older wild horses and burros, see http://www.blm.gov/nhp/spotlight/whb_authority. (Contact: Tom Gorey, 202-452-5137) Slickspot Peppergrass Populations Stable — Endangered Species Act Listing Not WarrantedU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces January 8, 2007
While the quality of some of the plant’s known habitat has decreased, the current population trends do not appear to be significantly influenced by this habitat degradation. It appears that the lack of spring rains are the major limiting factor for the plant’s population growth, but as survey efforts continue, new occurrences of the plant are being discovered. “This decision follows an extensive review of existing and new scientific information and data,” said Ren Lohoefener, director of the Service’s Pacific Region. “The review included completion of a risk assessment by a panel of scientific experts from outside the agency, an evaluation of conservation efforts underway for the plant, deliberation by a panel of Service managers, as well as consideration of comments from the public.” Read full article. (Contact: Jeff Foss, USFWS, 208-378-5243) Featured Articles Idaho Governor Signs Agreement on National Fire PlanPlan shows Idaho's continued dedication toward implementation of the Plan Idaho State Office. Former Idaho Governor Jim Risch joined a delegation of nearly one dozen state, federal and local agencies on December 12 in signing a revised Idaho Implementation Strategy for the National Fire Plan. The plan shows Idaho’s continued dedication towards implementation of the National Plan. Idaho’s strategy focuses on reducing fuels in forests and rangelands that are a wildfire hazard and on increasing the capability of local fire departments and districts that provide a front line defense on private lands where people live. The revised Idaho Implementation Strategy establishes a collaborative partnership between the Idaho State Fire Plan Working Group and working groups organized at the county level. Idaho BLM is a participant in the Idaho State Fire Plan Working Group, which is a collaborative body composed of individuals representing state and federal agencies, counties, tribes, and non-governmental organizations. Visit National Fire Plan Website. (Contact: Leonard Wehking, 208-373-3851) Record of Decision Signed for Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve Management PLanPlan to guide management of over 738,000 acres of public lands administered by BLM and NPS
According to Doug Neighbor, NPS Superintendent, the new plan will guide both agencies to manage over 738,000 acres of BLM- and NPS-administered public lands. “The Monument Management Plan is a result of more than four years of meaningful public involvement and collaborative effort to prepare one comprehensive management plan for the Monument.” “This approved plan provides the framework for proactive decision-making, including visitor use and managing natural and cultural resources and development,” Neighbor added. “This will allow our managers to address future opportunities and challenges effectively.” “Now that the Record of Decision has been signed, we are developing a strategy that will determine priorities for implementing decisions in the plan,” noted Holly Hampton, BLM Monument Manager. “As we move ahead, each project will be subject to additional site-specific environmental analysis, associated Tribal consultation, and agency and public involvement. We are looking forward to working with our stakeholders as we implement projects throughout the Monument.” Read full article. (Contact: Ted Stout, NPS, 208-527-3257 or Barbara Bassler, BLM, 208-732-7225) BLM Releases Draft Pocatello Resource Management Plan for Public ReviewPlan is aimed at sustaining the health, diversity and productivity of public lands
The draft RMP analyzes four alternatives covering a broad spectrum of management options. BLM has also selected a preferred alternative that the agency hopes would provide the most reasonable and practical approach to managing the public land resources and uses. This alternative emphasizes proactive management and flexibility to adjust to changing conditions over time. It also emphasizes protection, restoration, enhancement and use of resources and services into the future. The 90-day public comment period will close April 4, 2007. The draft RMP/EIS is available online at the following web address: http://www.id.blm.gov/planning/pocrmp/index.htm. The Pocatello Field Office has planned four open houses in Pocatello, Soda Springs, Malad and Fort Hall to provide information and answer questions from the public. Read full article. (Contact: Terry Smith, 208-478-6347) Actions and Activities Around Idaho DOI Assistant Secretary Tours Public Land in Southern Idaho's Treasure ValleyTour illustrates issues and challenges in Boise and Twin Falls Districts
Twin Falls District Office. On December 21, 2006, the Assistant Secretary toured the Twin Falls District in south-central Idaho to discuss several issues of local interest, including the Blaine County Airport relocation, fire rehabilitation, aquifer recharge and the North Rim. (Contact: Howard Hedrick, 208-735-2062) 4,000 "Birders" Turn Out for 16th Annual Coeur d'Alene Eagle Watch WeekVisitors attend presentations, learn from eagle exhibits and watch hundreds of waterfowl
For the last 33 years, BLM has been counting bald eagles around Lake Coeur d'Alene. On December 19, as many as 106 eagles were counted, as compared with the 2005 all-time record of 156 eagles. Along the eastern arm of the lake, at the Wolf Lodge Bay wildlife viewing area, as many as 60 eagles could be seen as they fed on the lake's spawned kokanee salmon. This event, which draws people from all over the world, has become an annual family outing for many people throughout the northwest. BLM employees and volunteers stationed at two recreation sites provided presentations and displays, including mounted eagles, throughout the week. High powered telescopes were set up to help the public see eagles as they roosted in nearby trees, soared in the air currents and fed on the spawning kokanee.
Learn More About this Annual Event: Bald eagles begin frequenting the lake in late November each year when the kokanee start to spawn and die. The number of visiting bald eagles peaks by the end of December. Visitors enjoyed exhibits with telescopes at the Mineral Ridge Boat Launch and the Mineral Ridge Trailhead. Biologists and volunteers were available during the week to answer questions, locate eagles and assist with the telescopes. (Contact: Scott Robinson, 208-769-5048 or Beth Paragamian, 208-769-5043) Kick-Off Meeting Held to Discuss Proposed Wind Energy Facility in Boise DistrictProposed wind turbines would generate between 21 and 35 Megawatts
Following favorable data received from anemometers placed in the area over the last two years, Exergy has filed a request for a right-of-way to install and operate a wind energy generation facility on 2,122 acres of public land. Exergy proposes installing fourteen 1.5 to 2.5 megawatt wind turbines, for a total generating capacity between 21 and 35 megawatts. The low-voltage power will be sold to Idaho Power Company. (Contact: Mike Austin, 208-384-3339) Boise District Participates in Audubon Society's Annual Christmas Bird CountStaff covered an area fifteen miles in diameter
Staff covered an area fifteen miles in diameter, including the area surrounding CJ Strike Dam, which is a large wintering area for several species of birds. The dam is located approximately 50 miles southeast of Boise. This year, 86 species totaling over 30,000 birds were counted by ten volunteers who braved freezing temperatures and cold blowing winds. The group worked twelve hours to get the count. Additional information about annual Christmas Bird Count can be found at: http://www.audubon.org/bird/cbc/index.html. (Contact: Larry Ridenhour, 208-384-3334) Twin Peak Mine Clean-Up Project Successfully CompletedVisitors to the now safe site will be able to piece together a bit of Idaho’s mining history
Project work included structural repair of the change house; disposal of multiple large heavy equipment type batteries; neutralization of explosives in the cap magazine; demolition and burial of the dilapidated mill building into an on-site repository; consolidation and capping of the mill tailings; stockpiling, hauling and placement of topsoil; and seeding and mulching of the entire construction disturbance footprint. The BLM Idaho Falls District Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Closure Team, based in Salmon, completed the first phase of the project in July 2006 when they secured the two open adits. The adits at the site posed very serious safety threats to people and wildlife. Known hazards associated with this type of working include potentially falling into interior shafts, falling rock and cave-ins. (Contact: Phil Barbarick, 208-756-5415) Read full story. Boise District Progressing on Emergency Stabilization and RehabilitationPersonnel work to complete a variety of projects
Cultural clearances were completed on 5,429 acres of drill seeding and 35 miles of proposed new fence locations. District personnel have completed 5,429 acres of drill seeding in six locations across the District. Fire personnel have completed over 50 miles of protective fence repair and installation. Contracts for 40,795 acres of aerial seeding have been awarded, and seeding treatments were conducted. Contracts are being developed for planting over 230,000 bitterbrush seedlings in February and March and for 14,817 acres of herbicide seedbed preparation in March and April. During the spring of 2007, all fencing, noxious weed detection and control projects will be completed. Treatment effectiveness monitoring will be ongoing during the spring for the current and prior two years’ ESR projects. In July and August, evaluation of new fire occurrences for possible ESR treatments and preparation of planning documents will occur, thus beginning the annual cycle again. (Contact: Cindy Fritz, 208-384-3416) Idaho Museum to Feature Sergeant Ordway ExhibitConsortium working to secure grant for interpretation of expedition through Camas Prairie
Toana Freight Wagon Road Added to National RegisterRoad was used in early 1870s to haul freight to the mining camps Jarbidge Field Office. The Toana Freight Wagon Road Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 29, 2006. The Toana Road was used in the early 1870s to haul freight to the mining camps, located within the Idaho BLM Jarbidge Field Office. The road parallels Salmon Falls Creek along the east side of the Jarbidge Field Office, until it connects to the Oregon Trail south of Bliss. The Twin Falls County Historic Preservation Commission conducted the studies, applied for grants and worked with the State of Idaho and BLM to support the designation. (Contact: Jeff Ross, 208-736-2358) Big Southern Butte Road Closed for WinterButte is popular view point and hang-gliding launch point in the summer
The closure, which began after a storm dropped several inches of snow on the Butte, is needed as a safety measure. The road to the top of Big Southern Butte is built on a 29 percent grade. BLM officials expect the road to be closed until May 2007, depending on snow levels and road conditions. BLM presently has a fire lookout and communication tower at the summit, and the Butte is a popular view point and hang-gliding launch point in the summer. (Contact: Wendy Reynolds, 208-524-7555)
Focus on Wildlife
Shoshone Basin Sage Grouse Local Working Group Finalizes Plan and Identifies Project WorkGroup reviews the past season and looks at potential project work for upcoming year
The group reviewed the past grazing and nesting season, finalizing the written plan for the area and looking at any potential project work for the upcoming year. Shoshone Basin Working Group partners include the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Idaho Department of Lands, Department of Agriculture, permittees/private land owners and hunting interests. (Contact: Elena Shaw, 208-735-2065) BLM, IDFG Re-issue Stinking Springs Eildlife Temporary ClosureClosure to protect fragile wintering mule deer populations
IDFG requested the emergency closure in late spring 2006 when they noticed a significant increase in deer mortality due to cold temperatures and increasing human disturbances. IDFG conservation officers also discovered the remains of four mule deer, including one radio-collared fawn, that were all shot with a .22-caliber rifle and left on site. The proposed emergency closure area is on BLM public lands near Stinking Springs and Wolf Flat located on the north side of the Heise River Road upstream of Kelly Island Campground. Public lands between the river road and the South Fork of the Snake River will remain open to anglers for fishing. (Contact: Wendy Reynolds, 208-524-7555) Jarbidge Field Office and U.S. Geological Survey Study Bull Trout MigrationInformation to be used in preparation of interagency Bull Trout Recovery Plan
Twin Falls District Fisheries Biologist Kate Forster said the information collected from this study will provide the data needed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, BLM, USGS, Nevada Department of Wildlife and U.S. Forest Service to prepare an interagency Bull Trout Recovery Plan for the Jarbidge Watershed. "During the summer of 2006, over 300 bull trout were implanted with PIT tags," Forster said. "Antennae that detect these tags were placed in three locations in the Jarbidge River canyon. When a tagged bull trout passes a detection site, the information on where the fish was tagged, and the direction it is migrating is recorded." Jarbidge Field Office Fisheries Technicians Joshua Uriarte and Matthew Kowalski are responsible for the weekly retrieval of the PIT tag data. They also replace the batteries that provide power to the antennas, clear the antennae of debris and make sure the antennae is spanning the entire river. Solar panels that keep the batteries charged are maintained and cleared of snow, ice and debris. Electrical maintenance and troubleshooting system problems are performed on the wires, cables and units that record the valuable bull trout data. (Contact: Kate Forster, 208-736-2365) Wildlife Biologists Discuss Monitoring Protocols for Columbia Spotted FrogModifications to provide more usable data
The Great Basin population is located south of the Snake River in southwestern Idaho. The purpose of the modifications will be to provide more usable data for determining whether to continue to list that population of the species as a “candidate” for listing under the Threatened and Endangered Species Act. (Contact: Tim Carrigan, 208-384-3341) Grizzly Bear Task Force Meeting Held in Northern IdahoGroup has been meeting to develop educational strategy for local community
This group, composed of local citizens, the Kootenai Indian Tribe and government agencies, has met regularly over the past couple of years to learn more about grizzly bears and develop an educational strategy for presentation to the local community to help local citizens safely cohabitate with grizzly bears. A taxidermy bear, named CJ, has enjoyed many visitors at the Bonners Ferry Library, county fair and the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Other projects include developing a two-page pamphlet distributed during the 2006 county fair; installing bear-proofing sanitation facilities around Boundary County; increasing public awareness of simple, affordable bear-proof trash cans for homesites; and exploring solutions for decreasing bear mortality within the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Bear Recovery Areas. (Contact: Scott Robinson, 208-769-5048) The War on Weeds Lemhi CWMA Notes Weed Control SuccessesGoat grazing and biological control insects make dramatic impact on leafy spurge infestation
The meeting was designed to showcase progress made during the past year toward control of noxious weeds in the CWMA area and to plan for future actions. Range Technician Chris Tambe of the Salmon Field Office presented information about the goat grazing and leafy spurge flea beetle control project outside of Salmon, Idaho. The combination of goat grazing and biological control insects has made a dramatic impact on the infestation of leafy spurge, which had been present in the area for decades. The biological treatments have reduced the infestation to the point where herbicides can be used to eradicate the remaining populations of weeds. (Contact: Steve Hartmann, 208-756-5410) Boise District Bio-control Specialists’ Articles Published in Quarterly Weed PublicationArticles discuss control of leafy spurge and Canada thistle
Pat Kane’s article is entitled Reclaiming the Banks of the Weiser River. Pat reviewed efforts over the past several years to control the spread of leafy spurge along the river. Without these efforts, seedlings can develop into mature plants, developing roots that can penetrate up to 26 feet in depth. This makes control very difficult, as leafy spurge out-competes most range plants. Joe Milan’s article is entitled Canada thistle – Does Anything Work? Joe’s answer to this question in the article is “Yes”. However, he explains that if only bio-controls are used on Canada Thistle, the process will take years. (Contact: Pat Kane, 208-384-3407) New Handbook on Targeted Grazing as a Tool for Weed Management Now Available On-linePrinted copies will be available in March 2007
University of Idaho. The application of livestock grazing to suppress unwanted plants has been around for centuries. Today, targeted grazing by livestock is being rediscovered and honed as an amiable and effective tool to address contemporary vegetation management challenges, like controlling invasive exotic weeds, reducing fire risk in the wildland-urban interface, and finding chemical-free ways to control weeds in organic agriculture. A new handbook was released in December 2006 that outlines the basics of applying targeted grazing for vegetation management. This handbook includes 18 chapters and represents a compilation of the latest research on harnessing livestock to graze targeted vegetation in ways that improve the function and appearance of a wide variety of landscapes. The handbook was created through funding from the National Sheep Industry Association and the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI). The handbook is available on-line at: http://www.cnr.uidaho.edu/rx-grazing/Handbook.htm. Printed copies of the handbook will be available through ASI (info@sheepusa.org) for $25 in March 2007. (Contact: Karen Launchbaugh, University of Idaho, 208-885-4394) Fire and Aviation Idaho Partnership Receives BLM “Cooperative Conservation” AwardAssistant Secretary C. Stephen Allred honors participants in "Fire-Up for Summer!" program
The award was presented to representatives of the “Fire-Up for Summer!” program, a partnership effort of the Idaho BLM, Meridian School District and Northwest Nazarene University. The BLM award recognizes collaborative conservation achievements, and this particular award recognizes the importance of connecting today’s youth with the environment. “As this country has become more urban, our youth have become more and more distant from the land that sustains us in so many ways,” said Assistant Secretary Allred. “We need to recognize efforts that educate and connect young people to their public lands.” The “Cooperative Conservation” award recognizes collaborative activity among a diverse range of entities, including federal, state, local and tribal governments; private for profit and nonprofit institutions; as well as other nongovernmental entities and individuals. This particular award recognizes the importance of educating and involving today’s youth with the environment. Read full story. (Contact: Shelley-Davis Brunner, 208-373-4020) Idaho Falls District Office Receives BLM's 2006 "Excellence in Ecosystem Management" AwardAward recognizes efforts in establishing programs in 18 counties to address wildland fire issues
The annual award honored the Idaho Falls District for working with its partners over the past five years to establish Community Assistance agreements with 18 Idaho counties and for moving forward on implementing the plans. Among the initiatives now underway are educational outreach, adoption of Wildland-Urban Interface fire codes for new residential construction, homeowner incentive programs and other citizen-based initiatives. In a letter to Idaho BLM State Director Tom Dyer, NIFC Acting Deputy Assistant Director Tim Murphy states, "Congratulations on the selection of the Idaho Falls District Office for the BLM's 2006 'Excellence in Ecosystem Management – for Achievement in Community Protection and Assistance!' award. The Idaho Falls District Office is recognized for their efforts in collaborating with their area partners in establishing a nationally recognized program to address wildland fire issues in their communities." Idaho BLM State Fire Management Officer Leonard Wehking said, "The Idaho Falls District runs a seamless, interagency program and has done so for years. With National Fire Plan funding, their list of cooperators has grown even bigger. Currently, their Community Assistance program administers an impressive 87 cooperative agreements. Chubbuck Fire Chief Merlin Miller once said to our State Office, 'With friends like BLM, we don’t really need any other assistance.' Statements like that show that Idaho Falls BLM has a big presence and is really stepping up to the plate to make a difference. The important adoption of a Wildland Urban Interface building code in Bannock County is one recent example of the effectiveness of this partnership's effort to protect our communities from wildfire." Read accomplishment highlights and list of partners. (Contact: Leonard Wehking, 208-373-3851) Southwest Idaho Council Presents Award to Boise District Fire Mitigation SpecialistAward honors wildland fire mitigation efforts in four-county area
Narus administers an assistance agreement with the Council to implement fire mitigation projects in the four-county area. Projects completed through the agreement include Wildland Fire Mitigation Plans for each county and demonstration projects for residential wildland fire safety. Publication and distribution of county-specific wildland fire pamphlets will be completed by March 2007. The Council is also assisting Elmore County with updating their zoning and development ordinance to include wildland fire mitigation measures. (Contact: Andy Delmas, 208-384-3401) Salmon Field Office Completes Pile BurningBurning carried out for Williams Lake and Gilmore Townsite areas Salmon Field Office. The BLM Salmon Field Office completed approximately 250 acres of pile burning from mid-October to mid-November 2006. Local weather conditions were favorable to accomplish pile burning. The burning was carried out for the Williams Lake and Gilmore Townsite areas. Both project areas where identified in the Lemhi County Assessment and Mitigation Plan for treatment of Hazardous Fuel Reduction. In both areas, Douglas Fir trees had been thinned and the material was piled. This work would not have been accomplished without the support from BLM suppression forces from the Idaho Falls, Twin Falls and Boise districts. The Salmon Field Office appreciates the hard work and efforts of these individuals. (Contact: Steve Hartmann, 208-756-5410) Read more Fire and Aviation Stories
For questions or comments regarding the Idaho BLM in Action Newsletter,
|
|||
>
Idaho State Office. At a well-attended Installation Ceremony at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho State Office in Boise, Idaho on December 19, 2006, DOI Assistant Secretary Stephen Allred administered the Oath of Office, officially recognizing Tom Dyer as the new State Director for the BLM in Idaho. “It is a pleasure to be here,” Allred said. “It is also a pleasure to have joining us today Idaho Senator Larry Craig, employees, retirees and retired Idaho BLM State Directors, all of whom share in the legacy of the agency.”
BLM Washington Office. As part of its responsibility to manage, protect, and control wild horses and burros, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is soliciting bids for one or more new pasture facilities located west of the Mississippi River.
USFWS. Slickspot peppergrass, a plant found on Idaho’s northern Snake River Plain and Owyhee Plateau, does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today.
Arco, Idaho. The National Park Service (NPS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have announced that the the Record of Decision has been signed, adopting a new management plan for the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
Pocatello Field Office. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the Draft Pocatello Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) on January 5, 2007. It is aimed at providing direction for how BLM-administered public lands in nine counties of southeastern Idaho will be managed in the future to sustain their health, diversity and productivity. 
Boise District Office. On December 20, 2006, DOI Assistant Secretary Stephen Allred toured the Idaho BLM Boise District’s Four Rivers Field Office area in southwestern Idaho to gain an understanding of local growth issues and challenges associated with development and increased pressures on public land in the Treasure Valley. After a short orientation, District Resource Management Specialist Mike Truden lead the local tour. The tour included the new Foothills Environmental Education Center, which was constructed through a partnership of agencies and several local industry and private individuals. (Contact: Rosey Thomas, 208-384-3430)
Coeur d'Alene District Office. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials of the Coeur d'Alene District and local volunteers in the Idaho Panhandle were on hand for the annual arrival of more than 4,000 bird enthusiasts who came to watch bald eagles fattening up on land-locked salmon in Lake Coeur d'Alene. The 16th annual Coeur d'Alene Eagle Watch Week ran from December 26 through January 1.
Bald Eagle Watching Enjoyed by Students: Beth Paragamian, environmental education specialist from the Idaho BLM Coeur d’Alene FO, has been busy conducting educational presentations for area schools about the bald eagles. About 2,000 students, teachers and volunteers participated in over 15 lake cruises to view the bald eagles as they seek out the spawning kokanee salmon. Paragamian uses a mounted golden eagle, adult bald eagle, and juvenile bald eagle, to illustrate and discuss their life cycle, which includes a short mid-winter stay at Coeur d’Alene Lake.
Boise District Office. On January 18, 2007, Idaho BLM Boise District managers and staff from the Four Rivers Field Office met with Exergy Development Group-Idaho, a Wind Energy Developer headquartered in Montana. They discussed NEPA requirements and other details of a Wind Energy Proposal located four miles northwest of King Hill, Idaho and 78 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho.
Boise District Office. On December 23, members of the Idaho BLM Boise District staff and volunteers participated in the Audubon Society’s Annual Bird Count. The District has been participating in this activity for 22 years.
Salmon Field Office. The second and final phase of the Twin Peak Mine clean-up project, located northwest of Challis, Idaho in Lemhi County, was recently completed by Idaho BLM’s hazardous materials response contractor North Wind Environmental and sub-contractor Dahle Construction of Salmon, ID. This phase of the project began on September 25, 2006 and was successfully completed within the next 18 days.
Boise District Office. Since the beginning of the fiscal year, Idaho BLM Boise District and Fire personnel worked to complete a variety of Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) projects before winter weather closed the fall treatment window.
Upper Snake Field Office. The BLM Upper Snake Field Office has closed the road to the top of Big Southern Butte for the winter.
Twin Falls District Office. Interagency members of the Shoshone Basin Sage Grouse Local Working Group met on December 13, 2006 at the Twin Falls District Office in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Upper Snake Field Office. The Idaho BLM Upper Snake Field Office, in partnership with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG), has again closed public lands to human entry near Stinking Springs and Wolf Flat, two popular areas near the South Fork of the Snake River, to protect fragile wintering mule deer populations. The closure is expected to remain in effect through April 30, 2007.
Jarbidge Field Office. The Idaho BLM Jarbidge Field Office and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are monitoring the migration of the bull trout in the Jarbidge River using a Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT tag). This is a micro-computer chip that is placed inside the body cavity of the fish.
Boise District Office. On December 7, 2006 Tim Carrigan and Helen Ulmschneider, wildlife biologists for the Idaho BLM Four Rivers and Bruneau Field Offices, participated in a meeting with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game and representatives from the academic community to discuss modifying monitoring protocols for the Great Basin population of the Columbia Spotted Frog.
Coeur d'Alene Field Office. Coeur d’Alene Field Office Wildlife Biologist Scott Robinson recently attended a meeting of the grizzly bear task force of the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI) in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Salmon Field Office. Staff from the Idaho BLM Salmon Field Office recently participated in an annual meeting with members of the Lemhi Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA).
Boise District Office. Weed articles written by Bio-control Specialists Pat Kane and Joe Milan of the Boise District Office have been accepted for publication in the quarterly publication Washington County Weed Warriors Working Together to Fight the War on Weeds. This is a publication of the Council Weed Management Association.
Idaho State Office. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary C. Stephen Allred on December 19 presented the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) prestigious national “Cooperative Conservation” award at a special ceremony in Boise, Idaho.
Idaho State Office. The BLM National Office of Fire and Aviation recently presented the Idaho Falls District Office the BLM's 2006 "Excellence in Ecosystem Management – for Achievement in Community Protection and Assistance!" award. On December 6, 2006, Sarah Heide, a fire use specialist with the BLM Pocatello Field Office, accepted the award on behalf of the District at a ceremony in Sacramento, California.
Boise District Office. On December 15, 2006, the Southwest Idaho Resource Conservation and Development Council (Council) held its Annual Meeting and Sponsor Dinner. The Council presented BLM Boise District Fire Mitigation Specialist Bob Narus a Sponsorship Award for his efforts in wildland fire mitigation in Ada, Canyon, Elmore and Owyhee counties.