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Idaho BLM in Action

November 2007  

From the Washington Office

Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service Commemorate 10th Anniversary of Abandoned Mine Cleanup Program

About 47,000 abandoned mines have been identified on 450 million acres of Federal land, threatening human health and water quality

Washington, DC - The Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service recently carried out commemorative activities to recognize 10 years of progress in cleaning up abandoned mines on Federal lands.

In Silverton, Colorado, BLM and Forest Service officials joined representatives of community groups, local and state governments, and other Federal agencies to mark the 10th anniversary of pilot projects launched in the Upper Animas River watershed in Colorado and the Boulder River watershed in Montana. Activities included a review of accomplishments, tours of cleanup sites and a look at technical advances for future efforts.

“The historic mining of hardrock minerals such as gold, lead, copper, silver and uranium was a powerful incentive for exploration and settlement of the American West,” said Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell. “Mineral development often provided the economic base on which many remote communities were established. But when ore bodies were mined out and miners left to find other new deposits, they often left behind a legacy of abandoned mines, safety hazards, and contaminated land and water.”

“Cleaning up these sites is an ambitious goal, and we can’t do it alone,” said BLM Director Jim Caswell. “If we’re going to continue our progress, we’ll need public support and cooperation from local landowners. We’ll also need strong partnerships with state and local agencies, the mining industry, and local volunteer groups, such as the Animas River Watershed Group. Today we take note of what we’ve accomplished together over the last 10 years, and we look forward to further progress in the years ahead....” Read full story.

Utahn Luke D. Johnson Named as Deputy Director for Programs and Policy

Johnson has a 'keen knowledge of natural resource issues and conscientious dedication to his work'    

BLM Develops A Teacher’s Guide to Energy on Public Lands

Guide will assist environmental education and energy outreach programs and presentations

Washington DC - A Teacher’s Guide to Energy on Public Lands, an invaluable tool to assist educators in teaching standards-based lessons and conducting classroom activities about the diverse energy resources on America’s public lands, recently became available. The guide was produced in partnership with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to making energy education a priority in our nation’s schools.

The guide focuses on the history of public lands and role of BLM, energy resources on public lands, other public land resources and their uses and BLM’s roles in managing energy resources. Students have the opportunity to synthesize what they have learned through an included land use planning activity.

Public lands in the United States have many energy resources, both renewable and nonrewable. Many of these resources are managed by the Bureau of Land Management for the citizens.  The BLM's mission includes balancing multiple uses of land-considering social, economic and environmental factors. 

A printed copy of the guide is attached for your review and reference and is available online. 

BLM Purchases Conservation Easement on Scenic Henrys Fork of the Snake River 

Easement will conserve outstanding river property from development and protect sensitive animal species

Idaho Falls District Office - On September 20, the BLM Idaho Falls District purchased a 104-acre conservation easement from LL Enterprises, LLC with Land and Water Conservation Fund appropriations. The landowners granted public access along the property's river front bank through the conservation easement. The District partnered with the Conservation Fund to conserve this outstanding river front property from residential subdivision development.

The property is within the BLM Upper Snake Field Office's Snake River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and lies along the left bank of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River near the confluence with the South Fork, bordering BLM lands to the south and west. The land contains approximately one mile of river frontage; significant willow and cottonwood dominated wetlands; and portions of Mulligan Slough and Bannock-Jim Slough. It lies within the Annis Slough and Cartier Slough bald eagle nesting territories.

The property provides Utah valvata snail (endangered) and yellow billed cuckoo habitat (candidate), and a rich variety of avian, mammalian and amphibian wildlife. The North Menan Butte ACEC/National Natural Landmark (NNL) is about ¼-mile to the northwest. This portion of the Henrys Fork is very popular with anglers, hunters and recreational floaters.                                                          

 

Actions and Activities Around Idaho

Boise District Continues to Install Gates Around Abandoned Mine Shafts near Historic Silver City 

Bat gates prevent human entry into hazardous mines

Boise District Office - Beginning in Fall 2007, the Idaho BLM Boise District began installing signage and gating around abandoned mining shafts located in Owyhee County, west of Boise.

Bat gate culverts will be installed into four adits (horizontal shafts), one vertical shaft and one bat gate grid over another shaft. The bat gate is a culvert that can be easily installed in an abandoned adit. It allows bats to be able to access the mine, but prevents human entry.

The mine shafts are located near historic Silver City in the War Eagle Mountain. Seven to nine additional sites that include both adits and shafts will be closed later in 2008. These sites are located in the Rough Mountain and Castle Creek areas of Owyhee County.

Nearly 80 abandoned mines have been identified in the Boise District, with 40 to 50 having differing degrees of hazards associated with them.  Old mining districts, such as Silver City, have become a popular destination for OHV enthusiasts and have provided an additional need for mine closures. 

Over the next two years, 30 sites will receive signage and will be fenced or closed using different techniques.   

BLM Boise District Birds of Prey NCA Records Largest Collection of Petroglyphs

Data collected to be used as tool to monitor future impacts from visitor use, help prosecute rock art vandals and thieves

Boise District Office - The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) staff is hosting a group of workers who have been recording rock art (petroglyphs) since late September. The rock art is located at Wees Bar along the Snake River about four miles downstream from Swan Falls Dam. Wees Bar, located south of Boise, is one of the largest known collections of petroglyphs along the Snake River. The recording of each rock art panel, its specific geographical location and its relationship to neighboring panels will provide the data base needed to monitor future impacts from visitor use, vandalism or theft. In other places, this type of data has been used to successfully prosecute rock art vandals and thieves, and to retrieve stolen panels.

Retired BLM Fisheries Biologist Receives Award for Bull Trout Recovery

Restores native fish in the Little Lost River Basin

Idaho Falls District Office - On August 29, Pat Koelsch, retired BLM fisheries biologist with the Idaho Falls District, was recognized for his efforts in helping to restore native fish in the Little Lost River Basin.

Koelsch worked in the Idaho Falls District for many years, during which he coordinated with the USFS, USFWS, NRCS, Trout Unlimited, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, landowners, irrigators and conservation organizations to make a real difference for native trout in the region.

Koelsch and representatives of the partner agencies and organizations were recognized by a number of dignitaries who attended award ceremonies in the Little Lost Basin. Included were the director of NRCS, the Under Secretary of Agriculture and Senator Mike Crapo. They recognized the cooperative partnerships and the positive relationships that have resulted in major strides in the recovery of bull trout, a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and in securing the interests of local agricultural producers.   

Shoshone Field Office BLM Employees Participate
in Idaho Parks and Recreation "Bridging the Gap" Conference 

Presentation focuses on "Leave no Trace" outdoors ethics

Shoshone Field Office - Idaho BLM Shoshone Field Office specialists Mike Setlock and Nathan Jayo hosted a breakout session as part of the Idaho Recreation and Parks Association (IRPA) “Bridging the Gap” Conference in September.

The IRPA Conference, which was held at the Red Lion Canyon Springs Hotel in Twin Falls, provided attendees with tools and ideas to help bridge the gaps between generations; parks and recreation; and management and workers.

The session focused on the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” outdoor ethics. The workshop involved an overview of the leave no trace organization, which included background information about the program, partnerships, master educator program, frontcountry ethics and a demonstration of the seven principles. Time for activities and participant interaction was also included.

During the session, backcountry ethics were mentioned in regards to developed and dispersed recreation, with a focus on frontcountry practices within an urban interface. Leave no trace pamhlets and plastic hang tags were available to the participants.

BLM Fisheries Biologist Presents BLM Issues
to College of Southern Idaho Students

Students explore opportunities in government careers 

Twin Falls District Office - On September 10, Idaho BLM Twin Falls District Fisheries Biologist Kate Forster presented a PowerPoint slideshow to students at the College of Southern Idaho in a "Careers in Natural Resources" course.

The presentation focused on guiding students towards different career options offered within BLM, including BLM programs such as the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP). The SCEP program allows students to gain work experience with the BLM while still in school. Once the requirements are met, the SCEP program may ultimately lead to a full-time career with the BLM.

The presentation also included information about the history of BLM in Idaho, BLM’s mission, the agency's organizational structure, the land base it administers and the laws that guide the management of public lands.

The presentation also discussed some of the resource issues the BLM faces in relation to recreation and travel management, energy and mineral development, livestock grazing, and protecting threatened, endangered and sensitive species.

BLM Partners with USGS to Conduct Bull Trout
Migration Study in the Jarbidge River Watershed

Surveys help identify critical habitats for bull trout spawning and rearing 

Jarbidge Field Office - The BLM Jarbidge Field Office and the US Geological Survey conducted a bull trout population survey on Jack Creek, a tributary to the Jarbidge River. This is the second year of an ongoing study using Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to monitor bull trout migration in the Jarbidge Watershed.

During this survey, captured bull trout were measured and weighed, and a fin clip was taken for genetic analysis. A PIT tag, which allows identification of individual fish, was inserted into fish that did not have a tag from the 2006 field season. In 2006, 322 bull trout were tagged while over 1,100 fish were tagged in 2007. Thirty of the fish tagged in 2006 were recaptured during the 2007 tagging operation.

Once the fish are tagged, they can be tracked by using antennas or other recapture techniques to determine the migration timing, migration routes and growth rates for bull trout. The data collected during the surveys will help identify critical habitats for bull trout spawning and rearing and will also identify migratory (fluvial) populations between the headwater streams in the Jarbidge River Watershed. All this information will be included in the Bull Trout Recovery Plan, which is being prepared for the Jarbidge Watershed. 
 

Twin Falls High School Student Assists
BLM Shoshone Field Office with Cave Trail Project

Student constructs and installs 200 specially designed cave markers, learns about cave conservation 

Shoshone Field Office - Twin Falls High School student and BLM volunteer Jeff Thomson recently completed a new trail project through a gated cave on the Shoshone FO. As part of his volunteer work, Thomson learned about the need for cave trails, cave markers and methods of cave conservation. He then constructed 200 specially designed cave markers and installed them in the cave. Volunteer cavers from the Gem State Grotto provided expert advice on the placement of the markers and helped with a trail layout designed to reduce human impacts in the cave.

The Gem State Grotto is a “casual collection of individuals interested in the exploration of caves, promoting and teaching conservation, protection and restoration through participation. The grotto is a resource of experience, opportunity and support, promoting growth, responsibility and safety through friendship, fun and adventure.” 

“Be Bear Aware” Outreach Project Made Possible through Partnerships

Program provides safety tips for living, hunting and recreating in bear country 

Coeur d' Alene Field Office - The Idaho BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office recently took delivery of two 4-panel displays that educate the public about living in bear country. Each display stands by itself and measures 8 by 10 feet. One display has photos and narrative text about hunting safely in bear country. The other has photos and narrative text about recreating (such as hiking) in bear country. The common messages on both displays were agreed upon by numerous federal and state agencies, as well as several nonprofit organizations. The Watchable Wildlife Challenge Cost Share project in partnership with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Forest Service made the production of these professional displays possible.  The panels are likely to be displayed at several venues. Venue possibilities include North Idaho College Wild Game Feast, Bighorn Show in Spokane, the Coeur d'Alene City Library and the new Cabela's in Post Falls.

More information on being "Bear Aware."

"Be Bear Aware" Website

Idaho DEQ Cooperates with BLM to Assess Wood River Sculpin Populations

Managers work to identify and reduce threats to unique fish 

Jarbidge Field Office - The BLM Jarbidge and Shoshone Field Offices participated in a fish population survey for Wood River sculpin near Ketchum, Idaho as part of a Challenge Cost Share agreement between BLM and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.

Block nets were used to define survey reaches, and a minimum of 50 sculpin were collected in each reach. Each sculpin captured was measured for length, fin clipped for genetic analysis and returned to the stream. After a 24-48 hour rest period, the stream reaches were sampled again in an effort to recapture the marked fish and additional fish that were not detected in the first survey. The ratio of marked to unmarked fish can be used to determine the number of fish in the stream.

This information will supplement data collected in 2006, which used Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags to monitor the seasonal movements of Wood River sculpin.

The data collected by this project will allow managers to identify and reduce threats to Wood River sculpin. Wood River sculpin are unique in that they are only found in the Wood River’s headwater streams, Little Wood River headwaters and Silver Creek. They require highly oxygenated cool water and thus are great indicators for water quality. 

Installation of New Kiosks at Black Magic Canyon Completed

Signage educates visitors on area's volcanology and geology of unique sculpted rock 

Shoshone Field Office - On October 9, two new kiosks were installed along State Highway 75 at Black Magic Canyon, located just north of Shoshone, Idaho. Installation of the kiosks is the culmination of the past year’s collaboration of the Idaho BLM Shoshone Field Office recreation staff with the Idaho BLM State Office Public Affairs staff.

David Freiberg, Shoshone Field Office Recreation Planner, hopes these kiosks will bring additional attention to the sites and provide a fresh image of the area’s impressive volcanic and geologic history.

The maps, images and educational information contained in the kiosk replace a display that was several decades old. One side of the new design details the Black Butte volcano, and the opposite side educates travelers on the sculpted rock of Black Magic Canyon and volcanism on the Snake River Plain.

A reporter and videographer from the Twin Falls Times News plan to accompany Freiberg to the site soon to do a feature on new informative resources. 

Keeping our Public Lands Clean and Safe

Local Eagle Scout Applicant Leads Clean-Up America Effort on BLM Lands

Volunteers collect 4,000 pounds of trash (two tons) of trash in less than four hours

Boise District Office - On September 29, 15-year-old Eagle Scout participant Landon Watts led a clean-up effort on BLM-managed lands in Owyhee County. The BLM Boise District partnered with Landon to complete the project, which will continue throughout 2007 and 2008 on behalf of the National Clean-Up America Campaign.

Watts, a high school student from Star, recruited and briefed all volunteers on the project. He will present a report of his efforts and information about TRASH (Teach Responsibility and Save our Heritage) to students and his school. Watts also plans to conduct a second clean-up effort on adjacent State of Idaho land in the future.  

Operation TRASH is a grass-roots effort that provides education to the public and teaching tools to public school teachers about the importance of caring for our Public Lands. 

Read the full story.      

Bat Boxes Constructed at McClendon Spring Recreation Site for NPLD Event

Burley Field Office Specialist, Fish and Game participate in spite of early snow flurries

Burley Field Office - In early September, Burley Field Office Wildlife Biologist Jeremy Bisson and partners from Idaho Fish & Game braved early snow flurries and cold, wet conditions to build bat boxes as part of a National Public Lands Day Event.

The group built six bat boxes in the McClendon Spring recreation site and campground near Malta, Idaho. The project’s objective was to provide additional roost sites for bats in an area where insect populations thrive off the water that comes from the spring and the ensuing vegetation. Most bat species eat insects, so McClendon Spring provides a naturally concentrated food source for the bats. However, the amount of vegetation present does not provide enough roost sites for bats to maximize their potential to exploit the insects. The bat boxes, which are affixed to 14-foot steel poles and set in concrete, will allow more bats to use this area as a feeding site.

The spring’s slow moving waters also provides excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes, carriers of the West Nile Virus. Since a single bat can catch over 600 mosquitoes an hour, an additional benefit to human health is provided by this project. 

Idaho BLM Hosts National Public Lands Day Event at Stinking Springs Trail

International Mountain Bicycling Association leads trail-building workshop

Upper Snake Field Office - Idaho BLM hosted a trail building workshop at the Upper Snake Field Office September 8, followed by trail building in the afternoon. The workshop and trail building represented an early National Public Lands Day (NPLD) event where participants could “give back” to their public lands.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) sent their Trail Care Crew to Idaho Falls to lead the workshop and trail-building event. The workshop taught the 25 participants how to successfully build a sustainable single-track trail. After the workshop, the group traveled to Stinking Springs Trailhead and started to build a single-track trail, which eventually will total 2.5 miles.

The BLM is currently recruiting volunteers to help finish building the trail before the snow falls. The new single-track trail is in the same vicinity as the current ATV trail and will provide a more diverse experience for recreation visitors.   




 

BLM National Public Lands Day Project Benefits Swainson’s Hawks

BLM and volunteers to protect habitat for common nesting species

Boise District Office - The Idaho BLM Boise District, Snake River Birds of Prey NCA and the Snake River Raptor Volunteers held a National Public Lands Day Project beginning October 6, 2007.

The project benefited Swainson’s hawks, a common nesting species in and around farmlands near the NCA, but less common in the NCA due to the scarcity of trees required for nesting.

There has been a significant decline in irrigation run-off water to support trees in the arid NCA due to more efficient irrigation techniques. The water loss has threatened the continued viability of trees in the NCA that were once supported by this run-off.

To mitigate this loss, BLM and volunteers plan to build soil/cement water catchments at ten sites. The catchments are designed to provide water for a tree that will be planted at each of the sites. This labor intensive effort will continue until the snow flies.  

 

BLM Fire Prevention Specialists Continue Partnership with Boise Foothills Neighborhood

Residents learn about creating survival space around homes 

Boise District Office - In early September, Idaho BLM Boise District Office (BDO) fire prevention specialists attended a Warm Springs Mesa neighborhood picnic. The Warm Springs Mesa neighborhood is located in the foothills of Boise, where wildfires often threaten homes.

The BDO is working with Boise City Fire Department and the Boise National Forest to help the residents create survivable space around their homes to decrease the neighborhood’s susceptibility to wildfire. Prevention specialists staffed a booth at the picnic to focus on Firewise education and Smokey Bear was on hand to provide educational information to children and adults about wildfire prevention.

Specialists have been working with residents to plan a Spring Cleanup Day in 2008 to create survivable space around their homes, and providing survivable space tips and Firewise construction suggestions.

Former Idaho BLM Fire Management Officer
Carlos Mendiola Receives 50-Year Service Recognition

Mendiola began federal career at age seventeen as firefighter in Boise in 1958

Boise District Office - On September 20, former Idaho BLM Shoshone Fire Management Officer (FMO) and current Acting Twin Falls Tanker Base Manager Carlos Mendiola received an award in recognition of 50 years of federal service.

Twin Falls District fire staff and other friends and co-workers from Boise and across Idaho attended a briefing at the Twin Falls Airport to surprise Mendiola with the award.

Mendiola began working as a firefighter in Boise in 1958 when he was just 17 years old. He served from 1974-1976 as the FMO in Fairbanks, Alaska and in 1976-1991 as the FMO in Idaho’s former Shoshone District. From 1991-1998, Mendiola worked as the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) Branch Chief of Fire Science and Technology. He worked for the BLM for all but five years of his career, during which he worked at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Since his retirement, Mendiola has kept busy assisting NIFC and Twin Falls District as a contract employee, but assures his colleagues that summer 2007 was the the final chapter in his career. 

BLM and USFS Firefighters Nominated for Service to Eastern Idaho Award

Fire crews recognized for ‘outstanding service to preserve wilderness’ 

Idaho Falls District Office - At the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Chairman’s Inaugural Ball held October 12 in Idaho Falls, Eastern Idaho wildland firefighters were nominated for the Chamber’s Service to Eastern Idaho Award. The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management fire crews were being considered for this award for their hard work and dedication to preserve one of eastern Idaho’s best features—its wilderness.

"Every year thousands of people travel to eastern Idaho to experience the beautiful scenery, wildlife and recreation opportunities that abound here. With the tourism industry being a major component of the economy of eastern Idaho, preservation of these natural resources is paramount.”

Though fire crews did not win the award, attending fire managers were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation, “For outstanding service performed on behalf of Eastern Idaho.”

"The fire crews of the US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management worked thousands of hours in extreme conditions, undoubtedly doing what they consider to be business as usual, to preserve the quality of wilderness we all take for granted. For this service they deserve to be recognized…”

Boise District Law Enforcement Ranger
and Fire Mitigation Specialist Present Fire Safety Issues
to Head Start Children

Bilingual and speech therapy students from Mountain Home Air Force Base attend 

Boise District Office - On November 2, Moi Herrera, Law Enforcement Ranger for the Boise District, and Bob Narus, Fire Mitigation specialist, joined Smokey Bear and nearly 60 young people, ages four to five, at the Head Start complex in Mountain Home.

Herrera and Narus role-played the parts of a child and adult to demonstrate proper fire safety. Through the demonstration, children were encouraged to give lighters and matches to adults in case they find them lying around and taught how to make sure campfires are extinguished. Herrera and Smokey Bear also spoke with the children about rangeland and wildfires, and the five Smokey Bear Rules included in a coloring book each of them received.

Head Start, managed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, works with children who have special needs, including bilingual education and speech therapy students. Some children are from non English-speaking families living at Mountain Home Air Force Base.

Environmental Education

Environmental Education Presentations Gain Popularity throughout BLM Boise District

BLM coordinates with teachers to teach raptor facts and activities

Boise District Office - Barbara Forderhase, Environmental Education Specialist, reported another record-breaking year for environmental education outreach across the Boise District. Outreach programs provide information to teachers to on how to instruct students on environmental programs and gives ideas on appropriate student activities.

In FY 2007, 13,100 individuals were reached through presentations, special events such as Bald Eagle Days, teacher workshops and other educational programs including Project WILD and “Wild about Raptors.” This included approximately 5,800 students and teachers. This is an increase of over 2,000 students and teachers from FY 2006. During this time, Forderhase visited 66 schools in 20 different towns across southwestern Idaho. Forderhase visits classrooms to teach students a variety of raptor topics that often tie in with the curriculum. Students are generally engaged and interested in the subject matter. Forderhase predicts that FY 2008 will be even busier than ever.

Shoshone Field Office Specialists Contribute to Hands-On Elementary School Field Trips

Students learn about unique features of Black Magic Canyon, aspects of volcanology archeology, paleontology and wildlife 

Shoshone Field Office - Idaho BLM Shoshone Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner Dave Freiberg and Archaeologist Lisa Cresswell recently participated in elementary school programs on natural resource issues in south-central Idaho.

In late September, Freiberg and Cresswell participated in the Gooding County Soil Conservation District’s annual educational program for Magic Valley area fifth graders. The event was held at the Little City of Rocks, north of Gooding, and hosted nearly 200 students.

This outdoor education program featured five stations each with different specialists, including a representative from Hagerman Fossil Beds who discussed paleontology and an employee from Fish and Game who spoke about wildlife. Freiberg taught the students about volcanology and Cresswell presented archeological information about artifacts of the area and their relationship to study of culture. Each specialist also stressed the importance of "Leave no Trace" Ethics.

In early October, third graders from the Ketchum Community School visited the Black Magic Canyon area, located north of Shoshone on State Highway 75. Freiberg led the students of a tour of the area.  The class had been studying riparian areas as part of their outdoors program and were able to explore the unique areas within Black Magic Canyon.

BLM Environmental Educators Lead 7th Annual Outdoor Education Program

Rim Rock Elementary students participate in “Leave no Trace” activities 

Upper Snake Field Office - In early September, the Idaho BLM Upper Snake Field Office environmental educators attended Outdoor Education at Pine Basin Lodge with over 60 fifth graders from Rim Rock Elementary. Students learned “Leave No Trace” ethics through competitive relays against their classmates to practice all seven principles. The relays included “act like a cat” where students dug a small 8-inch hole 100 big steps away from water, filled the hole in with dirt and raced with a plastic baggy containing toilet paper to dispose of it properly.

The students and seven leaders also hiked around the area to learn more about the public lands around them. The students practiced ‘packing it out’ and picking up trash on their return trip to the lodge.

Retired Rim Rock educator Cheryl Judy organized the event, as she has for the last 21 years. This is the seventh consecutive year BLM has participated in the school's outdoor education program.

  For questions or comments regarding the Idaho BLM in Action Newsletter,
contact Krista Moore at (208) 373-3826 or email Krista_Moore@blm.gov.

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