August 2010 BLM Newsletter

Honored BLM Employees

Local BLM Employee Receives BLM State Coordinator of the Year Award

Shannon Bassista, recreation technician for the Upper Snake Field Office, recently won the BLM
Outdoor Ethics State Coordinator of the Year for her outstanding efforts with leading the outdoor ethics program in Idaho and reaching out to the youth, specifically Girl Scouts, with outdoor ethics education. Shannon is currently the BLM Idaho Leave No Trace (LNT)/Tread Lightly Coordinator. “It was an honor to be recognized as the Outdoor Ethics Coordinator of the year,” said Bassista. “I receive a tremendous amount of support from additional Idaho BLM employees that help design and implement educational programs for both youth and adults. I love to teach Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly! principles to children and I think it is important for kids to learn early how to have fun on their public lands while at the same time, respecting the natural resources.” The Leave no Trace program incorporates many aspects but most importantly it strives to educate individuals who enjoy the outdoors about how their recreational impacts can be minimized. Not only does Shannon strive hard in her career to make a difference, but she takes that dedication to a new level with her enthusiasm and commitment to promoting the LNT and Tread Lightly outdoor ethics. She is an active lead for the program and continually meets and exceeds all the annual commitments required of her as the state coordinator. Shannon’s passion for youth can be seen in her interaction with them on an annual basis. Each year she hosts outdoor ethics events with young children and girl scouts and instills in the younger generation the importance of caring for the land and being responsible stewards. “We are delighted with the opportunities Shannon has provided us to work with young people who will shape the future of public land management,” said Wendy Reynolds, Upper Snake Field Office Manager.

BLM Recreation Planner Honored in Washington, DC

The American Recreation Coalition has honored BLM Upper Snake Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner Bill Boggs with its 2010 Legends Award. “It is a humbling experience and deep honor to be recognized with this elite group of individuals,” said Boggs. The national award, which recognizes federal managers for their outstanding work to improve outdoor recreation experiences and opportunities for the American people, was presented on June 10, 2010 during Great Outdoors Week in Washington, DC. “As an Outdoor Recreation Planner in eastern Idaho, Bill has been instrumental to the success of many forward-thinking outdoor recreation initiatives in the area,”Idaho BLM Acting State Director Peter Ditton said. Among them has been his management of the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, about 50 miles northwest of Idaho Falls. The 11,000 acres of dunes have seen dramatic increases in visitor use over the past 25 years, from an estimated 20,000 users annually in the mid-1980s to around 250,000 today.  To accommodate these increases, Boggs became involved in developing the BLM’s primary facility, Egin Lakes Access, from a dispersed camping area with rock fire rings to a 16-acre developed facility with 48 campsites, many of which have water and electrical services. Upper Snake Field Manager Wendy Reynolds said, “Boggs has built vital partnerships with local governments and private organizations to help manage the Dunes.” One important partnership has been the assistance of law enforcement officers from the BLM, Fremont County Sheriff’s office and the Idaho Department of Fish & Game. According to Reynolds, the law enforcement officers not only enforce state and federal regulations, but also educate thousands of riders about safe riding and illegal practices like underage drinking and noise ordinances. This enforcement is aimed at making the experience more pleasant for campers and local landowners. “In addition to the Dunes, Bill has provided support to many other sites on the Field Office’s 1.8 million acres, all of which owe their development and growing popularity to Bill’s management and foresight,” Reynolds said. Among these sites are the Birch Creek Campground, located on the Nez Perce National Historic Trail northeast of Mud Lake, which is popular with anglers, ATV riders and amateur historians. Hell’s Half Acre, located west of Idaho Falls and Blackfoot, boasts two highly developed trails adjacent to two Interstate-15 rest stops and a “lava walk” dispersed trail from U.S. Highway 20 to the lava flow’s source vent. Boggs also manages sites at Henry’s Lake near Island Park; several hang-gliding locations, like King Mountain near Arco; and Big Southern Butte, a National Natural Landmark in eastern Idaho’s Big Desert. “Over the years, Bill has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing outstanding outdoor recreation activities for the general population, and in particular, to providing opportunities for America’s young people to perform service on the public lands,” Ditton said. “We commend Bill on this well-deserved award from the American Recreation Coalition.” Initiated in 1991, the Legends Award program involves the following seven federal agencies: Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Federal Highway Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

Director Bob Abbey Delivers Keynote Speech at Andrus Center for Public Policy, Tours BLM and NIFC

Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey and Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell were the keynote speakers in Boise at the Andrus Center for Public Policy conference on Life in the West: People, Land, Water and Wildlife in a Changing Economy. The conference focused on a future-looking agenda for Idaho, with panel discussions on practical and successful approaches to collaboration that balance the growing Western economy with the traditional values that continue to make the West unique.  While in Boise, the Director was also the guest speaker for all-employee meetings at the BLM Idaho State Office and the Nation­al Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Well-received by the employees of Idaho, his visit included tours of NIFC, the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds Prey NCA and the National Seed Warehouse and a scheduled flyover of programs, activities and issues on public land in southwestern Idaho. Planning and Environmental Coordinator Terry Lee Smith said, “It was evident to me, Abbey is a careerist BLM’er.  His style intrigued me as being objective, relaxed, and not hung up in the details. It was this brief encounter, and perhaps a glimpse of his management style amid the chaotic hustle and bustle of Washington DC, which has reaffirmed my belief that having a BLMer at the agency helm will do wonders for the Bureau. We need a leader who has successfully lived our collective BLM experiences and can turn them into meaning for both the ‘Hill’ and public land users.”

Defensible Space Can Save Your Place!

On the afternoon of July 28, lightning sparked a wildfire near the city of Eagle, Idaho. Winds and hot, dry temperatures quickly pushed the blaze towards homes and neighborhoods. Within hours, three homes were burned to the ground. “Homes don’t have to burn just because we live in a wildland fire environment,”says Jennifer Swann, Director of the new Idaho Firewise group. “People don’t have to lose their belongings, precious memorabilia, beloved animals, and the very place they call their own. We can take action and prevent devastating losses for families all across the State.” It starts by creating defensible space around your home. With just a few simple steps combined with regular maintenance, you will greatly increase your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire. “A lot of homes in this area have wood-shake roofs or are made of combustible building material,” says Swann. “We know it’s not realistic to expect people to replace home construction materials right away, because that’s expensive.  But creating defensible space can cost next to nothing. If you have defensible space, you’ll not only increase the chances of your home surviving a wildfire, you’ll give firefighters a chance to defend your home.” Of course, firefighters can’t always beat the flames of a fast-moving wildfire to save homes; some wildland fires are pushed by high winds and reach homes before aid can arrive. However, if you create defensible space around your place, you provide firefighters an area to set up fire trucks, hose lays, and do what they’re trained to do. You give them the ability to stay safe while they fight to save your home. “Too many firefighters have died trying to save indefensible homes,” says Joe Freeland, Idaho BLM State Fire Management Officer.  “So we’re not going to risk lives to save a home that isn’t defendable. But if you’ve got defensible space, we’ll try our hardest to get there before the flames and save your property. It’s what we’re trained to do.” There are numerous resources, all within the Treasure Valley, that provide aid in creating defensible space and firewise landscaping. In particular, Idaho Firewise, a non-profit organization, was formed to educate homeowners on wildland fire safety and prevention. “We offer easy-to-follow, descriptive publications on how to create affordable, low maintenance firewise landscaping and defensible space,” says Freeland. “There are Wildland Fire Prevention Specialists all across the State who will come out to your home and give you suggestions and information on how to increase your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire. Call the BLM, the U.S. Forest Service or your local fire department, or visit the Idaho Fire-wise website at www.idahofirewise.org,” says Freeland. “We live in a wildland fire environment, so wildfires aren’t going to go away.  It’s not a matter of ‘if’ a wildfire will approach your home; it’s a matter of ‘when’.”

Smokey Bear Visits School to Teach Young People About the Forest Community

Idaho Falls District Fire Prevention staff visited with children at the Holy Rosary School to discuss the forest community and role naturally caused fire plays in keeping the forest healthy. Children were able to participate in a felt board story that depicted fire in a lodge pole pine ecosystem and learned how fire can help plants and animals grow healthy and strong. “The children seemed very interested in the role fire plays with wildlife and wildland communities,” said Mickey Moen, BLM support services manager. After the discussion of fire’s role in nature, the children gathered round the “campfire” to learn the true story of Smokey Bear and what they could do to help prevent wildfires. “It really benefits the BLM to go to schools and reach kids at younger ages so they learn the skills to be responsible with public lands,” said Moen. After the story, Smokey Bear made a surprise visit to let them know how proud he was of them for learning more about fire and wildfire prevention. ”Working with children is a great experience. They are always receptive to new ideas and how to view the world,” said Sarah Wheeler, Idaho Falls District Public Affairs Officer.

“Fire Squirts” Program Provides Fire Information to Local Children

A Fire Education and Ecology Camp was conducted for 15 children in the Elk City, ID community during the week of June 14-19. Fire Squirts, a bi-annual camp focused on wildfires and fire behavior with funding from the BLM and Forest Service, was conducted by Forest Service staff and members of the REACH Club, Framing Our Community and AmeriCorps.  Students participated in activities to learn about the fire triangle, benefits of fire, the relationship of fire in the ecosystem, types of fire and use of personal protective equipment for firefighting. The young people also tried various “recipes” to determine what and how fuels will burn, based on fuel size and moisture content; conducted hands-on experiments with ladder fuels in the lab; and visited the Grangeville Air Center, where they toured the helicopter and jump base. The Fire Squirts program provides hands-on experiences where students have fun learning about fire in a safe environment. The BLM supports this program through an Assistance Agreement with Framing Our Community (FOC). FOC, a non-profit organization in Elk City, uses the funding to hire a teacher, buy supplies and pay for the field trip transportation.

Working with Wild Horse Weanlings a Rewarding Experience

From the inception of the partnership between the University of Idaho Extension program and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), no one knew quite what to expect when they envisioned bringing together 4-H members and young wild horses (weanlings). The goal was to broaden the 4-H member’s experience level and add value to the wild horses by getting them used to being handled prior to a wild horse adoption. The program’s success has since
exceeded all expectation, inspiring some 4-H groups to sign on to work with the mustangs for Idaho’s Wild Horse Adoptions.

Take Eagle-based Rich Rice and his family for example. As group leader for the Trail Blazers 4-H club, they have worked with five different weanlings since last August, and it was such a life changing experience for his family, they decided to give two of them a home through the
adoption process. Rice said, "These are wonderful horses. I’ve been around a lot of domestic colts, but these mustangs, once you gain their trust, will do all that you ask of them! ‘Cinnamon’ was one of the first two that we worked with. Like a dog nuzzling your pockets and following you around, she has a lot of personality. On the fourth day when we brought her home from the BLM Wild Horse Corrals, my 7-year-old son Aric was with me. She walked right over to him and put her head on his shoulder. I knew then that she needed to stay at the house and we were going to adopt her!"

According to Rice, working with mustangs has taught the 4-H members patience. "The
positive benefit of working with these horses is they get to see the transformation of an animal that used to run from predators to one that becomes a friend and a partner. The transformation is instantaneous in some horses, while others take longer. The mustangs seem to really think things through before they get themselves into a situation where they can get hurt; their sense of self preservation is very high," states Rice.

Rice and about eight members of the Trail Blazers have been working with a 9-month-old chestnut colt they have dubbed ‘Shorty’. They prepared him for a round-pen exhibition at the Idaho Horse Expo in April at the Idaho Center in Nampa.

 "They learn so quickly, and these babies are really sure-footed; I can’t think of anything you can’t train a mustang to do. The Extreme Mustang Makeover has really shown how versatile these horses are. They use them to rope, rein and work cattle; it’s a beautiful thing," said Rice.

During the adoption in April, ten different Treasure Valley area 4-H groups participated in the in-hand trail challenges with the weanlings they have worked with since February. These horses were then offered for adoption to the public, with the proceeds above $25 going back to the 4-H group.

For additional information or to set up an appointment to see the wild horses, please contact BLM Wild Horse Specialist Steve Leonard in Boise at (208) 384-3454.

District Fire Crew from Twin Falls Assists in Cave Gate Repair 

The BLM Twin Falls District Fire Crew of Engine 2421, led by Engine Captain Seth Bond, pitched in for a long, tough day helping the Shoshone Field Office recreation staff repair damage to several gated caves. Firefighters Mike Arkoosh, Katie Strunk and Jeff Bernsen, along with Bond, spent the day hauling heavy gear in and out of deep cave entrances, welding and cutting metal, and providing fire prevention support in the desert near Gooding. The three completed projects required welding metal to different cave gates that had been recently vandalized or undermined to gain entrance. According to BLM Park Ranger Nathan Jayo, “It was great to have the unique skills and tough work ethic this crew brought to the project. Their assistance was greatly appreciated.”

BLM State Office Staff Tours Shoshone Caves

BLM Idaho State Office program leads visited several archaeologically significant caves located in the Shoshone Field Office. Featured among the site visited were pictograph cave art, lithic scatter, rock implements, unique lava tube formations and examples of bat-friendly gated caves, among others. Sharon Paris, Mikell Galloway, Terry Heslin, Jenna Gaston, Mike Browne and Jerry Halford from the Idaho State Office toured with Shoshone Field Office Cultural Resource Specialist Lisa Cresswell and Outdoor Recreation Planner David Freiberg.

Twin Falls Elementary Students Tour Tee Maze Cave North of Shoshone

Students of Mrs. Montoya’s fourth grade class from St. Edwards Catholic School learned about lava-tube caves, cave life, cave conservation and cave safety while on a field trip to Shoshone’s Tee-Maze cave system. Hiking through multilevel cave passages, squeezing along narrow tunnels and helping each other up and down ledges gave the students an opportunity to experience an adventure most of them had no idea existed on nearby public lands.

Local Children Learn About Birds and Bugs During Kids in the Woods Program

In July, the BLM Upper Snake Field Office staff presented information on birds and bugs of the surrounding region to the local children. The presentation was part of the Kids in the Woods program that focuses on instilling confidence in young children as they learn about their public lands and the animals, insects and plants that inhabit them. During the presentation, BLM Wildlife Biologist Theresa Mathis explained the growing popularity of bird watching and discussed the steps necessary to get started in the hobby. The children compared beaks of eagles, owls, robins, woodpeckers and ducks, discussed the attributes that enable birds to adapt to their habitat and toured the nature area to spot some of the local birds. BLM Recreation Technicians Josh Gibbs and Amy Carroll spoke all about the different bugs and what makes insects so different from spiders.  The kids were shocked to see what a baby lady bug looked like before itmetamorphosed into the familiar pretty red bug. After the discussion, each child was handed an insect net and instructed to go catch some bugs. After catching numerous bugs, Gibbs and Carroll helped the kids identify their bugs and mount them on their very own insect board. Gibbs also spoke to the young people about noxious weeds. “The location was ideal, right near a spotted knapweed and musk thistle infestation. I was able to collect a sample to show the kids and was surprised at how much they already knew about noxious weeds. Most could name a few different weeds and some even knew that bugs could help control them.”

Students Visit Yankee Fork Interpretive Center to Learn about History

In honor of Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month, the Land of the Yankee Fork Interpretive Center in Challis hosted 85 students from the Challis, Mackay, Stanley and Salmon school systems. Using the Challis Bison Kill Site as a backdrop, each of the 3rd and 4th graders worked through five activity stations to learn about different aspects of archaeology.  Students learned how bison were used by American Indians and how spears and arrowheads were made.  They also tried their hand at throwing an atlatl spear.  This year’s event was organized by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) and the BLM Challis Field Office. IDPR staff Joni Hawley, Loretta Sherrets, Chuck Felton and Dan Smith; BLM Challis FO Archaeologist Carol Hearne; BLM Salmon FO Archaeologist Steve Wright; and Forest Service archaeologists Cammie Sayer and Julie Rodman all made presentations and worked with groups of children at different activity stations throughout the day.

Coeur d’Alene Archaeologists Participate in History Rendezvous

Idaho BLM Coeur d’Alene District Archaeologist David Sisson and Archaeology Technician Jessica Ainslie participated in the 8th annual Prairie Elementary history rendezvous. Each year, Prairie Elementary sponsors an outdoor event with the surrounding fourth grade classes from Grangeville, Nez Perce, and St. Peter and Paul elementary schools. The BLM presented information and shared artifacts representing Nez Perce tribal culture and Chinese mining culture from the 1880s. Over 100 children and parents attended the event. Other attractions were a ‘mountain man’ who described how to live off the land; early logging and farming methods; throwing an atlatl; panning for gold; and other topics. Sisson fully enjoyed his experience. “The kids’ eyes light up as you talk about the information and they were all very enthusized and attentive. Local citizens pull together to help volunteer and make this successful.”

Shoshone Elementary Students Enjoy Exploration of the Little City of Rocks

Second-graders from Shoshone Elementary School enjoyed a walk in the Shoshone Field Office’s Little City of Rocks Wilderness Study Area.  As part of the FO’s Take it Outside program, designed to get kids out on public lands, students learned about geology, volcanoes and wildlife as they made a mile-long hike up the hoodoo-filled canyon and back down again. Completing a “virtual” scavenger hunt along the way, the kids discovered yellow-bellied marmots, volcanic rocks, spring flowers and “hole-in-the-wall” geologic formations during their hike.

Twin Falls Elementary Students Visit Uniquely Sculpted Black Magic Canyon
 
Twin Falls Elementary School fifth graders visited the uniquely sculpted lava rock of Black Magic Canyon.  As part of BLM’s Take it Outside Initiative, Shoshone FO staff, led by Geologist Johnny Garth, took a group of 22 kids and chaperones on a self-discovery tour through the spectacular canyon despite a driving rain. The kids were thrilled to learn about the geology of the native Wood River channel and the effects of erosion on volcanic rocks. Spirits were high as the kids climbed and scrambled among the unique “bathtub” features scoured into the rock. They also spotted a few voles and watched as owls soared silently through the canyon.  The Shoshone FO has been busy with Take It Outside adventures for Magic Valley area elementary students this year. 

“Exploring Wild North Idaho” Day Camp Engages Youth in the Outdoors

The Take it Outside Idaho program was alive and well in north Idaho during the week of August 2 - 6 as Coeur d’Alene Wildlife Education Specialist Beth Paragamian orchestrated and conducted the “Idaho Discoveries” Day Camp near Coeur d’Alene, ID. The day camp, one in a series of activities funded through an initiative to engage youth in the outdoors, included 15 youth between the ages of 8 and 12. Daily explorations in different types of habitat allowed the youth to investigate the occupants within the area including birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles and amphibians. Local artists volunteered and gave pointers on drawing wildlife, while the attendees made daily entries in their journals, sketching wildlife they saw, bugs they collected and writing notes about their discoveries. Funding for this program provided supplies to conduct the camp; rental of two vans to transport the attendees, two leaders, eight volunteer assistants and various supplies; as well as take-home items such as a tote bag and journal/sketch book. According to Paragamian, the youth had such a great time; they didn’t want to leave at the end of the day and were very excited to tell their parents what they saw.  Paragamian, who has conducted thousands of educational and outreach programs throughout her career, said it was a wonderful experience for all who participated and illustrates, “how nature and wildlife make connections with people.” She was moved by how excited the children were, how eager they were to learn more about wildlife and habitats and how appreciative they were. Paragamian, who has already received several thank you letters from attendees’ parents, summed up the week-long camp by stating, “I also had the best time of my life!”

Students Explore Black Magic Canyon

BLM Boise District Native Garden Re-Designed and Highlighted The Boise District has a native plant garden that highlights species found on the district. Over the years, the Boy Scouts and Boise State University horticulture students have been involved with installing and maintaining the garden. The native garden has been re-designed to allow it to merge with the planned district water-wise landscaping and to allow increased staff and visitor use of the area. A horticulture student from Boise State University, Andrea Thompson, created the re-design of the native garden as part of a senior project. As part of this re-design, the District would like to highlight and provide interpretation of traditional uses of native plant materials in southwest Idaho. Small panels providing ethnobotanical information will be placed throughout the garden. The Boise District invited Roosevelt first grade classes and BLM staff children to celebrate Earth Day at the native garden.

The children were not able to plant the garden because of wet conditions, but they spent the afternoon learning about native plant uses from Cyndi Coulter (Idaho Department of Fish and Game), construction of tools and clothing with native plants from BLM archaeologist Dean Shaw, and traditional dwellings of regional tribes from BLM archaeologist Lois Palmgren. The children were given live sagebrush plants from US Forest Service Lucky Peak. Nursery and sulfur buckwheat plants from Conservation Seeding and Restoration company.
Native garden interns Ocea Nigito and Celeste Thaine have also worked throughout the spring to install the new design. The Boise District Fire crew was invaluable in weeding and applying mulch. Shade shelters were constructed from junipers and a traditional wickiup frame was constructed from willow poles gathered from the Bruneau Field Office. Design and installation of interpretive panels will be the next goal for the garden.

Native garden will provide information on traditional uses of plant materials in southwest Idaho. Custer Youth Employment Program and Great Basin Institute Crews Help Challis Field Office The Challis Field Office has nearly 800,000 acres of central Idaho public lands under its jurisdiction. Managing these lands calls for innovative solutions and unique partnerships, which the BLM found in working with two separate youth groups. The Great Basin Institute (GBI) and the Youth Employment Program (YEP) are serving vital roles in helping the BLM implement their travel management plan and other field projects. In particular, the groups are important players in completing the Challis Travel Management Plan (TMP). The TMP creates a plan for administering and maintaining roads and trails for people to use. Using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds and other grants, the BLM was able to utilize these two youth groups to begin and complete numerous designated field projects. The YEP is a local non-profit organization founded in Lemhi County created to foster an atmosphere of educational development, and provide employment opportunities for young adults in local communities. “I wanted to get kids involved so they would develop a sense of stewardship and respect for our natural resources,” said Steve Adams, founder of the YEP. The YEP mission is to provide young people with first time structured jobs that teach positive working skills and habits which will serve them throughout life. Comprised of anywhere between 10-50 workers, this crew is focusing their TMP implementation attention on five different priority areas within the field office. The workload may expand if funding continues. YEP projects have included installation of signs and completion of road rehabilitation. The young people are also working with BLM staff to close redundant routes to facilitate sage grouse habitat and enhance the wilderness characteristics of the Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs). Seasonal gates are being erected to help with closures and to ensure a non-motorized hunting experience in the wilderness study areas. “It is inspiring to watch how these kids grow and develop as they learn more about the BLM and the resources we manage,” said Jeff Christenson, Challis BLM recreation planner. “As they work on projects, they begin to develop a sense of ownership and pride in their public lands.” The GBI is based out of Nevada and has also spent time rehabilitating redundant roads and roads causing resource concerns. They have a crew leader working directly with field office staff, as well as 10-person hand crew brought in for labor intensive 8-day field tours. Funded by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation grants, GBI is installing travel information kiosks around the Challis area, constructing a new ATV trail between the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park to Bayhorse (approximately nine miles), and developing the French Creek motorcycle trail. GBI also wrote a grant on behalf of the Challis Field Office to develop an OHV training area utilizing an existing functioning gravel pit area next to the town of Challis.

Welcome New BLM Employees

Liz Townley
Salmon Outdoor Recreation Planner

Liz came to Salmon from the Ely District where she worked for four years. Since joining the staff in Salmon, she has been working on outfitter and guide permit renewals, development of an education and outreach plan, travel management planning and implementation, and building new partnerships within the community.  This summer she learned to ride a horse so she could monitor the Eighteenmile Wilderness Study Area. Having achieved her dream of living and working in an area with rivers, she and her husband purchased a raft and have spent much of their free time exploring the area, participating in fishing and whitewater rafting. Liz brings an air of energy and enthusiasm to the office, and she is constantly seeking ways to improve relationships within the community and broaden the role of the recreation program within the office.

Joe Freeland
State Fire Management Officer

Joe Freeland is the new Idaho BLM State Fire Management Officer.  Freeland recently served as the Associate District Manager in Battle Mountain, Nevada. He brings a career of diverse experience in the BLM’s Fire organization from on-the-ground activities including fire and aviation positions to serving as the District Fire Management Officer for the BLM’s Elko District for eight years. During his time in the BLM Elko District, Freeland represented the Bureau of Indian Affairs and developed strong interagency commitments and partnerships with other federal agencies, as well as county governments and state agencies. Joe also served from February through October 2008 on assignment to the BLM Washington Office as Fire Management Advisor dealing with key national issues and policies and working with Bureau and Departmental leadership. Joe’s interests include hunting, fishing and reading books.

Deri Young
Human Resources Officer

Young’s depth and breadth of knowledge, combined with her more than 20 years of experience in core areas of human resources make her an excellent resource for Idaho BLM. Deri most recently served as the Director of Human Resources for the Walla Walla Corps of Engineers. In addition to her position with the Corp of Engineers, Deri brings a multi-agency perspective from her experience in several distinguished careers with Federal agencies including the BLM, Forest Service, and Park Service. Deri is an Idaho native, having attended high school in Caldwell and continuing on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree from Idaho State University.

Sarah Wheeler
Idaho Falls District Public Affairs Officer

Wheeler’s main responsibilities include work with the media, Congressional relations, Resource Advisory Council contact, controlled correspondence, and internal communications and management. Most recently Sarah worked as the District Fire Prevention Officer. She started her BLM career as a firefighter and worked as a STEP student in the fire organization. Sarah went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Law and Constitutional Studies, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Community and Regional Planning. Sarah and her husband have a german shepherd puppy named Beau Duke (who is actually more like a miniature horse) and are expecting their first child in November. They love to be in the outdoors, especially white water rafting and kayaking.

New and Updated BLM Webpages

White Nose Syndrome Affects America’s Bat Population

Since the winter of 2006-2007, at least one million insect-eating bats from at least nine states have died from White Nose Syndrome (WNS). This disease, named for the white fungus often seen on the muzzles, ears, and wings of infected bats, poses a threat to cave hibernating bats of the United States and potentially all temperate regions of the world. The disease, scientifically called Geomyces destructans, invades the skin of bats, producing ulcers and often altering bats’ hibernation arousal patterns, making them leave their hibernation before they are ready and causing them to starve. For more information on Idaho bats, how WNS is spread and the risk this disease poses to humans, please visit the BLM website.

BLM Launches Social Media to Promote Public Involvement

As part of its ongoing effort to engage the public on issues in more timely and relevant ways, the Bureau of Land Management has entered the realm of social media by establishing a presence on the popular websites Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. “We are excited about using social media to connect with people interested in the management of their public lands,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey.  “Through such media, the BLM will not only be able to reach more citizens in ‘real time,’ but also generate instant feedback on the myriad issues facing our agency.” Besides the social media accounts set up by the Bureau’s national office in Washington, D.C., more local and subject-specific accounts will be administered by the BLM’s State Offices and various programs throughout the agency. 

BLM-Idaho has posted videos on YouTube showing work on projects funded with economic recovery dollars, as well as wildfire prevention public service announcements. BLM-Idaho will soon launch its own Facebook page and is in the process of setting up a Twitter account to distribute up-to-the-minute fire information for southern and eastern Idaho. RSS feeds of news stories and updates on economic recovery projects on public lands in Idaho are also available.