BLM Idaho News Release Feed

BLM Fuels Reduction Plan Addresses St. Maries Municipal Water Supply

Thu, 9 Feb 2012 10:05:40 -0700

St. Maries, ID – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Coeur d’Alene Field Office has completed an environmental assessment (EA) for the Rochat and Street Creek Watersheds near St. Maries, Idaho, and the document is now available for public review. The BLM has partnered with the City of St. Maries, Benewah County Firesmart, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the U.S. Forest Service to develop a Watershed Protection Plan for the area. Rochat Creek is the primary municipal water source for the community of St. Maries.

Years of fire suppression in the Rochat and Street Creek drainages have created adverse conditions prime for a large wildfire to move through the watersheds. Land managers plan to use fire as a tool and reintroduce it gradually to the landscape through a series of low severity prescribed burns, breaking up the continuity of fuels and reducing the risk of large scale fire occurrence. Prescribed burns would occur in select areas across the 11,000-acre watersheds over several years, utilizing optimal weather and fuel moisture conditions. This method is intended to mimic natural mixed severity fire occurrences that naturally clean up the landscape. The plan also proposes creating five new helispots at strategic locations to increasing access for firefighting resources.

A large wildfire could negatively affect the water quality and supply for the City of St. Maries. The watersheds have been identified as one of the highest priorities for treatment in the Benewah Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Benewah County and adjacent landowners have conducted a variety of fuels reduction projects to fireproof their lands. The proposed work on the BLM managed lands will break up the uniformity of fuels, providing opportunities to slowdown or even prevent large wildland fires.

“A broad range of alternatives were considered, including conventional logging of dead and dying lodgepole pine trees but the economic feasibility did not pencil out,” said Lonnie Newton, BLM fire ecologist. “An alternative that returns fire, in a controlled manner, to the landscape is the preferred method of treatment. In this situation, fuels are the only pillar of the fuels, weather and topography fire triangle that we have an opportunity to change.”

The Rochat Creek Watershed Protection Plan Environmental Assessment is available at: http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/content/id/en/info/nepa.html. For additional information, please contact Lonnie Newton at 208-769-5017.

Challis Field Office to Host Public Scoping Meeting for Wild Horse Gather

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:30:10 -0700

Challis, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Challis Field Office (CFO) is seeking public comment on a proposed wild horse gather in the Challis Herd Management Area (HMA) tentatively scheduled for October 2012. The CFO is preparing a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis analyzing the gathering and removal of excess horses to maintain the Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 185 horses to restore a “thriving natural ecological balance” as mandated in Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act (WFRHBA) of 1971.

On February 23, 2012, the CFO will host a public open house from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 1151 Blue Mountain Road, Challis, Idaho, to answer questions regarding the gather and to collect public input. “This open house provides the public an excellent opportunity to talk one on one with staff about the gather,” said Todd Kuck, Challis field manager. “We will be able to answer individual questions regarding the proposed wild horse gather and other resource issues.”

The Challis HMA includes Jerry Peak and Corral-Horse Basin Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and six livestock grazing allotments. About 47 percent of the HMA is in the WSAs. The CFO is considering a variety of alternatives such as gathering by helicopter, deferring the gather to a later date and varying degrees of population growth suppression.

Comments received during the public review period will be analyzed and considered as part of the field office’s decision-making process. Comments may be sent to the CFO by email with the subject line containing “proposed wild horse gather comments” at: BLM_ID_ChallisOffice@blm.gov or by mail at the following address: Challis Field Office, 1151 Blue Mountain Road, Challis, Idaho 83226, Attention: Kevin Lloyd. Comments must be postmarked by March 5, 2012.

For more information on the public meeting or the proposed gather, please call Kevin Lloyd at 208-879-6200 or email at klloyd@blm.gov.

Boise District BLM seeks Nominations to Resource Advisory Council

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:45:30 -0700

The Bureau of Land Management in Idaho announced today that it is seeking public nominations for three open positions on its Boise District Resource Advisory Council (RAC), which advises the BLM on public land issues. The BLM will consider the nominations until March 12, 2012.

The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency’s ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations.”

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision making. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications. The RAC nomination form can be downloaded from the following location: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/resource_advisory.html

The three RAC positions open on the Boise District RAC are in the following category/ies:

One Opening in Category One – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.

One Opening in Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.

One Opening in Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Nominations should be sent by March 12, 2012 to M.J. Byrne, Boise District BLM, 3948 S. Development Ave., Boise ID 83705; (208) 384-3393.

BLM Seeks Nominations for Resource Advisory Council

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:25:20 -0700

Coeur d’Alene, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced today that it is seeking public nominations for five open positions on its Coeur d’Alene Resource Advisory Council (RAC), which advises the BLM on public land issues. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after today, when the agency is publishing its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.

The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency’s ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations.”

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of their training, education and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications. The RAC nomination form can be downloaded from the following location: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/resource_advisory.html

The five RAC positions open on the Coeur d’Alene RAC are in the following categories:

Category One (1 position) – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.
Category Two (2 positions) – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.
Category Three (2 positions) – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Nominations must be received by March 12, 2012. All information should be sent to the Bureau of Land Management, 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815, to the attention of Suzanne Endsley, Public Affairs Officer. For additional information please call (208) 769-5004, or email sendsley@blm.gov.

Twin Falls District BLM seeks Nominations to Resource Advisory Council

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:20:20 -0700

The Bureau of Land Management in Idaho announced today that it is seeking public nominations for five open positions on its Twin Falls District Resource Advisory Council (RAC), which advises the BLM on public land issues. The BLM will consider the nominations until March 12, 2012.

The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work, and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency’s ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations.”

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of their training, education, and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision making. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications. The RAC nomination form can be downloaded from the following location: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/resource_advisory.html

The five RAC positions open on the Twin Falls District RAC are in the following category/ies:

Two Openings in Category One – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.

One Opening in Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.

Two Openings in Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Nominations should be sent by March 12, 2012 to Heather Tiel-Nelson, Twin Falls District BLM, 2536 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, ID 83301; (208) 736-2352.

BLM Seeks Nominations to Resource Advisory Councils

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:50:30 -0700

BOISE, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Idaho announced today that it is seeking public nominations for 18 open positions on its four Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), which advises the BLM on public land issues. The BLM will consider the nominations for 45 days after today, when the agency is publishing its formal call for nominations in the Federal Register.

The BLM’s RACs, composed of citizens chosen for their expertise in natural resource issues, help the Bureau carry out its stewardship of 245 million acres of public lands. The Bureau, which manages more land than any other Federal agency, has 29 RACs across the West, where most BLM-managed land is located. Each RAC consists of 10 to 15 members with an interest in public land management, including such individuals as conservationists, ranchers, outdoor recreationists, state and local government officials, Tribal officials, and academics. The diverse membership of each RAC is aimed at achieving a balanced outlook that the BLM needs for its mission, which is to manage the public lands for multiple uses.

“I value the advice given to the BLM by these citizen-based Resource Advisory Committees,” said BLM Director Bob Abbey. “The people who live, work and recreate near or on BLM-managed lands deserve a formal voice on public land issues, and their input will enhance our agency’s ability to manage the public lands for multiple uses while conserving resources for future generations.”

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to serve on an advisory council. Nominees, who must be residents of the state or states where the RAC has jurisdiction, will be judged on the basis of their training, education and knowledge of the council’s geographical area. Nominees should also demonstrate a commitment to consensus building and collaborative decision-making. All nominations must be accompanied by letters of reference from any represented interests or organizations; a completed background information nomination form; and any other information that speaks to the nominee's qualifications. The RAC nomination form can be downloaded from the following location: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/resource_advisory.html

The RAC positions open in Idaho are in the following categories:

Category One – Public land ranchers and representatives of organizations associated with energy and mineral development, the timber industry, transportation or rights-of-way, off-highway vehicle use, and commercial recreation.
Category Two – Representatives of nationally or regionally recognized environmental organizations, archaeological and historical organizations, dispersed recreation activities, and wild horse and burro organizations.
Category Three – Representatives of state, county, or local elected office; representatives and employees of a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources; representatives of Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the RAC is organized; representatives and employees of academic institutions who are involved in natural sciences; and the public-at-large.

Boise District
Category 1 – 1 opening
Category 2 – 1 opening
Category 3 – 1 opening

Idaho Falls District
Category 1 – 2 openings
Category 2 – 1 opening
Category 3 – 2 openings

Coeur d’Alene District
Category 1 – 1 opening
Category 2 – 2 openings
Category 3 – 2 openings

Twin Falls District
Category 1 – 2 openings
Category 2 – 1 opening
Category 3 – 2 openings

Nominations should be sent to the respective Idaho BLM District Office address below and must be received no later than March 12, 2012:

Boise District RAC
MJ Byrne
Boise District Office, BLM
3948 Development Avenue
Boise, ID 83705
(208) 384–3393
mbyrne@blm.gov

Coeur d’Alene District RAC
Suzanne Endsley
Coeur d’Alene District Office, BLM
3815 Schreiber Way
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
(208) 769–5004
sendsley@blm.gov

Idaho Falls District RAC
Sarah Wheeler
Idaho Falls District Office, BLM
1405 Hollipark Drive
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
(208) 524–7550
sawheeler@blm.gov

Twin Falls District RAC
Heather Tiel-Nelson
Twin Falls District Office, BLM
2536 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, ID83301
(208) 736–2352
hnelson@blm.gov

For additional information about RACs or the nomination process, please contact the RAC coordinator at your local BLM District Office.

Open House will Discuss Environmental Impact Statement on Grazing Permit Renewal and Seek Public Comment on Issues

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:05:20 -0700

BOISE, ID - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Owyhee Field Office will host an informational public open house to help identify the issues to be addressed in an environmental impact statement (EIS) for renewal of 15 grazing permits on public lands in western Owyhee County, Idaho.

The open house will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2012, at the American Legion Hall, 126 N. Bruneau Highway, Marsing, Idaho 83639.

The BLM will analyze the potential effects of renewing livestock grazing permits in the Jump Creek, Succor Creek and Cow Creek watersheds.

Some of the issues to be addressed in the EIS will include the effects of grazing where sage-grouse habitat exists and where potential domestic and bighorn sheep interaction may occur. In addition to livestock grazing, a variety of other multiple uses exist in the project area, including recreation, travel planning, wild horse management and electrical transmission line development. The planning area, located in Owyhee County, encompasses about 120,000 acres of public land.

“We are extending the comment period on the scope of the EIS to March 9, 2012, which is 15 days after this public meeting,” said BLM Boise District Manager Aden Seidlitz. “The BLM values public input and involvement for making sound decisions on proposed actions during the development of an EIS.”

In addition to commenting at the open house, comments may also be submitted in writing by any of the following methods:

• online: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/owyhee/owyhee_grazing_group.html
• email: NPR_EIS@blm.gov
• fax: (208) 373-3805
• mail: 1387 S. Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709, Attention: Jake Vialpando, Project Manager

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

For more information, please contact Project Manager Jake Vialpando at (208) 373-3814.

BLM Applying for Grant Opportunity to Renovate Blackfoot Reservoir Campground

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:15:50 -0700

POCATELLO, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pocatello Field Office (PFO) is submitting a grant proposal to Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) to assist with funding to improve the Blackfoot Reservoir Campground area. The PFO is encouraging the public to comment on the grant proposal and campground improvements.

Specifically, the PFO is applying for an RV Grant to install fourteen new shelters at Blackfoot Reservoir Campground. Eleven of the new shelters will be placed in the developed sites, and three new shelters would be located in the overflow for undeveloped sites. “We think this will be a great addition to our campground location,” said Chuck Patterson, recreational planner for the PFO. “The Blackfoot Reservoir Campground sees a lot of use, and this will help serve the increasing demand on the site.”

Any grant funds received from IDPR for this project will be used for the Blackfoot Reservoir Campground. For more information on the grant proposal or to get involved with the project, contact Chuck Patterson, outdoor recreation planner, at 208-478-6362 or by mail at cpatterson@blm.gov.

BLM Implements Seasonal Closure in the South Hills

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:35:50 -0700

TWIN FALLS, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Burley Field Office will implement a seasonal road closure from January 16 to March 15, 2012. This seasonal closure, which has been in place since 2000, is designed to prevent resource damage and protect crucial mule deer winter range and sage-grouse habitat. There are signs in the area notifying the public of the closure, and gates have been installed to prevent trespass.

The following roads and any two-tracks or trails tied to these roads will be closed to motorized travel from January 16 to March 15, 2012: Dry Creek, Cherry Spring, Indian Springs (closure begins 1.5 miles south of Foothills Road) and North Cottonwood Creek.

The seasonal closure applies to all motorized vehicles except those specifically authorized to access the area. The authorization provides for search and rescue; emergency medical services and law enforcement personnel; and administratively approved actions such as livestock grazing activity, access to private lands and resource monitoring or research studies. The area is open to the public for non-motorized use.

“Despite having less snow in the South Hills than in previous years, this area is crucial mule deer winter range, and extra care should be taken to avoid causing the deer to deplete their fat reserves and move away from important foraging areas,” said Jeremy Bisson, BLM wildlife biologist. “Motorized travel on public lands, evident throughout the south hills, could seriously impact the survival and productivity of these animals.”

The Magic Valley Regional Office of the Idaho Department of Fish & Game supports the need to protect wildlife in the area. The habitat is important in maintaining mule deer herds that are over-wintering in the area. During other times of the year, the area is popular for hunting and wildlife viewing.

For additional information, contact Dennis Thompson, Burley Field Office recreation planner at (208) 677-6600.

Resource Advisory Council Meeting Scheduled

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:15:30 -0700

IDAHO FALLS, ID – The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho Falls District (IFD) Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will be held January 24-25, 2012 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

On Tuesday, January 24, the meeting will begin at 2:00 p.m. with an orientation for new members. The Tuesday meeting will be held at the BLM/Forest Service Office located at 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho. On Wednesday, January 25, the entire RAC will meet beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game building, located at 4279 Commerce Circle, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The RAC members will elect a new chairman, vice chair and secretary. Topics of discussion will include the BLM Sage-grouse management strategy and planning efforts, field office updates and recreational items.

The Recreation RAC, which will convene at 10:00 a.m. on January 25, will be provided information on specific BLM recreational sites; asked to approve a restructuring of two RV dump station fees at the Joe T. Fallini and Cottonwood campgrounds; and will be asked to review several cabin fee increases and one new cabin rental fee for the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Other topics pertinent to the district and field offices may arise.

The RAC meets three to four times a year to advise the BLM on issues of importance to the public. The 15 members of the RAC represent a wide variety of commercial, conservation, recreation, academic, Tribal and other interests. The Idaho Falls District has field offices in Challis, Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Salmon.

RAC meetings are open to the public, and the public may address the RAC from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Interested persons may make oral statements to the RAC during this time or submit written statements for consideration by the RAC. For more information, contact Sarah Wheeler, RAC coordinator, at 208-524-7550.