BLM Idaho News Release Feed

BLM Fire Training Continues Next Week

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:00:20 -0600

TWIN FALLS, ID – Seasonal firefighters have arrived to start training for the upcoming fire season. This year the Twin Falls District has 67 returning seasonal employees and 21 new hires. The BLM Twin Falls District would like to invite the media to attend the three following events:

1. Annual Pack Test: Tuesday, May 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. The event is located outside the College of Southern Idaho Hepworth Building. Crews from the Burley, Shoshone and Rock Creek fire yards will come together to complete this necessary job requirement. The arduous pack test mandates firefighters walk 3 miles in less than 45 minutes while wearing a 45 pound vest. (Contact: John Sabala, 208-308-3949)

2. Twin Falls District Unit Orientation Meeting: Thursday, May 30th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The event will be held at the CSI Little Theater. The meeting gives upper management the opportunity to meet with seasonal employees and discuss the upcoming season, safety and expectations.

3. Basic Fire School Field Day: Thursday, June 3rd. This will be an all-day event; more information regarding meeting location and time to come. This event will begin at the Methodist Camp near Fairfield. The event is a weeklong training intended to give new firefighters the necessary skills to battle the flames this season. Twenty-four participants from the Bureau of Land Management and Sawtooth National Forest will work together through the week.

For more information please contact Public Affairs Specialist, Heather Tiel-Nelson (208) 736-2352.

Idaho BLM Employee among Recipients of 2013 Making a Difference National Volunteer Awards

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 -0600

The Bureau of Land Management today presented its prestigious “Making a Difference” National Volunteer Awards to four individuals, one couple, one group, and one BLM employee for outstanding volunteer service or volunteer leadership on BLM-managed lands. Among the recipients was Challis Field Office equipment operator Warren J. Trogden, Sr., for showing extraordinary dedication to the BLM volunteer campground host program throughout his 16 years of service with the agency.

The Making a Difference Award is an annual award presented by the BLM that recognizes its most exceptional volunteers, whose efforts include trail repair, visitor services, habitat restoration, and many other duties. The award was presented to recipients at a recognition event via live video conference hosted at the BLM’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The event included remarks from Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior; Neil Kornze, Principal Deputy Director of the BLM; and Carl Rountree, Assistant Director for the BLM’s National Landscape Conservation System and Community Partnerships.

Principal Deputy Director Kornze expressed his appreciation for the volunteers’ hard work in helping the BLM fulfill its multiple-use mission. “Volunteer efforts – the seeing, the doing, and the leading – have helped us to fulfill that responsibility on the public lands,” Kornze said. “Your labors have made a lasting imprint, and you have left a legacy for others to follow.”

Warren Trogden’s award citation states that during his 16 years of service with BLM, he has helped volunteers collectively log over 76,000 hours at four high-use recreation sites. He has shown a personal commitment to providing volunteers with the facilities, equipment and assistance they need for pleasant and safe camping experiences. Warren’s care, commitment, and accommodating nature have made Challis-area BLM campgrounds highly sought-after destinations for prospective volunteer hosts from all over the nation. Warren has often expressed his passion for making the hosts’ lives easier “since the volunteers already do so much for us.” Challis-area camp hosts – the local face of the BLM for thousands of visitors – are eager to return year after year because of Warren’s dedication to improving conditions and making their responsibilities more manageable.

And though Warren’s accomplishments are undoubtedly impressive, Warren, with typical humility, insists that the volunteers deserve all the credit, the award citation says. While Warren may not acknowledge the significant role he plays, the volunteer campground hosts certainly do. In the words of one long-time host, “I have never seen a harder working person. He is always willing to give a helping hand and always has a smile and good word for everyone. Warren makes it a joy and a pleasure to be a volunteer campground host.”

The other volunteers selected for this year’s awards were: Ray and Linda Panter, Central Yukon Field Office, Alaska; Annette Froehlich (Lifetime Achievement), Las Cruces District Office, New Mexico; Joshua Barlow, Price Field Office, Utah; Upper Ridge Wilderness Association (Lifetime Achievement), Redding Field Office, California; Illa Willmore (Lifetime Achievement), Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument, Montana; and Pat Williams (Milestone Award), Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Nevada.

A national panel of BLM specialists and partner representatives selected the award winners from a record number of nominees submitted by BLM state offices. The winners were selected for their exceptional contributions to the conservation and management of public lands.

In Fiscal Year 2012, more than 30,000 volunteers contributed more than 1.1 million hours of their time in assisting the BLM. That is the equivalent of 637 “work years.” The value of volunteer contributions as compared to project-related dollars expended by the BLM was 26 to 1.

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Note to Editor: A photo of Warren Trogden accepting his award and addition general information can be found here.

New Rules Protect Wildlife and Public Safety in Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:30:40 -0600

BOISE – New rules designed to protect habitats for raptors and enhance public safety are now in effect in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) southwest of Boise. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued final supplementary rules that enable full enforcement of a number of prohibited activities identified in the 2008 resource management plan (RMP) for the NCA. The rules were developed with public input during the RMP process and in comments received on proposed rules, published in July.

The new rules prohibit rock climbing and rappelling in the Snake River Canyon within NCA boundaries to protect 16 species of raptors that nest in or on canyon walls at various times of the year. Unstable basalt also poses a significant safety hazard to anyone climbing on the cliffs. The proposed rules were revised to allow a style of rock climbing known as bouldering, so long as it does not occur on the canyon walls of the Snake River within the NCA. A definition of bouldering was also included in the final supplementary rules.

Use of paintball guns and equipment is prohibited in the Snake River Canyon or within ¼ mile of the canyon rim inside NCA boundaries. In the past, some of the NCA’s significant cultural resources have been damaged by paintball gun use. Prohibiting use of paintball guns will help ensure the maintenance of early cabin architecture, ferry crossings, Oregon Trail segments, and petroglyphs.

Open fires are prohibited outside of BLM-approved fire rings to help avert human-caused wildfires. Additional restrictions on open fires and other burning may be imposed during periods of high fire danger.

Anyone who violates any of these rules may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined up no more than $1,000 or imprisoned for no more than 12 months or both. Such violations may also be subject to enhanced fines provided for by 18 U.S.C. 3571.

The 2008 RMP for the NCA is available at the BLM Boise District Office, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705.

Fee Season Begins Along the South Fork of the Snake River

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:15:30 -0600

IDAHO FALLS, ID – On May 24, the fee season begins for the ten boat access sites along the South Fork of the Snake River, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Idaho Falls District announced today. The day pass for a single vehicle is $3.00; a season pass is $30.00; and a double season pass, which is good for two vehicles, is $45.00. Senior/Golden Age and Access Pass holders pay half price.

Season passes can be purchased at the Eastern Idaho Visitor Information or ordered over the phone using a credit card by calling Chris Deets at 208-523-1012 or Amy Forsgren at 208-524-7527. Daily parking fees can be paid at any boat access.

The money collected at the boat access sites along the South Fork are used to maintain and improve the facilities, said BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Monica Zimmerman.

As a reminder, portable toilets and firepans are required for those individuals camping along the South Fork.

For more information, call Chris Deets at 208-523-1012 or email at: cdeets@blm.gov.

BLM?s Blackwell Island Boat Launch Opens May 24

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:40:50 -0600

COEUR D'ALENE, ID -- The summer boating season is just around the corner, with Friday, May 24 marking the opening day for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM's) Blackwell Island Recreation Site and boat launch.

Boat launch traffic at Blackwell Island is expected to be heavier than usual this season with the pending closure of the City of Coeur d’Alene’s 3rd Street boat launch. Kurt Pindel, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM Coeur d’Alene Field Office, encourages boaters to "get out early on summer weekends or take advantage of mid-week boating when the launch lanes are less congested." Although Blackwell Island boasts of four launch lanes and 135 vehicles-with-trailer parking spots, peak summer weekends can reach full capacity by noon.

Pindel reminds users that Blackwell Island Recreation Site is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. “We do lock the entrance gate at 11 p.m. each night. The BLM is proud to maintain this premiere facility for the public’s use. By securing the site, we are able to protect against vandalism and other unwanted activities that could potentially reduce the public’s recreational experience at Blackwell.”

Season passes that cover both Blackwell Island Recreation Site and Mineral Ridge Boat Launch are $40 per year. Daily rates at Blackwell Island are $6 per day. Season passes can be purchased during regular business hours at the BLM office located at 3815 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene or on site at Blackwell Island in on weekends only in June and July.

The BLM’s Blackwell Island Recreation Site offers picnic facilities, including a large pavilion that is available on a rental basis, wildlife viewing along the boardwalk trail, walking paths and four boat launch lanes.

For additional information, please visit our website or contact the BLM office at 208-769-5000.

BLM Invites Public to Open House on Grazing Permit Renewal Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:35:50 -0600

MARSING, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is inviting the public to an Open House on June 13, 2013, at the Marsing American Legion Community Hall located at 126 2nd Ave. W., Marsing, Idaho from 6:00 p. m. to 9:00 p.m. The purpose of the Open House is for BLM to receive comments and information on the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for renewing 15 grazing permits on 25 allotments encompassing approximately 120,000 acres of public land in the Jump Creek, Cow Creek and Succor Creek watersheds in western Owyhee County.

The draft EIS was published on May 3, 2013, opening a 45-day public review and comment period that will close on June 17, 2013. Comments submitted by that date will be considered by the Bureau of Land Management as it prepares a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) to renew the 15 grazing permits.

The DEIS includes analysis of a range of grazing management alternatives to address resource issues identified during scoping and BLM’s review of current resource conditions in the 25 grazing allotments. Comments received will help inform completion of the FEIS to be completed later this year.

“Public involvement during this phase of the EIS is crucial,” said BLM Owyhee Field Manager Loretta Chandler. “We need citizens to take the time to share valuable information about places and resources in the area that they consider important, along with comments about potential effects to those places and resources. This helps ensure that the EIS will support a reasonable decision.”

In addition to attending the Open House, comments should be submitted electronically or in writing by June 13, 2013, to the following:

· email: BLM_ID_NPR_EIS@blm.gov

· fax: 208-373-3805

· mail: Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office, 1387 S. Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709, Attention: Jake Vialpando, Project Manager

An interdisciplinary team will review all comments in order to identify issues and impacts for examination as the FEIS is completed.

In addition to livestock grazing, a variety of other multiple uses exists in the project area, including year-round recreation activities, wild horse management, and electrical transmission line development. Other key issues already identified involve effects of grazing on wildlife habitats, as well as the risk of contact between domestic and bighorn sheep. Comments containing information about these issues or which help identify other management questions or concerns that should be addressed in the FEIS are strongly encouraged.

The Draft EIS may be viewed or downloaded on the project website .

For more information, please contact Jake Vialpando, project manager at (208) 373-3814, orNPR_EIS@blm.gov.

Spring Clean Up Planned for North Rim of Canyon

Wed, 8 May 2013 11:30:50 -0600

TWIN FALLS, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Twin Falls District Office staff will join the Southern Idaho Off-Road Association, Magic Valley ATV Riders, Snake River Canyon Krawlers, Jerome County Commissioners, Backcountry Horsemen, area geocachers and other organizations to pick up and haul off garbage from the north rim of the Snake River Canyon on May 11, 2013, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Members of the public interested in removing trash are encouraged to volunteer. Volunteers should plan to meet just north of the Perrine Bridge and east of Highway 93.

Each spring for the past 14 years, these organizations and volunteers have gathered to pick up trash that collects year after year. According to Greg Moore of the Southern Idaho Off-Road Association, “We just couldn’t do this without the support of all of our sponsors, in particular, Cesco Equipment and Southern Idaho Solid Waste. The donated heavy equipment is indispensable for hauling out the huge volumes of trash, and the donated dumpsters enable us to clean this area year after year.”

Unfortunately, several areas within the Snake River Canyon Park continually receive hefty amounts of illegally dumped trash. These areas will be the focus of Saturday’s events, which will allow numerous volunteers the opportunity to take part in keeping their public lands clean, safe and beautiful. Volunteers for the cleanup should plan to dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes and bring gloves and sun block. The Southern Idaho Off-Road Association will provide pizza for lunch for volunteers.

Additional sponsors for the clean-up event include Columbia Electric, Western Waste Services, Western States CAT rental and Jim Bob’s Bakery. For additional information, please contact Greg Moore of the Southern Idaho Off-Road Association at (208) 539-2012.

Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line Map and Routes Available Online

Wed, 8 May 2013 10:15:10 -0600

Vale, Ore. -- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has identified the preliminary preferred alternatives for the proposed Boardman to Hemingway Transmission Line (B2H Project). The preferred routes, along with the map being released today, are the ones that BLM will contemplate in the development of the draft Environmental Impact Statement that will be released later in 2013.

The BLM, acting as lead Federal agency, is continuing to prepare a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the B2H Project under the National Environmental Policy Act. The draft Environmental Impact Statement will identify and document the potential effects of the project as well as a range of reasonable alternatives that may help avoid, minimize or mitigate for these impacts.

The BLM and the U.S. Forest Service interdisciplinary team and consultants, including managers and resource specialists, completed a robust and collaborative process to identify preferred alternatives for the B2H project. Each alternative has been evaluated using the following criteria: cultural resources, fisheries, land use, special designations, use of existing utility corridors, vegetation, visual resources, and wildlife.

The B2H Project is a new electric transmission line from a proposed substation near Boardman, Oregon, to the existing Hemingway substation near Melba, Idaho. The proposed route crosses Federal lands administered by the BLM and the U.S. Forest Service in Oregon and Idaho. In addition to the Federal review process, Idaho Power Company is engaged in the Oregon State review process. They are working to obtain a Site Certificate from the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council led by the Oregon Department of Energy.

The B2H preferred routes and related map are available online at:

www.boardmantohemingway.com

BLM Urges Using Caution at Current Lorenzo Boat Access

Fri, 3 May 2013 13:25:20 -0600

IDAHO FALLS, ID – More fishermen are dusting off their fishing rods and hitting the South Fork of the Snake River as spring weather makes its appearance. As recreational use increases, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Upper Snake Field Office (USFO) is urging boaters to be cautious while using the current Lorenzo Boat Access.

“We are aware of some safety concerns with the current boat ramp when boaters are either launching or taking out their boats," said Monica Zimmerman, BLM Upper Snake Field Office recreation planner. "The bottom part of the ramp buckled during high water flows."

"We are urging boaters to be cautious this season while a new ramp is being constructed," Zimmerman said. "The new ramp, which is being constructed about ½-mile downstream of the current Lorenzo site, is scheduled to be completed this fall.”

The relocation of the boat ramp complies with the Idaho Transportation Department’s (ITD’s) US-20 Corridor Plan, which will eventually eliminate all at-grade intersections on Highway 20 and completely eliminate vehicular access to the current facility.

“We believe this new site is a more suitable location and less likely to be impeded by changing river dynamics,” said BLM Idaho Falls District Engineer Steve Janzen. "A review of nearly 60 years of aerial photography shows the new location as one of the only areas within 10 miles of the current site that hasn't dramatically changed over the years from the Snake River's unpredictable flows."

For more information regarding this project, please phone Monica Zimmerman at 208-524-7543 or by email at mzimmerman@blm.gov.

Comment Sought on Draft EIS for Grazing Permit Renewals in Owyhee Field Office

Fri, 3 May 2013 00:00:00 -0600

Boise, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today published the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analyzing the potential effects of renewing grazing permits on allotments in western Owyhee County. The area covered by the permit renewal requests encompasses approximately 120,000 acres of public land in the Jump Creek, Cow Creek and Succor Creek watersheds.

Publication opens a 45-day public review and comment period that will close on June 17, 2013. “We rely on public involvement at every stage of the process, to help ensure that we reach the best possible decisions,” said BLM Boise District Manager Jim Fincher. “When combined with best available science, public review and comment allows us to move forward with managing public lands for continuing multiple use.”

The Draft EIS may be viewed or downloaded on the project website: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/nepa_register/owyhee_grazing_group/grazing_permit_renewal0.html .

Please send written comments by U.S. Postal mail to:

Project Manager, NEPA Permit Renewal Team

Bureau of Land Management, Idaho State Office

1387 S. Vinnell Way

Boise ID 83709

Email comments may be submitted to BLM_ID_NPR_EIS@blm.gov .

Following the public comment period, public comments will be used to prepare the Final EIS and Record of Decision. The BLM is committed to completing the processing of these permit renewals by the end of 2013, under the terms of a settlement agreement accepted by the U.S. District Court for Idaho. Other permit renewals in the group covered by the settlement agreement are being analyzed in environmental assessments, but the presence of California bighorn sheep populations and priority habitat for sage-grouse in some parts of the allotments in this group led the BLM to prepare an EIS to analyze the potential impacts of renewing these permits.

The Draft EIS analyzes five action alternatives in detail, in addition to a No Action alternative. Alternative 2 is the applicant’s proposal. Alternatives 3 through 5 involve various adjustments to authorized grazing, while Alternative 6 is a No grazing alternative.