West Rattlesnake Fuels Treatment Project

Prescribed fire creates new grouse habitat

The West Rattlesnake Fuels Treatment Project area is located within the BLM Idaho Falls Field Office in eastern Idaho. Prior to treatment, the area provided no habitat value to Greater sage-grouse and only a few values for sharp-tailed grouse.

The project was designed to reduce decadent shrubs and hazardous dead woody fuel accumulations to: 1) decrease the potential of severe fire in the wildland-urban interface, 2) stimulate preferred browse species (such as bitterbrush) in a crucial big game winter habitat, and 3) improve grass and forb composition and cover for upland game.

The project area covered 800 acres of public land and 160 acres of private land. Selected areas being invaded by juniper were treated mechanically (bulldozing, aerating, seeding with equipment); herbicides were applied to noxious weeds; and prescribed fire was used to remove shrubs, aspen and downed woody vegetation. 

Prescribed burning improved habitat values by removing 40 - 60% of the targeted vegetation. Big game began using the project area in the fall immediately following treatment. Sage-grouse adults and broods that were previously undocumented in the project area were also spotted.

Grazing permitees, the Idaho Fish and Game Department and local landowners cooperated on the project.

Local BLM Contacts (Idaho Falls Field Office): Jeff Gardetto, (208) 524-7619 and Jason Wright, (208) 524-7542