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BLM acquires central Idaho lands to protect crucial wildlife habitat

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Bureau of Land Management

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CHALLIS, Idaho—With funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the Bureau of Land Management is partnering with The Conservation Fund and the Carlson family to acquire 80 acres of habitat in Lemhi County crucial to sage-grouse, elk, mule deer, moose, and other wildlife.

The acquisition, known as the Park Creek parcel, provides continuous access through the area for hikers and hunters and aligns with President Biden’s America the Beautiful initiative, which seeks to conserve fish and wildlife habitat and expand access to public lands and waters through voluntary conservation.

“Acquiring this parcel will improve recreational access for the public and help maintain continuous habitat for a host of native wildlife,” said BLM Idaho Falls District Manager Mary D’Aversa. “It’s very rewarding to partner with The Conservation Fund and the Carlson family to add a parcel that fits so well into our existing public lands.”

The Conservation Fund—a national nonprofit that supports the voluntary protection of public lands and waters—worked closely with the Carlson family to acquire the property and transfer it to the BLM. The LWCF helps to provide increased public access to and protection for federal public lands and waters—including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and recreation areas. The LWCF also allows agencies to partner with landowners to support voluntary conservation activities on private lands.

Since its inception in 1965, the LWCF has provided $5.2 billion to support more than 45,000 conservation and recreation projects in every county in the country.

Learn more about lands acquired by BLM through the Land and Water Conservation Fund by visiting BLM’s web map.

Hat Creek/Little Hat Creek area with Park Creek Acquisition parcel approximately outlined. Photo courtesy of BLM.
Hat Creek/Little Hat Creek area with Park Creek Acquisition parcel approximately outlined. Photo courtesy of BLM.

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.