BLM enlists help of Idaho Conservation Corps on Trout Springs Prescribed Fire
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Boise, Idaho – In an effort to improve rangeland wildlife habitat conditions through the removal of encroaching Western juniper stands, the Bureau of Land Management successfully implemented the Trout Springs Prescribed Fire this past September, in the Juniper Mountain area of southwest Idaho. Federal firefighters were not the only ones contributing to the burn’s success, however, as the BLM also utilized a seven-person hand crew from the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC).
The ICC offers both a challenging education and a job-training experience that help youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds develop the skills they need to lead full and productive lives. The ICC programs focus on education, challenge, community, leadership and empowerment, giving youth critical life skills and confidence. The programs include a wide range of projects, including invasive plant removal, riparian planting, stream restoration, fence construction, trail maintenance and prescribed fire for a variety of federal, state and local partners.
The BLM Boise District was excited to work with ICC crews and eager to get them out in the field.
“We began utilizing the ICC crew late in the summer and thought that getting them out on the burn would benefit both parties,” said Lance Okeson, Boise District Fuels Management Officer and Trout Springs Burn Boss. “It was evident during the burn that the ICC crew demonstrated the work ethic and attitude we were looking for, while at the same time learning and developing wildland fire skills that could benefit them down the road.”
The ICC crew members participated in numerous jobs on the burn including digging hand line, ignition operations with drip torches, and assisting wildland engines in holding operations. These hands-on learning assignments provided valuable experience, and ICC crew members were excited about the opportunity.
“Thank you for the opportunity you gave the crew and myself this season,” said ICC crew member Loryn Posladek. “It was an incredible experience for everyone to be able to participate on the burn. I know for sure two of my folks will be applying for positions next season in fire.”
“Our relationship with the Idaho Conservation Corps is one that continues to develop, and we are excited to be working with them,” said Russ Babiak, Fire Management Officer for the Boise District. “It is a great program that is beneficial to everyone involved.”
Captions:
Photo #1: ICC crewmembers Parker Ramsey (left) and Loryn Posladek (right) assist Winnemucca District Kyle Osborne (center) while refilling a drip torch during ignition operation on the Trout Springs Prescribed Fire.
Photo #2: ICC crewmember Jessica Goulet utilizing a drip torch during ignition operation on the Trout Springs Prescribed Fire.
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.