BLM seeks Public Comment on Proposal for Management and Treatment of Noxious Weeds and Invasive Species
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BOISE, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is preparing an environmental assessment for noxious weeds and invasive plants management within the Boise District boundaries. The purpose of the proposed action is to promote land health into the foreseeable future by reducing or eliminating noxious weeds and invasive plants detrimental to agriculture and commerce in Idaho. The assessment will focus on lands managed by three Boise District field offices (Bruneau, Four Rivers and Owyhee) and on the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in southwest Idaho.
The BLM proposes to expand and update the existing noxious weed and invasive species management program by increasing the number of plant species controlled, adding new chemical active ingredients and adding new treatments, such as aerial herbicide applications. The Boise District currently controls noxious weeds and invasive species using methods based on a 2007 assessment, which is now outdated.
Noxious weeds and invasive plants are aggressive and can outcompete native vegetation, especially following a disturbance. Left unchecked, these non-native plants can create monocultures that adversely affect soil productivity, water quality and quantity, native plant communities, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and livestock forage. Invasive plants, such as cheatgrass and medusahead wildrye, have become dominant in portions of the Boise District, resulting in landscape-scale changes in vegetation in some cases. Cheatgrass can also rapidly invade disturbed areas and act as a hazardous fuel, increasing fire frequency and intensity in sagebrush steppe ecosystems and other landscapes characteristic of southwest Idaho.
The proposed action consists of two planning levels: small-scale treatments and large-scale treatments using an integrated weed management program. Treatment would involve a wide range of methods, including prescribed fire, herbicides, revegetation and the use of hand tools, power tools and heavy-duty vehicles to clear vegetation. Biological control, or the use of insects, nematodes, mites, pathogens or domestic animals specific to particular weeds, would also be employed.
The BLM is currently in the scoping phase of the project and is accepting input during the 30-day comment period from March 31 to April 29, 2016. Boise District BLM will host a public scoping meeting on April 7 from 5-7 p.m. at the Boise District Office, 3948 Development Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83705. Information about the proposal is also available at: http://1.usa.gov/1U1qVJu. Following the public scoping period, the BLM will prepare an environmental assessment to analyze the environmental effects that would result from the management and treatment of noxious weeds and invasive plant species on BLM lands in the Boise District. The public is encouraged to provide comments to help the BLM identify relevant issues that will influence the scope of the analysis and guide the development process for the assessment. Written comments on the proposal will be accepted by letter or email and be most useful if received by April 29, 2016. Comments sent electronically should be sent to jmbeck@blm.gov with “Noxious Weed & Invasive Species EA” in the subject line. Please mail comments to Jonathan Beck, Idaho BLM, Boise District Office 3948 Development Ave Boise, ID 83705.
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.