BLM Works to Strengthen Idaho Landscapes before the Next Wildland Fire
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CHALLIS, Idaho – In a proactive step to reduce wildfire risk and invest in healthy, resilient public lands, the Bureau of Land Management Challis Field Office plans to conduct aerial herbicide treatments across approximately 2500 acres in Custer County. Treatments will occur between Sept. 21 and Oct. 5, 2026 near Trail Creek in the Pahsimeroi Valley and near the Jimmy Smith Lake area of East Fork as weather and vegetation conditions allow.
The treatments are intended to reduce invasive annual grasses and hazardous fine fuels, maintain strategic fuel breaks, support vegetation recovery following wildfire, and improve the establishment and long-term success of desirable perennial vegetation. By strengthening landscapes before wildfire strikes, the work helps reduce wildfire risk and the potential costs of large, damaging fires while protecting wildlife habitat, rangelands, watersheds and other public resources.
Treatments will use imazapic, a BLM-approved herbicide and application rates may vary by project area based on vegetation and management objectives.
The public may see low-flying aircraft over designated treatment areas and should avoid those areas while applications are underway. BLM and/or US Wildland Fire Service employees will be present in project areas before and during application. Federal officials appreciate the public’s cooperation as these treatments invest in the long-term health and resilience of public lands and reduce wildfire risk.
Rangelands in Idaho and across the West have been heavily impacted by destructive wildfires, exacerbated by drought, insects, and disease, leaving millions of acres vulnerable to future wildfires. Since 2000, wildfires have burned an average of 7.3 million acres annually, with BLM lands seeing an average of 236,530 acres affected each year. This year alone, wildfires have burned nearly 3.1 million acres of BLM-managed lands and over 8.5 million acres across all jurisdictions nationwide.
The BLM is partnering with Idaho Department of Fish and Game for the East Fork Treatment. These treatments are part of the BLM’s ongoing efforts to control invasive plants, reduce fine fuels, protect native vegetation, improve wildlife habitat, and promote more resilient landscapes.
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The BLM manages about 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.