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This month, the BLM Idaho in cooperation with other resource partners is launching a new fire education campaign to encourage fire-safe practices within a unique ecosystem -- the sagebrush steppe. Called "Steppe Up," this campaign is designed to increase public awareness of how human-caused wildfires impact the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem and why this ecosystem is important, particularly as habitat for sage-grouse.Sagebrush historically covered vast expanses of the Great Basin -- a massive region with its upper limit that sweeps like a broad brushstroke across southern Idaho. During the 20th century, sagebrush lands saw a major shift as cheatgrass gained a foothold and spread unchecked. Where this annual weed has become established, native plants are gradually outcompeted. Over time, the environment becomes much more prone to wildfire.Fire has always occurred in sagebrush steppe of Idaho, although under varied intervals and conditions. Natural fire benefits wildlife by creating patchy patterns, or mosaics, of plant life. But cheatgrass has changed the positive role fire can play in an ecosystem to negative one by changing fuel dynamics.Where cheatgrass is absent, natural fires in this ecosystem are relatively infrequent, burning across sites only every 20-100 years. But where cheatgrass dominates, the frequency of fire accelerates -- with wildfires burning across some sites every five years or less. This unnaturally frequent occurrence of fire further depletes native plants while clearing the way for even more cheatgrass. Eventually, a highly flammable cheatgrass monoculture may result, fueling fires that are difficult to suppress. This is bad news to everyone (and everything) who values the sagebrush-steppe ecosystem, from ranchers to researchers.The BLM and its partners are working to find a long-term solution to the multi-state cheatgrass invasion. Until that effort succeeds, minimizing wildfire as much as possible will continue to be critical. That's what Steppe Up is all about.Components of the campaign include radio and TV public service announcements (PSAs), social media postings (Facebook and Twitter), information sharing on both the Steppe Up Idaho blog and Facebook pages, and a billboard along Interstate 84 between the Broadway and Gowen Field off-ramps in Boise.Steppe Up Partners include:Idaho Rangeland Resource CommissionIdaho FirewiseThe Nature ConservancyUniversity of Idaho Rangeland CenterUS Fish and Wildlife ServiceProject Learning TreeUS Forest ServiceIdaho Department of LandsThe cooperating partners are asking the public to do their part to help and "Steppe Up" to help eliminate human-caused fires. Being fire-safe will help preserve sagebrush habitat for future generations.For more information on the “Steppe Up" campaign or fire safety tips, please visit the following: www.idahofireinfo.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/SteppeUpIdaho