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Idaho BLM in Action
May 2007
From the Washington Office
Interior Program Encourages Greater Development
of Geothermal Energy on Federal Lands
Competitive leasing, simplified royalties, payments to Western counties
Washington, DC . — On May 1, 2007, Assistant Secretary of the Interior C. Stephen Allred unveiled the Department’s latest initiative to promote greater use of renewable energy, announcing new incentives to increase the development of geothermal resources on federal lands.
“Secretary Kempthorne is committed to developing alternative energy, such as geothermal, wind, and solar,” Allred said. “At his confirmation hearing, the Secretary emphasized the importance the President and Congress placed on renewable sources and pledged to develop their great potential to help increase and diversify our Nation’s energy supply while sustaining clean air and conserving and protecting other natural resources.”
"The new regulations on geothermal energy production on public lands expand Interior’s efforts to encourage environmentally responsible development of renewable energy resources while ensuring a fair return to the United States," Allred said.
The regulations, which were published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2007, require more competitive leasing, offer simplified royalty calculations and share $4 million per year in current royalties with counties where production occurs. They were drafted and published by the Bureau of Land Management and the Minerals Management Service -- agencies within the Department. Read full article . Access the final BLM rule .
Interior Secretary Kempthorne Announces $3 Million in Immediate Funding for Healthy Lands Initiative
States to benefit are Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Nevada
Washington, DC. — On April 10, 2007, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne launched the Healthy Lands Initiative in seven Western states, announcing that the Bureau of Land Management is allocating $3 million for immediate on-the-ground restoration work.
“As a demonstration of our Department’s commitment to this initiative, we are immediately funding partnership projects to improve the health and productivity of public lands in key areas of today’s fast-changing West,” Kempthorne said in a teleconference with reporters. The states to benefit from the immediate funding are Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, and Nevada.
The Healthy Lands Initiative, announced in the President’s fiscal year 2008 budget proposal, addresses a multitude of pressures on the public lands, including increased urban-suburban development and outdoor recreational activity; rising demands for energy; impacts from large-scale wildfires; and the effects of an ongoing weed invasion. Read full story and learn more .
Featured Articles
BLM Idaho State Director Featured Speaker at Idaho Environmental Forum
Discusses emerging trends in the West that are challenging agency leaders
Idaho State Office — On April 11, BLM Idaho State Director Tom Dyer was the featured speaker at the Idaho Environmental Forum. His presentation entitled, “The BLM in Idaho – Great Challenges Bring Great Opportunity,” touched on emerging trends in a rapidly changing West that are challenging agency leaders to deal with an expanding list of issues.
That list includes the many forms of recreation; fires that are burning thousands of acres every year in wildlife habitat and providing a foothold for cheatgrass and other invasive weeds; and the need for new alternative energy sources, including wind and geothermal.
The Idaho Environmental Forum is an informal, nonpartisan, nonprofit, educational association located in Boise, Idaho, whose mission is to promote serious, cordial and productive discourse on a broad range of environmental policies.
216,000 Bitterbrush Seedlings Cooperatively Planted in Boise District
Planting project is in response to vegetation loss from wildland fires during past two summers
Boise District Office — From March 9 to March 23, nearly 216,000 Antelope Bitterbrush seedlings were planted in the Brownlee Reservoir Area, Squaw Butte, Boise Front and the foothills north of Hammett, Idaho. This is a cooperative effort with the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, Rocking M Conservation Easement Area and the Boise River Wildlife Management Area. The planting project is in response to vegetation loss following wildland fire in the summers of 2005 and 2006.
"Planting small strands will accelerate the rate of reestablishment of bitterbrush and will serve as forage, cover and future seed sources," said BLM Boise District Emergency Stabilization & Restoration Coordinator Cindy Fritz.
Bitterbrush is an important species for maintaining the value of the areas as critical mule deer and elk habitat, as well as sage grouse breeding and wintering habitat. It is also an important component of suitable habitat for a number of sensitive plant species.
2007 Great American Clean Up Volunteers Work Tirelessly on Public Lands in Idaho
More that 75 Volunteers collect over 18 tons of refuse on North Rim of the Snake River Canyon
Shoshone Field Office — More than 75 determined volunteers gathered on the North Rim of the Snake River Canyon to participate in the 2007 Great American Cleanup on Saturday, April 28. Volunteers worked tirelessly, pausing only long enough to enjoy a free pizza lunch.
Idaho BLM Shoshone Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner David Freiberg said the volunteers were assisted by three donated front-end loaders, four slide-off trash containers, a BLM dump truck and hundreds of trash bags. "They collected more than 18 tons of illegally dumped refuse from county, state and federal lands," he said.
Sponsored for past nine years by the Southern Idaho Off-Road Association (SIORA), the cleanup brought together volunteers from the interested public, the Bureau of Land Management Twin Falls District, Idaho State 4x4 Association, North Rim Park Committee, High Desert Back-Country Horsemen, the Mid-Snake Resource, Conservation and Development Council, the Sawtooth National Forest and the Jerome County Work-Release Program, among others.
Over many years, hundreds of individual illegal dump sites have appeared, grown larger and eventually turned into messy shooting areas. "Through efforts like the Great American Cleanup, local community partners are endeavoring to collect the re-accumlating trash in this popular recreation area," Freiberg said.
Actions and Activities Around Idaho
Wild Horse Gathers and Adoptions Planned for July through September in Idaho
Over 60 new contacts for prospective adoption made at Idaho Horse Affairs event
Boise District Office — On February 16-18, employees and volunteers of the Idaho BLM Boise District staffed the BLM Wild Horse and Burro booth at the Idaho Horse Affairs event held at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds in Boise, Idaho.
Over 60 new contacts for prospective adoptions were made, and several equestrian groups expressed interest in partnering with BLM in future activities.
Wild horse gathers are planned for the Hardtrigger and Black Mountain Herd Management Areas of the Boise District in July and August, with an adoption planned for September in Boise. Learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program .
Snake River Birds of Prey NCA Mentioned in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Article describes NCA as one of North America's favorite spots for bird-watching
Boise District Office. In the April 2007 edition of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, the Snake River Birds of Prey NCA was described as number three of five favorite spots for bird-watching throughout North America.
A beautiful photo of sunrise in the Snake River Canyon, taken by BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Larry Ridenhour, is included in the article. Readers are told, “Eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and vultures nest in the canyon walls, ride the updrafts (thermals) rising from the valley and hunt the sagebrush-covered mesas for ground squirrels and jackrabbits.”
The NCA is mentioned in the magazine's "Long Weekend Living" section in an article titled "Flights of Fancy". The subhead reads, "No matter where your family lives, birds are taking flight right now. Enjoy spring migration--and one of nature's great wonders--with a bird-watching weekend." James McCommons is the author.
Idaho Public Television to Feature Three BLM Sites in Boise District
"Southwestern Idaho Hideaways" include South Fork Owyhee River, Zeno Canyon and The Arch
Boise District Office — Idaho Public Television’s “Outdoor Idaho” will broadcast a new program in May about Southwestern Idaho Hideaways that features three BLM sites.
An Idaho Public Television (IDPTV) producer and videographer recently accompanied BLM Boise District staff on a three-day river patrol of the South Fork Owyhee River, located within the Owyhee Field Office, to gather extensive background and video footage of the area. The show will also include a day hike to Zeno Canyon in the Duncan Creek WSA, located 40 miles south of Boise in the Bruneau Field Office area, and a hike to The Arch, located southeast of Boise in the Jarbidge Field Office area. Jarbidge Field Office staff accompanied IDPTV to The Arch. The program will air Thursday, May 24 and repeat on Sunday, May 27.
Owyhee Combined School Greenhouse to Provide Native Plant Species for Rehabilitation and Reclamation
Greenhouse also provides student hands-on learning lab
Idaho State Office — On March 9, Idaho BLM Special Assistant Howard Hedrick visited the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley Nevada for the dedication of the Owyhee Combined School Greenhouse. On behalf of Idaho State Director Tom Dyer, Howard joined Kyle Prior, Vice-Chairman of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Council, and Terry Gibson, former Chairman of the Tribal Council, in welcoming everyone to the dedication and thanking them for their efforts in making this dream a reality.
The greenhouse, partially funded by BLM, was constructed through the efforts of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribal Council, the Elko School District, the Duck River Future Farmers of America and many other individuals and groups. It is located along the Idaho-Nevada border on Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute’s Indian Reservation. In addition to providing students with a hands-on learning lab, this greenhouse will become the cornerstone for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes to grow and harvest native plant species to be used by federal agencies and private companies in the rehabilitation and reclamation of areas following wildfires and mining activities.
BLM Shoshone Field Office and Partners Wrap Up Three-Year Cooperative Restoration Project
Public/Private partnership enhances sage grouse habitat
Shoshone Field Office — The Idaho BLM Shoshone Field Office; Lava Lake Land & Livestock, L.L.C.; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; and other contributing partners have worked together for the past three years to restore the ecological condition of a riparian/meadow complex and sagebrush steppe habitat within the 7,350-acre BLM West Fork grazing allotment. The restoration efforts were accomplished through a multi-year weed management program, stream bank stabilization measures, installation of in-stream structures to accelerate natural recovery of the riparian areas; planting of shrubs and herbaceous seedings; as well as improved livestock management and monitoring.
The project, specifically designed to improve the condition of sage grouse habitat (primarily for brood rearing), is located in the southern Pioneer Mountain foothills in the West Fork of Fish Creek watershed in Carey, Idaho. “This project is a prime example of a small effort that will carry forward long into the future to positively enhance sage grouse habitat," said Joe Russell, Shoshone Field Office National Resource Specialist. "We are fortunate to have been able to work with a cooperative landowner who took the initiative to do the work on his land because he wanted to improve the habitat.”
Conservation Meetings Initiated for Salmon Twin Bladderpod
Globally imperiled sensitive species is found only near Salmon, Idaho
Salmon Field Office — In early spring, Idaho BLM Salmon Field Office Botanist Alexia Cochrane initiated meetings with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Idaho Native Plant Society to discuss conservation concerns for Salmon twin bladderpod (Physaria didymocarpa var. lyrata), a globally imperiled BLM and FS Sensitive species.
Numbers of this species, which is found only near Salmon, Idaho, have drastically declined since 1996, with only 1,000 plants remaining in existence.
BLM has already taken some action to protect the plant, such as closing a gravel pit. However, more proactive management and further research on the species is needed. BLM will coordinate future meetings and field trips with the FWS, FS and other possible partners.
Keeping Our Public Lands Clean and Safe
Cottonwood Field Office Teaches Leave No Trace Ethics
Hunter education course in Riggins, Idaho, was sponsored by Idaho Fish & Game
Cottonwood Field Office — Idaho BLM Cottonwood Field Office employees Jeremy Harris and Evan Worthington represented BLM in teaching Leave No Trace ethics to an Idaho Fish & Game sponsored hunter education course in Riggins, Idaho on April 21. This was the second hunter education course that the two taught this spring. They anticipate continuing this education effort with hunter education groups, local outfitter and guides and local school groups.
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands. The seven Leave Not Trace principles are: 1) Plan Ahead and Prepare, 2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, 3) Dispose of Waste Properly, 4) Leave What You Find, 5) Minimize Campfire Impacts, 6) Respect Wildlife and 7) Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Learn more .
Service Cleanup Near Carey a Success for BLM and Community
Juveniles perform community service as a way to give back to the community
Twin Falls District Office — This past winter, Idaho BLM Twin Falls District Law Enforcement Ranger Stephanie Ellis investigated the site of a large party on public land near Carey, Idaho and was able to later interview individuals at the party. A total of seven juveniles, in conjunction with their parents, agreed to perform community service activities as a way to give back to the community. The small community of Carey has experienced several fatalities due to underage drinking and driving and has been concerned about this problem in the area. Recently, the juveniles met Ellis and Blaine County Sherriff’s Deputy Burrell for a cleanup day along Highway 93 near Carey and the Road Canyon area located on public land. The cleanup of the area, a popular shooting site, was a great success.
Police Patrol Pocatello West Bench for Illegal Riders
Interagency agreement is an effort to educate and cite riders who are causing damage to hillsides and new plant growth
Pocatello Field Office — Law enforcement officers from several agencies are patrolling the west bench of Pocatello, Idaho, looking for off-highway vehicle riders who are venturing illegally around gates and fences to ride the backcountry, causing damage to hillsides and new plant growth. Two years ago, BLM, USFS, Idaho Department of Fish & Game, Idaho State Police and city and county law enforcement officers revived an interagency agreement and launched an effort to educate and, if necessary, cite riders who entered a closed area before the May 15 opening day. The stepped up patrols on the west bench of Pocatello were intended to help reduce erosion and damage to public-owned lands from cross-country travel.
The agencies are out again this year, talking with riders and writing tickets where necessary. Most of the action has been in City Creek and the Clark Street Extension, areas which are well signed. The Trail Creek area is also a problem because of an open ATV gate, but the area has a map near the gate showing what part is opened and what part is closed. Patrols are taking place along the entire west bench and other public lands surrounding Pocatello.
Idaho Botanist Recognized as 2006 Weed Control Hall of Fame Recipient
Roger Rosentreter recognized as "one of Idaho's great leaders in integrated weed management"
Idaho State Office — Idaho BLM Botanist Roger Rosentreter has been recognized as a “Hall of Fame” recipient by the Idaho Weed Control Association (IWCA) at its annual meeting in Boise.
Rosentreter, who serves as Idaho BLM’s statewide weed coordinator, was recognized for more than 20 years of work in plant ecology, and for the dedication, knowledge and “can-do” attitude that has made him “one of Idaho’s great leaders in integrated weed management”.
Rosentreter joined three other 2006 inductees into the IWCA Hall of Fame. The other recipients were Pat Takasugi, Former Director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Bas Hargrove of the Nature Conservancy, and Carl Crabtree, Idaho Weed County Superintendent.
Students Receive Leave No Trace Awareness
15 hearing-impaired students learn techniques in preparation for annual school backpack trip
Shoshone Field Office — Idaho BLM Shoshone Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner David Freiberg recently provided students from the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind (ISDB) with an in-character Leave No Trace Awareness (LNT) Workshop.
Two sign-language translators assisted Freiberg while the 15 hearing-impaired students learned about safe and ethical backpacking techniques on public lands. The workshop was in preparation for their annual school backpack trip.
According to Freiberg, "This was a fantastic opportunity to bring LNT to a group of kids BLM doesn't often have the opportunity to interact with. These kids were extremely interested, attentive and polite. I look forward to the next chance I have to work with the students of ISDB."
Youth Employment Program Presents Award to BLM
Award Recognizes BLM for its commitment to the development of youth in Lemhi County
Salmon Field Office — On April 16, 2007, representatives from the Lemhi County Youth Employment Program (YEP) presented the Idaho BLM Salmon Field Office staff with a plaque recognizing their continued commitments to the development of the youth in Lemhi County. The Salmon Field Office has been involved with the YEP since its inception in 1995. Through Assistance Agreements with Lemhi County, since 1995 the BLM has provided over $500,000 in funding. The YEP has built, removed or maintained hundreds of miles of fences burned in wildfires or critical to the protection of listed fish species, wildlife habitat and riparian areas, and it has assisted with the implementation of fuels reduction projects, recreation site maintenance and water developments. The work educates local youth on the use and value of local public lands, as well as provides a forum for discussions on protection of resources and dealing with resource conflicts.
Fire and Aviation
National Wildland Fire Outlook
Assistant Wildland Fire Outlook — May through August 2007
National Interagency Fire Center — Significant fire potential is expected to be higher than normal across much of the Southwest and California, portions of the Great Basin, Northern Rockies, Northwest, Alaska and the Southeast. Below normal fire potential is predicted for a small portion of the Southwest Area. The critical factors influencing significant fire potential for this outlook period are:
• Drought: Conditions are expanding and intensifying across large portions of the West and
Southeast.
• Early Fire Season Onset: Low snowpack, warmer than normal forecast temperatures, and
early snow melt over most of the West will likely dry out timber fuels, cause early green-up,
and bring an early onset of fire season.
• Active Grassland Fire Season: Abundant new and carryover fine fuels across much of the
West are expected to green-up and cure early, leading to an active and prolonged grassland fire season.
See full report
Idaho BLM Specialists Visit Clover Fire Rehab Area
Two years later, the sites are exhibiting the expected results
Twin Falls District Office — The spring of 2007 marks the second growing season for the Clover Fire rehabilitation treatments. A group of specialists from the BLM Twin Falls District and Idaho State Office recently visited over ten sites within the Clover Fire rehabilitation area in the Jarbidge Field Office area southwest of Twin Falls, Idaho. The group included Idaho BLM Jarbidge, Shoshone and Burley Field Office Fire Use Specialists; Jarbidge Natural Resource Specialist John Ash; Shoshone Rehab Specialist Scott Uhrig and Idaho State Office Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Lead Sharon Paris.
The tour was organized to discuss new ideas for treatments, assess which areas responded to the spraying and drill seeding better than others, and identify the various factors that contributed to the success of the treatment areas.
Paris commented, "The Twin Falls District always has a busy fire season. In addition to responding to the Clover Fire that burned 151,000 BLM acres, the Twin Falls District also prepared rehabilitation plans for 14 other fires in 2005 and for 19 fires in 2006. In just these two years, the District has prepared rehabilitation plans for over 350,000 burned BLM acres. The staff members in the field offices work great together and produce high quality plans. Today's trip was an excellent example of sharing information among the three Field Offices."
More than 600,000 pounds of seed were used to rehab the Clover Fire area during the fall of 2005, and so far the results are looking promising.
BLM Releases Final Eastside Township Project EIS
Project to reduce hazardous fuels conditions and risk of high intensity wildland fire in Elk City area
Cottonwood Field Office — On April 27, 2007, the Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Eastside Township Fuels and Vegetation project near Elk City, Idaho was published in the Federal Register. The Eastside Project, initiated by the Idaho Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Cottonwood Field Office, is located at the headwaters of the South Fork of the Clearwater River near the small rural community of Elk City in central Idaho.
The Eastside Township project has been designed to reduce hazardous fuel conditions and the risk of a high intensity wildland fire in the Elk City area. The project would change the forest density and species composition to maintain and increase forest stand resistance to high intensity fire, insects, and disease. It would implement key components of the National Fire Plan and recommendations in Idaho County’s Wildland Fire and Mitigation Plan (2003). The Nez Perce National Forest (NPNF) is a cooperating agency on this project since a small portion of the project area can only be reached by crossing NPNF lands. Read full article .
For questions or comments regarding the Idaho BLM in Action Newsletter ,
contact Kris Long at (208) 373-3913 or email Kris_Long@blm.gov
