Bureau of Land Management - Idaho

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲!

❤𝑩𝑳𝑴 𝑰𝒅𝒂𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒂𝒚!

🧁 𝓗𝓪𝓹𝓹𝔂 𝓑𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓘𝓭𝓪𝓱𝓸!!

Did you know Idaho became the 43rd state on July 3rd, 1890?

More than a century ago, the origin and meaning of the word "Idaho" was described as "wrapped in mystery."' It was also thought to signify '"gem of the mountains." Then, it was discovered to be a made-up word. No matter, whoever coined the word, it had great popularity!

Get out and enjoy the mystery and gem of what we know as Idaho!

Take me out to the ballgame 🎶⚾️

Join the Boise Hawks on today, for Wildland Firefighter Game Day with BLM Idaho / BLM Idaho Fire and the U.S. Forest Service - Boise National Forest!

𝓤𝓷𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓬𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮
– 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐖𝐞𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝

Are you traveling past Chilly Slough Wetland? Then you can become a citizen scientist with a click of your camera. BLM Idaho Challis Field Office has a data collection site installed at the south unit of Chilly Slough which allows anyone to capture time-lapse photos that help wildlife biologists monitor changes in vegetation.

The data collection site near highway 93 was installed in 2023. Photos captured by citizen scientists provide wildlife biologists who monitor this area a quick and easy way to determine if the site needs attention.

According to Clay Edmondson, an Idaho Falls wildlife biologist who monitors this riparian area, "citizen science provides a lot of information without a lot of effort."

For example, since the public uploads photos while they view the vegetation and wildlife, biologists can review the data and make riparian management decisions without spending time driving to the site.

“We might decide the area has too much old cattail and needs new growth to provide better forage and cover for waterfowl and shore birds,” said Edmondson.

Once addressed, the result might be a Chilly Slough Wetland viewing area with more willets, short-eared owls, and long-billed curlews. See the time-lapse video of Chilly Slough Wetland.

Chilly Slough Wetland at Idaho Falls District-Challis Field Office BLM | Chronolog Chilly Slough Wetland, part of the Thousand Springs Area of Critical Environmental Concern, protects an emergent wetland originating from springs at the base of the Lost River Mountain Range. As you l...

Join us in thanking our wildland firefighters!

Today is National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD) - established in 2022 to recognize the dedication of all wildland firefighters and support personnel.

We are incredibly thankful for all our fire personnel!

We Are BLM Fire: Helitack Crews BLM Fire's helitack crews are teams of wildland firefighters specially trained in the tactical and logistical use of helicopters for fire suppression.

Our public lands are as diverse as the people who visit them.

Our public lands are as diverse as the people who visit them.

These are places where everyone can feel welcome, enjoy nature, and feel safe and supported in the outdoors.

Together, we can build an inclusive outdoors where everyone has a voice, a role, and a sense of belonging on our shared lands. 🌈

U.S. Department of the Interior

📷 BLM photos
Red: Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area
Orange: A joshua tree silhouetted against the sunset
Yellow: A yellow wildflower
Green: A green lizard sunning itself on a leaf
Blue: Blue sky over the Bonneville Salt Flats
Indigo: A steller's jay perches on a branch
Violet: Purple lupine

Did you know grassland environments constitute over 40% of the Earth’s land mass, excluding Antarctica? And with over 12,075 different species, it's no wonder grasses rank first in global economic importance.

Here are some more interesting facts about grasses:
🌾Grasses account for four major crops (e.g., sugarcane, wheat, rice, maize)
🌱They serve as a primary source of feed for livestock (e.g., cattle, horses, sheep)
🐇They support wildlife by providing cover, food, and shelter
🌻Aid in erosion control through deep, fibrous roots and rhizomes
🐄Can grow quickly and recover from grazing or mowing
🌎Act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere

For rangelands in Idaho, managing grasses on the landscape is critical to enhance biodiversity and contribute to a healthier ecosystem. Recent college graduates and Bureau of Land Management employees participated in a Grass Identification mini-course with Professor Justin Trujillo this week, learning the highly detailed characteristics of different grass species.

Grass species may appear similar because they share common structural features, such as narrow leaves/blades, color, and similar growth habits. But if you want to master grass identification, you'll want to take a closer look (hint: bring a magnifying glass) and you never know what you may discover!

Great work Twin Falls District fuels and cultural team – the fence looks great! This week the team finished work to restore the fence and clear weeds from the area around a historic grave near Magic Valley Dam. A headstone marks the burial of a Japanese woman from Hiroshima Prefecture who died in 1908. For years, the grave has been cared for by someone unknown to the BLM. However, time has taken its toll and the fence protecting the headstone had fallen into disrepair and the unrelenting cheatgrass was an ever-present fire hazard.

Feeling Badgered this ?

We certainly hope not! And isn’t it interesting that a verb meaning to pester or relentlessly annoy is the same as this not-often-seen nocturnal member of the weasel family?

Perhaps it has to do with the dogged persistence these chunky hunters show when pursuing prey. 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 prefer to live in areas such as prairie regions with sandy loam soils where they can dig more easily for their prey. They are top-notch diggers, using their strong front limbs, easily permeating through the soil. They will use their large claws as they dig to pursue prey into their dens. Their usual ration consists of voles, deer mice, wood rats, prairie dogs, gophers, squirrels, moles, marmots, birds, and even insects.

Photo by Bruce Hallman, BLM Idaho Falls District

📣 Ask a Lower Salmon River Ranger!

Ask a Lower Salmon River Ranger: How Do I Use the Boat Ramp? The Lower Salmon River and its canyon are a truly remarkable resource in north central Idaho. It's beauty, solitude and opportunity for adventure draws visit...

Well, if you're in Nampa this weekend -- you should stop by the Ford Idaho Horse Park to check out the mustang action during this year's Branded Bonanza! Trainers have worked with their wild horses and b***os since March and will now compete in a variety of classes to showcase their progress! https://www.blm.gov/announcement/branded-bonanza-formerly-mustang-mania-weekend-ford-idaho-horse-park

It’s summer safety time – beat the heat! Stay hydrated and don't forget to give your pets plenty of water.

As summer continues to heat up, remember to stay hydrated and bring plenty of water and provisions for your adventures.

𝓤𝓷𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓬𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮

📣 Top two tips to make science fun:

❤ - Get your hands dirty!
❤ - Take field trip and explore with BLM Idaho cadastral team!

Unleashing the Science - Cadastral Classroom Investigation Field Exercise | Bureau of Land Management Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

🐟 🐠 🐟 🐠 🎣 🐡

Oh, happy day!

Bait your hook, cast your line, and catch a fish!



Happy National Go Fishing Day!

Rainbow Trout on South Fork of Snake River. Photo by Jason Jablow.

Today is the first day of 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 (going through June 23) and we encourage you to pay attention, appreciate and support the many varied visitors to flowers around you.

Did you know that pollinators are responsible for 1 out of every 3 bites of food you eat?! Animal pollinators play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. Most plants require the assistance of pollinators to produce seeds and fruit. About 80% of all flowering plants and over three-quarters of the staple crop plants that feed humankind rely on animal pollinators.

On September 21, 2006, the US Senate created a National Pollinator Week to “recognize the importance of pollinators to our ecosystem health and agriculture.” Every year since the inception, the week has grown in support and activities to educate and explore the world of pollinators.

Overall, the Pollinator Partnership has been an increasingly inclusive organization asking everyone to participate… even if it’s just sharing a social media post…

Photos by Bruce Hallman, BLM Idaho Falls District

📣 BLM wishes all the hard-working dads and everyone who acts as a caregiver a super and safe holiday weekend! ❤

"My parents inspired my love of and appreciation for our public lands." Dad carrying baby Heather. Photo courtesy of Heather Tiel-Nelson, BLM.

Get out and make some memories with your loved ones this Father’s Day weekend!

Whether exploring new places or achieving personal milestones, these moments enrich our lives with meaning and depth. They serve as anchors in the passage of time, reminding us of joy, love, and growth. These memories become touchstones that are cherished, shape our identities, and provide comfort during difficult times. They strengthen bonds with family and friends, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity. Ultimately, these cherished memories build a life with a sense of purpose and gratitude, highlighting the beauty of fleeting moments that define our journey.

BLM wishes all dads and caregivers a memorable weekend.

Photo caption: BLM Bruneau Field Manager Aaron Rasmussen and his daughter Emorie having fun along the river.

Are you ready for this?! For the first time ever, there will be an Idaho Online Corral Event kicking off June 17 - 28, 2024. No bidding, just adopt now for $125! You can then pick up your newly adopted wild horse July 12 - 13 at the Boise Wild Horse Off-Range Corral -- the only pick up location offered for these wild horses that are currently being cared for at the Boise or Bruneau Wild Horse Off-Range Corrals. When you visit the website, be sure to search Boise or Bruneau animal location...🐴🐴🐴

Wild Horse and B***o Online Corral Welcome to the Online Corral! The Online Corral features a streamlined interface that enables users to more easily find their desired wild horse or b***o. Users can submit and track the status of their application directly through the website. Thank you!

ATTN: Prescribed Burn scheduled this Saturday and Sunday (June 15 & 16).

To help reduce potential wildfire, Cottonwood Field Office personnel plan to treat approximately 45 acres of hazardous fuel accumulations, such as dry grass, limbs and shrubs, generated from the Spruce Up Timber Sale.

The burn is in close proximity to private property and adjacent to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in the Red River Ranger District. The project is located in Idaho County, 3 miles west of Elk City, near the South Fork Clearwater River and the Crooked River drainage.

Smoke will be visible from Elk City, Highway 14, and the Crooked River Road. Residual smoke from smoldering stumps and large logs could still be visible for several days to a couple of weeks after ignitions have been complete.

It's not Idaho, but it is still a restoration project in the west.

Nearly 40 million Americans rely on a healthy Colorado River Basin to sustain their livelihoods — but unprecedented drought is posing an existential threat to their communities, landscapes, and economies.

That's why we're proud to work with the Foundation for America's Public Lands to leverage $11.1 million to improve drought resilience and invest in the health of our public lands and waters here.

By investing in restoration projects in partnership with local communities, we can strengthen the resilience of the American West so that future generations can thrive for years to come.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/v42I50SiiwV.

U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management - New Mexico Bureau of Land Management - Wyoming Bureau of Land Management - Colorado Bureau of Land Management - Utah Bureau of Land Management - Arizona Bureau of Land Management - Nevada Bureau of Land Management - California

Know the conditions!

Target shooting is the second most common human caused wildfire in Idaho. Choose areas with natural backstops. Survey the area for any potential fire hazards. Act swiftly if you notice any sign of smoke or sparks. Together, we can preserve our outdoors.

Partnerships are important for fighting wildfires.

BLM Idaho facilitates critical firefighting boost delivering surplus engines to local fire department

Boise, Idaho—In an effort to bolster wildfire response capabilities, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) facilitated the transfer of surplus wildland fire engines on June 10, 2024, to two local fire departments through the Rural Fire Readiness Program.

Oasis Volunteer Fire Department and Eagle Fire Department, cooperators who play important roles in combatting wildland fires in Idaho, each received one Type 4 wildland fire engine that can hold over 800 gallons of water and is equipped with their own pump systems. These engines provide departments with increased firefighting capabilities, allowing for a more rapid response to wildfires in the region.

The BLM's collaborative approach with these fire departments is essential, as these departments often are the first to respond to wildfires on private, state, and federal lands. With wildfire seasons becoming longer and more extreme, such partnerships have become paramount in safeguarding communities and natural resources.

"Investing in our local cooperators through the Rural Fire Readiness Program is not only a vital responsibility, but a cornerstone of our commitment to effective firefighting," expressed Christpher Cromwell, Fire Management Officer for the BLM Boise District. "The ability to transfer equipment is a result of continued collaboration and ensures that we stand better prepared against the threat of wildland fires.”

The transfers come at no cost and forms a crucial part of BLM's commitment to enhancing the firefighting capacity of local fire districts, volunteer fire departments, and rangeland fire protection associations in addressing wildland fires effectively and safely.

Sean Marvin from Eagle Fire Department said, “This will be the first Type 4 brush truck in the department and enhance our capabilities fighting wildfires in the wildland urban interface around Eagle Fire Department Protection District.”

Oasis Fire Chief Chris Sirani expressed gratitude for the upgrade to their fleet, stating “This will make responding to wildfires easier, faster, and safer for our firefighters. This is a much needed and appreciated addition to our fleet and will be used for many years to come.”

The BLM continues to demonstrate a commitment to bolstering rural fire departments year after year with transfers of surplus wildland fire engines, water tenders, tools, hose, pumps, and other equipment to numerous fire programs across Idaho, further solidifying fire readiness in the state.

Coeur d’Alene Field Office seeks input during a 30-day public comment on proposed business plans to collect fees and improve the visitor experience at six recreation sites managed by the Coeur d’Alene Field Office.

Collecting or increasing fees provides the BLM with resources needed to cover increased operational, maintenance and emergency response costs associated with increased use.

The draft Coeur d’Alene Recreation Business Plan proposes fee increases at the Blackwell Island and Mineral Ridge Boat Launches, Mica Bay and Windy Bay Boater Parks, and the Killarney Lake and Huckleberry Campgrounds.

The proposed fees increase help with operational and maintenance costs associated with trash removal, vault toilet pumping, improving picnic site amenities, vandalism repair and road and trail maintenance.

Read more here: https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blms-coeur-dalene-field-office-seeks-public-input-proposed-changes-recreation-fees



Aerial view and boaters at Blackwell Island Recreation Site. Photo credit: BLM.

🔥 HOT CAREER VACANCY 🔥

✅ Supervisory Wildland Firefighter (State Fuels Program Manager)

✅ GS 13 ($103,409 - $134,435 per year)

✅ BLM Idaho & BLM California

The Bureau of Land Management Fire Program plays an integral role in ensuring public safety and protecting landscapes, wildlife habitat, recreational areas, and resources.

Fire management positions provide supervision and oversight of local, state and national fire programs, and serve in supervisory roles on wildfire incidents.

✔ One position will be filled with BLM Idaho at an established duty location (office) in Southern Idaho

✔ One position will be filled with BLM California at a DOI facility within DOI Regions 8, 9 & 10

✅ We expect to fill 2 vacancies. Additional positions may be filled from this announcement if they become available

Interested??

Apply here: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/794593900

Application deadline: June 20.

We remember our fallen colleague.

𝓤𝓷𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓬𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮

What is land surveying? It is the process of measuring and mapping features of the land's surface. Surveyors use math, science and specialized tools to determine land boundaries and dimensions.

BLM employees in the Cadastral Survey Program use theodolites (telescope on a tripod), GPS receivers and other tools and techniques to measure distances, angles and elevations of public lands.

Land surveying plays a critical role in managing resources and protecting the environment. Surveyors support forestry, recreation, fire, minerals, realty, and law enforcement.

Photo: Adobe Stock

𝓤𝓷𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓬𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓮

Cress Creek Nature Trail is one of the most popular around the Idaho Falls area. And for good reason - this gentle hike provides a good view of the South Fork of the Snake River during the summer and awesome color in the fall. The first part is paved although it's uphill, changing to gravel at the creek as it splits for a wonderful nature loop. There are a number of overlooks as well as strategically placed benches.

While many people just enjoy getting outside and getting some mild exertion for their health, a lot of thought has been put into the many interpretive signs along the way. If you are coming for yourself, or bringing kids along, we encourage you to unleash your curiosity and explore the many topics as you hike. You’ll read about botany, geology, history, ecology, geography and more at this uplifting BLM site.

Photos by Bruce Hallman, BLM Idaho Falls District

BLM Idaho is working to provide you with a better recreation experience at sites along the Lower Salmon River and the Clearwater River in north-central Idaho.

Over the next three weeks, multiple recreation sites along the Clearwater and Lower Salmon Rivers will undergo asphalt improvement work.

Seal coating started June 4 are the Old Lucile Recreation Site along the Lower Salmon and the McKay’s Bend Campground on the Clearwater.

Prep work is starting at the Pink House Campground on June 7.

Visitors to these sites may experience limited access to portions of the sites while work is underway. During the short period of time work is expected to be ongoing, we suggest using the (new) Lucile Recreation site.

Thanks for your patience as we make these much-needed improvements!

Stay tuned for more updates!

McKay's Bend Campground, Idaho. Photo by BLM Idaho.