May 27, 2018 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho
Community Calendar:
May 10 Burn Permits required
May 15 Firewood Season Starts – permits at The Corner
May 20 Noxious Weed Program deadline – could be extended
June 5 at 2pm Helicopter Landing Zone (HLZ) class
June 9 at 10am Community Hall YP Fire Commissioner Meeting
June 9 at 2pm Community Hall, Village of Yellow Pine Association meeting
June 20 Yellow Pine Vet Clinic call 208-382-4590 for appointment
June 30 Golf Tournament
July 4 Parade 2pm and Fireworks at dusk
July 7 Community Hall Yard Sale 9am to Noon
July 14 at 2pm, Community Hall, Village of Yellow Pine Association meeting
July 19 Noxious Weed Day
August 3, 4, 5 Music and Harmonica Festival
August 11 at 2pm Community Hall, Village of Yellow Pine Association meeting
September 8 at 10am Community Hall YP Fire Budget Hearing
September 8 at 2pm Community Hall, Village of Yellow Pine Association meeting
(details below)
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Village News:
RIP Skip Gould May 25, 2018
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Dust Abatement Sign-up
It’s time to think dust abatement again. Word from North American Dust Control is that they will be in YP sometime in June. Please let me know if you are interested in having dust abatement done. fillerd2 @ live.com or 633-6945. – Deb F.
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Fuel Delivery
We will be delivering fuel within the next 2 weeks. We are wanting everyone to get filled so that we don’t have to go back in June. Have everyone call to place their fuel order and get on the schedule. Diamond Fuel & Feed (208) 382-4430
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Free Noxious Weed Program
Meeting with Valley County Weed Control Dept May 17, 2018
Steve Anderson our Valley County weed guy was scheduled to meet over coffee with whoever was available to talk about the weed control program and how it relates to Yellow Pine. Present were Lorinne Munn, Ann Forster and Jeff Forster.
Steve related they would bring up a team along with the chemicals and apparatus to mix the product which is Milestone a specialty herbicide. All that is needed is a place to convene and a water source to mix the chemical. Jeff offered the fire department grounds as a meeting place and water source.
A good time to meet would be a weekday such as Thursday where they could drop off the chemicals and apparatus and return on Monday to pick up the equipment. Mid June or early July would be the best time in terms of the weeds actually appearing. It was mentioned maybe June 14 or July 12 we need to work around special events on June 23 and June 30. Steve said he would check his calendar and get back to us on a specific date. We suggested making a presentation of the program at our June 9th Association Meeting. I will put it on the agenda.
Steve mentioned the program is the Landowner’s Assistance Cost share Program. The chemicals are provided for by the Department of Agriculture the product is $300.00 per gallon. The Cost share part is provided by the landowner by providing the labor to apply the product. Steve’s group will actually help the elderly or disabled by applying it for them. The other landowners must apply or have folks representing them apply the product to their land. Jeff said he would be the point man Identifying areas that need treatment as he bikes through the area a lot. Sherry Gordon has also identified areas that need attention. Sign up sheets are being distributed to those folks interested in taking advantage of this program. You must sign up to get treatment. As it turns out a bunch of us ladies have vowed to become a spraying team and I’m sure many guys will also step up.
Please contact Kathy Hall 208 633-6270 for forms and information dealing with the program here in Yellow Pine.
Steve hopes this will become a yearly project hoping to have Bethany and the Forest Service involved next year. He hopes to include outlying areas on board such as Johnson Creek, who have already been involved in the past and the Eiguren Ranch.
In response to inquiries about toxicity to animals Steve says as soon as it dries there is no concern. The only issue is not to use any animal waste for fertilizer in your garden from any animal that may have consumed any of the treated plants as it may kill your garden plants.
Submitted by Lorinne N. Munn
Secretary of the Village of Yellow Pine Association
link to form:
Steve Anderson from Valley County Weed Control
Office (208)382-7199
e-mail: SAnderson @ co.valley.id.us
Update May 24th
July 19 Noxious Weed Day
Steve has scheduled his visit to Yellow Pine for Thursday July 19th. The staging area will be the Fire Department. He will bring up the Chemicals and spray equipment. Backpack sprayers, pump up sprayers, ATV tanks and he needs to know how many of these we need. He will leave everything there for the weekend and pick it all up Monday. Please call Kathy Hall 208 633-6270 for forms and information.
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Memorial Weekend
Yellow Pine Escapade ATV-UTV Rally
A great time was had on Saturday by all 29 participants of the May 2018, Yellow Pine Escapade ATV-UTV Rally. The winning “hands” were:
1st place – tie – LaVesta Harnden and Ace Jones (both had 5 black + 1 yellow, green, or blue); they split $80
2nd place – Grant Cardoza (only red or black with no wild cards); received $20
Huge thanks to all our volunteers, participants, and watchers.
See you next time!
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Photo of Yellow Pine
(click image for larger size)
Taken during the May 2018 Bald Hill Rx Fire. Courtesy Payette NF.
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Rubber Boa on the South Fork Road
Jeff helped this rubber boa across the road on the South Fork [May 22nd].
…
The rubber boa (Charina bottae) is a species of snake in the family Boidae. The species is native to the Western United States and British Columbia, Canada.
The family Boidae consists of the nonvenomous snakes commonly called boas and consists of 43 species. The genus Charina consists of two species, both of which are found in North America. Charina bottae is sometimes also known as the coastal rubber boa or the northern rubber boa and is not to be confused with the southern rubber boa (Charina umbratica).
… Characteristics of rubber boas behavior also set them apart from other snakes. Rubber boas are considered one of the most docile of the boa species and are often used to help people overcome their fear of snakes. Rubber boas are known to never strike at or bite a human under any circumstances but will release a potent musk from their vent if they feel threatened. They are primarily nocturnal and likely crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk) which partially contributes to how rarely they are encountered. Because of the temperate regions they inhabit rubber boas hibernate during the winter months in underground dens.
more info at Wiki:
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Tick Season
A reminder that it is tick season, and the little critters are very active. Protect your pets too.
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Local Events:
Yellow Pine Vet Clinic June 20
Dr. Keith Ruble from Cascade Vet Clinic will be in Yellow Pine on Wednesday June 20th. You must sign up via the clinic by calling (208) 382-4590 (M-W-F) so they can bring charts and meds.
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4th of July Golf Tournament June 30th
Our 20th annual Yellow Pine Golf Tournament will take place on June 30th 2018. The proceeds will go towards the Yellow Pine Medical Training and Supply Fund. By giving to this annual event, you’ll be supporting the village of Yellow Pine and our growing EMS service.
Thanks to Cascade Fire/EMS Fire Commissioners, Chief Steve Hull and the EMS Director Keri Donica, Yellow Pine is now a Cascade Fire/EMS Paramedic Ambulance Sub-station. This allows us to have equipment available in Yellow Pine to treat and care for patients in the field, not only First Aid but Advanced Life Support. Yellow Pine now has Nationally Registered: 4 EMR’s, 1 RN-EMT, and 1 Paramedic in Yellow Pine.
The cost for the event is $20/person or $50 will give you a sponsorship and pay for 2 players!
As a sponsor, your name will be put on a plaque, or you can provide your own sign for the event. This plaque will be posted on one of our 18 holes during the tournament.
To reserve a place in the tournament please contact Jeff or Ann Forster @ aforsterrn@aol.com or call (208) 633-1010.
You can mail your payments to: P.O. Box 38 Yellow Pine, ID. 83677.
Please make checks payable to “Cascade Fire EMS” attn: YP Golf Tournament.
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jeff Forster – Paramedic & Ann Forster – BS, RN, EMT
Event Coordinators
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Yard Sale – Saturday, July 7 9am-Noon
Garage Sale Date Change
Due to the busy day we will have on June 30, I have decided to more the garage sale to July 7 from 9-noon.
Everyone can bring their items anytime to the community hall. I will have a space marked for the items.
Please remember this is a Donation and Everything Must Work.
If you want your items back if they don’t sell you must pick them up at 12:30 on July 7th.
The proceeds of the Garage Sale will go to the maintenance of the Community Hall.
If you have questions please call Kathy Hall at 208 633 6270 or text to 630 915 1544
Thank you everyone for your support of the Yellow Pine Community Hall
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Local Groups:
VYPA News:
Summer Meeting Schedule:
June 9, 2pm, Community Hall, Village of Yellow Pine Association meeting
July 14, 2pm, Community Hall, Village of Yellow Pine Association meeting
August 11, 2pm, Community Hall, Village of Yellow Pine Association meeting
September 8, 2pm, Community Hall, Village of Yellow Pine Association meeting
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YPFD News:
Sunday (May 27) Training Session
link to FB photo gallery:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/yellowpine/permalink/10156429465403844/
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Burn Permits Needed After May 10
A reminder that May 10 is beginning of fire season where burning permits for open burning are required. The free permits show the fire officials who has a planned burn. Seeing smoke can easily raise concerns. When neighbors call in seeing smoke, the fire department can then see if that person has their burn permit or if they need to go and address the source of the unknown smoke.
Contact Fire Chief Jeff at 633-1010 or email j4star1911 @ gmail.com
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Yellow Pine Fire Protection District Updates:
The Helicopter Landing Zone (HLZ) class is a go. June 5th at 2:00 PM. I’ll provide the details of where, when we know what the weather will be like. Class details will follow. This class is open to all who would like to attend.
YP Fire Commissioner Meeting, June 9, 2018 – 10:00 Community Hall
YP Fire Budget Hearing: September 8, 2018 – 10:00 Community Hall
Fire Department Training on Sunday’s at 11:00 all are welcome
Test of the fire siren will resume beginning June 1, at 12:00 noon and go through November
CPR class coming to YP in June; Class details to be announced in the near future. If interested please notify Jeff or Ann.
Special Use Permit for Fire Station and Helispot:
The Boise National Forest has granted a “Special Use Permit” to the Yellow Pine Fire Protection District for the Fire Station lot and the Helispot. The Helispot is a new addition and the Fire Station lot was a renewal. This permit will expire 12/31/2037 (20 years) and will need to be rewed again at that time. Thanks to Jake Strohmeyer, District Ranger and Chris (Kit) Woras, Special Use Permit Administrator of the Boise Forest for spending a lot of time and correspondence to get this permit completed.
Helispot:
The Helispot needs a lot of work and a base needs to be put down before officially being used. I’m currently in discussion with some folks to help with the ground prep and to put the base down. Life Flight and other agencies will need to do an inspection as well before using the helispot.
LifeFlight:
Lifeflight has a new Base Manager. Doug advised me that LifeFlight will come out to YP to do a site visit to look at the Helispot and provide a Landing Zone class for anyone who would like to participate, all are welcome. As soon as I receive a date I’ll pass it along.
Anyone needing a Smoke/CO detector or fire extinguisher please let Jeff, Cecil or Dan know.
Jeff F.
There are YPFD T-shirts, as well as YPFD patches and stickers for sale at the Tavern now.
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2018 Festival:
The next planning meeting will be June 22
August 3, 4, 5 Music and Harmonica Festival
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Biz Listings:
Yellow Pine Lodge
Now open for summer (208) 633-3377
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Yellow Pine Tavern
Hours: 9am to 8pm daily
Daily Menu: full Breakfast served also Burgers and Pizza for Afternoon and Evening. Good selection of Beer and Wine.
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The Corner
The Corner is open for Breakfast and Dinner with prior arrangements. Typically breakfast is served between 5 and 6 am with dinner between 6 and 7 pm.
The Corner Store is open as well, just call for grocery needs, fresh produce, eggs, meat etc.
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Local Propane Suppliers
Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
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Diamond Fuel & Feed (208) 382-4430
We have a great price on wild bird seed. $19.99 for a 50 lb bag. 12.99 for a 25 lb bag. We also sell suet blocks (peanut crunch, and cherry) for $1.99 per block. Niger Thistle seed $13.25 for 5 lbs.
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Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
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Local Observations:
Monday (May 21) overnight low of 47 degrees, damp from last night’s rain and mostly cloudy this morning. Tree swallows flying low or perched on bird houses, finches and jays (and squirrels) at the feeders, buzzed by a fast little hummer. A male black-headed grosbeak and a few evening grosbeaks visiting before lunch. Shots fired at 225pm near the subdivision. A few tiny drops of rain around 3pm, high of 71 degrees. Pine siskins joined the finches at the feeders this afternoon. Flicker is nesting in the bird house we built for them. Warm muggy cloudy evening, robins calling at dusk.
Tuesday (May 22) overnight low of 41 degrees, partly cloudy sky this morning (clouds coming from the south.) Grosbeaks, finches, robins, jays and swallows calling. Dark clouds and thunder early afternoon, rain and some pea sized hail stones, the last strike was really close out in the forest. Temperature dropped quickly from the high of 73 degrees to 55 degrees during the storm. Tree swallows building nests in the bird houses. Flock of brown-headed cowbirds visited. Quiet evening, rain/pine scented air.
Wednesday (May 23) overnight low of 41 degrees, mostly high thin clouds and filtered sun this morning. Swallows taking feathers to the nests (got the nest-cam hooked up.) A few cassins finches, pine siskins, cowbirds and grosbeaks at the feeders. Robins nesting. Ground squirrels running amuck. Not as many finches or hummers around today. Late afternoon rain storm with one big clap of thunder, high of 76 degrees. Breaks in the clouds before sundown, the sun was lighting up the sparkling drops in the trees, ground fog coming up from the river for a short while. One male rufous hummer visiting. Scolded by mama flicker for being near her nest box. Happy robins calling at dusk.
Thursday (May 24) overnight low of 48 degrees, mostly cloudy, warm and muggy this morning. Swallows taking down feathers tossed in the air before they hit the ground. Finches, pine siskins, grosbeaks, jays and robins calling. Idaho Power trucks bringing in a large pole on the west side. Lilacs blooming and smell wonderful. Apple trees in bloom. Woodpecker drumming on the power pole. A couple of hummingbirds. Cowbirds came later in the day. Mama flicker in her fancy bird house keeping a eye on us humans. A few light sprinkles of rain on and off in the afternoon, high of 70 degrees. Mostly cloudy (dark bottoms) and patches of blue sky after sunset. Almost clear sky just before dark, robins calling and swallows flying high.
Friday (May 25) overnight low of 41 degrees, partly cloudy this morning and warming up quickly. Increasing ground and air traffic. Swallows dive bombing for feathers, a few finches, pine siskins and cowbirds at the feeders. Very short afternoon showers (a bit of thunder with one) and one short shower had huge elongated drops of rain with a few hailstones. Swallows went inside the bird houses during the rain/hail. Another noisy thunderstorm with hard rain around 4pm, high of 80 degrees before the storms. Female yellow-headed blackbird visited early evening. she was by herself, no finches around. Swallows flying high after sundown, very dark clouds and our lights flickered once in a while. Female swallow on the nest after dark, sleeping with her head under her wing. More rain before midnight.
Saturday (May 26) overnight low of 44 degrees, mostly clear this morning, a few foggy clouds sitting on the ridges, damp from last night’s rain. A few finches and pine siskins at the feeders (cowbirds came later), swallows flying low. Lots of ground squirrels. Increasing traffic and a few airplanes this morning. The osprey nest on the EFSF is occupied. Dark clouds in the afternoon, high of 71 degrees. Lots of traffic in the afternoon. A little sprinkle and thunder around 8pm. Shots fired at 1024pm near Westside Ave.
Sunday (May 27) overnight low of 48 degrees, partly clear this morning. Airplane traffic over the village. Swallows flying low, cassins finches, pine siskins, female hairy woodpecker, steller jays, evening grosbeaks, brown-headed cowbirds and red-breasted nuthatches at the feeders. Ground squirrels, chipmunks, golden mantels and pine squirrels running about. Shooting to the west started before noon, lasting for over an hour. More shooting to the west started at 2pm, for over half an hour. Mostly clear afternoon, light breezes, high of 75 degrees. Golfers out enjoying the Yellow Pine County Club. Finches and robins singing before sunset.
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Idaho News:
Legion posts to honor veterans at Memorial Day services
The Star-News May 24, 2018
American Legion members from Cascade and McCall will conduct Memorial Day ceremonies at Valley County’s cemeteries and war memorials on Monday.
A three-volley rifle salute and “Taps” will occur at each dedication and will be conducted by member of McCall American Legion Post 119 and Cascade American Legion Post 60:
The day’s schedule includes:
• McCall Cemetery, 9 a.m.
• Finn Cemetery, 9:45 a.m.
• Crown Point Cemetery, 9:45 a.m.
• Margaret Cemetery, 10:15 a.m.
• Spink (Bell) Cemetery, 10:20 a.m.
• Holmes Cemetery, 11 a.m.
• Alpha Cemetery, 11 a.m.
• McCall Veterans Memorial Plaza. Idaho 55 (North Third Street) will be blocked off from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Kelly’s Whitewater Park, noon.
• Cascade American Legion Hall/Valley County Veterans War Memorial, 12:40 p.m.
source:
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Noxious Weed Control
May 21, 2018 McCall City Source
Noxious weeds are non-native invading plants designated “Noxious” by the State of Idaho. Noxious Weeds impair land productivity and value. They outcompete and displace native vegetation because they have no innate controlling agents in their new environment and/or they have growth characteristics that inhibit survival of native vegetation. Unfortunately, McCall is home for several of these unwelcome invading guests.
Noxious Weed Seminar at the McCall Public Library on May 30th starting at 6:00 pm
Visit McCall’s website to read an overview of designated noxious weeds needing control in McCall. There will be a Noxious Weed Seminar at the McCall Public Library on May 30th starting at 6:00 pm. At this seminar you will learn about the noxious weed problem, McCall noxious weed species eradication needs and control method alternatives.
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Cascade School District facing budget problems, job cuts
The district is looking at cuts across the board, from supplies to programs, to staff and teachers.
Morgan Boydston KTVB May 24, 2018
Cascade, Idaho — Rural school districts in Idaho are struggling with funding right now, particularly as their enrollments continue to drop.
On Thursday night, we saw that struggle playing out in Cascade where the district needs to make cuts and is talking about laying people off. No matter how the Cascade School District decides to stop deficit spending, they’ll be cutting from somewhere. But leaders say they’re trying to do it with minimal impact on students.
This rural mountain community is facing some less than ideal circumstances: a struggling tourist-based economy, low-paying service jobs, a tough housing market. Thus, two years ago, there was a mass exodus of students from the school district.
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Community foundation seeks to fund ‘the public good’
Concept sprung from America’s Best Communities contest
By Drew Dodson for The Star-News May 24, 2018
Sherry Maupin has seen what other communities have done to improve themselves, and she hopes to copy that model in the West Central Mountains area.
Maupin is president of the West Central Mountains Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization geared toward “encouraging private giving for the public good,” according to the organization’s mission statement.
The foundation plans to provide grants to local organizations to help them benefit the community, but first it needs money to establish an endowment.
The seeds for the foundation were planted during efforts by local communities to do well in the America’s Best Communities contest that concluded a year ago.
The West Central Mountains application made the cut of eight finalists but did not win one of the top prizes of $3 million, $2 million and $1 million.
Maupin was hoping to use one of those prizes to kick-start the West Central Mountains Community Foundation.
A total of $6,000 was left over from the ABC effort, of which $5,000 was spent to set up the foundation.
Now the foundation must undertake traditional fundraising efforts. Midas Gold Corp. was the first contributor with $5,000.
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Experts predict an “outstanding year” for whitewater enthusiasts
Steve Bertel May 22, 2018 KIVI TV
Copyright 2018 Scripps Media, Inc.
Boise, ID – A lot of snow in the mountains this winter is making for what experts are calling “an outstanding year” for whitewater boating, floating, and jet boat trips in many parts of the state.
In central Idaho, the Salmon River and Middle Fork Salmon River have near-normal snowpack, which will provide near-normal runoff this summer — and excellent family-friendly flows into the summer months.
“The Payette River is going to be fun — like always — even with the slightly-below-normal snow that fell this winter. This is because the Payette Reservoir system is 96% full today,” said USDA water Supply Specialist Ron Abramovich.
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4 people missing after car crashes into Idaho river
5/23/18 AP
Lewiston, Idaho — Officials are searching for four missing people after their vehicle was found in the upper Selway River in northern Idaho backcountry.
The Idaho County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that the crash was reported early Monday to the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department in Darby, Montana.
Sheriff Doug Giddings said Tuesday that there were originally six occupants inside the vehicle.
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Rescuers recover vehicle from Selway river, no bodies inside
by Associated Press Friday, May 25th 2018
Rescuers have recovered a sport utility vehicle from the upper Selway River in the Idaho backcountry, but Idaho County Sheriff Doug Giddings says none of the four hunters missing since the crash earlier this week were inside.
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Video shows moments leading up to plane crash on I-90 near Montana/Idaho border
A witness said the pilot only had some back pain after he brought down his experimental airplane onto the interstate when the engine quit.
Samantha Kubota, Ryan Simms May 23, 2018
Spokane, Wash. – A plane crashed on Interstate 90 at Lookout Pass on Tuesday afternoon near the Idaho/Montana state line, officials confirmed.
A witness said he watched an experimental airplane glide down onto the highway around 2 p.m. on Tuesday. He also caught it all on video.
“First thing I noticed was a shadow going on top of me on the interstate,” Tim Halbert said. “He was following the freeway the whole time. I thought it was weird.”
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Man convicted of Table Rock fire has only repaid small portion of cost
by Scott Logan Tuesday, May 22nd 2018
Boise, Idaho (KBOI) — A Boise man convicted of starting the devastating 2016 Table Rock fire has only paid about $1,600 — a small portion of the nearly $400,000 he was ordered to pay by a judge.
Taylor Kemp, who was 19 at the time, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of fireworks in connection with the blaze that burned 2,500 acres and destroyed a home. He was ordered to pay a $391,377 restitution.
But court records indicate to date Kemp has only paid some $1,682 of that amount.
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Idaho abandons plans for new governor’s mansion
5/23/18 AP
Nampa, Idaho — Idaho lawmakers are abandoning plans to build a new governor’s mansion and will instead hand the land over to Boise for a park.
The Idaho Press-Tribune reports lawmakers on the Governor’s Housing Committee voted Tuesday to give the 15-acre (6-hectare) site in the east Boise foothills to the city for management.
The state received the property near the Military Reserve park from the Bureau of Land Management in 1981. The property’s deed restrictions require that it only be used for a governor’s residence or for a public park.
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Mining News:
Toronto company buys 12.4% of Midas Gold Corp.
$38 million to be used to finish process to get permits
By Tom Grote for The Star-News May 24, 2018
A Toronto company has purchased more than 12 percent of Midas Gold Corp., the Canadian company that wants to open a gold mine in the Stibnite area of Valley County near Yellow Pine.
Barrick Gold Corp. bought 12.4 percent of the Vancouver. B.C., Midas Gold for $38 million, money that Midas Gold said it will use to finance obtaining permits and remaining studies for the Stibnite Gold Project.
Midas Gold said the company will stay independent and will follow through with the project if permits are obtained.
“Like other Midas Gold investors, Barrick has invested equity but decisions regarding the future of the project will continue to be made by Midas Gold staff and board members,” a news release from Midas Gold said.
Barrick was founded in 1983 and has mining operations and projects in 10 countries that employ 11,000 people. More than 75 percent of the company’s gold production comes from Argentina, Canada, Dominican Republic, Peru and the United States.
Barrick also has mining operations and projects in Australia, Chile, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia and Zambia. The Stibnite Gold Project is the only project of Midas Gold Corp.
Barrick becomes the second-largest investor in Midas Gold. In 2016, the New York City investment management firm of Paulson & Co. purchased 26 percent Midas Gold for $41.5 million.
In 2013, Teck Resources Limited of Vancouver, B.C., purchased about 4 percent of the company for about $7.6 million.
Teck Resources has operations and projects in Canada, the United States, Chile and Peru that produce copper, zinc, gold, steel-making coal, and energy.
A variety of other firms have holdings that total about 10 percent, according to figures from the company.
“Barrick shares Midas Gold’s vision for the restoration of the site and focus on community engagement,” Midas Gold President & CEO Stephen Quin said.
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Forest Service OKs exploratory drilling for N. Idaho silica
5/26/18 AP
Sandpoint, Idaho — Federal officials have approved exploratory drilling for a silica mine on Green Mountain in northern Idaho.
The Bonner County Daily Bee reports in a story on Saturday that the U.S. Forest Service approved the exploratory plan for Pend Oreille Silica earlier this month.
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Court: more study needed on Yellowstone-area gold mining
AP May 25, 2018
Billings, Mont. (AP) – A gold exploration proposal just north of Yellowstone National Park has suffered a significant setback with a court ruling that says Montana officials understated mining’s potential harm to land, water and wildlife.
State Judge Brenda Gilbert said in a ruling made public Friday that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality should have conducted a more extensive review of the proposal from Lucky Minerals.
The Canadian company received approval last year to begin exploration work in the Emigrant Gulch area of southern Montana’s Paradise Valley.
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FireWise:
What Is a Fire Adapted Community?
The National Wildfire Coordinating Group defines a fire adapted community as “A human community consisting of informed and prepared citizens collaboratively planning and taking action to safely coexist with wildland fire.” More fully, fire adapted communities are knowledgeable, engaged communities where actions of residents and agencies in relation to infrastructure, buildings, landscaping and the surrounding ecosystem lessen the need for extensive protection actions and enable the communities to safely accept fire as part of the surrounding landscape. Because every community is unique, the steps and strategies they take to improve their wildfire resilience will vary from place to place.
The term “fire adapted communities” was codified in the 2005 Quadrennial Fire and Fuel Review, and subsequently became one of the three tenets of the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Strategy.
Fire adapted communities is not a program, rather it is a continual process with no defined endpoint. There is no entity that certifies that any given community is fire adapted and there is no checklist. This is because every community’s fire adaptation journey is different, and because of the need for continual re-evaluation and adjustment.
continued w/links to more info:
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Fire Prevention
“Embers drift from campfire and ignite a wildfire that incinerates thousands of acres.”
“Man driving on a national forest road ignites tinder-dry grass with hot engine.”
Headlines like these have become far too familiar in Idaho. A growing number of Idaho wildfires have a common, incriminating back story – people caused them. Nearly nine out of 10 wildfires nationwide are caused by humans and could have been prevented. In 2015 alone, 58,916 human-caused wildfires burned over 2 million acres of land.
What are wildfires?
Wildfires are any unwanted, unplanned fires that burn in Idaho’s forests and rangelands. They’re a powerful natural force that must be understood, and respected, in order for us to coexist.
In this section you will learn
* about the most common causes of wildfires in Idaho.
* how to burn safely.
* how to apply or renew your burn permits.
* where to check for burning restrictions.
* where to find wildfire incident information.
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Public Lands:
BC-YP Roads Updated Meeting Minutes
May 23, 2018
There were some last minute updates to the April Meeting Minutes. Here is a copy of the minutes along with an attachment of Conway’s Presentation on the Big Creek Ramp Smith Creek Road.
Josie Greenwood
STEAM and Environmental Educator
UI Valley County Extension Office
BC-YP Meeting-April 26, 2018
2018 04-26 BCRAMP SMITH CREEK Collaborative-Presentation
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Memorial Day weekend campground openings planned
Contact: Mike Williamson (208) 373-4105
Boise, Idaho, May 22, 2018 — Boise National Forest visitors headed to the Forest in celebration of Memorial Day can expect cool temperatures with a chance of rain. Temperatures in higher elevations are much cooler and conditions can change very quickly. Please call the District for updates. Many campgrounds and roads in the higher elevations are closed due the remaining snow pack including Deadwood Reservoir, Bull Trout Campground and Trinity Recreation area. Forest managers ask everyone to be extremely careful near waterways. River banks may be unstable and roads are easily damaged in muddy conditions.
District list of anticipated campground openings – weather and conditions permitting.Check the Alerts & Notices site for road and area closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices
Please call the Districts for further information. All cabins are reservation only.
Visit: https://www.recreation.gov/ for reservations. 1-877-444-6777
continued w/each ranger district’s specific campground:
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Forest Service seeks public help in identifying illegal motorists
Contact: Michael Williamson
Phone: (208) 373-4105
Boise, Idaho, May 23, 2018 – The Emmett Ranger District is asking for public help in identifying those involved in the destruction of a wet meadow by individuals mud-bogging with motorized vehicles. The incident is believed to have occurred in late April within the Tripod Meadows area, located approximately two miles west of Smiths Ferry.
“Wet meadows like these are critical components to the forest ecosystem and damage like this impacts everything from fish to big game species,” said Emmett District Ranger Richard Newton. “We encourage appropriate motorized recreation on the forest, but users must stay on designated routes for the protection of resources.”
The incident was initially reported by a member of the public who witnessed two jeep-like vehicles in the area, but no other details were provided. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Boise National Forest Patrol Captain Breck Young at (208) 373-4296.
The penalty for violating National Forest Systems land regulations is a misdemeanor and can include up to a $5,000 fine, six months in jail, or both. The Forest Service may seek restitution for the repair of damaged areas, which often times costs thousands of dollars.
Tripod Meadows area before
Tripod Meadows area after
Know before you go
To view maps of designated routes for motor vehicle use, visit:
To view a detailed description of all forest closures visit:
To view the interactive Boise National Forest closure story map visit:
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Payette forest releases new trail maintenance map
The Star-News May 24, 2018
The Payette National Forest has release a web-based map that shows the status of trails maintenance on the forest.
The map will provide forest trail users and visitors real-time information on any of the trails on the Payette, whether they are in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness or on any of the forest’s ranger districts.
Non-motorized trails and motorized trails are represented. Trail designations can be identified by clicking on an individual trail, but users should consult the current Motor Vehicle Use Map available online or at any Payette National Forest Office. The new maintenance map will be updated regularly and users should note that trail conditions and maintenance schedules can change rapidly. To see the map, go to http://bit.ly/PayetteTrails
source:
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Forest Service temporarily closes road for hazard tree removal
Contact: Michael Williamson
Phone: (208) 373-4105
Boise, Idaho, May 23, 2018 – The Lowman Ranger District has temporarily closed National Forest System (NFS) road 545 to all motorized use while roadside hazard tree removal operations take place as a result of the Pioneer Fire. Known as Long Creek Road and located approximately 4 miles north of Lowman, this closure will remain in effect through July 10.
Long Creek Road summer home residents and their guests will be allowed to drive vehicles for the specific purpose of accessing their summer homes.
This closure will start at the junction of NFS road 582 (Clear Creek Road) and proceeds in a northeasterly direction 15.5 miles to the junction with NFS road 515.
All motorists in the Lowman area should use caution since heavy traffic and large trucks will be traveling the area in support of hazard tree removal and logging operations.
Forest visitors are also reminded to be cautious this time of year when weather conditions are unpredictable. Roads may still be snow covered or muddy on much of the forest. Please know before you go and take precautions.
For more information, call the Lowman Ranger District at (208) 259-3361.
For all current closures within the Boise National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices
Long Creek Road Closure Map
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USDA Forest Service Bogus Basin Multi-Use Trails Scoping Information is Now Available
May 24, 2018
The Boise National Forest (BNF) is soliciting scoping comments on the Bogus Basin Multi-Use Trails Project. This project proposes to construct multi-use and mountain bike trails in the Showcase Chair and Deer Point Express areas at Bogus Basin Recreational Area (BBRA). Project information is available on the project webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54041. All proposed multi-use and mountain bike trails were identified in the 2017 Bogus Basin Master Development Plan and all except for 2.1 miles of multi-use trails are contained within the BBRA Special Use Permit (SUP) area.
Purpose and Need
The purpose and need of this project is to coordinate with BBRA on implementation of Bogus Basin Master Development Plan as outlined in Forest Plan Management Area (MA) 4, Objective 0428. Additionally, this project would address MA 4, Objective 0435 to develop additional summer trails in the heavily used Boise Front (USDA Forest Service 2010).
BBRA’s mission is “to provide accessible, affordable and fun year-round mountain recreation and education.” In accordance with that mission, the proposed mountain bike trails are intended to improve connectivity, provide adequate options for different ability levels, seamlessly integrate with the existing and planned resort operations, and contribute to a comprehensive, high-quality mountain bike trail network at BBRA. Multi-use trails, specifically at ski areas, have continually grown in popularity across the breadth of the outdoor recreation sector. The trail additions would help to meet guest expectations and bolster BBRA’s relevance in the year-round destination market.
Proposed Action
Approximately 12.6 miles of multi-use trails are proposed on NFS lands, designed to accommodate a variety of recreation experiences including hiking, equestrian use, and mountain biking (singletrack, downhill, and “flow” trails). Trails would be lift-served via the Deer Point Express chairlift. Depending on the type of trail being constructed, tread widths could range from 18 to 72 inches, and trail corridors could range from 6 feet to 12 feet wide with ground disturbance. The proposed mountain bike flow trails would be developed in a manner that would have minimal long-term impacts to the environment. In particular, sustainable trail development guidelines would be used to reduce erosion. Trails could include fully machined tread, banked turns, roll overs, and other constructed features to be navigable with minimal pedaling or braking. In total, the proposed multi-use and mountain bike trails would require approximately 22 acres of disturbance on NFS lands.
BBRA would manage and maintain the 12.6 miles of NFS trails under the SUP.
Categorical Exclusion
A Categorical Exclusion (CE) process and Decision Memo (DM) will be utilized to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, proportional to the scale and scope of the proposed action. For a proposed action to be Categorically Excluded from analysis in an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the proposed action must comply with one of the categories noted in the Forest Service Handbook at 1909.15, Chapter 30, and there can be no extraordinary circumstances related to the specific proposed action that would warrant further analysis. The proposed multi-use and mountain bike trails project appears to fit in the category found at 36 CFR 220.6(e)(1) – “Construction and reconstruction of trails.”
How to Comment and Timeframe
Written comments must be submitted via mail service, facsimile, electronic mail, or in person, and comments concerning this action will be most helpful if received by or before June 22, 2018. Written comments must be submitted to: Fantasy Burns, Team Leader, 2180 American Legion Boulevard, Mountain Home, ID 83647, FAX (208) 587-9217. The office business hours for those submitting hand-delivered comments are: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Electronic comments must be submitted in a format such as an email message, plain text (.txt), rich text format (.rtf), or MS Word (.docx). Email comments may be submitted to the Mountain Home Ranger District Comment inbox at comments-intermtn-boise-mtn-home@fs.fed.us. Comments may also be submitted electronically at: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=54041 .
Persons commenting should include: 1) name, address, telephone number, and organization represented, if any; 2) title of the project of concern (e.g. Bogus Basin Multi-Use Trails Project) ; and 3) specific facts, concerns, or issues, and supporting reasons why they should be considered. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses, will be posted to the Project webpage public comment reading room (https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//ReadingRoom?Project=54041), will be part of the public record for this project, and will be released in their entirety, if requested, pursuant to the Freed of Information Act. Only those who submit comments or notify the team leader that they would like to remain on the mailing list for this project or subscribe to receive email updates for this project will receive future correspondences on this project.
Thank you for your interest in these ski area management projects. To request further information on this proposed action, please contact Fantasy Burns, Team Leader, at (208) 587-7889 or fburns@fs.fed.us.
Sincerely,
Melissa Yenko
Forest Environmental Coordinator
Boise National Forest
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Reminders to keep public land safe
By Michaela Leung May 24, 2018 Local News 8
Memorial day marks the beginning of camping and outdoor activities, but before you head out the Bureau of Land Management and Central Fire District have a few reminders, and they want to put a stop to a problem that has been going on for way too long.
Last fire season was a busy one for the BLM.
“We had 8 human-caused fires last year in the Menan Butte area. They were from target shooting, fireworks, off-roading, abandoned campfires,” says Kelsey Griffee, Fire Information Officer.
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Efforts failing to save US West sagebrush land
By Keith Ridler – 5/24/18 AP
Boise, Idaho — Officials say they’re losing the battle against a devastating combination of invasive plant species and wildfires in the vast sagebrush habitats in the U.S. West that support cattle ranching and recreation and are home to an imperiled bird.
The Western Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies in a 58-page report released this month says invasive plants on nearly 160,000 square miles (414,400 sq. kilometers) of public and private lands have reached enormous levels and are spreading.
Officials say that could mean more giant rangeland wildfires that in recent decades destroyed vast areas of sagebrush country that support some 350 species of wildlife, including imperiled sage grouse.
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USDA Forest Service Intermountain Region
Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 10 May 23, 2018
link:
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Critter News:
Hot Car Safety
70 degrees is too hot to leave a dog in the car.
Cascade Veterinary Clinic FB link:
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Nampa owners’ dog shot in backyard; police investigating
The dog, a male pitbull named Tyson, had to be put down because of the severity of his injuries.
KTVB May 25, 2018
Nampa, ID — Nampa Police are are asking for the public’s help after a pet dog was found shot in its owners’ backyard earlier this year.
According to investigators, the shooting happened in the 700 block of 1st Street north on March 12.
The residents told police they found their dog Tyson, a neutered male pitbull, injured and badly bleeding in their yard. Tyson was had been tethered on their property when he was shot, police say.
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More mountain lion sightings reported in Pocatello
May 21, 2018 Local News 8
Pocatello, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials responded to two reports of mountain lion sightings in the vicinity of Red Hill Trail behind Mountain View Cemetery in Pocatello over the weekend.
Officials said, at this time, the sightings have not been confirmed.
The first call came in on Saturday evening. Agency and university personnel were not able to find any sign of the mountain lion that evening.
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Wyoming to vote on biggest grizzly hunt in lower 48 states
By Mead Gruver – 5/23/18 AP
Cheyenne, Wyo. — Wyoming could allow grizzly bear hunting for the first time in decades when state officials vote Wednesday whether to allow as many as 22 grizzlies to be killed this fall outside Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
Environmental groups including the Sierra Club and Native American tribes say the hunt would undermine decades of work to restore grizzlies in the Yellowstone ecosystem. About 700 grizzlies now inhabit the region including parts of Idaho and Montana, up from 136 in 1975 when they were listed as a threatened species.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed federal protections for grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem in 2017 and Wyoming officials say relatively few would be hunted.
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Montana wolf population estimated at 900, gain of about 50
5/24/18 AP
Billings, Mont. — Wildlife officials say Montana had about 900 wolves in 2017, the 13th consecutive year the state exceeded its recovery goal.
The Billings Gazette reported Thursday that last year’s population estimate was up from 851 in 2016.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ annual wolf report said 166 wolves were killed by hunters and 89 by trappers in the 2017-18 season. The department said sales of wolf licenses generated $380,000 for wolf conservation and management.
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Wolf News Roundup 5/21/2018
by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
May 21, 2018
link:
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Wolf Education International
Newsletter May 23, 2018
Worldwide epidemiology of liver hydatidosis including the Mediterranean area
The Netherlands’ first wolf (pack) may be settling in Drenthe
Dead Cows Are Changing The Way Wolves Eat
Interior Department moves to reverse Obama-era rules on hunting bears, wolves in Alaska
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Officials work to ensure existence of caribou population
5/24/18 AP
Sandpoint, Idaho — Officials say the existence of the two southernmost populations of woodland caribou is in danger.
The Bonner County Daily Bee reports Bart George with the Kalispel Tribe at Usk says the next step to boost the populations — comprised of seven animals including three in the southern Selkirk Mountains and four across the valley in the Purcell Mountains — is not known.
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Birds of Prey NCA Partnership to host First Annual Snake River Raptor Fest
Date: May 25, 2018
Contact: Corrine Coffman, (208) 384-3485
Steve Alsup, (208) 891-1786
Boise, Idaho — The Birds of Prey NCA Partnership, along with a diverse array of partner groups, will be hosting the first annual Snake River Raptor Fest at Indian Creek Winery in Kuna on June 2, 2018. The event is designed in part to be a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the designation of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), which is located just south of Boise. The Birds of Prey NCA Partnership, an Idaho-based nonprofit, is a recently formed friends group whose mission is to support the management and conservation of this unique area.
As a result of the hard work and dedication of local supporters, Congress established the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in 1993 to protect a unique environment that supports one of the world’s most dense concentrations of nesting birds of prey. Falcons, eagles, hawks and owls are found here in unique profusion and variety. In fact, the boundaries of this NCA were determined based upon the habitat requirements of the Prairie Falcon, the species best known for this region. This NCA is part of the Bureau of Land Management’s National Landscape Conservation System and is managed to conserve the area’s remarkable wildlife habitat while providing for other compatible uses of the land, so that birds of prey flourish here as they have for thousands of years.
The Snake River Raptor Fest will feature a wide variety of family-friendly activities, including field trips to the NCA, live birds of prey, and interactive presentations. There will also be live music, local beer and wine, food trucks, and raptor-themed games and activities for kids.
Learn more about the Snake River Raptor Fest here:
facebook.com/BirdsofPreyNCAPartnership
birdsofpreyncapartnership.org
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F&G: Low snowpack mean anglers should find more fish this season
By Andrew Weeks for The Star-News May 24, 2018
Anglers who plan to get some fishing time in this Memorial Day weekend will have plenty of options to drown a worm.
According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, they might find they have better luck putting fish into their creel than they did last year.
“This year is a little more normal,” said Roger Phillips, public information officer with the F&G’s Boise office.
Without the excessive snowpack of last year, “a lot of reservoirs are in a little better shape,” Phillips said.
While some rivers are still flowing high, he said “overall things look good.”
Some of the expected hot spots this weekend and moving forward into the summer season are Lake Cascade for perch and Payette Lake for lake trout, said Dale Allen, F&G regional fisheries manager in McCall.
But it’s not just perch and trout that are fishing favorites this weekend, Allen said.
“As Little Payette Lake fills up the tiger muskies seem to get a little more catchable,” he said. “There are still some 36-inch-plus tigers out there.”
Phillips said anglers shouldn’t overlook Horsethief Reservoir and Warm Lake east of Cascade, both good choices for trout fishing.
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Idaho adds inspection stations to target invasive species
Idaho stations have already found 22 watercrafts with harmful mussels this year.
Associated Press May 25, 2018
Idaho officials have added watercraft inspection stations and extended operating hours at some in anticipation of a busy season.
The Capital Press reports the Idaho stations that intercept invasive species have already found 22 watercrafts with harmful mussels this year. The stations found 31 last year.
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CDC: Tick population on the rise, so are tick-borne illnesses
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the tick population has surged – and so have the illnesses caused by ticks, like Lyme disease.
by Alex Livingston KTVB May 22, 2018
Boise – It’s that time of year again, time to keep a good eye out for ticks especially if you have any plans to be in heavily wooded areas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the tick population has surged – and so have the illnesses caused by ticks, like Lyme disease. Some of the classic symptoms of Lyme disease, an illness caused by a bite from an infected tick, are fatigue, fever and rashes.
Many cases of Lyme Disease, when caught early, can be treated with a few weeks of antibiotics. Without treatment, officials say there may be some complications.
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Uptick in ticks brings higher risk to outdoor lovers and pets
186 tick-borne disease cases were reported in Idaho between 2004 and 2016
Alejandra Buitrago May 25, 2018 IME
Ticks, the blood-sucking parasites that can bring disease to people and their pets, appear to be uncomfortably prevalent in central Idaho this spring.
Tick season in Idaho is generally from May to June. This year, they are already out in strong numbers, and could have a significant impact on spring and summer outings.
“We’re just coming into tick season,” said veterinarian Bart Gillespie, at St. Francis Pet Clinic in Ketchum. “I’ve had two or three cases this week and there will probably be more the warmer it gets.”
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Fish & Game News:
First Super Hunt entry deadline is May 31
By Vicky Osborn, Television/Radio Specialist
Monday, May 21, 2018 – 12:18 PM MDT
Hunters hoping to enter Idaho’s first Super Hunt drawing have through May 31 to apply.
With every entry in Fish and Game’s Super Hunt drawings, hunters get a chance at winning the hunt of a lifetime, and their entry fee helps support hunter and angler access to and across private lands.
The first drawing will be for eight elk, eight deer, and eight pronghorn, and one moose hunt. One Super Hunt Combo entry also will be drawn that will entitle the winner to hunt for all four species – elk, deer, pronghorn and moose. Winners will be notified by June 10.
A second drawing will be for two elk, two deer, two pronghorn, and one moose hunt. Another Super Hunt Combo entry will also be drawn. The entry period for the second drawing is June 1 through August 10, with winners notified by August 20.
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F&G News Releases
https://idfg.idaho.gov/press
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Fun Critter Stuff:
Eagle firefighters save beaver stuck in fence
May 20, 2018
(Eagle FD)
Eagle, (ID) – The Eagle Fire Department had an out of the ordinary wildlife encounter Sunday.
Check out this little guy in need of some big help! A beaver got stuck between two metal railings in a fence so firefighters were dispatched to help dislodge the critter.
They were able to break him free and it looks like he stuck around for a minute as a way to say thanks.
source w/photos:
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Seasonal Humor:
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Tips & Advice:
We got expert advice on what you can do to keep seasonal allergies under control
By Kay Angrum May 21, 2018
Spring is finally here, which means so are allergies.
Perhaps you’ve already experienced a few symptoms or are going through it right now — tissues and all!
Although there’s no avoiding pesky pollen, which is expected to double in count by 2040 as a result of climate change, there are steps you can take to make life a lot easier and sniffle free.
Circa’s Kay Angrum sat down with preventive medicine physician Dr. Tania Elliott to share helpful tips on how to survive allergy season.
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Tips from Boise PD: Securing your home before vacation
by Abigail Taylor Thursday, May 24th 2018
Before heading out of town for Memorial Day weekend, or at all this summer, Boise Police say you’ll want to make sure your home is secure.
“We want your house to look like it’s lived in even if you’re not there,” said Ed Fritz, crime prevention supervisor for the Boise Police Department. “If [people] advertise that they are not home — it’s an inviting place for a potential would be criminal.”
With more people traveling this time of year, police say that often means more ‘crimes of opportunity.’
By taking the following simple precautions, you can make your home less appealing to criminals:
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The Yellow Pine Times 