Apr 28, 2019 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho
Community Calendar:
April 2 – boil water order issued
May 1 – 12pm Fire Siren Test
May 5 – 3pm Taco Feed at the Community Hall
May 15 – Firewood Season opens
May 18 – YPFD meeting at the Community Hall
May 20 – Deadline 2019 Festival T-Shirt Contest
May 23 – Festival meeting 2pm at the Community Hall
May 25 – ATV-UTV Scavenger Hunt Memorial Day Weekend
June 11 – Vet Day Yellow Pine
June 20 – Festival meeting Thursday 2pm at the Community Hall
June 29 – Highland Games
July 6 – Golf Tournament & Breakfast
July 13 – Ride to Big Creek
July 18 – (tentative) Noxious Weed Spray day
July 27 – Festival meeting Saturday 2pm at the Community Hall
July 27 – Memorial and potluck for Wilbur Wiles (Big Creek/Edwardsburg)
Sep 14 – Ride to Cinnabar
(details below)
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Local Events:
May 5, 2019, 3pm Taco Feed at the Community Hall
In thanks for the great support of the community, the Community Hall Committee is giving back.
A Taco Feed will be held at the Community Hall on May 5th at 3pm. The Community Hall is providing the fixin’s.
Please join us for good food and to check out the progress that has been made in the Community Hall.
Thanks again for all your support.
Kathy Hall
Community Hall Chairman
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2019 Festival T-Shirt Contest – Deadline May 20
The contest for the 30th Annual Yellow Pine Music Festival T-shirt logo is open!
This year’s theme is “Then and Now”.
The winner receives $100!
Your one-color design* must include the following:
* 30th Annual
* 2019
* Yellow Pine Music Festival
* musical instruments incorporated into the design
Designs must be submitted electronically to yellowpinefestival@gmail.com or by snail-mail to Yellow Pine Festival, PO Box 10, Yellow Pine, ID 83677
All submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2019.
Submissions become the property of the Village of Yellow Pine Association.
*Note: We have learned that simple designs show and sell better.
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June 11 – Vet Day
On Tuesday June 11th the Cascade Vet clinic will be coming to Yellow Pine. Please call (208) 382-4590 to get on the list.
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June 29 – Highland Games
For the second year, Bald Mountain Knuckle Draggers will bring the Highland Games to Yellow Pine on June 29th. Last year they donated over $2,600 to the Helipad and this year money will be raised for the water department. Come see these fantastic athletes and support the water department.
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Golf Tournament July 6
It’s time to plan for the annual 4th of July Yellow Pine Golf Tournament. This year the proceeds will support the Community Hall and road repair.
The event will begin July 6th at 11am at the golf course, where the fairways aren’t fair and the greens aren’t green. The cost will remain the same at $50 per couple for sponsoring a hole with a sign displayed. $20 for individuals, each person playing will get a ticket for beer, additional tickets can be purchased for $3. Soda and water are free. Checks can be written to VYPA (Village of Yellow Pine Association)
There will be prizes for first, second and third places for men’s women’s and mixed. Also, there will be a prizes for closest to the pin. Spots go quickly, so be one of the first!
There will be a hearty breakfast at the museum from 8-10. The cost is $6 and all proceeds benefit the upkeep of the museum.
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Noxious Weed Spray day July 18
Hello Yellow Pine,
I’m beginning my transition from snow plowing to noxious weed control. Yellow Pine is 1st on my list to start talking about dates to schedule our 2nd annual noxious weed Homeowners assistance spray day. Last year we got together on Thursday, July 19, 2018. I tentatively have Thursday, July 18, 2019 marked on my calendar.
We had really good participation last year but we can do better, lets start talking now and get more people involved as it is “Everyone’s responsibility to control Noxious and Invasive plants”. I think last years event went very well, we will try and be a little more organized this year, if we missed someone put them on top of the priority list. I will bring my entire crew, all of our equipment, PPE, and mixed herbicide, you provide the volunteers, we’re here to help you not do it for you.
I misplaced 1-backpack sprayer last year, please keep your eyes peeled in case we laid it down someplace or forgot to pick it up.
Spread the word, save the date. I look forward to hearing from you. The best way to contact me this time of year is through e-mail, I will be in and out of the office until May, I check my e-mails daily but I can’t always respond until I get back into the office.
Thank you,
Steve Anderson
Valley County Weed and Pest Control
SAnderson@co.valley.id.us
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Celebration of Life – Wilbur Wiles
Potluck celebration of life at his cabin 27 July.
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2019 Yellow Pine Escapades
The 2019 schedule for the Yellow Pine Escapades has been updated on the website!
Expect new escapades this coming year, including an ATV-UTV Photo Scavenger Hunt; two (yes, two) ATV-UTV rides, a golf tournament, and even a community yard sale. Other events will be added to the calendar as plans are finalized.
Join us for a great season of fun! The starting point for fun in Yellow Pine! The website includes information on the events hosted by the Yellow Pine Community Hall as well as the other “goings-on” in the village. Food, lodging and fuel are available in Yellow Pine.
link:
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Village News:
Water Update
Yellow Pine water system update is as follows; a substantial leak has been located downtown that is likely the main culprit in regards to excessive water use. Steve Holloway is heading up efforts for repair. The system is still under a boil water advisory until further notice. Once the water leak has been repaired and water use is diminished, the treatment system will be back to normal operation and the boil water advisory will likely be lifted.
– Warren Drake (4/28/2019)
#4430059 Yellow Pine Water Users Boil Water Notification 4-2-19.pdf
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Power Outage
Probably due to winds, our power went off at 707pm Saturday evening (Apr 27) for over 7 hours.
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Spring 2019 Nez Perce Yellow Pine Fisheries Report
By John Byrne
The 2019 trapping season is underway! The Johnson Creek screw trap was installed on March 6 and is currently fishing. The Secesh screw trap was installed on March 21 and is currently not fishing, due to high water conditions. Although there was plenty of snowpack in the lower elevations, so far it has been a slow and steady runoff, aside from a few rain events. We will see what the remainder of the spring runoff has in store for us, as there is still substantial high elevation snow yet to melt off. Hopefully the giant log jam on the East Fork will blow out.
Chinook numbers at Johnson Creek have been fairly high for this time of year. They are smolts from the tail end of last years’ out migration, represented below, in red, as Migration Year 2019. These smolts’ parents returned during the summer of 2017, hence Brood Year 2017. (Note; these are not actual numbers just a visual aide to help describe how fish are classified) Most of the BY17 smolt migration happened during the summer of 2018, but more than usual held over the winter. This may have to do with carrying capacity of Johnson Creek. Because of a low return of their parents during the summer of 2017, there weren’t many BY17 offspring in the system. With less fish in the system, one can assume there was more habitat and food available. This may have caused them to stay longer. We will begin monitoring another year class soon, as we start catching sac fry offspring of last years’ adults (BY18s). As there was a good adult return last summer (626 total), we are expecting many BY18’s in the system this summer!
continued: Spring 2019 Nez Perce Fisheries Report.pdf
Correction: There was only 150,000 chinook put into Johnson creek for the supplementary stocking. Not 250,000.
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Roads
Stibnite Road Update From Midas April 27, 2019 (via email Mckinsey Lyon)
Repair work is underway after multiple landslides hit the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River and Stibnite Road in early April. Local contractor, OK Gravel is currently addressing high priority areas to limit further damage that may occur from spring runoff conditions. This work includes repairing two main areas of Stibnite Road directly above and below Tamarack Creek. The current work is overseen and funded by Valley County in coordination with state and federal officials.
This immediate action does not address the 1/2 mile stretch of the Stibnite Road currently washed away and sitting underneath snow, timber and other debris left by the largest of the four avalanches. As OK Gravel works their way up from the lower section of the road between the slide and Yellow Pine, Midas Gold will begin addressing portions of the slide closest to the Stibnite Gold Project location.
While progress is being made, it is likely that the road will remain undriveable and closed through the spring. Everyone’s top priority is to stabilize the area and then reestablish safe passage along Stibnite Road in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
With access currently closed, Midas Gold staff still makes regular visiting to Stibnite to perform maintenance and other tasks as needed. This requires hiking around the current disturbance. Once we begin making repairs on the upper section of the road, we anticipate staff will be up daily.
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A report on Saturday (Apr 27) that the “bowling alley” on the EFSF road has been cleaned up and the road is good in that area. The avalanche across the river from the Eiguren Ranch is still melting and contains a lot of large trees. The log jam in the river broke up, there are individual trees hung up on the rocks downstream.
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Tick Season
It is official, ticks are out.
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History of the log cabin at the Cemetery
The Cemetery Committee is interested in any information on the cabin that is located by the cemetery. We know that it had been on the property that was known as “Mary’s Cabins”. It was moved by Tom Richter while the Filler’s were building their house. Donna Valdez said that the people who ran the cafe and bar slept there, before the Tavern was built.
Do people have pictures or any information they can share? We’d love to put a plaque up on the cabin while we repair it.
– Marj Fields
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Yellow Pine Transfer Station
Transfer station was last emptied March 14. A big Thank You to the civic minded locals who went out and cleaned up the litter in and around the building on April 23! A report that the bins are about half full. Road report April 24 – the big rock has been moved to the side of the road.
Please do not abuse our Transfer Station or we may lose it. Household trash must be placed in the bins, flattened cardboard boxes can also go into the bins. Do not stack trash in front of the doors. Woody yard debris only for the burn pile. No furniture, appliances, tires or construction debris allowed, those items must be hauled out to the Donnelly station by you.
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Come Spring…
“To Yellow Pine residents. I will be making several trips next spring and summer hauling out metal, appliances, etc. . If you need anything hauled away please get on the list. Vehicles require a title. I will be hauling gravel back if anyone is interested.”
Contact Mike Amos
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Yellow Pine US Mail
We are on 3-day a week mail delivery from Cascade. The Post Office in Yellow Pine is open six days a week: M-F 845am-245pm Saturday 9am-245pm. Forever Stamp: 55 cents
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Predators
Bears are out of hibernation and hungry. Please do not leave pet food outdoors and remember to keep trash secured, it will draw bears, foxes, coyotes and loose dogs.
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Ice Hole Campground Closed
The Campground has been temporarily closed to provide for public safety during reconstruction. This order will be in effect from September 27, 2018 through July 2, 2019, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor. (0402-04-80)
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Local Groups:
YPWUA News:
Boil order issued April 2, 2019
(see above in village news)
link to: 2018 September Water Department Update.docx
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VYPA News:
VYPA Meeting Dates 2019
June 8th; July 20th; August 10th; September 14th.
Note that the July 20th meeting is not on the second Saturday due to a conflict with a planned ATV rally involving many residents and visitors.
Yellow Pine Harmonica Meetings 2019:
March 30, 2019 Saturday 2pm at the Tavern
April 23, 2019 Tuesday 2pm at the Tavern *Cancelled*
May 23, 2019 Thursday 2pm at the Community Hall
June 20, 2019 Thursday 2pm at the Community Hall
July 27, 2019 Saturday 2pm at the Community Hall
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YPFD News:
We had training today [April 28] and Midas employees in attendance.
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The next meeting to be May 18th, 2019 at the Community Hall
Training: Sunday Fire/EMS training has begun. Sundays at 11:00 AM unless otherwise posted. If Jeff F is in town the trainings will be held. All are welcome.
Safety Message: The best place to be during an avalanche, rock fall or a tree fall due to the wind is not there, please use extreme caution and common sense when conditions exist for these scenarios.
“If you are an Adventurist, please do not go out alone in steep areas. The spring thaw is an extremely dangerous time for Avalanches. The freezing and thawing create layers that break away from each other with the slightest disturbance. Scree fields are especially dangerous this time of year because of hidden ice that makes them even more unstable. Please be careful out there.”
YP Helispot: We are working with Valley County Road Department and the Boise National Forest for the rock base for the road leading into the Helispot and the actual Helispot itself. We are also receiving rock for the Fire Hydrants, water tank foundations, etc. The rock will come from the Valdez pit and will be less expensive than having it trucked in from Cascade.
Stop the Bleed Course: This course was well attended in the Fall and Jeff F and Ann F will be presenting another course when the new instructor material comes out. There are “Stop The Bleed” kits at the Tavern in an emergency.
Siren Testing: The YPFD siren will be tested only once this year on the first of May at noon. 3 blasts of the siren is a test, more than 3 is an Emergency.
-JF
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Biz Listings:
Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Closed for winter
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The Corner (208) 633-3325
Closed for winter – expecting to be open for Memorial Weekend
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Yellow Pine Tavern (208) 633-2233
Winter Hours at the Tavern: 9am-2pm and 4-8pm Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and 9am-2pm Sun. Or call 208 633-2233 the phone rings into the house.
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Buck Horn Outfitters LLC
Link to FB page:
Deadwood Outfitters
Link to website:
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Local Fuel Suppliers
Amerigas Phone: (208) 634-8181
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed (208) 382-4430 – Wild Bird Seed 50LB Bag for $25.58
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Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:
Elkhorn Heating & Cooling
(208) 906-4067 Middleton, Idaho, Will service Yellow Pine
B&T Safety Solutions LLC
208-271-1600 Based out of Donnelly
Snow removal, cleaning chimneys and stoves, we do cabin staining/chinking as well
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Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
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Local Observations:
Monday (Apr 22) overnight low of 28 degrees, mostly clear sky this morning. The tree swallows are back, lots of finches visiting. Partly cloudy and light breeze mid-day, high of 67 degrees. Raven calling from the golf course, finches twittering from the trees. Mostly cloudy and warm mid-afternoon, light and pleasant breezes. At dusk flat sky, probably high haze and still pleasantly warm. High hazy clouds before midnight, didn’t see any meteors.
Tuesday (Apr 23) overnight low of 35 degrees, overcast, light breeze and rather muggy this morning. The tree swallows were more subdued and not as many finches, a raven flew over the ‘hood calling. Breaks in the clouds mid-day and bits of sunshine, high of 70 degrees. The colombian ground squirrels have come out of hibernation. Tiny leaves starting to break out of the buds on the lilac bush. Mostly cloudy, warm, muggy and breezy mid-afternoon. At dusk it was mostly cloudy and warm, robins chirping. Broken clouds before midnight, a few stars out.
Wednesday (Apr 24) overnight low of 40 degrees, mostly cloudy and slight breeze this morning. Brewers blackbirds, robins, tree swallows and finches calling. Breaks in the clouds mid-day, scattered sunshine and light breezes, high of 65 degrees. Low water pressure in the middle of the day. Two female hairy woodpeckers and several cassins finches visiting, ground squirrels running around and a very busy pine squirrel. Increased traffic. Almost clear by mid-afternoon, warm and gusty breezes. At dusk it appears there is some thin high haze in the sky, nearly calm and robins calling. Lots of stars out before midnight.
Thursday (Apr 25) overnight low of 26 degrees, almost clear sky (a few wisps of haze) and almost calm this morning. Lots of birds calling, finches, swallows, robins, jays and a woodpecker drumming. Increasing haze mid-day, slight breeze and warm, high of 69 degrees. Finches and swallows singing. Mostly hazy with filtered sunshine and warm mid-afternoon, slight breeze, very nice. Daffodils are starting to form flower buds. The water seems to have a brown tinge and low pressure. Mostly cloudy and warm at dusk, robins calling. Breaks in the clouds around 1030pm and breezy. Calmer and only a few stars after midnight.
Friday (Apr 26) overnight low of 39 degrees, overcast this morning. Lots of robins around, tiny leaves out on lilac bush, swallows swooping and looking in bird houses, finches calling from the trees. Low water pressure. Short sprinkle of rain before noon and breezy. Cassins finches visiting. Breaks in the clouds-mid day, occasional bits of sunshine. Partly clear and blustery mid-day, high of 60 degrees. Increased traffic. Mostly clear at dusk, lots of robins hopping around. Water pressure is still low but better than this morning. High haze before midnight, a few stars out.
Saturday (Apr 27) overnight low of 26 degrees and mostly clear this morning. Finches, swallows and robins active and singing. A few clouds coming in and breezy mid-day, high of 60 degrees. Water pressure better than yesterday but still rather low. Cassins finches visiting. By mid-afternoon it was getting blustery, windy gusts and partly cloudy (darker thicker clouds.) Power out at 707pm, mostly cloudy and windy. Still pretty breezy at dusk. Power came on around 245am.
Sunday (Apr 28) overnight low of 26 degrees, mostly cloudy and breezy this morning. Swallow and finches calling. Low water pressure. Mostly cloudy and breezy mid-day, high of 43 degrees. Finches visiting and ground squirrels running about. A few snowflakes falling mid-afternoon, mostly cloudy and chilly breeze. Better water pressure this afternoon. Breezy and mostly clear at dusk. Elk wandering through the neighborhood.
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Idaho News:
Plane crashes, lands on top of tree outside McCall
by CBS 2 News Staff Tuesday, April 23rd 2019
(Courtesy McCall Fire)
McCall, Idaho (CBS 2) — A 79-year-old pilot crashed landed a small airplane on the top of a tree outside of McCall on Monday.
McCall Fire says crews were called out to Poorman Creek up Boulder Lake Road after the pilot called 911 and said his plane was stuck in a tree.
After emergency crews arrived, they found the plane about 60 feet in the air. One of McCall’s firefighters who owns and operates a tree removal company was able to climb the tree and secure a safety harness on the pilot who was safely removed. He said he was surprised at how stable the plane was in the tree.
No word yet on the pilot’s condition.
source:
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Volunteer firefighter pulls pilot who crashed into trees to safety
Randy Acker is a professional tree climber who used his expertise to help bring the man to safety.
Joey Prechtl April 25, 2019 KTVB
McCall, Idaho — It’s a story that will go down in aeronautical history around here. And one that could have turned out much differently.
A 79-year-old pilot is lucky to be alive after crashing his plane into trees nearly 60-feet tall in a remote area east of McCall Monday night.
John Gregory’s plane was gobbled up by a massive ponderosa pine high above ground.
It took a volunteer firefighter, who climbed the tree limb by limb, to get him to safety.
continued:
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McCall pilot rescued unharmed after plane crashes in top of tree
Rescuers had to lower John Gregory 60 feet to the ground
By Drew Dodson for The Star-News April 25, 2019
A McCall man walked away uninjured after crashing his airplane into the top of a 60-foot tall tree east of McCall Monday night.
The pilot, John Gregory, 79, used his cell phone to call 911 at 8:58 p.m. after his plane came to a rest in the tree in the Poorman Creek area off of Boulder Creek Road, according to McCall Fire & EMS and the Valley County Sheriff’s Office.
Gregory had been looking for a field for an emergency landing after noticing mechanical problems with his airplane during a flight from Challis to McCall Municipal Airport, said McCall Fire Capt. Brandon Swain, who spoke to Gregory.
The 1,300-pound Piper Cub PA-18 single-propeller airplane clipped a tree with its landing gear, snagging a strut around it and snapping the top portion of the tree off in the process.
“It was literally at the top of the tree,” Swain said. “We just did not have a clue how stable that plane was.”
McCall Fire and EMS dispatched four firefighters with two snowmobiles, a toboggan and chainsaws to clear downed trees on the way to the GPS coordinates provided by Gregory.
Three volunteer firefighters also responded to the scene, including Randy Acker, who climbed up the tree to stabilize the plane and help safely lower Gregory to the ground with a harness and ropes at about 12:08 a.m.
Gregory refused an ambulance ride to the hospital, instead opting to ride in trucks with first responders back to McCall.
continued:
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‘Business as Usual’
Firefighter’s day job as tree faller comes in handy for pilot rescue
By Drew Dodson for The Star-News April 25, 2019
Randy Acker has climbed thousands of trees, but never one with a crashed airplane and its pilot teetering overhead.
“I’ve had to climb up and lower a dead bear out of a tree. I’ve had to climb up and get drones out of trees, climbed up and rescued a few cats,” said Acker, 55. “But first person in an airplane.”
Acker, owner of Acker Tree Services in McCall and a volunteer firefighter, was McCall Fire and EMS’s first call when determining how to rescue John Gregory, 79, of McCall from his wrecked airplane balanced about 60 feet up a white fir east of McCall on Monday night.
Acker was getting ready for bed at about 9:30 p.m. when the call came in from McCall Fire Chief Garrett de Jong.
About 30 minutes later, he had been taken by snowmobile to the scene and was assessing how he would approach scaling a tree with an airplane precariously perched atop it at a 45-degree angle.
Acker used spiked tree cleats and a wire-core rope wrapped around the tree trunk and hooked to his harness.
He got to work chain sawing more than 200 limbs off the tree as he looped around the tree and inched toward the wreckage.
continued:
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Crews still working to remove plane from tree after crash in McCall
Pilot escaped without injuries Monday night
Apr 26, 2019 KIVI TV
McCall, Ida. — It’s been several days since a small plane crashed into a tree just outside of McCall, but crews are still trying to figure out how to remove the aircraft.
The pilot told rescuers the propeller stopped working just before he crashed around 60 feet up. He was rescued safely and is not hurt, but the plane is still in the tree.
A fireman who rescued the pilot happens to also own his own tree service and has been using his resources to help secure the plane in the tree. Randy Acker says the plan may involve picking the plane up with a helicopter.
continued w/video:
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Valley County Commissioner weighs in on lake ordinance: ‘This is a proposal’
by Alexis Goree Sunday, April 21st 2019
Boise, Idaho (CBS2) — Conversations are heating up, over a proposed ordinance to create new wake limitations on all Valley County waterways.
Right now, Valley County’s no wake zone is just 300 feet off shore. If this ordinance passes, County Commissioner Gordon Cruiskshank says that number will increase.
“If a wave gets higher the 24 inches we’re asking you to move 1000 feet out from the shoreline so those larger waves don’t impact the other uses as much as they have in the past at a closer distance,” Cruiskshank said.
continued:
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Speakers oppose draft wake boat rules
Valley commissioners urged to go back to drawing board
By Max Silverson for The Star-News April 25, 2019
They were often on different sides, but those speaking on proposed rules on wake boats on Valley County lakes this week were agreed the rules need more work.
Valley County commissioners held public hearing in Cascade on Monday and McCall on Tuesday on a proposed ordinance that, among other thing, would set 1,000-foot no-wake zones for wake boats.
The boats use ballast or wings to create large waves on which surfers can ride without a tow rope.
Monday’s hearing at the Cascade American Legion Hall saw 123 people who wrote their names down as opponents of the proposal. Only nine supported the draft.
Seven people spoke in favor of certain provisions of the ordinance, while 41 spoke against.
Tuesday’s hearing at Idaho First Bank in McCall drew more than 200 people. Nine people signed in as unopposed, 45 as proponents and 134 in opposition to the rules.
Those opposed to the draft ranged from power boating enthusiasts opposing the no-wake zones to people seeking to ban wake boats entirely from Payette Lake.
Commissioners Gordon Cruickshank, Elt Hasbrouck and Dave Bingaman listened to the testimony but took no action.
continued:
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Meadows Valley students outfit Packer John’s Cabin park with signs
By Drew Dodson for The Star-News April 25, 2019
Monir Desouky grinned as he held up a rusted railroad spike from the Pacific and Idaho Northern Railroad that once ran through New Meadows.
“If you go dig where the train was, you can find pieces of the train track,” Desouky said as he gestured towards an interpretive sign he made detailing the former railroad.
Desouky is one of 15 students in Sue Weber’s fifth-grade class that undertook a year-long project to cleanup Packer John’s Cabin park near New Meadows and outfit it with signs detailing the history of Meadows Valley.
“I want kids to be able to come back here and cherish and value the town that they grew up in and give them a reason to come back and bring their families,” Weber said of the project.
Students began last spring by raking up debris at the park, which is owned by Adams County.
The students convinced Adams County commissioners to grant a budget of up to $14,000 to create the signs.
Students then researched the history of each of their selected topics ranging from logging to agriculture and native wildlife with assistance from the Adams County Historical Society and McCall Outdoor Science School graduate students.
On Monday, the work will culminate in each student installing their unique 24-by-18-inch sign at one of each of the campsites in the state park.
continued:
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Idaho vacates order forcing landowners into oil leases
by Associated Press Thursday, April 25th 2019
Boise, Idaho (AP) – Idaho officials have vacated an order forcing landowners to sell their natural gas and oil to an energy company following a ruling from a federal judge who found Idaho officials violated the U.S. Constitution.
The Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Tuesday voted 5-0 to vacate the order after the federal judge in the August ruling directed the panel to do exactly that.
Citizens Allied for Integrity and Accountability sued in 2017, contending the state discriminated against landowners with an order finalizing a deal that favored Alta Mesa.
continued:
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Texas oil company to pay Idaho penalty for acid in well
Apr 24, 2019 AP
Boise, Idaho (AP) – A Texas-based oil company that injected acid into a well as part of a process to improve production will pay Idaho $8,000 in civil penalties.
The Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Tuesday voted 5-0 to approve the agreement with Alta Mesa.
State officials say Alta Mesa violated two Idaho codes.
continued:
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Idaho, Oregon reach agreement on hydroelectric project
Apr 23, 2019 AP
Boise, Idaho (AP) – Idaho and Oregon have reached an agreement on a hydroelectric project on the Snake River that requires an Idaho utility to spend about $312 million on water quality and habitat improvements.
Idaho Republican Gov. Brad Little and Oregon Democratic Gov. Kate Brown in separate news releases announced the agreement Monday.
Idaho Power has been trying to obtain a new 50-year license for its Hells Canyon Complex from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission after the old one expired in 2005.
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Interested in measuring precipitation? Join the CoCoRaHS observing network.
CoCoRaHS is a practical, enjoyable and useful activity. If you have an interest in weather and would like to help your local community, as well as scientists and others interested in precipitation, then CoCoRaHS is for you. It only takes a few minutes a day and gives you the chance to participate in real hands-on science. You’ll be amazed at what you learn as you become more aware of the variable weather that impacts you, your neighbors, your state and our entire country.
Data on the web
Volunteers submit their observations using the CoCoRaHS website or apps. Observations are immediately available to the public via maps and data analysis tools, and to data users via the CoCoRaHS Web API. Data users such as scientists, resource manages, decision makers and others have come to rely on the high density, high quality measurements provided by CoCoRaHS observers.
CoCoRaHS is Educational
CoCoRaHS offers learning opportunities too. In addition to training materials, newsletters and the ‘Message of the Day’, members also enjoy opportunities to attend Webinars featuring experts in weather, climatology and other pertinent disciplines. CoCoRaHS offers classroom resources for K-12 teachers. Students get to collect and submit real scientific data – all while meeting State and National Standards in science, math, geography and more!
What is CoCoRaHS?
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, is a non-profit, community based, network of volunteers who measure and report rain, hail and snow in their backyards.
A brief History
CoCoRaHS came about as a result of a devastating flash flood that hit Fort Collins, Colorado in July 1997. A very localized storm dumped over a foot of rain in several hours while other portions of the city had only modest rainfall. The ensuing flood caught many by surprise, caused $200 million in damages, and resulted in five deaths. CoCoRaHS was born in 1998 with the intent of doing a better job of mapping and reporting intense storms. CoCoRaHS became a nationwide volunteer network in 2010 and is now international with observers helping provide critical precipitation observations, benefiting their country’s needs.
Volunteers of all ages welcome!
Individuals and family volunteers of all ages and all walks of life are the foundation of the CoCoRaHS network, Anyone can help. It only takes a few minutes to check the rain gauge and report your observations.
Training: “the Key to our success”
It is important that all CoCoRaHS precipitation reports be accurate and consistant. Training is provided on how to install gauges, properly measure precipitation and transmit reports. CoCoRaHS precipitation reports are accurate and very useful.
Why is there so much interest in rain, hail and snow?
Precipitation is essential for life. It varies greatly with topography, storm type and season. It really is true that it may pour on one side of the street and be dry on the other. A portion of a field may be pounded by hail while others nearby receive no damage. Snowfall may pile up in one neighborhood and only dust another. Rain, hail and snow are fairly easy to measure, and the data collected are very important. Meteorologists, hydrologists, engineers, builders, farmers . . . you name it, everyone seems to care about rain, hail and snow. That’s why we ask, “How much fell in your backyard?”
There are limited observations across southwest Idaho and southeast Oregon, compared to the rest of the country, so we would love to have your observations. To learn more about the CoCoRaHS program and to see where your fellow observers have recorded rain amounts, visit http://www.cocorahs.org/.
Invite your neighbors, relatives and friends by sending them this “Join” link:
source: Sage Winds newsletter
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Tips & Advice:
What you need to know before starting a debris burn
KBOI March 26, 2019
You’ve spent the day cleaning up your yard, and now there’s a big pile of debris that needs to be taken care of. Burning it will be an easy way to get rid of the mess, right? Hold that thought – while debris burning is an effective way to dispose of yard waste, debris fires can also pose a big safety hazard. In fact, debris burning is the number one cause of accidental fires in the state of Idaho.
Here are some tips to make sure you’re burning safely:
… Dress appropriately, have enough help on hand (people, water and tools) and make a firebreak before you start. Call your local fire department or fire protection district to let them know you’ll be conducting a debris burn. This saves them from sending emergency responders to your property if they are not needed.
full story: Idaho Firewise
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Reduce your home’s vulnerability to wildfire ignition
KBOI April 22, 2019
Home ownership is exciting. But with it comes many responsibilities — especially when you live in an area prone to wildfires. So, one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to reduce your home’s vulnerability to wildfire ignition.
If you’re a new homeowner or plan on building a house, utilize these recommendations to keep your home fire-free. If your house has been your home for years, don’t fret! Think of these recommendations as annual upgrades or as a renovation project — there’s no need to rebuild your house completely. Pay attention to the following tips to maintain your home’s safety, and begin to plan for and budget for major renovations.
Here’s what you can do to protect your home:
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Public Lands:
Payette forest to issue firewood permits starting May 15
The Star-News April 25, 2019
Personal firewood permits for the Payette National Forests will be available beginning on Wednesday, May 15.
Permit purchases are limited to a minimum of 4 cords and maximum of 10 cords per household. Cost is $6.25 per cord, and woodcutting is limited to dead trees.
The Payette is encouraging permit holders to cut firewood early in the year because fire restrictions may affect the cutting season later in the summer, a news release said.
Those heading out in the early season are encouraged to avoid traveling on wet, muddy roads that might cause damage.
Information and permits will be available at C&M Lumber in New Meadows, Albertsons in McCall, The Corner in Yellow Pine, and ranger district offices in McCall and New Meadows. For more information, visit http://fs.fed.us.
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Forestry for Southern Idaho tour to start May 15 in McCall
The Star-News April 25, 2019
The fifth annual Forestry for Southern Idaho tour will cover forest management topics from bark beetles to wildfire prevention on Wednesday, May 15, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Payette National Forest Supervisor’s Office.
The event will begin indoors with a discussion on defensible space around the home, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program cost-sharing initiative, fire season preparedness, noxious weed control and bark beetle updates.
Sponsored by the Valley Soil and Water Conservation District and the Idaho Department of Lands, the program will also feature an outdoor session in the afternoon.
The outdoor portion will include stops to view harvest and thinning to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk as well as a demonstration of equipment to remove trees or other debris to minimize wildfire.
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USDA Forest Service Payette Powder Guides Outfitter and Guide Permit Reissuance Update
4/22/2019
The Forest Service is seeking scoping comments for the proposed reissuance of a special use authorization for Payette Powder Guides on the McCall Ranger District of the Payette National Forest. The scoping document is available on the project’s webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55635.
The Forest Service is contacting interested individuals, groups, and agencies to make them aware of the project and to gather pertinent feedback. To be most helpful, please submit your scoping comments by May 22, 2019, and make your comments as specific as possible.
The project webpage provides you tools to engage this process as you wish. From “Get Connected” on the right hand side of the page, click on “Subscribe to Email Updates” if you wish to receive electronic communication about this project. Use the “Comment/Object on project” link to access a simple webform to submit your comments on this project. The “Public Comment/Objection Reading Room” are the published comments received on this project.
Webform submission on the project webpage is preferred but written, comments concerning this project will be accepted. Comments for the project may be submitted to McCall Ranger District 102 West Lake Street McCall Idaho 83638. Hand delivered comment letters may be delivered during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.
Comments received in response to this request will be available for public inspection and will be released in their entirety if requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. Comments received in response to this request will also be available for public inspection on the “Public Comment Reading Room” on the project webpage.
For further information on this project, please contact me at lklinger@fs.fed.us or 208-634-0401.
Sincerely,
Lisa J. Klinger
District Ranger
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USDA Forest Service Payette Lakes Ski Club Little Ski Hill Improvements Update
4/22/2019
The Forest Service is seeking scoping comments for the proposed Little Ski Hill Improvements on the McCall Ranger District of the Payette National Forest. The scoping document is available on the project’s webpage at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55634.
The Forest Service is contacting interested individuals, groups, and agencies to make them aware of the project and to gather pertinent feedback. To be most helpful, please submit your scoping comments by May 22, 2019, and make your comments as specific as possible.
The project webpage provides you tools to engage this process as you wish. From “Get Connected” on the right hand side of the page, click on “Subscribe to Email Updates” if you wish to receive electronic communication about this project. Use the “Comment/Object on project” link to access a simple webform to submit your comments on this project. The “Public Comment/Objection Reading Room” are the published comments received on this project.
Webform submissions on the project webpage are preferred, but written comments concerning this project will be accepted. Comments for the project may be submitted in writing to McCall Ranger District, 102 West Lake Street, McCall, Idaho 83638. Hand delivered comment letters may be delivered during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.
Comments received in response to this request will be available for public inspection and will be released in their entirety if requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. Comments received in response to this request will also be available for public inspection on the “Public Comment Reading Room” on the project webpage.
For further information on this project, please contact me at lklinger@fs.fed.us or 208-634-0401.
Sincerely,
Lisa J. Klinger
District Ranger
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Southwest Idaho Spring prescribed fire burning planned
Boise, Idaho, April 24, 2019 — Southwest Idaho interagency fire managers anticipate favorable spring weather conditions for planned low-intensity prescribed fires. Prescribed fires are designed to reduce hazardous vegetation (fuels), large wildfire potential to communities, and improve wildlife habitat.
Weather and conditions permitting, prescribed burns are scheduled to start in April and continue through June. Approximately 3,000 acres are planned for ignition in 13 project areas within the Boise National Forest.
Public and firefighter safety is always the first priority in all public land fire operations. Fire managers develop burn plans that account for safety, specific fuel and weather prescriptions and smoke management. All controlled burns are closely evaluated and are only approved when favorable conditions are present.
Prescribed burns may affect people sensitive to smoke and may impact access to burn areas and travel routes. Fire officials strongly advise forest visitors and homeowners to prepare and plan activities around the proposed dates and locations of burns and to use extreme caution near prescribed fire areas. Please be aware of firefighters and equipment in the area and on roadways, comply with posted notices and drive slowly in areas with decreased visibility.
Information and signs will be posted on roads that access burn areas in advance of ignitions and remain in place through burn completion.
Visit the http://www.rxfire.com website and click on the link (http://bit.ly/RxFireSWIdaho) to the interactive map with the latest planned areas of prescribed fire treatments. The interactive map will allow you to zoom in to your areas of interest to provide the latest information and a phone number to contact for more information. The Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Land Management, Payette National Forest, Boise National Forest, and Sawtooth National Forest planned prescribed fire treatments are in the map.
The Boise NF prescribed fire hotline is (208) 373-4208. The most current fire information will be posted on inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5751/.
Planned Boise National Forest fall prescribed burns include:
Idaho City Ranger District
* Alder (261 acres): located 3 miles north of Placerville, Idaho. This a landscape burn (ground fire) using hand ignition to reduce fuel in the wildland urban interface.
* Alder Ridge (100 acres): located 1 miles north of Placerville, Idaho. This is a landscape burn (ground fire) using hand ignition to reduce fuel in the wildland urban interface.
* Amber (300 acres): located 2 miles east of Idaho City, Idaho. This is a modified tree well burn.
* Amber North (276 acres): located 4 miles southeast of Idaho City, Idaho. This is a modified tree well burn.
* Buckskin (200): located approximately 3 miles east of Idaho City, Idaho.
* Little Ophir (100 acres): located 4 miles west of Pioneerville, Idaho. A landscape burn using hand ignition that will reduce fuel in the wildland urban interface area.
* Little Ophir WUI (130 acres): located 1.5 miles northeast of Centerville, Idaho.
* Mores South-Granite Creek (50 acres): located 3 miles east of Idaho City, Idaho. This is a landscape burn (ground fire) using hand ignition to reduce fuel in the wildland urban interface.
* Mores South-Switchback (112 acres): located 5 miles southeast of Idaho City, Idaho in the Granite Creek Drainage.
Cascade Ranger District
Horsethief burn
* Horsethief (180 acres): located about 1 mile east/northeast of Horsethief Reservoir. This burn involves helicopter and hand ignition to reduce fuels over the area and is within the wildland urban interface.
* Westside Restoration Unit 39 (25 acres): This project is located on National Forest System (NFS) road 435 along West Mountain. It is approximately 10 miles west of Cascade, Idaho. This will be hand ignition to reduce fuels within the wildland urban interface.
Lowman Ranger District
* West Lowman WUI (650 acres): located approximately 2 miles northeast of Lowman, Idaho between Clear and Miller creek drainages.
Emmett Ranger District
* Lodgepole Springs Underburn (585 acres): located approximately 14 miles north of Crouch, this will be a restoration underburn in the Silver Creek drainage north of FS road 671.
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BLM to conduct pile burning in Southwest Idaho
Date: April 22, 2019
Contact: Jared Jablonski jjablonski@blm.gov 208-384-3210
Boise, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting the Trout Springs Jackpot Prescribed Burn, located 36 miles southeast of Jordan Valley, OR, on Juniper Mountain, sometime in late April or May, depending on weather, fuel and ground conditions. The burn area is approximately 285 acres.
The objective is to burn piles of heavy, dead tree branches, called jackpots, resulting from juniper tree thinning projects in the area. These projects are aimed at reducing the encroachment of western juniper trees into the grass and sagebrush dominated sage-steppe ecosystem, which supports wildlife habitat, grazing, and recreation.
Fire managers will be targeting weather and fuel conditions that minimize fire spread such as snow, high fuel moistures and new grass growth. Containing the fire spread to individual tree debris zones reduces risk to live vegetation and allows for faster vegetation recovery.
Once these conditions are favorable, fire managers will be igniting piles over multiple days, with subsequent mop-up and patrol occurring for several days afterwards. The public can expect to see smoke during ignitions and mop-up.
For more information, contact the BLM Boise District Fire Information Line at 208-384-3378.
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BLM to burn tumbleweeds along Soda fuelbreaks
Date: April 25, 2019
Contact: Jared Jablonski jjablonski@blm.gov 208-384-3210
Boise, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management will be conducting the Soda Fuelbreak Prescribed Burn, in an area about five miles south of Marsing. Crews will be conducting burns between late April and mid-May, depending on weather, fuel and ground conditions.
The objective of the burn is to mitigate the risk of hazardous fuels by reducing unsafe accumulations of tumbleweeds along fence lines and roadways. The burn area is approximately 50 acres, with the option to treat additional acres depending on the amount of tumbleweed buildup. Tumbleweed accumulations can create hazardous fire conditions because large amounts of fast-burning fuels can be blown across roads, spreading fires and creating dangers for nearby property owners and firefighters.
Burning will occur near the intersection of Sommer Camp Road and U.S. Highway 95. Smoke will be visible from Marsing and the public should be aware of safety flaggers and short-term travel delays because of smoke and firefighters working along the roadway.
Prescribed fire managers will time the burning with seasonal conditions such as recent rains and spring green-up to provide firefighters a natural barrier to prevent the fire’s spread into nearby open areas.
For more information, contact the BLM Boise District Fire Information Line at 208-384-3378.
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New map shows prescribed burns in southwestern Idaho
by Associated Press Friday, April 26th 2019
Boise, Idaho (AP) – Land management officials in Idaho have put together a new online map so hikers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts can know when and where to expect prescribed burns.
Boise State Public Radio reports national forests in Idaho along with the Bureau of Land Management and the Idaho Department of Lands put together the maps for prescribed burns happening between April and July on the Southwest Idaho Interagency Prescribed Fire website.
The goal of prescribed burns is to reduce fuels on the ground, create fire-resilient trees and help protect people and timber from severe wildland fires. Agencies typically post caution signs with closures and a map of where they plan to burn along trailheads and roads leading to the locations. But the interactive website will allow recreationists to check for prescribed burns before they head out to the wilderness.
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Regional Intermountain Newsletter Special Issue
April 24, 2019
Prepare for the long hot days of summer
The snow slowly starts melting away, flowers begin emerging from the ground and the landscapes are abundant with life again. Many feel a sigh of relief after surviving the cold dark days of winter and anticipate the long hot summer days that lie ahead. Before summer arrives, spend time preparing your home for the upcoming wildfire season.
Land managers and wildland firefighters will perform essential vegetation management treatments including prescribed fire, mechanical thinning and biological and chemical spraying that reduce the natural buildup of grasses, shrubs and forest growth. These treatments help protect communities and other values before wildfire occurs.
Homeowners and communities can help. Creating defensible space around homes and buildings by reducing materials that may catch fire from around buildings and structures, helps keep property, the community and firefighters safe. A buffer between trees, shrubs and tall grasses will improve the chance of your home surviving a wildfire and also provide a safe place for firefighters.
Please visit Firewise for more information on preparing your home before wildfires happen near you.
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New strategy aims to save sagebrush in Western states
By Keith Ridler – 4/23/19 AP
Boise, Idaho — A new plan to save sagebrush habitats in Western states that support cattle ranching, recreation and 350 wildlife species — including imperiled sage grouse — is a paradigm shift in strategy, federal officials said.
The 248-page document released this month emphasizes new technologies and analytics as lands managers try to turn around a decades-long losing streak to a devastating combination of invasive plants and wildfires.
The plan categorizes sagebrush areas on their resistance and resiliency to those two threats, and describes a triage system as officials with limited money try to restore and protect sagebrush country where they can.
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Letter to Share:
Free Baby Pheasant Chicks
Folks take a look at how lucky we are. We get Free baby chicks and the rest of the world has to pay for them. Remember the next hatch of chicks will be ready May 9th. Get those brooders ready. The folks are building more brooders Wednesday night the 1st of may at Camp Grizzly from 5:30 to 7:30. Give a call 208-883-3423 for directions. This is why it is so important that you become a member of the Gamebird Foundation. We help with the free chicks. We help with the brooders. We help with the high protein feed. We help with the habitat. For $20:00 you can become a member to help become a partner in this great program.
Here is what other groups pay for what we get free.
Hen chicks $.40 each in lots of 25.
Rooster chicks $2.25 each any amount.
1/2 hens x 1/2 roosters $1.50 each with 26 min.
50lbs starter feed $20.00.
At the Gamebird Foundation Membership is $20.00 for the whole family. We help you with all this and the chicks are free.
Jim Hagedorn
Executive Director
The Gamebird Foundation
thegamebirdfoundation.org
208-883-3423
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Critter News:
Pet Talk – Hepatitis in dogs
Dr. Karsten Fostvedt April 26, 2019 IME
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, a very large organ found in the front part of the abdomen. Hepatitis comes in two forms, acute and chronic. Inflammation leads to a loss of liver function, and over time, liver cell death, which is called cirrhosis.
Several potential toxins can cause hepatitis in dogs, but often no specific cause is found. Some dog breeds are especially at risk, such as Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, cocker spaniels and German shepherds, but this disease can affect any breed or mixed-breed dog. It is most common in middle-age to older dogs.
The causes of hepatitis in dogs are many, from viral disease to leptospirosis, to long-term exposure to various drugs, such as antifungal and anticonvulsant medications. Sometimes the immune system attacks the liver for reasons no one understands.
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Dogs in Cars: Why your dog should be restrained
by Jill Ciminillo, Automotive Editor Friday, April 26th 2019
Subaru and the Center for Pet Safety conducted a collaborative crash test study to test the effectiveness of pet harnesses marketed with safety claims. (Image courtesy of Subaru and Center for Pet Safety)
Imagine a 10-pound bowling ball hitting you in the back of the head.
That was the vivid imagery Lindsey Wolko, founder and CEO of Center for Pet Safety, used to describe a crash where an unrestrained Yorkshire Terrier flew through the vehicle, striking the owner in the back of the head.
The driver had to be air-lifted to a hospital because his injuries were so severe.
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Federal appeals court overturns Idaho wolf-killing ruling
The appeals panel ruled that the environmental groups have standing to bring the lawsuit.
Keith Ridler Associated Press April 24, 2019
Boise, Idaho — A federal appeals court has overturned a U.S. District Court’s dismissal of a lawsuit by environmental groups challenging a federal agency’s killing of wolves in Idaho.
A 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel on Tuesday ruled that U.S. District Court Judge Edward Lodge erred in January 2018 when he ruled in favor of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services.
Specifically, the appeals panel ruled that the environmental groups have standing to bring the lawsuit, and sent the case back to the district court.
The environmental groups contend Wildlife Services’ 2011 study allowing it to kill wolves in the state is flawed because it relies on outdated information.
The groups say the Agriculture Department is violating environmental laws by killing wolves without a new environmental analysis.
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Hunting, fewer pups, disease reduce Wyoming wolf population
Although having fewer wolves concerns wildlife watchers and activists, the outcome is what Wyoming wildlife managers have been seeking.
Associated Press April 21, 2019
Jackson, Wyo — Biologists estimate the overall Wyoming wolf population at 286 this year, which is down 61 animals from a year ago.
The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports that’s the fewest wolves counted in the state since the Wyoming Game and Fish Department took over management and initiated wolf hunting seven years ago.
State biologists estimate there were 46 wolf packs in the state at the end of 2018.
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Wolf Education International
Newsletter 4/25/2019
Study: Predator effect clouded in ‘cascades’
A Fairy-Tale Baddie, the Wolf, Is Back in Germany
Newsletter 4/27/2019
Environmental Groups’ NEPA Challenge to USDA Wolf Killing Survives
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Grin and ‘bear’ it? Rangers recommend tighter rules in the SNRA
Proposed changes aim to limit rising human-wildlife interactions
Mark Dee April 26, 2019 IME
Citing increased run-ins between black bears and campers, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is proposing a new rule for food and trash storage. If approved, it could take effect as soon as next month.
The order, currently in draft form, would mirror bear-proofing rules common in grizzly country, like Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, SNRA Ranger Kirk Flannigan said. Food, trash and animal carcasses could be stored in a hardtop car, a building or a bear-proof container or strung up at least 10 feet off the ground any time a person isn’t within eyesight of it during the day or preparing it at night. Per the order, dead animals would also need to be stored at least 100 yards from any campsite, sleeping area or national forest trail.
If signed by Forest Supervisor Jim DeMaagd, the order would take effect the Saturday before Memorial Day — May 25 this year — and run through Labor Day.
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Mountain lion in southeast Boise turns out to be bobcat with rust-colored fur
by CBS 2 News Staff Tuesday, April 23rd 2019
Boise, Idaho (CBS 2) — A large cat roaming southeast Boise on Tuesday prompted schools to keep students inside while officials searched for the animal.
What was initially called in as a possible mountain lion, Idaho Fish and Game says the cat turned out to be an unusually rust-colored bobcat.
Two schools (Trail Wind Elementary and Les Bois Jr. High) kept kids inside while Idaho Fish and Game conducted the search. Bobcats are fairly common in the area and they typically hunt rabbits and other small game.
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Riding horses works wonders with blind and visually impaired students
Jay Hildebrandt Apr 24, 2019 Local News 8
Idaho Falls, Idaho – With the school year winding down it’s the season for field trips. There was a very different kind of field trip Wednesday were local students who are blind or visually impaired got to ride horses
Carver was not able to see Doc, the horse, but he was fascinated by his soft fur and gentle disposition. He loves horses.
“I feel like [t]hey link up with humans,” Carver said.
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Idaho to fight sage grouse plan appeal
Apr 26, 2019 Local News 8
Boise, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – Governor Brad Little said Friday that the state will intervene in a federal lawsuit to defend the federal Bureau of Land Management’s recently adopted sage grouse plan amendments. Little, on behalf of the State and the Idaho Legislature, filed legal action Thursday.
Four environmental groups, including the Hailey-based Western Watersheds Project, asked for an injunction last week to block Idaho’s sage grouse plan.
“A diverse set of stakeholders and experts worked tirelessly to develop a state plan that meets the needs of sage grouse in Idaho,” Governor Little said. “I am confident the court will recognize that our plan strikes the appropriate balance between conservation and multiple use.”
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Officer training postponed after family of doves nest in training equipment
Apr 26, 2019 By Natasha Williams KIVI TV
Boise, Idaho — Boise Police Officers were faced with a feathery problem when they tried to undergo a training at City Hall West Friday.
A steel door frame used to practice dynamic entries was taken over by a family of doves who had decided to nest there.
The training was temporarily put on hold until the eggs have hatched, and the doves can move on.
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Minidoka County men fined for poaching sturgeon
It is illegal to harvest a sturgeon or even pull it from the water in Idaho.
KTVB April 26, 2019
Minidoka County, Idaho — Two men who poached a 5 1/2 foot sturgeon last year have sentenced to fines and suspended jail time in the case.
Michael Dewhirst of Rupert, who pleaded guilty to possession of a sturgeon during closed season, was sentenced to 180 days suspended jail time, $315 in fines and court costs and a year of probation. Dewhirst was also ordered to pay $250 in restitution to the State of Idaho for the sturgeon.
Anthony Eaton of Heyburn, who pleaded guilty to aiding in the commission of a misdemeanor, was sentenced to 68 days suspended jail time $165 in court costs.
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Study shows Roundup on weeds can harm bees.
A new study found that the herbicide found in Roundup could be harming bees. A Boise beekeeper says a loss of food is worse for the bees.
Joey Prechtl April 25, 2019 KTVB
Boise, Idaho — Spring has arrived in the Treasure Valley which means more and more flowers are blooming, but that also means dandelions are as well.
Last fall, a study was conducted by three professors at the University of Texas. They found that glyphosate, which is the primary herbicide used to kill weeds, upsets honey bees.
This means that weed killers could be affecting bee health and how effective they are at pollinating a garden.
… One recommendation when it comes to spraying the dandelions in your yard is to wait until June if possible, when bees have more options for finding food.
full story:
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Fish & Game News:
Found a baby animal in the wild? Leave it be.
By Jennifer Jackson, Regional Communications Manager
Friday, April 26, 2019
You have heard of deer season, bear season, turkey season, and with warmer weather making appearances across the state, we have left ski season behind to welcome fishing season. But, right now, there is another important season just getting underway…baby animal season.
When visiting the great outdoors in the spring and early summer, even if you are only venturing as far as your own backyard, there is something important to keep in mind: when it comes to taking care of wildlife babies, no one does it better than wildlife moms.
If you see a baby bird hopping on the ground or a tiny deer fawn curled up in the shade of an aspen, leave it alone. Don’t assume the young animal has been abandoned. In almost every situation, the mother is very close by, and may even be watching you watch her baby.
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Bears are waking up around the Upper Snake Region
By James Brower, Regional Communications Manager
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Adam Brubaker
Grizzlies and black bears are waking up from their winter slumber around the Upper Snake Region
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Sage Grouse fitted with GPS transmitters
By James Brower, Regional Communications Manager
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Biologists are placing GPS transmitters on female sage grouse in order to study how they nest, raise chicks, and utilize the landscape after the Grassy Ridge fire.
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More F&G News Releases
https://idfg.idaho.gov/press
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Fun Critter Stuff:
Carly will be a future Budweiser Cyldesdale
link to: Warm Springs Ranch video
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Seasonal Humor:
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Robert and Marge McRae, the father and aunt of Robin, on mules at Roosevelt in 1916
Mom on grandpa Dan’s back while snowshoeing in
The cabin at the Dewey. Grandma Grace, Bob and Marjorie and Fred Holcomb.
[Photo] of my dad [Jim Collord Sr.] on top of Lightning Peak .. 1930 when he first went in to work at the mine.
The namesake of Monumental Creek, a formation still standing from ancient volcanic activity.
This c. 1935 Air Guard photo shows the aftermath of the mudslide on the right, mill building still standing.
Same photo as above, zoomed in to show the Dewey
Roosevelt Lake Air Guard c. 1935
Roosevelt Lake Air Guard c. 1935
This plaque sponsored in 1949 A. D. by Pioneers of the Thunder Mountain Gold Rush 1902-1908
The Yellow Pine Times 