In the Spotlight

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Abandoned Horses from the Rabbit Creek Road/Reynolds Creek area Impounded

BLM Closes Mine Adits with Bat Gate Culverts in Owhyee County:  On October 22, the Idaho BLM Boise District closed another abandoned mine adit near War Eagle Mountain in Owyhee County.  A bat gate culvert was installed at the entrance that allows access to abandoned mine shaft by bats while providing protection from the potential danger of a person falling into the shafts.  Seven adits located in the Owyhee County were closed in last year and another nine are scheduled for closure in 2009.  Each closure costs about $5,700.

Boise District Issues Notice to Impound Abandoned Horses:  On October 24, the Idaho BLM Owyhee FO of the Boise District posted a Legal Notice to impound three abandoned horses located on public land.  The horses are in the Blackstock Springs Allotment about 45 miles west of Boise.  BLM law enforcement officers in coordination with the Owyhee County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho’s State Brand Inspector were unable to determine the ownership of these abandoned horses by either brand or marking.  According to Owyhee FO Manager Buddy Green, no one from the public has reported loss of any horses in this area, nor has anyone claimed these animals.  The Notice of Impoundment states that if the abandoned horses are not claimed within five days after publication and/or posting of the Notice, the horses will be removed and taken to the BLM’s wild horse corrals south of Boise.  The Notice will also be published in the Owyhee Avalanche, a local weekly newspaper that covers Owyhee County, and in other newspapers in Ada and Canyon counties.

BLM Implements Wilson Creek Travel Management Plan - See  Map