Caribou-Targhee National Forest

The Curlew National Grassland comprises 47,000 acres of public land. It was originally established to improve the soils and vegetation.

Historically the Curlew Grassland, in the Southeastern Idaho, was inhabited by the Bannock and Shoshone Indian Tribes before the settlement of the Mormon pioneers.

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s the Curlew Valley had a ranch on every 160 acres. When drought years of the late 20’s and early 30’s came, the land wouldn’t support these homesteads. Many fields were badly eroded.

The Federal Government purchased several thousands of these acres between 1934 and 1942. Today the Curlew National Grassland is administered by the USDA Forest Service, and managed to promote and demonstrate grassland agriculture and sustained-yield management of forage, fish and wildlife, water and recreation resources.

Grassland Management

The Curlew Grassland is administered by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest; it’s the only National Grassland that represents the Great Basin Ecosystem. Historically these lands were cultivated. Today the Grassland sustains over 21,000 animal months of grazing use.

Wind rows of trees and shrubs are planted to prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for upland game birds and raptors. Windbreaks and vegetated waterways are good examples of good land management. Both can be seen on public and private lands in the Curlew Valley.

Sagebrush will invade grass stands and eventually reduce grass production. Plowing, chaining and prescribed fire are used to control this invasion. This practice not only increases livestock forage but also improves wildlife habitat.

These management projects are made possible through partnerships with the Soil Conservation Service, the Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game and local livestock operators.

Find out more information on National Grasslands throughout the United States.

Discover the Curlew

The Curlew attracts many activities including: fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, and photography. Although the arid land appears desolate, it supports a variety of birds and wildlife.

Stone Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and water-skiing; camping is available at the adjacent Curlew Campground.

Visit the Curlew during March and April. The sage and sharp tail grouse "dance” on their breeding grounds, called leks. More than sixty grouse have been observed on one lek.