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Idaho BLM in Action
February 2008
From the Washington Office
Federal Agencies Seek Public Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Corridors to Transport Energy in 11 Western States
A 90-day public comment period ends February 16 on a proposal to designate energy corridors across the West
Washington, DC - Since November 16, five federal agencies have been accepting comments from the public on a proposal to designate Western corridors on federal lands to transport energy while protecting the environment.
The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Departments of Energy, Agriculture, Commerce and Defense published their Draft Programmatic 
Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register on Nov. 16, opening the comment period. The corridors the agencies propose are located on federal lands across 11 Western states. Their proposal would help meet growing energy demands in the area by facilitating sites for oil, gas, and hydrogen pipelines and electricity transmission on federal lands.
“The agencies involved in designating these corridors worked for nearly two years to develop the locations presented in the Draft EIS,” said Assistant Secretary of the Interior C. Stephen Allred. “From the beginning, we were committed to avoiding the many unique areas and sensitive resources found on Western public lands, wherever possible. Designating these corridors will minimize the dispersal of rights-of-way for energy transport projects across Western landscapes.”
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 directs the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy and the Interior to designate energy-transport corridors on federal lands in portions of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The Act further directs the agencies to complete environmental reviews for the designation of these corridors. It also requires them to incorporate the corridors into their plans for land use and resource management plans.
“Meeting the nation’s future energy needs will necessarily require some expansion of our capabilities for transporting energy resources,” said Kevin Kolevar, Energy’s assistant secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. “The infrastructure projects that could be constructed within these corridors may help assure the reliable delivery of electricity and fuels throughout the Western United States.” Read Full Story.
Public Land News and Actions
Idaho Falls District Purchases Conservation Easement on Ron and Hellen Merrill Property
Property supports lush vegetation and unique wildlife habitat
Idaho Falls District Office - On January 7, 2008, the BLM Idaho Falls District used Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA) funds to complete the second phase of conserving the Ron and Hellen Merrill property. The first phase, a 102-acre fee acquisition, was completed in August 2007. This second phase was the purchase of a 300-acre conservation easement. The BLM worked with their nonprofit partner, The Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT), to negotiate this successful land conservation project with the Merrill family.
The Merrill property is located on the Main Snake River between three Idaho Fish and Game wildlife management and habitat areas: 1) the Market Lake Wildlife Management Area, 2) the Gem State Wildlife Habitat Area and 3) the Deer Parks Wildlife Management Unit. The Merrill property is a vital link between these wildlife areas. It supports sagebrush steppe, riparian shrub and cottonwood gallery vegetative communities and sloughs. Wildlife values associated with the property include winter range for the Yellowstone National Park elk herd, great blue heron rookery, the Confluence bald eagle nest territory, the largest bald eagle winter roost within the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem and the endangered Utah valvata snail. The Merrill property has approximately two-thirds of a mile of river frontage.
Idaho Falls District Purchases Conservation Easement on 572-Acre Gold Ranch
'One of most biologically rich areas of intermountain west' provides bald eagle nesting territories and waterfowl migration stopovers
Idaho Falls District Office - On December 20, 2007, the BLM Idaho Falls District purchased a conservation easement on the Gold Ranch 
property using Land and Water Conservation Fund appropriations. The Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT) was instrumental in this success, including leveraging a landowner donation. With over one mile of frontage along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, the 572-acre Gold Ranch contributes significantly to the conservation values of one of the most biologically rich areas of the intermountain west.
The Gold Ranch lies within three bald eagle nesting territories. The backwater sloughs and open fields of the property support rodent and waterfowl populations that are also food sources for bald eagles. The wetlands of the lower Henry’s Fork are critical migration stopovers, nesting grounds and foraging areas for a half million waterfowl and several hundred thousand other water bird species and comprise the first main stopover for birds migrating north from the Great Salt Lake.
Gold Ranch adjoins the 1,028-acre Cartier Slough Wildlife Management Area. This wetland/riparian/grassland complex is managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and provides habitat for a large variety of wildlife, including 197 species of birds. Along the northeastern boundary of Gold Ranch lies private land permanently protected under conservation easement. BLM land adjoins Gold Ranch along its western and northwestern boundaries.
For bird and wildlife habitat enhancement, the landowners intend to complete intensive restoration efforts on approximately 195 acres of its riparian corridors and wetlands through partnership with TRLT, Ducks Unlimited, North American Wetland Conservation Council and contractors.
Proceedings of the Great Rift Science Symposium Published by the Idaho Museum of Natural History
Symposium was multi-disciplinary exploration of the past, present and future scientific inquiry into the Great Rift volcanic zone, Craters of the Moon National Monument
Shoshone Field Office - Shoshone Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner David Freiberg and Jarbidge Field Office Manager Rick Vander Voet played a key role in the planning of the Great Rift Science Symposium which occurred in 2005. The Symposium was a multi-disciplinary exploration of the past, present and future scientific inquiry into the Great Rift volcanic zone and the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
The Proceedings Volume, a nearly 200-page publication, is intended to serve as an information source on resource management and interpretation for students, educators and the regional community. According to Freiberg, "The Proceedings volume is the final print product generated by the Symposium. It contains a compendium of peer-reviewed papers presented at the event, field trip accounts and a contact list for Idaho State Teacher's Association education workshops. The volume is also interspersed with photographs and poetry from a Great Rift-specific exhibit opening held as part of the Symposium at the Idaho Museum of Natural History on the ISU campus."
Copies are available upon request.
Twin Falls District BLM Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation Efforts Unprecedented
Tremendous efforts of Twin Falls staff contributes to completion of rehabilitation project
Twin Falls District Office - Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the entire Twin Falls District staff, the assistance by the Boise District Operations staff, diligent contractors and benevolent weather, the cultural inventories and grass/forbs seed mix drilling reached 100% completion in December. Thirty-three percent of the bitterbrush seed drilling was also completed by this time.
Remarkably, during the height of the workload, there were 99 drills in operation across the District. Over 107,880 acres (of those, 4,480 acres belong to the Idaho Department of Lands) were drill seeded last fall, and according to Scott Uhrig, Twin Falls District Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) Specialist, these numbers are unprecedented. There were 13,195 acres that were aerially seeded within a Wilderness Study Area, and of those, 3,039 acres were cultipacked or chained to further increase seed-to-soil contact following the aerial application. Additionally, there were approximately 110 miles of fence line that was either built or repaired across the District.
Currently, contractors are working to aerially seed 288,330 BLM acres and 21,789 acres for the Idaho Department of Lands for a total of 310,110 acres. Of these acres, 4,040 will be seeded with forage kochia, the remainder being seeded with sagebrush.
Cooperative Efforts of Tribes, BLM, IDF&G and Wildlife and Parks Department Contribute to Collection of Sagebrush to Reseed Murphy Complex
Sagebrush critical for mule deer, sage grouse and other wildlife species
Original Article By: Dan Gossett, Wildlife and Parks Department- Sho Pai News
Jarbidge Field Office - The Idaho Department of Fish and Game Volunteer Coordinator, staff and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) personnel recently assisted thirteen Tribal members and Wildlife and Parks Department staff in collecting sagebrush seeds in the Duck Valley, to help replant habitat burned by the Murphy Complex Fire.
Seed collection began on November 14th and continued through mid-December for Wyoming big sagebrush and mountain big sagebrush, two of the main types of larger sagebrush found on the Reservation. These varieties and low sagebrush were lost in the 1,020 square-mile Murphy Complex Fire last summer. These kinds of sagebrush are preferred by sage grouse and other wildlife, because they are palatable. Sagebrush in the only food eaten by the sage grouse in the winter. The taller sagebrush provides important nesting cover for sage hens in the spring and is also important habitat for mule deer and other wildlife species important to the Tribes.
So far, the Tribes have gathered 223 pounds. Out of this, approximately nine pounds of pure cleaned seeds may be obtained. Most of these seeds will be spread over the burned area by aircraft in the winter so the snow will help the seed germinate. Some seeds will be grown into seedlings in greenhouses to be planted later in fire-damaged habitats. The Tribes are also involved in the school through planting projects with the BLM greenhouse.
BLM Acquires Privately Owned 50-Acre Lower Salmon River Parcel
Acquisition will ensure the property remains undeveloped and available for use by the recreating public
Cottonwood Field Office - In early January 2008, the BLM completed the acquisition of a 50-acre parcel of private land on the Lower Salmon River. The property, located 12 miles east of Riggins, ID, lies near the confluence of French Creek with the Lower Salmon River. The parcel, bordered by BLM land on three sides and the Salmon River on one side, was one of the only privately owned properties for several miles in this section of the river. The parcel is bisected by a county road and contains several suitable building sites. The acquisition will ensure the property remains undeveloped and available for use by the recreating public.
BLM and IDF&G Construct New Wildlife Viewing Platform at Gamlin Lake Recreation Area
Popular area known for its abundant waterfowl, moose, deer and raptor populations
Coeur d'Alene Field Office - The Coeur d'Alene Field Office, in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDF&G), recently completed construction of a wildlife viewing platform at the BLM Gamlin Lake Recreation area. The area, known for its abundant waterfowl, moose, deer and raptor populations, is located about 16 miles southeast of Sandpoint, Idaho, and is listed in Idaho’s Watchable Wildlife Guide (available through the IDF&G office).
The platform is the newest addition to the three-mile Gamlin Lake trail system and was partially funded by a Watchable Wildlife grant. This is the first of two possible platforms to be installed in this area along the gently rolling, forested trail. The design will accommodate the heavy snow loads in the area and was designed to require minimal maintenance.
Due to the location of the project, materials were transported to the Gamlin Lake trailhead and then loaded onto an eight-wheeled, amphibious “Argo” to carry materials an additional one-quarter mile. Once the material was on-site, a generator was used to provide power for the tools to construct the platform.
Interpretive signs, maps and other information will be updated this spring, along with trail improvements, to facilitate and enhance the public’s use of the area.
The Gamlin Lake trail was constructed primarily by volunteers during several National Public Lands Day events. The trail, which is open only to foot traffic and cross-country skiing, provides access to Gamlin Lake containing bass, perch and crappie.
Check out the website
Energy Efficiency Upgrades at Boise District are Paying Off
New conservation efforts save taxpayers annual savings of over $30,500
Boise District Office - Energy efficiency upgrades incorporated throughout the Idaho BLM Boise District in 2007 are making a significant difference in power usage and cost of electrical power. The Boise District is serving as the pilot project for a nationwide BLM energy-savings effort. New ballast lights and programmable thermostats were installed in the main and ancillary buildings at the site; two new boilers were exchanged for older units; and a motion sensor was added to control lighting in the main building’s employee break-room. As a result, the site’s power cost for FY07 totaled $18,280, as compared to $48,815 for FY06. This is an annual savings to the taxpayers of over $30,500.
Fire and Aviation
Twin Falls District Fire and Aviation Program Completes Successful, Safe 2007 Fire Season
Season attributed to new fire management model and improved communication between rural fire departments
Twin Falls District Office - During the 2007 record-breaking fire season, no significant accidents or injuries occurred. This considerable feat is impressive, given that Twin Falls District firefighters were called upon to suppress nearly 700,000 acres over the course of the season. Also, during this season, aviation employees and crews flew over 2,216 hours of flight time delivering more than 1,000 fire fighters, 75,000 lbs. of cargo, 400,000 gallons of water and 1,300,000 gallons of retardant.
For the Twin Falls District, the summer of 2006 triggered an intense examination of the “way we do business.” Three serious vehicle-related accidents unveiled a crucial need to chart a new course toward a culture of safety first. The Twin Falls District reduced the number of engines staffed and increased the leadership levels on all operating engines. This improvement allowed firefighters in leadership positions to focus solely on driving, if needed, and also allowed for cross training to occur. Interagency agreements were also modified where necessary; neighboring units were made aware that the Twin Falls District jurisdiction area would come first, and safety would be double-checked before Twin Falls could comfortably assist with nearby blazes. The 2007 fire season was set to begin with a new commitment to firefighter safety and effective operations.
In addition to the new fire management model, over 250 local fire personnel were trained last year through the Ready Reserve Program, which led to a safer, more productive effort in the field. The cooperation between BLM and local fire districts has also improved tremendously in the last few years and fire experts hope that it will continue to improve in the future. Communication between liaisons and the rural fire chiefs on incidents was also the best it has ever been.
More important than any one measurable accomplishment, however, is the change in the culture and attitude of personnel within the Twin Falls District Fire and Aviation Program. While safety is always a priority, perhaps like too many things in life, it takes great consequences to reaffirm commitment. Chris Simonson and his entire team accepted a significant challenge and created a model that provided just the avenue to step outside the box and tailor the culture of safety like never before.
Thanks to committed, hard working employees, Twin Falls District Fire and Aviation charted a new course for safe and effective firefighting.
Environmental Education
Volunteers and Wildlife Specialists Join the Public to Participate in Coeur d’Alene’s 17th Annual Eagle Watch Week
Despite snowy and cold weather, 2,400 people representing 31 states and 8 countries participated in event
Coeur d'Alene Field Office - During the week of December 26 - January 1, volunteers and wildlife biologists joined visitors at the Coeur d’Alene Lake - Wolf Lodge Bay wildlife viewing area to observe bald eagles feeding on the lake’s spawned kokanee salmon during the 17th annual Eagle Watch Week. Although people watched eagles before and after the designated week, about 2,400 people attended this year’s event. Historically, about 4,000 visitors per week have attended. The cold, snowy weather may have discouraged visitors and accounted for the lower than average turnout.
On December 12, 2007, Coeur d’Alene Wildlife Biologist Scott Robinson counted more than 80 eagles. In the past five years, about 100 eagles have been seen. The reduction could be due to two factors. One factor was the snow, which hid the birds and make them hard to count. The other factor could point to the lowest population of Kokanee Salmon in Coeur d’Alene Lake (according to Idaho Fish and Game estimates).
During Eagle Watch Week, exhibits are available with telescopes at the Mineral Ridge Boat Launch and the Mineral Ridge Trailhead. Visitors can attend staff presentations, learn from the eagle exhibits and watch hundreds of waterfowl. Biologists and volunteers are available every day during the week to answer questions, except during the very worst weather conditions (such as excessive snow, ice and wind).
The event usually attracts visitors from all around including local regions, nationwide and around the globe. In 2007, residents from 31 States were recorded. Sixty-eight percent came from 37 nearby communities in Washington, Idaho and Montana and eighteen percent came from 11 northern Idaho communities. An article published recently in Northwest Travel Magazine about the Eagle Watch Week interested a family from Trinity Center, California so much that they decided to make the trek to see the magnificent eagles. World-wide visitors from Australia, Canada, France, Guatemala, Korea, Mexico, Sweden and Switzerland also participated. 
To date, all 50 American states, Washington D.C., 2 U.S. military zip codes, 2 U.S. Territories and 36 foreign countries have been represented.
CDA Press article on Eagle Watch Days
Eagle Watch Website
What Would You Do if Craters of the Moon National Monument Suddenly Erupted?
Gooding middle school geology students learn about local volcanism from shoshone field office recreation planner
Shoshone Field Office - Eighth Graders in Gooding might advise you to gather up your family and head for the volcano; take a camera and an extra pair of boots in case the first pair melts. Idaho BLM Shoshone Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner David Freiberg spent January 4th teaching five classes of geology students at Gooding Middle School about local volcanism, including the Craters of the Moon National Monument and the Yellowstone volcanic system. Each year, Gooding eighth graders do a lengthy unit on volcanology, and for the third straight year, Freiberg has delivered a unit capstone lecture and demonstration in the form of a lesson on past, present and future volcanic activity of the Snake River Plain, as well as a dose of "Leave No Trace" Outdoor Ethics.
"Students get a big kick out of learning that their homes, school, airport and everything else lay on the flanks of a dead shield volcano called Gooding Butte," Freiberg said. "Even though most students understand they live among ‘the lavas’, not many fully grasp the extent to which this area has been impacted by volcanoes. So it makes an eye-opening learning experience for them, and along with some land ethics, it really helps them understand the environment they live in."
Snake River Birds of Prey NCA Welcomes New "Adopted" Great Horned Owl
Owl, unable to be released into wild, aids in environmental education lessons for children throughout southwestern Idaho
The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) recently adopted a new great horned owl, Merlin. According to Barb Forderhase, Environmental Education Specialist for the NCA, “Merlin came to us from a raptor rehabilitator in the Treasure Valley who had confirmed with a local vet that he should not be released back to the wild because of an old fracture in his right wing that had healed improperly. This effectively leaves him unable to fly and therefore incapable of surviving in the wild.”
Merlin will be a special tool for various environmental education presentations. Merlin recently participated in the Idaho PBS Special “Dialogue for Kids” alongside Larry Ridenhour, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Snake River Birds of Prey NCA and a representative from Idaho Department of Fish and Game. He was also recently a special guest at a “Wild” teacher workshop. He will be making about 50 such appearances in 2008, helping teach about 8,500 people throughout southwestern Idaho about the wonder of owls and other birds of prey.
Watch the PBS Dialogue program featuring Larry Ridenhour and Merlin the Owl
BLM Employees in the Spotlight
Idaho BLM Welcomes New Coeur d'Alene District Manager Gary Cooper
Cooper is 'familiar with many of the issues in the area and will be an asset to the District and the State'
Coeur d'Alene Field Office - Gary D. Cooper recently reported as the District Manager for the Coeur d’Alene District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Born in Union, Oregon, Cooper graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Rangeland Management. After serving on a Hot Shot fire crew in Oregon, he began his career with the BLM in 1977 as a Range Conservationist for the Prineville District in Oregon. In 1979, he transferred to the Vale District and held positions including Range Conservationist, Planning and Environmental Coordinator and Hazardous Materials Coordinator. As the Planning and Environmental Coordinator in Vale, he served as the Southeastern Oregon team lead for a Resource Management Plan covering three field offices in Burns and Vale, OR.
In 1999, he transferred to Roseburg, Oregon as the Environmental Protection Specialist and later transferred to Arizona and the Eastern States Office in 2003.
In 2005, he transferred to the BLM headquarters office in Washington, D.C., as the Deputy Division Chief for Engineering and Environmental Services, overseeing several programs involving hazardous materials, abandoned mine land cleanups, facility maintenance and asset management.
“Gary’s background and experience are a good fit for the Coeur d’Alene District,” said Idaho State Director Tom Dyer. “He’s familiar with many of the issues in the area and will be an asset to the District and the State.”
Cooper and his wife Susie have two grown children, a daughter in Albany, Oregon and a son who is an officer in the Marine Corp currently stationed in Pensacola, Florida. Cooper enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with their three grandchildren.
Cooper replaces Lew Brown who retired in June 2007.
Idaho Weed Control Board Inducts ESR Specialist Scott Uhrig into Hall of Fame
Uhrig receives prestigious reward for 'dedicated service to invasive weed control efforts in Idaho'
Twin Falls District Office - Congratulations go to Supervisory Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation (ESR) Specialist Scott Uhrig of Idaho BLM Twin Falls District Office of Fire and
Aviation. Thanks to Uhrig’s dedicated service to invasive weed control efforts in Idaho, the Weed Control Board inducted him into their Hall of Fame during the 8th Annual Idaho Weed Conference. The Idaho Weed Control Association appreciates Scott's "dedicated service and is pleased to have this opportunity to publicly recognize him for his accomplishments. "
Uhrig has been recognized as being a leader in vegetation management in south-central Idaho and is known by his peers as being committed to his community, as well as to the BLM. Administrative officer for the BLM National Operations center, Erick A. Kurkowski, said "This is a great honor and compliment from Scott's peers and very deserved with his years of service, dedication of working within the Bureau's Noxious Weed Management Program and his collaborative efforts with private citizens and local governments."
Uhrig was honored to hear about his award. "I've always been an avid and dedicated weeds manager. It's an honor to receive this award and it also makes me appreciate the hard work of all the other employees."
Uhrig joins the ranks of John Cenarrusa, Glen Secrist, Pat Takasugi, Roger Rosentreter and others for his history of service in weed management.
Congratulations Scott!
National Excellence in Rangeland Management Award Presented to Idaho BLM’s Mike Courtney
Courtney's calm demeanor, dedication to the Bureau and leadership has proven to be a tremendous asset to the Burley Field Office during a period of acting Field Managers 
Twin Falls District Office - Mike Courtney, BLM Twin Falls District Supervisory Range Conservationist, was recently honored with the Excellence in Rangeland Management award at the 61st Annual Meeting and Trade Show for the Society for Range Management in Louisville, Kentucky. Courtney was nominated in November by Acting Burley Field Manager Brenda Gifford.
The award recognized Mike’s significant work in 2007 to restructure the range staff workload, which included coordinating with other disciplines in the permit renewal and EA writing process as well as designing an appropriate completion schedule to strive to meet the 2009 permit renewal deadlines. Despite the permit renewal workload, Mike also took the lead to deal with a complex grazing trespass issue which subsequently led to an impoundment and sale of the livestock. Considering the sensitive nature of an impoundment, Mike’s effective communication with the surrounding ranching community, county commissioners, congressional staff and all levels of the Bureau and other involved interests helped to ensure their support of the impoundment. It also enabled the impoundment to be conducted in as safe and non-confrontational a manner as possible.
The impoundment occurred simultaneously alongside a busy fire season, and in the absence of a Field Manager, Courtney again exceeded the expectations of his position to ensure the staff was adequately trained and available to provide resource management input to fire leadership.
Mike’s calm demeanor, dedication to the Bureau and leadership has proven to be a tremendous asset to the Burley Field Office during a period of acting Field Managers.
Community Outreach
BLM Law Enforcement Rangers Participate in “Shop with a Cop” Day
Event connects law enforcement community and young people
Boise District Office - In December 2007, Moi Herrera and Lee Kliman, Idaho BLM Boise District law enforcement (LE) rangers, visited Mountain Home for “Shop with a Cop” day. They joined other federal, state and local federal LE officers, including military police from the Mountain Home Air Force Base, fire officers and emergency medical technicians.
Over 100 elementary school children began their shopping day with breakfast sponsored by a local restaurant. Children were joined by the officers for the meal. From there, the children were divided into small groups to ride in law enforcement vehicles to a nearby store.
Upon arrival at the store, each child was given a $75 gift card to purchase gifts for other members of their family. The gift cards were funded by donations from several law enforcement organizations across Idaho and at the Mountain Home Air Force Base
. The objective of this is to help build positive relationships with the BLM, the law enforcement community and young people at a very early age.
Twin Falls District Law Enforcement Ranger Stephanie Ellis also participated in a similar "Shop with a Cop" event in Jerome. This event raised nearly $10,000. “It was an incredible experience,” said Ellis. “I was able to shop with two young girls to choose gifts for their entire family.” Ellis is also spearheading the collection of shirts from BLM law enforcement and the Twin Falls District Fire and Aviation program to contribute to a local law enforcement support effort for the troops in Iraq.
Idaho Recognized for Record-Breaking Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Contributions
Donations collected and pledged through payroll deductions from federal agencies across southwestern Idaho totaled nearly $510,000
Statewide Idaho BLM Field Offices - In late January 2008, Idaho Associate Director Peter Ditton provided the opening remarks at southwestern Idaho's record-breaking 2007-2008 CFC Recognition Event in Boise. Donations collected and pledged through payroll deductions from federal agencies across southwestern Idaho totaled nearly $510,000! This represents a nine percent increase in pledge dollars over last year; a seven percent increase in the total number of contributors; a three percent increase in overall campaign participation; and $20,000 over the original campaign goal. Keynote Speaker Colonel William Sawyer, Director of the Joint Staff, Idaho National Guard, served as the honorary Chair for this year's campaign. Colonel Sawyer was recently appointed the Director of Idaho's Homeland Security Agency.
A major fund-raiser for the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) was held in the BLM Coeur d’Alene District and the Idaho Panhandle National Forest Supervisor’s Office. A total of $4,883 was raised during the silent auction, which was held in conjunction with a potluck luncheon and Halloween costume contest. Individuals and organizational units within each office donated items for the silent auction, including a wide variety of gift baskets as well as a hand-made glass Christmas decorations, framed prints, book sets, mosaic glass and many other items.
CFC is the world's largest and most successful annual workplace charity campaign, with more than 300 CFC campaigns throughout the country and internationally to help to raise millions of dollars each year. The mission of the CFC is to "promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all."
Contributions do make a difference!
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Honors BLM for Providing Excellent Senior Volunteer Opportunities
BLM recognized for "giving seniors the opportunity to serve with respect and dignity" 
Challis Field Office - Idaho BLM Challis Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner Jeff Christenson recently received recognition for BLM efforts in 2007. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (RSVP EICAP), presented Christenson with a plaque for his significant service to the community as a senior volunteer coordinator. The BLM was honored for "giving senior volunteers the opportunity to serve with respect and dignity."
RSVP also recognized some of the local RSVP volunteers and the Salmon Challis Forest Service for support of the program. This primarily included the campground host program, which is run by Challis Field Office Engineering Equipment Operator Warren Trogden. The Challis Field Office also coordinates with nine retired volunteers who return every year from Oregon, California, Nevada and Idaho. These nine individuals have provided to the Challis Field Office 44,088 volunteer labor hours over the past 13 years.
Christensen praises the hard work of the volunteers and said, "Truly these individuals are the ones who deserve recognition, not us."
RSVP is a nationally-acclaimed program that enlists older adults and retirees to serve as volunteers in their communities. Since 1971, about 750 RSVP programs have been established across the country with over a half million volunteers in service to their communities. RSVP has also been replicated internationally, with RSVP programs now operating in 41 nations.
Boise District's Holiday Auction Raises over $5,000 for "Adopted" Family from Community
Fundraiser provides families in need with Christmas presents and food
Boise District Office - Following a potluck Holiday Luncheon in early December, Idaho BLM Boise District employees raised money to purchase items for a Christmas Family Auction. The auction successfully raised $5,100 that was used to provide families with Christmas presents and food. Due to the record-breaking amount of money raised, five families with 12 children were “adopted”. The “adopted” families and children were identified by teachers at the school as the most needy who would not be having Christmas without outside support.
Each child received two-hundred twenty dollars worth of Christmas gear, including winter coat, boots, three outfits, pajamas, their Christmas toy list, books, art supplies and educational toys. Each family also received fifty dollars worth of paper products, laundry soap and cleaning supplies, as well as one-hundred fifty dollars in groceries (including the holiday meal). The leftover money from these purchases bought sixty dollar Winco gift certificates for each family.
Boise District Office resource management specialist, Diane Barker, praised the work of the BLM employees. "We want to thank everybody for their generosity of time and money. The families greatly appreciated it."
BLM in the Media
Sand Sports Magazine Spotlights St. Anthony Sand Dunes
Magazine features Eastern Idaho 10,000-acre sand paradise
Upper Snake Field Office - The bi-monthly magazine, Sand Sports, recently published a feature story about an Idaho BLM Upper Snake Field Office recreation site in its November/December 2007 edition. On page 60, in his “Ride Spot: St. Anthony Sand Dunes,” Mark A. Rolland claims that the dunes are “a 10,000-acre sand paradise that’s nestled between mountains and potato farms in southeast Idaho.”
Located far from any ocean, the St. Anthony Sand Dunes appears as a rolling sea of sand on the eastern edge of Idaho’s volcanic Snake River Plain. These vast dunes are the largest in Idaho. They blanket an area approximately 35 miles long and 5 wide, and range from 50-500 feet high. This unique area offers 10,000 acres of dunes on 15 continuous miles of open sand. These white quartz sand dunes are a unique and popular recreational playground for OHV enthusiasts, hikers and equestrians.
Sand Sports stories can be read here.
Wilderness Society Highlights Craters of the Moon as one of “The Year’s Top Six Positive Steps for BLM Lands”
'Agency has made it a priority to protect the rich resources which inspired the creation of the monument'
Shoshone Field Office - In the December 2007 edition of The Wilderness Society’s monthly report on current BLM planning efforts, the Craters of the Moon National Monument travel management planning process was highlighted as one of “The Year’s Top Six Positive Steps for BLM lands” in the Intermountain West region. In its report, The Wilderness Society states, “The BLM's scoping documents and personal communications with the Monument management team show that the agency has made it a priority to protect the rich resources which inspired the creation of the Monument in its travel planning process.
These ‘Monument Objects’ – the area's lunar landscape, including the craters, cones, lava flows, caves, and fissures of the 65-mile-long Great Rift, as well as sage-grouse and rare plant species – will see great benefits from the agency's extensive habitat fragmentation analysis of existing routes, its decision to freeze the creation of new motorized routes, and its plans to limit damaging effects of ORV use by increasing education, monitoring and enforcement of motorized travel in the monument while preserving the ability for people to experience and enjoy its rugged landscape.
Read more about this and the other five BLM successes.
Information courtesy of Wilderness Society.
BLM Natural Resource Specialist and Tri-State Weed Management Area (WMA) Featured in Techline Magazine
Magazine features new, innovative and proven invasive exotic vegetation management research
Cottonwood Field Office - Idaho BLM Cottonwood Field Office Natural Resource Specialist Lynn Danly and the Tri-State Weed Management Area (WMA) were recently featured in the winter 2007-2008 issue of TechLine Magazine. This publication shares new, innovative and proven invasive exotic vegetation management research and successes between federal, state, county, private and conservation organization weed managers. TechLine is published and distributed free of charge to both public and private land managers and interested publics in the United States and Canada.
The article focuses on the successes the WMA has had since being created in 1995, including digital sketch mapping of weeds from a helicopter, intensive training of weed crews to assure they are operating safely in the rugged country, and revegetation projects to control weeds. Danly has already received one inquiry into the sketch mapping from weed managers in Colorado.
Danly said she was excited to participate in the recent article. "Since the TechLine article has been published, I have received many comments from folks saying 'keep up the good work.' I was pleased we could showcase Tri-State's accomplishments and show how BLM is participating in the cooperative effort. TechLine's editor, Charles Henry, was great to work with and I appreciate being able to tell others about our experiences."
Check out the Techline Magazine article.
For questions or comments regarding the Idaho BLM in Action Newsletter,
contact Krista Moore at (208) 373-3826 or email Krista_Moore@blm.gov.
