On September 1, 2013, The Sagebrush Habitat Conservation Fund completed the permanent retirement from livestock grazing of over 130,000 acres of public land in the former 45 and Tent Creek grazing allotments in Owyhee County, Idaho. This permanently closes over 200 square miles of public lands to livestock grazing, ensuring habitat improvements for sage-grouse, California bighorn sheep,…
Washington Governor Christine Gregoire is rumored to be a front-runner for nomination as Secretary of the Interior, where she would oversee millions of acres of public land. But a livestock “pilot” program she instituted in Washington, which fast-tracked the introduction of livestock grazing on Washington Wildlife Areas free of charge to ranchers, while running roughshod…
REVA (H.R. 3432) Would Provide Cash Option for Grazing Permittees Conservationists hailed the introduction of the Rural Economic Vitalization Act (H.R. 3432) in Congress, a bill that would allow federal grazing permittees to voluntarily relinquish their grazing permits back to the managing federal agency in exchange for compensation paid by a third party. The bill…
Safeguards needed to prevent population declines in the Whooping Crane and Greater Sage-Grouse, and reduce mass mortality among eagles and songbirds The American Bird Conservancy weighs in on wind farms and their concerns for many rare bird species. Wind Development Threatens Iconic American Birds. American Bird Conservancy Press Release
Increased quotas, trapping, snaring, and electronic calls are being considered. If you want your voice to be heard this is your opportunity. Don’t be intimidated and speak your mind. F&G Commission To Meet In Idaho Falls In August The Idaho Fish and Game Commission will meet August 16 in Idaho Falls. Commissioners will consider proposed…
Updated September 23, 2012. This has been a very popular post. I first posted it about 5 years ago, and now I have enlarged and updated it. Ralph Maughan Ah the Tetons, Wind Rivers, Sawtooths and White Clouds, Wallowas, Bitterroots, Beartooth, and Unitas! I love all the mountains. I decided to do a major photo…
The “Ruby pipeline” is to be bad news for pristine desert, scenic canyons, wildlife- In typical single-minded engineering mentality, this pipeline will be built cross-country with little regard for anything else. Reno Gazette-Journal on the Ruby Pipeline. By Susan Voyles. This pipeline is one reason why Western Watersheds giant sage-grouse lawsuit is so important.
You might remember the controversial project that resulted in an IDFG regional supervisor to lose his job after pointing out the obvious – namely, that energy developments (yes, even ‘blessed’ Wind) on public lands impact wildlife and habitat in southern Idaho. The wind company at issue on China Mountain/Brown’s Bench is RES Americas Inc., and…
Ken Cole is a 5th generation Idahoan, an avid fly fisherman, wildlife enthusiast, and photographer. He is the interim Idaho Director for Western Watersheds Project.
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