Public Input needed regarding
"Wild & Scenic" Designation on the Teton River
The Bureau of Land Management is currently taking public comments about whether to protect Teton Canyon under the Wild and Scenic River Act. The public comment period is nearing its end, and the comments to date are equally split between “for” and “against”. Public input is vital to the Wild and Scenic consideration process, and The BLM carefully considers every comment. Please submit your comments directly to the Bureau of Land Management.
By mail:
Monica Zimmerman, Outdoor Recreation Planner
BLM - Upper Snake Field Office
1405 Hollipark Dr, Idaho Falls, ID, 83401
By fax: 208-524-7505
By email: monica.zimmerman@blm.gov
For more information about the Wild and Scenic River
designation process, please contact:
Monica Zimmerman, Outdoor Recreation Planner
BLM – Upper Snake Field Office
monica.zimmerman@blm.gov
(208)524- 7500
http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/upper_snake/wild_and_scenic_eligibility.html
The Trout Unlimited Idaho Water Project Office
(208) 552-0891
http://www.tu.org/conservation/western-water-project/idaho
March 16, 2010
March 6, 2010
some good news from the Legislature
some good news from the Legislature
Grant Larson
A bill that would have made it easier to sell whole milk, produce and baked goods at venues like farmers’ markets has died in the Wyoming Senate. Another bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Jim Roscoe, D-Wilson, that would have forced natural gas producers like Exxon Mobil to pay a fairer share of severance taxes also has died.
But it’s not all doom and gloom and macho gunplay in the Wyoming Legislature this session.
Sen. Grant Larson, R-Jackson, has been championing a bill that would empower the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to combat the spread of invasive species into our waterways. The bill already has passed the House and second reading in the Senate, where lawmakers are wrangling over whether to provide funding for inspection and enforcement.
Why is this issue important? Aquatic invasives like didymo (aka rock snot), zebra mussels and New Zealand mud snails could spoil habitat, fishing and recreation on the Snake River and disrupt the operation of dams and irrigation canals.
Didymo can grow in thick mats and suffocate stream bottoms.
Fishing guide and journalist Paul Bruun has been writing extensively about the dangers to Wyoming waterways, and it appears Sen. Larson, himself an angler, has taken notice.
With the snow rapidly melting and boaters making spring plans for river trips, it’s important to follow these stepsafter visiting another watershed. The easiest way to make sure you don’t pick up aquatic hitchhikers and transport them into the Snake is to clean, inspect and dry equipment before launching.
Mercifully, a Senate committee has killed a bill that would have allowed anyone 21 and over to carry a concealed weapon; another bill that would ban texting while driving appears likely to pass. Several of the rootin’, tootin’ resolutions also are progressing. Follow the legislative updates via the Cowboy State Free Press.
March 1, 2010
Red Shed Fly Shop Expansion.
Poppy over at the Red Shed fly shop in Peck, ID has been at it with the help of his friends. The shop has nearly doubled in size. The goods are in place, rods on the ceiling and more steelhead related gear and fly tying product, than you can shake a two handed rod at. Great work Poppy. Thanks for the interview and the stories. Maybe we'll see you at the Idaho Falls show.
