Idaho BHA submits comments to BLM regarding wildlife security in the Boise foothills

Idaho BHA submitted comments to the Boise District office of the BLM regarding the Four Rivers Resource Management Plan (RMP).  Idaho BHA encouraged the Boise BLM District to thoroughly evaluate wildlife security impacts for any future trail development in the Boise foothills. Specifically, we expressed concern that additional trail development may have negative impacts on crucial winter range that is utilized by deer and elk and asked the BLM to consider developing seasonal closures and other alternatives that minimize conflicts with wildlife and protect crucial wildlife habitat from development.

A hiker uses a trail in the Boise foothills in the winter.  Mule deer and elk migrate into the foothills near Boise during winter.  Additional trail development threatens to disturb wildlife during difficult winter months.