BLM sick of illegal dumping

Dumping trash on public lands has been a problem for years in eastern Idaho and despite education movements and ad campaigns, it’s still a major issue today.

Bureau of Land Management officials said they are sick of picking up the trashy tab left by litterers.

It’s an epidemic throughout the region, but rural spots seem to be the main targets.

Dumpers go to places where they know they won’t get caught.

Sarah Wheeler, spokeswoman with the BLM, inspected the open fields surrounding Menan Butte on Wednesday.

She and reporter Jessica Crandall drove there to find signs of dumping, which seemed to be everywhere.

Dumping crimes range from shooting down signs to leaving hazardous chemicals that cost the BLM thousands to clean up.

Wheeler and Crandall found busted-out television sets, animal carcasses and shattered glass all over the ground.

It’s definitely not a place you’d want to visit on a family outing, even though the land is open to the public for free.

Dumping is illegal on public lands. It’s just that simple.

When dumping threatens animal or human safety, the BLM will close an area.

Cleaning up can be a never-ending undertaking.

“We do not have the budget, nor do we have the manpower to clean this stuff up, and so we rely heavily on volunteers. Quite frankly, we can’t keep up with the amount of dumping that we get,” said Wheeler.

That’s why BLM leaders, like Wheeler, are asking Idahoans to use their local landfills.

“I don’t know why they take the time to drive out here and dump their clothing and their shoes and their socks,” said Wheeler.

Wheeler said illegal dumping is becoming more prevalent in the desert and even caves.

For those who choose to break the law, the penalty is generally pretty severe. It carry a one-year jail sentence or a $1,000 fine.