Challis BLM field office finds new temporary home

The Challis BLM field office has a new temporary home and is getting ready to reopen for business. For the next few weeks the employees will run the office out of the Challis Community Center on 411 Clinic Road.

At this time, the temporary office location is not open for public visitation. However, the primary office phone line has been restored. The office can be reached at (208) 879-6200 during normal business hours – 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, or if the line is busy, callers may leave a message. Managers expect to be able to accommodate visitors soon, once all employees have had the opportunity to settle into the temporary facility and re-establish work routines. Incoming mail is being forwarded to the employees by the U.S. Post Office.

Efforts are currently underway to find a longer term facility in Challis until a permanent building is constructed to replace the office that burned down on Tuesday. Construction may take up to three years due to contracting requirements and agreements. The Challis Field Office is one of four field offices in BLM’s Idaho Falls District. The office manages 792,243 acres of public lands, which includes a variety of sites and facilities for sportsmen, recreationalists and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Maps and other publications that were lost in the fire have been ordered. In the meantime, these materials are available on the BLM Idaho webpage or by calling the Idaho State Office at (208) 373-3889. For hunters or other backcountry enthusiasts who may be venturing into the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness, be sure to check out the Interim Maps and Guidelines, available on the website or at tinyurl.com/zfjb46z.