Fire recovery resources available to landowners
The Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission says more than 520,000 acres was scorched by wildfires this summer.
Now, farmers and other landowners are taking stock of damage and exploring ways to rehabilitate and restore those lands as quickly as possible.
Multiple agencies are working on finding resources available to address things like vacant range for livestock, rebuilding exterior and interior fencing, re-seeding burned lands, and assisting landowners in applying for compensation for lost property and livestock.
Some property owners may also apply for funding to enhance habitat to benefit sage-grouse, songbirds, waterfowl, and other wildlife.
“As a partner agency working with landowners, we understand that some folks may not know that much about the public services that are available, but people will be glad to know that there is extensive help available. You just have to apply to the right agency,” said Teri Murrison, administrator of the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission.
Biologists say restoration and rehabilitation of private lands after a fire can be an opportunity to improve rangeland health.
“Obtaining funds and technical assistance to improving wildlife habitat on private lands is something that some landowners may not realize is available to them,” said Jason Pyron, sage-grouse coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Boise. “The Service has three biologists who are available to provide one-on-one consultation with landowners to consider their needs and interests – one in Boise, one in Twin Falls, and one in Idaho Falls.”
The commission has published information containing information about available resources. The list of agencies available to private landowners is outlined below.
Farm Service Agency (FSA) – Contact your local FSA office to apply for funds for exterior fencing; loss of livestock burned or injured in a fire; range restoration; restoring water lines and irrigation systems; and emergency water supplies. FSA also may be able to help with obtaining permission to graze CRP lands. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Contact your local NRCS office to apply for cost-share assistance for: interior fencing, cross-fencing, water developments, seeding and vegetation planting. Soil and water conservation districts – Contact your local district to check and see if any ranchers or farmers may have surplus cover crops that can be rented for grazing. Idaho Soil and Water Conservation Commission – The Commission’s low-interest loan program could provide funds for rebuilding fence and watering systems; replanting perennial grass species, shrubs and trees; or planting quick-growing annual grass species for erosion-control work. Contact Terry Hoebelheinrich terry.hoebelheinrich@swc.idaho.gov or 208-332-1793 to apply. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Contact your local BLM office to see if they can provide surplus rangeland resources for ranchers who have burned out of their existing grazing allotment(s). The BLM has one forage reserve in the Burley area, and there is a second forage reserve under development in the Big Desert Sheep Allotment about 20 miles north of American Falls. Contact the BLM office in Burley 208-677-6600 or Idaho Falls, 208-524-7500. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) – Contact the FWS if you would like assistance with enhancing fish and wildlife habitat on private lands. The following fish and wildlife biologists can help with technical assistance: Matt Bringhurst in Pocatello, 208-241-1833; Charles Sandford in Twin Falls, 208-736-2387, and Josh White in Boise, 208-378-5265. Idaho Department of Fish and Game – Contact your local IDFG office if you’d like to apply for assistance through the Habitat Improvement Program (HIP). Governor’s Office of Species Conservation – Contact Josh Uriarte at OSC if you’d like to apply for a project to enhance sage grouse habitat on private lands through the Sage Grouse Action Team. Joshua.uriarte@osc.idaho.gov
