BLM seeks public input on enhancements to slickspot peppergrass habitat in southwestern Idaho

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks input during a 30-day public comment period on an environmental assessment for slickspot peppergrass habitat.

Slickspot peppergrass is a threatened, white-flowering plant that grows in southwestern Idaho’s sagebrush steppe, home to a variety of wildlife. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently designated slickspot peppergrass critical habitat in southwestern Idaho, including public lands managed by the BLM Four Rivers Field Office, and the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. 

This study looks at treatments, such as aerial and ground spraying to remove invasive grasses and reseed. Treatments would be focused adjacent to existing slickspot peppergrass populations, and could be part of wildfire emergency stabilization and restoration activities.  

“The BLM is committed to conserving slickspot peppergrass habitat through this proposed restoration plan. We expect to use a variety of methods to achieve these conservation objectives," BLM Boise District Manager Tanya Thrift said. 

To ensure your written comments are included in the analysis, please submit them by November 26, 2023. Comments can be submitted via the BLM National NEPA Register HERE. To learn more about slickspot peppergrass, click HERE. For additional information, contact Gillian Wigglesworth at 208-384-3300.