BLM plans tree removal near Bellevue

Project would involve both timber harvesting and prescribed burns

By :EXPRESS STAFF

The federal Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a plan to remove diseased trees in a 250-acre area on BLM-managed lands in southern Blaine County. The project, designed to restore an area of unhealthy forest, is specifically in and around Sharp's Canyon, southeast of Bellevue.

Restoration efforts would consist of removing Douglas fir trees infected with dwarf mistletoe, which robs the host tree of water and nutrients. When the disease reaches severe levels, trees begin to decline and become more susceptible to insect attacks and drought.

The proposed removal of diseased trees includes options for removing salvageable timber products and the use of prescribed fire. Salvageable material would be removed from areas that can be feasibly reached via existing roads and trails. Where removal is not feasible, prescribed fires would be used to reduce fuel loading. After diseased trees are removed, areas with limited chances for successful natural regeneration would be hand-planted with seedlings.

For more details about this project, visit www.blm.gov/id/st/en/info/nepa.html and access the Bell Mountain Public Information Document under the Shoshone Field Office heading, or contact the Shoshone BLM at id_shoshone_fo@blm.gov or (208) 732-7204.