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Idaho Conservation Projects

	WHAT DO BIGHORN SHEEP EAT? What do bighorn sheep eat to survive the harsh, sub-freezing conditions of winter? Wildlife Forever helped researchers at the University of Idaho discover the answers in the Frank Church Wilderness. Radio collars were used to track the sheep and record their foraging activity. To back up this information, research biologists went to the field and used optics to make 80 direct observations of sheep foraging. The information is being used to determine the bighorn’s activity patterns and energy requirements. These results are helping wildlife managers better understand disease susceptibility, nutritional needs, and habitat requirements in order to reverse declining sheep populations in the western United States.
	AIDING ENDANGERED SPECIES IN IDAHO An important habitat improvement project in the Payette National Forest received crucial support from Wildlife Forever. The Lick Creek/Cottonwood Corral Habitat Restoration involved the use of prescribed burns to improve 600 acres for elk, mule deer, grouse, turkeys, songbirds, ground squirrels, and raptors. A major focus of the project was the Northern Idaho ground squirrel, currently listed as a “threatened species” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. After completing a tree-thinning project, prescribed burns were used to remove brush and smaller trees and to promote the growth of native grasses. This effort was part of a five-year plan to enhance a total of 2,500 acres.
	25,000 ACRES OF RESTORED MULE DEER HABITAT Mule deer and elk will have enhanced winter habitat in Idaho thanks in part to support from Wildlife Forever. The Magic Valley Chapter of the Mule Deer Foundation's Sugar Loaf Bitterbrush Planting Project is a long-term effort to restore 25,000 acres of critical Mule deer range in central Idaho that was devastated by fire in 1995. Project partners, including the Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and Magic Valley Bow Hunters, are restoring important native shrub communities in the burned area. In addition, two local Boy Scout troops gained a hands-on conservation lesson through their volunteer help with the planting.
	PROVIDING ACCESS FOR HUNTERS, ANGLERS AND WILDLIFE WATCHERS Public access to the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho improved thanks to a $10,000 matching grant from Wildlife Forever. More than 15 miles of right-of-way easements were negotiated and the access routes marked. Users of the trails include hunters, anglers, hikers, wildlife watchers and others. Many of the trails offer chances to view elk, moose, white-tailed and mule deer, ruffed and spruce grouse, bears cougars, gray wolves and numerous species of songbirds. The trails open more than 23,000 acres to the public. An estimated 4,800 users frequent the area for outdoor recreation. With public access for hunters and others dwindling, Wildlife Forever is dedicated to expanding outdoor recreation and wildlife education opportunities through increased public access. Your support is making that possible.
	COUGAR CREEK ECOSYSTEM IMPROVED Your support was used to greatly improve the Cougar Creek Ecosystem. Prior to the project, every square mile of the 12,000-acre drainage was criss-crossed by more than eight miles of roads. High road density associated with extensive past timber harvests has resulted in a total loss of secure elk habitat. This road density was also contributing to deteriorating watershed health and fish habitat. Using heavy equipment, crews obliterated road reducing the density from 8.4 per square mile to 1.7 per square mile. The intention was to provide secure habitat for wildlife while maintaining road access. Cougar Creek drainage is a tributary to the north fork of the Couer d’Alene River. Your support made it happen plus Wildlife Forever was able to get your dollars matched one-for-one.