The Courier
NEWS
Virtual Open House for Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat Seasons
By Roger Phillips, Public Information Fish and Game will be setting new seasons for upcoming moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat hunts in early 2021 and gathering public input on proposals starting December 14th. Due to Covid, as well as an effort to include more hunters in the season-setting process, traditional, in-person open houses are not yet scheduled and will be replaced by online events. The easiest way for hunters to review proposals and weigh in will be visiting the moose, sheep, goat proposals webpage at idfg.idaho.gov/MSG. Proposals will be posted December 14th, and the comment period will run from Dec. 14-30. The public comment process will also include virtual open houses hosted by Fish and Game’s regional staff. Instructions on how to participate, along with a list of virtual events, will be posted on the moose, sheep, goat webpage when dates are set. People without internet access, or who prefer other ways to view proposed changes and comment, can contact their regional offices to learn about alternatives. Moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat seasons will be finalized by the Fish and Game Commission during its January 28th meeting in Boise. The moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunt application period runs April 1-30.
Boise River Basin Feasibility Report
The Idaho Delegation praised the Bureau of Reclamation's final Boise River Basin Feasibility Report, which addresses potential increases to water storage capacity in the Boise River System needed to accommodate the Treasure Valley's rapid growth. The Secretary of the Interior determined the proposed plan to raise the dam crest of Anderson Ranch Dam six feet for an additional 29,000 acre-feet of storage capacity meets the requirements of Section 4007 of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN). Next, Congress must authorize the plan. "This determination for the Boise River Basin has been long in the making and I thank Secretary Bernhardt for his work completing this report," said Risch. "Increasing water storage capacity at Anderson Ranch Dam is a critical component of the long-term economic and growth success of the Treasure Valley, and I look forward to continue working to secure this for Idaho's future." "Secretary Bernhardt and the Trump Administration's determination under the Boise River continued on page 6... Basin Feasibility Report takes into consideration the
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
December 16, 2020
Vol 44 Num 51
Money & Fear Drive Scams
Many of you have had that phone call... “This is a message from (the IRS, Social Security, etc.). Your account/number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Immediately call this number to avoid penalties.” Or... you receive a message saying you’ve won a huge sweepstake/lottery. Most of us know better than to respond, or do we? The lure of money or the fear of government causes many of us to throw reason out the door. Over 50% of people contacted by a scammer engage with them. The result is that one out ten adults in the U.S. fall victim to a scam or fraud every year. The worst statistics are for those of us online. Of those approached by scammers on social media, 91% engage and 53% lose money. In 2018 internet related theft and/or fraud was responsible for $2.7 billion in financial losses. However, scams are not just online. Some scammers follow you down the street, watch you as you shop, and sometimes they come right to your front door. Favorite victims of “doorstep fraud” are over the age of 65 (85%). And don’t forget about your children. 1.3 million children have their identities stolen every year. A person is far more likely to be a victim of identity fraud by having their wallet snatched than by online fraud. While fraud often happens without our knowledge that it is occurring, scams feed our desires and fears. Too many of us respond to such things emotionally rather than rationally. It’s easy to say, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” But if you owe taxes, or you are being overwhelmed by debt, a phone call from the IRS or a “debt collector” can make your heart race. Coronavirus Scams were big this year feeding on fear and misinformation. Scammers offered treatments and/or tests, as well as cleaning and medical supplies. Most of these things were never delivered but some were dangerous fake substances. Fake charities, dating site scams, publishing schemes, and of course... election fraud. Media and politicians have spent the last couple of months arguing whether this year’s election was legitimate. Meanwhile, the FBI issued multiple warnings about people using the election process to mine personal information about voters. Some of this was clearly an attempt to manipulate the election, but mostly, it was just an opportunity to steal your information.