The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
December 18, 2024
Vol 48 Num 51
25 Years Ski Idaho License Plates Wintertime Bird Feeding Tips
This weekend's dump of snow came just in time to open most Idaho ski resorts, including Soldier Mountain (call ahead for holiday hours). For those who desire to show off their love of skiing all year long, Ski Idaho has announced its license plate program is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The Ski Idaho license plate debuted in 1999, and Silver Mountain Resort general manager and Idaho Ski Areas Association board president Jeff Colburn said it is an important revenue stream for the nonprofit, which represents 19 alpine ski areas. "These funds allow Ski Idaho to do important work," he said. "Activities like marketing our fantastic destinations to potential visitors and offering our acclaimed passport program that allows 5th and 6th graders to ski or snowboard 17 Idaho mountains for a one-time fee of 29 bucks." According to the Idaho Transportation Dept., more than 8,500 Idahoans proudly display their love of skiing on their vehicle by purchasing a Ski Idaho license plate. Ski Idaho publicist Tony Harrison said Idaho may have the distinction of being the first U.S. state to issue an automobile license plate featuring a skier. "Based on my research, Idaho appears to have the oldest ski-themed license plate, which dates back to 1947 and features the silhouette of a skier in mid-jump," he said. Harrison said the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles offers customizable souvenir plates that benefit Ski Idaho, too. He said both types of plates are customizable with a maximum of six characters including spaces, cannot contain punctuation, and must be tasteful in any language. Ski Idaho vehicle license plates have a $35 program fee for the first year with a $25 renewal fee each year thereafter in addition to personalization and vehicle registration fees. Souvenir plates and the Idaho Peak Season Passports make great holiday stocking stuffers. Visit itd.idaho. gov/itddmv to order Ski-Idaho-themed personalized vehicle and souvenir plates, and visit skiidaho.us/passports to learn more about Idaho Peak Season Passports.
Wood River WAG Seeks Member
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a member to represent flood control interests on the Wood River Watershed Advisory Group (WAG). The Wood River WAG is a group of citizens from a diverse set of interests dedicated to successful restoration and protection of the Big Wood River, Little Wood River, and Camas Creek watersheds. These watersheds cover Blaine, Camas, Gooding, and Lincoln counties, from which the WAG seeks to have representation. The group meets quarterly, and members are asked to serve at least two-year terms. Anyone interested in serving on the WAG should contact Tasha Owen at (208) 736-2190 or tasha.owen@deq.idaho.gov by 5 p.m. on February 14, 2025 MDT.
We all know that neighbor that takes bird feeding to Olympic games-level extremes. With tree limbs sagging under the weight of countless feeders and a back lawn that looks like it was ripped straight from Augusta Country Club, they stand out on their back porch with arms outstretched as a myriad of birds swoop in to feed directly from their palms. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but you don’t need to be Snow White to attract backyard birds. Many species — including finches, chickadees, jays, nuthatches, sparrows, doves and more — may very well settle on your backyard bed and breakfast with a proper bird-feeding setup this winter. Usually, feeding wild animals is not a smart move. Feeding birds, however, is a special case, since they don’t often become dependent on feeders alone, and instead use feeders to supplement their daily natural diet. Winter feeding also gives a little assistance to our feathered friends during the harsh, colder months. Here are a few ways to spice up your bird-feeding buffet and enjoy an enchanting opportunity to observe wildlife right in your own backyard. Before you go hanging your feeder (or feeders) all across your backyard, you’ll need some seed. Depending on the types of birds you’re hoping to attract, there are many feed and feeder options available. For instance, hanging-style feeders can attract songbirds, such as house finches, chickadee, jays, nuthatches, and others. Thistle feeders can bring goldfinches, siskins, and house finches, and suet can attract woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. There are many kinds of birdseed out there on the market. Be sure to source your birdseed from reputable sources to avoid dust, insects, weed seeds, or any other impurities from making their way into your feeder. Black-oil sunflower seed is a favorite of many species. Millet and cracked corn are favorites for many ground-feeding birds. Finches and siskins love nyjer thistle. To avoid freeloaders like squirrels... continued on page 3...