The Courier
NEWS
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
June 16, 2021
Vol 45 Num 24
Fish Salvage on Big Wood River and Richfield Canal Sawtooth National Forest
By Terry Thompson, Regional Communications Manager
The Big Wood Canal Company closed the gates in Magic Dam on June 10th. This will lead to substantial flow reductions or cessation of flow, functionally de-watering the Big Wood River below the dam and the Richfield Canal. The gates are closing significantly earlier than normal due to ongoing regional drought conditions in the Big Wood River basin. Effective June 10, 2021 Fish and Game has ordered that bag and possession limits be removed on portions of the Big Wood River below the dam. The boundaries of the fish salvage are from a point beginning at the railroad trestle, approximately 1.25 miles downstream of the dam, extending to the State Highway 75 Bridge. The order also includes the Richfield Canal from the upstream point of diversion from the Big Wood River to its confluence with the Little Wood River near Richfield, Idaho. Anglers are reminded that some areas of the Richfield Canal may be on private property so permission must be obtained from the landowner prior to fishing in these areas. A valid 2021 fishing license is required to salvage fish. Fish may be taken by any method, except by firearms, chemicals or electric current. If you have questions contact the Magic Valley Regional Office at (208) 324-4359.
Idaho Cattle Association Offers Reward For Cattle
The Idaho Cattle Association is looking for information regarding the shooting of two cattle owned by an ICA member. ICA is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone stealing or mutilating cattle. On or about May 20th & May 28th, 2 cows were shot dead northeast of Wendell, Idaho, on a BLM desert allotment. The loss of livestock is devastating to the ranching community in Idaho and is taken very seriously by the Idaho Cattle Association. Any information regarding suspicious activity and/or observations that lead to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved will be greatly appreciated and potentially will receive a $1000 reward. If you have any information regarding this incident, please report it to one of the following entities: 1. The Local Sheriff Department – Gooding County Sheriff Department: (208) 934-4422 2. Idaho State Police: (208) 884-7300 see page 5..... For more information. visit ICA’s website at www.idahocattle.org, email info@idahocattle. org, or contact the ICA office at (208) 343-1615.
High Fire Danger
Due to prolonged dry weather conditions fire danger across southern Idaho has continued to increase. All of the Sawtooth National Forest is now in High Fire Danger. High fire danger means all fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily. Unattended fires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High intensity burning may develop on slopes, or in concentrations of fine fuel. Fires may become serious and their control difficult, unless they are quickly suppressed when small. Forest officials are asking the public to be extremely careful when camping and to remember that it’s your job and responsibility to properly maintain and extinguish all campfires. If you are planning a camping, hiking, or a motorized trip please be especially cautious about actions that could cause a wildfire. • Never leave a campfire unattended. Always add water, stir it, and make sure all embers are out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave! • Always use a campfire ring or fire pan when building a campfire. • Recreational shooting? Take precautions! Never shoot into dry vegetation and always make sure you’re shooting in a safe location. Be aware that shooting of exploding targets is not allowed on National Forest System lands in the Intermountain Region. • Refrain from smoking in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished before leaving the area. • Fireworks are illegal on public lands: every forest, every campsite, every day. Never light fireworks in the woods. • Ensure you vehicle is properly maintained, with nothing dragging on the ground. A loose safety chain or dangling muffler can send a shower of sparks into dry vegetation. • Keep vehicles off dry grass. The catalytic converter may contact the vegetation and start a fire. • Always carry a shovel and fire extinguisher. • Know before you go. Always check with your local Ranger Station prior to your trip to get the... continued on page 11...