More prescribed burns are on the way in southern Idaho and moose, elk and other big game are the winners. Wildlife biologists and land managers are seeking to apply more landscape-scale burn projects in an effort to enhance habitat, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and improve overall forest health.
“For a long time it was, ‘Fires are bad.’ That was the thought.” Scott Soletti, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) wildlife biologist, told the Times-News. “We do realize that there are some short-term impacts, but we think there are some pretty good long-term benefits. We’re trying to get ahead of it, be proactive rather than reactive.”
The USFS works with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and other groups work to generate funding in order to carry out on-the-ground habitat work.
(Photo source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game)