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Treasure Valley Residents Invited To Speak up for Idaho’s Great Outdoors on February 9th
Idaho Conservation League (ICL) News Release
Idaho’s population center left out of the mix when it comes to commenting on roadless-area management
BOISE—Three groups working to save national forest roadless lands in Idaho are teaming up to give hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Treasure Valley their only opportunity to provide input on how inventoried roadless areas in the Gem State will be managed in the future.
Trout Unlimited, the Idaho Conservation League and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership will host a public meeting in Boise on Feb.9 to give Treasure Valley residents a chance to learn more about Idaho’s 243 inventoried roadless areas and a chance to offer public testimony via video camera or written testimony on the issue. The meeting is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Idaho Historical Museum, 610 Julia Davis Drive, Boise. All testimony gathered at the meeting will be delivered to Gov. Dirk Kempthorne’s office.
Up until now, Treasure Valley residents have not had an opportunity to offer public comment on roadless area management in Idaho.
“The process put in place by the governor last year has not really been a process at all. It’s been hit-or-miss when it comes to gathering Idaho’s public input on roadless areas. And they missed the Boise area,” said Scott Stouder, TU’s Idaho roadless coordinator.
The only public comment process, which is all but complete, essentially puts the responsibility for gathering input on the shoulders of Idaho’s county commissioners. While several of Idaho’s counties have conducted meetings on the issue, the most populous counties—Ada and Canyon—have not. Even though these counties do not have inventoried roadless lands within their boundaries, many of the people living in Ada and Canyon counties visit roadless areas to hunt, fish, hike and camp. Omitting these counties from the process creates a huge void in the data the state must consider before petitioning the government under new Bush administration rules.
“We hope to fill that void and give more Idahoans a voice in how their public lands are managed,” Stouder said, noting that Idaho’s roadless backcountry is home to the best fish and wildlife habitat as well as the state’s best source for cold, clean water. “We want Treasure Valley residents to have the chance to share their concerns with the governor before he sends his recommendations to Washington.”
Kempthorne has asked the state’s county commissioners to make management recommendations to him by March 1. His recommendations to the U.S. Forest Service are due Nov. 13. Kempthorne put the current process into place late last summer after the Bush administration overturned the 2001 Roadless Rule, which provided blanket protection to all remaining roadless areas in the country. Presently, Idaho has over 9 million acres of inventoried roadless lands—more than any other state other than Alaska. That total doesn’t include designated wilderness, which is already set aside.
“Those 9 million acres are enjoyed by people from all corners of Idaho, so it makes no sense to omit the state’s largest population center from the public process,” said Jonathan Oppenheimer, a conservation associate with the Idaho Conservation League in Boise. “Everyone deserves a voice in guiding the management of our public land.”
The Feb. 9 meeting will feature Jim Caswell, director of the state’s Office of Species Conservation. Caswell is in charge of compiling recommendations from the state’s county commissioners and formulating a state petition that will be forwarded to Washington. Also speaking at the meeting will be Art Talsma, a Nampa hunter and angler with extensive fish and wildlife management experience; Margaret Fuller, an avid hiker and author of several hiking books; and Holly Endersby, a backcountry hunter and angler from Riggins. James Piotrowski, president of Trout Unlimited’s Ted Trueblood Chapter in Boise, will MC the discussion. There will be a question-and-answer session after the four brief presentations, and a separate room will be provided for Treasure Valley residents to offer comment on the issue.
“We hope to provide an important arena for discussion on this issue. It’s important that all Idahoans have a chance to share their vision for public land management and their desire to see their hunting and angling heritage passed on to their children and grandchildren,” said Bill Geer of TRCP, a hunter and angler advocacy group. “Treasure Valley residents have been left out, and this meeting gives them a chance to both learn about what’s at stake and offer their thoughts to the governor.”
02.08.06 Update
The Statesman Finally Picked Up on This: "Ada and Canyon Residents Want Say in Roadless Plan"
NOTE: Media availability—All four speakers have been invited to attend a media availability session at the ICL offices, 710 N. Sixth St. (corner of Sixth and Franklin), Boise, at 3 p.m. Feb. 9. Please call Jonathan Oppenheimer at (208) 345-6942, ext. 26, for more information on this pre-event session.
Contact:
Scott Stouder, Trout Unlimited, (208) 741-0203
Jonathan Oppenheimer, Idaho Conservation League, (208) 345-6942, ext. 26
Bill Geer, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation League, (877) 870-8722
Sign-Up for Idaho Conservation League (ICL) E-Mail Alerts!
Idaho’s population center left out of the mix when it comes to commenting on roadless-area management
BOISE—Three groups working to save national forest roadless lands in Idaho are teaming up to give hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Treasure Valley their only opportunity to provide input on how inventoried roadless areas in the Gem State will be managed in the future.
Trout Unlimited, the Idaho Conservation League and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership will host a public meeting in Boise on Feb.9 to give Treasure Valley residents a chance to learn more about Idaho’s 243 inventoried roadless areas and a chance to offer public testimony via video camera or written testimony on the issue. The meeting is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Idaho Historical Museum, 610 Julia Davis Drive, Boise. All testimony gathered at the meeting will be delivered to Gov. Dirk Kempthorne’s office.
Up until now, Treasure Valley residents have not had an opportunity to offer public comment on roadless area management in Idaho.
“The process put in place by the governor last year has not really been a process at all. It’s been hit-or-miss when it comes to gathering Idaho’s public input on roadless areas. And they missed the Boise area,” said Scott Stouder, TU’s Idaho roadless coordinator.
The only public comment process, which is all but complete, essentially puts the responsibility for gathering input on the shoulders of Idaho’s county commissioners. While several of Idaho’s counties have conducted meetings on the issue, the most populous counties—Ada and Canyon—have not. Even though these counties do not have inventoried roadless lands within their boundaries, many of the people living in Ada and Canyon counties visit roadless areas to hunt, fish, hike and camp. Omitting these counties from the process creates a huge void in the data the state must consider before petitioning the government under new Bush administration rules.
“We hope to fill that void and give more Idahoans a voice in how their public lands are managed,” Stouder said, noting that Idaho’s roadless backcountry is home to the best fish and wildlife habitat as well as the state’s best source for cold, clean water. “We want Treasure Valley residents to have the chance to share their concerns with the governor before he sends his recommendations to Washington.”
Kempthorne has asked the state’s county commissioners to make management recommendations to him by March 1. His recommendations to the U.S. Forest Service are due Nov. 13. Kempthorne put the current process into place late last summer after the Bush administration overturned the 2001 Roadless Rule, which provided blanket protection to all remaining roadless areas in the country. Presently, Idaho has over 9 million acres of inventoried roadless lands—more than any other state other than Alaska. That total doesn’t include designated wilderness, which is already set aside.
“Those 9 million acres are enjoyed by people from all corners of Idaho, so it makes no sense to omit the state’s largest population center from the public process,” said Jonathan Oppenheimer, a conservation associate with the Idaho Conservation League in Boise. “Everyone deserves a voice in guiding the management of our public land.”
The Feb. 9 meeting will feature Jim Caswell, director of the state’s Office of Species Conservation. Caswell is in charge of compiling recommendations from the state’s county commissioners and formulating a state petition that will be forwarded to Washington. Also speaking at the meeting will be Art Talsma, a Nampa hunter and angler with extensive fish and wildlife management experience; Margaret Fuller, an avid hiker and author of several hiking books; and Holly Endersby, a backcountry hunter and angler from Riggins. James Piotrowski, president of Trout Unlimited’s Ted Trueblood Chapter in Boise, will MC the discussion. There will be a question-and-answer session after the four brief presentations, and a separate room will be provided for Treasure Valley residents to offer comment on the issue.
“We hope to provide an important arena for discussion on this issue. It’s important that all Idahoans have a chance to share their vision for public land management and their desire to see their hunting and angling heritage passed on to their children and grandchildren,” said Bill Geer of TRCP, a hunter and angler advocacy group. “Treasure Valley residents have been left out, and this meeting gives them a chance to both learn about what’s at stake and offer their thoughts to the governor.”
02.08.06 Update
The Statesman Finally Picked Up on This: "Ada and Canyon Residents Want Say in Roadless Plan"
NOTE: Media availability—All four speakers have been invited to attend a media availability session at the ICL offices, 710 N. Sixth St. (corner of Sixth and Franklin), Boise, at 3 p.m. Feb. 9. Please call Jonathan Oppenheimer at (208) 345-6942, ext. 26, for more information on this pre-event session.
Contact:
Scott Stouder, Trout Unlimited, (208) 741-0203
Jonathan Oppenheimer, Idaho Conservation League, (208) 345-6942, ext. 26
Bill Geer, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation League, (877) 870-8722
Sign-Up for Idaho Conservation League (ICL) E-Mail Alerts!
Grizzly 346: Her Story Begins in Yellowstone (and Ends in Idaho)
Image by Getty Images via DaylifeThis true story illustrates the plight of Yellowstone Grizzly Bear recovery in IdahoSource: Rocky Barker/IdahoStatesman.com
My Initial Thoughts:
The bowhunter in the article; Dan Walters disgusts me to no end. The mere mention of how he put 1 arrow in and left her to bleed to death overnight, then brag about his valor-filled story to a lodge full of other drunken bowhunters (which include the likes of Jim Kelly, that's right the Buffalo Bills Quarterback) is revolting... for starters.
The local boys; self-proclaimed Grizzly haters Tim Brown, the St. Antony contractor and Brad Hoopes of the same city are a prime example of hostile, uneducated -local lawbreakers. I hope sentencing goes well and these guys get the max - that would be a worthy service to society and the environment.
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Protect Roadless Forests (note: many hot springs are in roadless areas)
1.24.2006
Greetings Everyone,
The the management of public roadless forests represents one of the most important issues facing our environment today. This effects all kinds of outdoor recreation enthusiasts, including: fishers, hunters, backpackers and campers. There will be a dramatic reduction of roadless land if we let the 2005 Roadless Rule remain in place.
The old rule was the MOST SUPPORTED set of federal laws EVER enacted until the Bush Administration quietly, without a public vote, repealed and replaced the 2001 version with the 2005 version.
The is our last chance - the last 2% of land nationwide is roadless, and right now it's on the chopping block.
Protect the remaining roadless land by signing the Citizen's Petition to Protect Roadless Areas!
Learn More and Take Additional Action!
Thank you,
Josh
The the management of public roadless forests represents one of the most important issues facing our environment today. This effects all kinds of outdoor recreation enthusiasts, including: fishers, hunters, backpackers and campers. There will be a dramatic reduction of roadless land if we let the 2005 Roadless Rule remain in place.
The old rule was the MOST SUPPORTED set of federal laws EVER enacted until the Bush Administration quietly, without a public vote, repealed and replaced the 2001 version with the 2005 version.
The is our last chance - the last 2% of land nationwide is roadless, and right now it's on the chopping block.
Protect the remaining roadless land by signing the Citizen's Petition to Protect Roadless Areas!
Learn More and Take Additional Action!
Thank you,
Josh
Guide to Roadside Hot Springs
1.23.2006
Adventurous Spirit Beginners Guide by Suniechick
Slipping into the hot water, feeling it envelope your soul and relax every essence of your being while washing away the every day stress of life. This is what it feels like to soak in a hot spring. To me, there is nothing better than soaking up the earth around you, overwhelming your senses with nature'’s glory.
Before you can indulge in the serenity, and to be able to enjoy soaking to its fullest, you must be prepared. First decide on what type of hot spring you'’d like to venture to. Are you planning on just stopping road side, backpacking in for one to several days or some where in between those trips? Despite which time line or hot spring suits your fancy there are still some basics that you should know and bring with you to be prepared.
Items to Bring
First off, know where you'’re going, how to get there, and be sure to let someone know where you are headed to. Safety first.
Towel: very important especially in the winter months.
Swim suit for road side soaks. You'’ll want to check for etiquette on springs that are further than the beaten path. Remember that clothing can be optional particularly in back country hot springs, so be prepared to see others au natural. If you don'’t feel comfortable with that situation you can always quietly make your presence known and wait the other soakers out.
A note about your suits, do not wash them in detergent. Detergents will release into the springs and can cause foreign algae and mosses to grow which can threaten the native ecosystem. This also goes for soaps and shampoos, even those labeled as “bio soap”. There are many natural alternatives that can be used. Better yet, just rinse your suit out when you get home and hang it up to dry. Fabric softener is considered a detergent that can go into the water be it springs, rivers, lakes, or any other body of water.
Water and plenty of it. Your body can become dehydrated while soaking, especially while enjoying the hotter soaks. Also, it is not a good idea to mix alcohol with hot springs. The heat from the spring raises your body temperature and can cause ill effects.
Good shoes are a necessity when hiking. Your feet have to last your whole life and the better you take care of them the better they'’ll take care of you.
Snacks are a great idea. I always seem to be ravenous after soaking. Try something with a good mix of carbs and protein to help stave off that too tired to drive feeling after becoming incredibly relaxed. If need be, take a nap. (There'’s that safety thing again.)
Garbage bags are a definite item to bring.
Back pack to carry everything in. Keep one loaded with your towels, suits and garbage bags for those spur of the moment trips.
Camera: captures nature's beauty. Mine is attached to my hip at all times.
Last but not least...
A Good Attitude! Remember that you are not the only ones out there to enjoy these wondrous springs. We need to do all we can to preserve nature and all of its splendor.
Of course, this list is just the basic beginning. If you wish to go beyond a road side soak you need to take into consideration where you'’ll be going, for how long, and all of the items that may potentially need to be brought.
Check List
Backpack loaded with:
Thirsty for more? Check out the IHS Outdoor Guide
Slipping into the hot water, feeling it envelope your soul and relax every essence of your being while washing away the every day stress of life. This is what it feels like to soak in a hot spring. To me, there is nothing better than soaking up the earth around you, overwhelming your senses with nature'’s glory.
Before you can indulge in the serenity, and to be able to enjoy soaking to its fullest, you must be prepared. First decide on what type of hot spring you'’d like to venture to. Are you planning on just stopping road side, backpacking in for one to several days or some where in between those trips? Despite which time line or hot spring suits your fancy there are still some basics that you should know and bring with you to be prepared.
Items to Bring
First off, know where you'’re going, how to get there, and be sure to let someone know where you are headed to. Safety first.
Towel: very important especially in the winter months.
Swim suit for road side soaks. You'’ll want to check for etiquette on springs that are further than the beaten path. Remember that clothing can be optional particularly in back country hot springs, so be prepared to see others au natural. If you don'’t feel comfortable with that situation you can always quietly make your presence known and wait the other soakers out.
A note about your suits, do not wash them in detergent. Detergents will release into the springs and can cause foreign algae and mosses to grow which can threaten the native ecosystem. This also goes for soaps and shampoos, even those labeled as “bio soap”. There are many natural alternatives that can be used. Better yet, just rinse your suit out when you get home and hang it up to dry. Fabric softener is considered a detergent that can go into the water be it springs, rivers, lakes, or any other body of water.
Water and plenty of it. Your body can become dehydrated while soaking, especially while enjoying the hotter soaks. Also, it is not a good idea to mix alcohol with hot springs. The heat from the spring raises your body temperature and can cause ill effects.
Good shoes are a necessity when hiking. Your feet have to last your whole life and the better you take care of them the better they'’ll take care of you.
Snacks are a great idea. I always seem to be ravenous after soaking. Try something with a good mix of carbs and protein to help stave off that too tired to drive feeling after becoming incredibly relaxed. If need be, take a nap. (There'’s that safety thing again.)
Garbage bags are a definite item to bring.
- To pick up trash so all can continue to enjoy the area. If everyone leaves the place of beauty in better shape than when they arrived there will be less to continually pick up. This also means to leave the plants, trees and animals where you found them.
- They double as a protector for your clothes and other items in case it rains/snows. At many springs the ground around them is wet, so the bags help keep everything nice and dry.
- Garbage bags also double as a floor mat to stand upon while changing, keeping your feet clean and dry.
Back pack to carry everything in. Keep one loaded with your towels, suits and garbage bags for those spur of the moment trips.
Camera: captures nature's beauty. Mine is attached to my hip at all times.
Last but not least...
A Good Attitude! Remember that you are not the only ones out there to enjoy these wondrous springs. We need to do all we can to preserve nature and all of its splendor.
Of course, this list is just the basic beginning. If you wish to go beyond a road side soak you need to take into consideration where you'’ll be going, for how long, and all of the items that may potentially need to be brought.
Check List
Backpack loaded with:
- Garbage Bags
- Swim Suit
- Water
- Snacks
- Towel
- Camera
- Hiking shoes
- Spirit for Adventure
- First Aid Kit
Thirsty for more? Check out the IHS Outdoor Guide
Man Drowns at Juntura Hot Springs in Oregon
1.18.2006
Sad news to report about Juntura Hot Springs:
On Sunday, January 15, 22 year old Aaron Carney drowned in Juntura Hot Springs, he was on a soak trip with his dad. The news surrounding the unfortunate incident provides very little details aside from how alcohol may be involved and that the man drowned while his dad was changing after soaking for a few hours.
News Article Source/Link
Juntura is known for being a 'hot' hot spring. Even with buckets of cold river water on hand, summertime soakers find it hard to withstand the hot water for longer than a few minutes. During the winter the cold weather tempers the temperature somewhat, bringing the heat down from above 110° to approx. 105°.
What I don't understand about the story was where did the dad go to change? His choices would have been either near the pool (flat visible land) or off the island near the parking area on the other side of the river. I really doubt that during frigid winter temperatures and with no one else at the springs he walked all the way over to the latter choice.
About Juntura Hot Springs
Juntura Hot Springs is located between Burns and Vale, Oregon - just a few miles from the town of Juntura. The hot springs pool is actually located on an island in the Malheur River.
Click to View Pictures, Condition Information & Trip Reports for Juntura Hot Springs
On Sunday, January 15, 22 year old Aaron Carney drowned in Juntura Hot Springs, he was on a soak trip with his dad. The news surrounding the unfortunate incident provides very little details aside from how alcohol may be involved and that the man drowned while his dad was changing after soaking for a few hours.
News Article Source/Link
Juntura is known for being a 'hot' hot spring. Even with buckets of cold river water on hand, summertime soakers find it hard to withstand the hot water for longer than a few minutes. During the winter the cold weather tempers the temperature somewhat, bringing the heat down from above 110° to approx. 105°.
What I don't understand about the story was where did the dad go to change? His choices would have been either near the pool (flat visible land) or off the island near the parking area on the other side of the river. I really doubt that during frigid winter temperatures and with no one else at the springs he walked all the way over to the latter choice.
About Juntura Hot Springs
Juntura Hot Springs is located between Burns and Vale, Oregon - just a few miles from the town of Juntura. The hot springs pool is actually located on an island in the Malheur River.
Click to View Pictures, Condition Information & Trip Reports for Juntura Hot Springs
Snively Hot Springs in Oregon Revisited
1.16.2006
One of the first things I noticed upon arrival at the site marked clearly by the BLM sign as "Snively Hot Springs Recreation Area" was that trash levels were down from my last visit. That's always a great start to a soak.
Unique Pool Wall Design
Despite all of the anglers and duck hunters in the area I was able to get reacquainted with Snively all by myself. The pool has been re-designed; the rock walls have been replaced by a plastic tube tarp that forms the wall of the pool. The tube is fed with hot water from the source outflow - forming a barrier of heat against the cold river water while still allowing for the majority of the outflow to continuously feed the pool.
Perfect Soaking Temperatures
It's really a great design idea, however, the only problem is that the plastic tube is torn pretty bad in some places. The good news is that Snively is a great soak for about 2 to 4 people. The plastic tube wall is intact on the side of the pool where the hot source water flows in; creating a nice hot, but shallow soak.
Rating: B-
Unique Pool Wall Design
Despite all of the anglers and duck hunters in the area I was able to get reacquainted with Snively all by myself. The pool has been re-designed; the rock walls have been replaced by a plastic tube tarp that forms the wall of the pool. The tube is fed with hot water from the source outflow - forming a barrier of heat against the cold river water while still allowing for the majority of the outflow to continuously feed the pool.
Perfect Soaking Temperatures
It's really a great design idea, however, the only problem is that the plastic tube is torn pretty bad in some places. The good news is that Snively is a great soak for about 2 to 4 people. The plastic tube wall is intact on the side of the pool where the hot source water flows in; creating a nice hot, but shallow soak.
Rating: B-
Live Northwest WebCams Area Upgraded!
1.14.2006
Inline webcam picture enlargement capabilities have been added to the Northwest WebCam Listing; which features live webcams from throughout the Northwest.
Pine Flats Hot Springs in Idaho Revisited
1.05.2006
01.01.06
Good ol Piney just isn't the same. The 1st pool you come to (slightly) above the river was too cool for soaking.
Too cool for prolonged soaking
The long, skinny pool further up on the mountain side needed some TLC as it was in disrepair and lacked hot soaking temperatures.
Long, skinny, shallow & kinda hot - killer views though
The next pool, which lies just past the first, can be found by following the river bed halfway around the corner. This semi-new pool was also too cool for soaking, although it looks like many have made attempts at improving the soaking conditions.
Odd looking source-box
That left the final, waterfall fed pool. This pool turned out to be unreachable; recent warm and rainy conditions have brought the river level up - submerging the path around the river bend. The secondary access route, from above, was too treacherous to attempt. Slick snow and ice coupled with loose mud easily deterred us.
Huge ice chunks along the riverbend
The hike was beautiful, and the many foot soaks in mostly hot water was enjoyable. Walking sticks and trekking poles would definitely aid in the steep decent down to the waterfall fed pool.
Better luck next time!
Good ol Piney just isn't the same. The 1st pool you come to (slightly) above the river was too cool for soaking.
Too cool for prolonged soaking
The long, skinny pool further up on the mountain side needed some TLC as it was in disrepair and lacked hot soaking temperatures.
Long, skinny, shallow & kinda hot - killer views though
The next pool, which lies just past the first, can be found by following the river bed halfway around the corner. This semi-new pool was also too cool for soaking, although it looks like many have made attempts at improving the soaking conditions.
Odd looking source-box
That left the final, waterfall fed pool. This pool turned out to be unreachable; recent warm and rainy conditions have brought the river level up - submerging the path around the river bend. The secondary access route, from above, was too treacherous to attempt. Slick snow and ice coupled with loose mud easily deterred us.
Huge ice chunks along the riverbend
The hike was beautiful, and the many foot soaks in mostly hot water was enjoyable. Walking sticks and trekking poles would definitely aid in the steep decent down to the waterfall fed pool.
Better luck next time!
Rating C-
Site Updates in Place
Over the past few days some areas on IdahoHotSprings.com have been updated, the updated areas are as follows:
1. Zim's Hot Springs Listing Update (Western Idaho Commercial Hot Springs)
2. Public, Non-Commercial Idaho Hot Springs Listing
3. Live, Northwest WebCams
4. New Traffic Updates Posted for Bonneville, Kirkham, Hot Springs Campground and Skinnydipper Hot Springs - all in Idaho
1. Zim's Hot Springs Listing Update (Western Idaho Commercial Hot Springs)
2. Public, Non-Commercial Idaho Hot Springs Listing
3. Live, Northwest WebCams
4. New Traffic Updates Posted for Bonneville, Kirkham, Hot Springs Campground and Skinnydipper Hot Springs - all in Idaho
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