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Forestry and Fuels: Working Together to Achieve a Common Objective

Understanding fire ecology, prevention and management… At the core of their professions, foresters and fuels specialists know that disturbance is a natural, needed and unavoidable part of every ecosystem on different scales. Foresters work to ensure resilient productive forests. Fuels specialists work to reduce the intensity of wildfires by reducing the amount of fuels in an area, and restoring more natural disturbance regimes. Many times our paths overlap. 

In the mountains of North Central Idaho overlooking the Little Salmon River near New Meadows, Idaho, BLM fuels specialists and foresters, with help from the local Forest Service and firefighters from Southern Idaho BLM Districts lit a 160 acre prescribed fire as part of the larger Bally Mountain Vegetation Management Project earlier this spring. The goal of this portion of the project was to reintroduce fire into a previously ponderosa pine dominated stand – a stand that has uncharacteristically not seen fire in nearly a century. The stand had become choked by Douglas-fir regeneration and insect and disease outbreaks are becoming more common. As is often the case in dense stands, fuels have accumulated on the ground to dangerous levels reducing the likelihood that a wildfire could be stopped if one should start nearby. Not a hundred yards away, the solution was to commercially thin or harvest timber through a timber sale to reduce stand densities. But here, due to slope, broken ground and other concerns, prescribed fire was selected as the tool of choice to improve forest health, and reduce fuel amounts.

Learn more about BLM-Idaho Fuels Treatment and Reduction at: http://on.doi.gov/1o9rg7o

Field Trip!

Niki Cutler, Hydrologist for BLM-Nevada's Sierra Front Field Office, took local 8th grader Mattie on a field trip as a "youth exposure to Natural Resource/ Hydrology opportunity". Their field trip took place near the Honey Lake Hydrographic Basin, Flannigan Allotment and East Cottonwood Creek Canyon.

As we drove through the diverse landscape, we talked about the geology and desert terminal river systems. We discussed the relationship sage grouse have with the sage brush ecosystem and why/how they are a key indicator to landscape health. Mattie even saw her first deer in Nevada while we were horseback.  The experience changed her perception of a desolate desert landscape to one full of life and diversity up in the canyon (where you can’t see from the road). 

After our day in the field Mattie said, “I valued the time I got to spend with the horses and figuring out how the plant growth and water supply affected the environment around us. Now I feel like a natural resource career is definitely more of an option for me because I understand the basics of what I would be doing. Thank you very much for taking me!”

Pathway to Archaeology

In honor of Idaho Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month I would like to share a recent BLM Pathways Internship Program success story:

Marissa Guenther is the Upper Snake Field Office Archaeologist in Idaho Falls, Idaho. While working full-time with the BLM, Marissa was able to finish her graduate studies and receive her M.A. in anthropology within the Pathways Internship Program. This program provides students enrolled in a variety of academic fields with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. She graduated in March of this year and became a permanent full-time employee in April.

Marissa’s thesis research examines the evidence for communal hunting of bison at Owl Cave (a collapsed lava tube), located in Idaho. When the site was excavated in the 1960s-1970s a large bison bone bed was uncovered containing approximately 150 bison. Marissa used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore if this mass kill of bison could have been the result of a deliberate drive carried out by Native Americans. Marissa has presented her research at professional meetings, public lectures, and to BLM employees during a brown-bag lunch and learn session.

“The Pathways Program has been an excellent experience for me. There is something special about putting your boots on the ground and exploring your career path outside the classroom setting.”

The Pathways Program is a great opportunity for passionate students to find work in their fields. For more information visit: http://on.doi.gov/1fguQdf

Marathons for Veterans 

On a rainy, windy March 28, Tate Fischer, the Bureau of Land Management Boise District's new manager for the Four Rivers Field Office, introduced us to one of his unique interests -- ultra marathon running. Tate completed a 50-mile run in 10 hours and 32 minutes during the Pickled Feet Runs held at Eagle Island State Park located about 10 miles west of Boise. 

This is the third 50-mile event Fischer has completed. Prior to Eagle Island, he competed in the Buffalo 100 Mile Ultra at Antelope Island State Park outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. Fischer usually participates in these events after collecting donations for two veterans' organizations, the Wounded Warriors Project or Team Red, White and Blue.

When asked why he enjoys events like this, Fischer, who is a veteran himself, said, "I run for those who can't; this is the least I can do for those who have sacrificed so much." He also noted that the mental solidarity gives him a chance to clear his mind and focus better on his priorities. 

A Day in the Forest BLM resource specialists recently met with University of California (ucresearch) extension  biologists at North Dobbyn Creek to inventory the first sudden oak death detection in Trinity County. Dobbyn Creek is east of Garberville, California, and borders the Six Rivers National Forest. Photos show what happens to tan oak leaves when infected with SOD.

BLM Botanist Jennifer Wheeler and Chicago Botanical Intern Stephanie Wilson discovered Calypso bulbosa which is also known as fairy slipper or Venus's slipper. The beautiful white Trillium flower is always a delightful discovery this time of year.

Women in Archaeology

In Idaho there are 15 full-time BLM archaeologists and over half of them are women. Together, the nine of us have over 200 years combined experience in the field of archaeology. It’s always great when we get an opportunity to work in the field together, meet up at a conference, and learn from one another. 

“Being a female archaeologist is actually an advantage because women are typically so detail oriented. They can also bring a different perspective to the study of archaeology that gives us a fuller, richer picture of the past.” -Lisa Cresswell, Shoshone Field Office 

“For me, the coolest thing about being an archaeologist is that I still get to do what I did as a kid....explore the deserts and mountains of Idaho.” -Suzann Henrikson, Burley Field Office

“It is great to see more women with careers in archaeology today than when the discipline started and was male-dominated. I take great joy in encouraging girls and young women to pursue their interests within science and math because we need fresh and innovative ways to look at the archaeological record.” -Marissa Guenther, Upper Snake Field Office

I’ve wanted to be an archaeologist ever since I was a little kid. You can read more about my story here: http://bit.ly/1d0QWV6.

Check Out the New @BLMmypubliclands Facebook Page that Features Employees, Volunteers, and Partners 

The BLM's mission is to manage and conserve the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations under our mandate of multiple-use and sustained yield. 

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This Land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation.

There's no better way to get to know an organization than through its people -- the personalities, motivations, career paths and real bureau employees. The BLM is home to incredibly dedicated, talented individuals that make completing our mission possible every day.

Follow the NEW @BLMmypubliclands page on Facebook and share Our Story about the 10,000+ employees who manage these 245 million acres of public lands on behalf of the American people; along with stories of our dedicated volunteers, partners and youth.

Follow the NEW @BLMcareers account on Twitter and explore a new career with us as we share special job announcements, resources and more news you can use.