SNAKE RIVER 

BIRDS OF PREY .AREA 

Draft Management Plan 

July 5, 1985 

Boise District 

Bureau of Land Management 

3948 Development Avenue 

Boise, Idaho 83705 
Prairie falcon front cover design by Carol Snow, copyright 1978. 
United States Department of the Interior 

IN REPLY 

REFER TO: M-2300 

Dear Interested Citizen: 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT 

Boise District 

3948 Development Avenue 

Boise, Idaho 83705 

Enclosed is a draft management plan for the Snake River Birds of Prey 

Area. 

The intent of this management plan is to provide the public a 

comprehensive document which describes some proposed site specific 

actions and to give guidelines for other proposals which may be 

contemplated in the future. 

All proposals will have site specific environmental analyses completed 

before any actions will occur on the ground. 

Please review this draft and provide any suggestions or comments by 

August 4, 1985. These comments can be written or verbal and should be 

directed to the attention of either Mark Hilliard or Butch Peugh of the 

Boise District Bureau of Land Management office. The phone number for the 

office is 334-1582. 

Encl osure 

INTRODUCTION 

This management summary for the Snake River Birds of Prey Area (SRBOPA or 

Birds of Prey Area) summarizes provisions and actions for managing the 

natural resources and activities within it. In 1979 the Area was proposed 

for designation as a National Conservation Area through Congressional 

legislation. In the absence of such legislation the area was established 

as a public land withdrawal in November, 1980, by the Secretary of the 

Interior through Public Land Order (PLO) 5777 " ••• to protect and maintain 

the ecosystem necessary to support and perpetuate the densest and most 

diverse populations of eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of 

prey ever recorded. The withdrawal would permit development and use of 

other resources in the area under a multiple-use and sustained-yield 

concept, so long as such uses were not detrimental to the raptor 

populations or their habitat." The Area is to be managed in accordance 

with the "Management Plan for the Proposed Birds of Prey National 

Conservation Area" • The plan was to be comprehensively reviewed within 

two years from the date of the withdrawal order (November, 1980) and at 

least once every four years thereafter. This document is a summary of the 

latest such comprehensive review and revision of that plan. 

The intent of this summary is to describe management goals for the Birds 

of Prey Area and resource programs within it, and certain limits within 

which activities and activity planning may occur. The guidelines for 

management are derived from authorities and analyses contained in the 

Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), in Public Land Order 5777 

and in supporting documents, Management Framework Plans (MFPs), Resource 

Management Plans (RMPs) and follow-up decision documents. All site 

specific actions are subject to environmental review processes. 

The Birds of Prey Area is administered by the Bruneau Resource Area (BRA) 

of the Boise District Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The majority of 

the withdrawn lands are within the BRA however portions of the Cascade, 

Jarbidge, and Owyhee resource areas are included within the area (Maps 1 

and 2). Administrative actions on lands within other resource areas are 

coordinated with the BRA to avoid conflicts with ecosystem management 

objectives. Any provisions of this management plan may be carried out 

through the development and implementation of contractual or cooperative 

agreements with appropriate agencies, organizations, or individuals, 

subject to the provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 

(FLPMA). 

-1-
In 1982, the priorities for managing the SRBOPA were outlined by BLM 

through development of a Mission and Goals statement. This statement is a 

succinct synthesis of managerial philosophy for the area as previously 

expressed in the Snake River Birds of Prey Final Environmental Impact 

Statement and elsewhere. It is an integral part of the Management 

Framework Plans (MFPs) for the BRA and received extensive public review 

during that planning process. 

The Mission and Goal statement recognizes (1) the uniqueness of the SRBOPA 

for birds of prey and the prey upon which they depend; (2) that many other 

resource uses and activities are compatible with management of the area 

for birds of prey and will be continued or accommodated; (3) that based 

upon need, further research and studies may be conducted to better enable 

BLM to manage these resources and uses and; (4) that BLM has a 

responsibility to make management and research information availabile to 

others. 

Mission 

Manage the Snake River Birds of Prey Area for the 

well-being of raptors and for other compatible uses 

Goals 

Goal 1: Perpetuate the nesting raptor populations at the minimum 

population levels determined for each species between 1975 and 

1981. 

Goal 2: Provide for other compatible uses in the Area. 

Goal 3: Coordinate and conduct research and studies to support management 

needs. 

Goal 4: Make available to the public, other agencies and the scientific 

community knowledge gained from management and research 

activities. 

-2-
The Snake River Birds of Prey Area Management Plan 

The management plan for the Snake River Birds of Prey Area reflects a 

multiple-use management concept and is comprised of several subplans or 

"parts." Each part pertains to a different resource management 

discipline. Each also has an introductory discussion which describes its 

relationship to overall management of the SRBOPA, and how it relates to 

the mission and goals for managing the area. 

The general management plan for the SRBOPA (Part I: Birds of Prey and 

General Management Actions) was developed using a "step-down" approach to 

define each management action and resource program in relation to the 

Mission and Goals. Part I establishes management priorities using those 

goals, determines the extent to which other actions and uses in the SRBOPA 

may take place and references each of the other resource plans. The 

.following is a summary of intent and actions for each goal as set forth in 

Part I. 

GOAL 1: Perpetuate the nesting raptor populations at the minimum 

population levels determined for each species between 1975 and 

1981. (Table 1) 

To ensure perpetuation of the nesting raptor populations it is 

necessary to maintain adequate prey habitat and adequately 

protected nesting areas for all species. Habitat and population 

monitoring programs will determine the degree to which this goal 

is being achieved and identify needs for corrective management 

actions. Management actions will emphasize that the birds of 

prey must have ample opportunities for successful nesting to 

enable the diverse population to sustain itself. In addition to 

raptor and prey habitat protection measures, some actions to 

protect nesting raptors and their prey from unnatural direct and 

indirect mortality (such as shooting and excessive disturbance) 

are necessary. 

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Table 1. The minimum expected number of nesting pairs is the lowest 

number observed in years in which a complete survey was made for a given 

species. For species not intensively studied, tentative figures for a 

reasonable expected number of nesting pairs, based on incidental research 

observations, is shown. These numbers will be refined through time as 

complete surveys are obtained for all species and as a result of 

population monitoring. It is assumed that numbers above these levels 

indicate that the ecosystem is in good health and the nesting raptors have 

ample resources and protection for long-term population maintenance. 

Species 

Golden Eagle 

Prairie Falcon 

Red-tailed Hawk 

Ferruginous Hawk 

Northern Harrier 

Kestrel 

Raven 

Long Eared Owl 

Barn Owl 

Great Horned Owl 

Burrowing Owl 

Western Screech Owl 

Short Eared Owl 

Swainson's Hawk 

Turkey Vulture 

* Incomplete survey data. 

Survey Range 

29-35 

185-209 

50-71 

14-19 

86 (one 

22-44* 

99-129 

47-64 

40-69* 

11-44* 

10-24* 

1-11* 

0-2* 

0-1* 

1-2* 

Minimum Expected 

Number of 

Nesting Pairs 

29 

185 

50 

14 

year survey only) ** 

** 

99 

47 

40 

** 

** 

** 

** 

** 

** 

** Insufficient information to establish management target. 

-4-
GOAL 2: Provide for other compatible uses in the Area. 

Historically, a number of resource uses and other human 

activities have occurred within the BOP Area with no apparent 

long term detrimental impacts to the nesting raptors or their 

prey. Livestock grazing, military training, recreation, 

education, research, mineral exploration and extraction, and 

other purposes will continue to be authorized under appropriate 

land use plans. Activities which might diminish the BOP Area's 

uniqueness will be constrained or modified to comply with the 

objectives of Goal 1 in this management plan. 

Environmental assessments will provide the basis for land use 

decisions. Because a multitude of activities and uses occur at 

many locations within the Area, measures needed to accomplish 

Goal 1 may vary substantially and on a case-by-case basis. 

"Appropriate stipulations" or "stipulations" as used in the 

following discussion refers to tailoring protective measures to 

individual activities, projects, uses or locations. 

GOAL 3: Coordinate and conduct research and studies to support management 

needs. 

Research to date has been directed primarily at determining the 

raptor resources here and the prey and prey habitat necessary to 

support the total raptor population. Now that these have been 

identified, future research efforts will be designed and 

conducted to provide information needed for habitat management 

within the SRBOPA. "Habitat" is used here in its broadest 

interpretation and includes not only physical elements, but such 

things as nest security, level of disturbance, etc. Since the 

product of Goal 1, a stable raptor population, is a function of 

raptor, prey and land productivity, it is necessary to determine 

if the raptor population is perpetuating itself, which factors 

most likely effect population stability and how to best obtain 

needed management information. 

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GOAL 4: Make available to the public, other agencies, and the scientific 

community knowledge gained from management and research 

activities. 

To obtain the greatest public benefits from time and dollar 

investments in research and management programs, the results of 

these efforts will be actively disseminated to various interest 

groups. Technical and general interest information will be 

presented or made available through publications, formal 

presentations, electronic media and oral and written requests. 

Some of the benefits accruing from such an information program 

include: 

better management decisions based on more thorough 

knowledge of likely post-decision impacts; 

better understanding of raptor-prey-habitat 

interrelationships by the technical and non-technical 

publics; 

increased visitor satisfaction from a knowledge of the 

resources here and; 

how to best enjoy and protect them at the same time, 

with a better understanding of the significance of 

raptors not only here, but everywhere---historically, 

economically, functionally, scientifically and 

culturally. 

-6-
Through the "step-down" process in Part I, Parts II through IX of the 

management plan were identified as major resource uses and activities 

compatible with Goal 1 or which would have to be constrained to enable 

accomplishment of Goal 1. The size and/or complexity of these programs 

warranted preparation of individual plans for them. The individual 

subplans are as follows: 

Part I: Birds of Prey and General Management Actions 

Part II: Recreation Part VI: Military Training 

Part III: Fire Part VII: Oil/Gas/Geothermal 

Leasing 

Part IV: Livestock Grazing Part VIII: Ecosystem Monitoring, 

Part V: Cultural Resources Research and Studies 

The major elements and actions within each of Parts I through IX are 

presented below. Specific details and justification for some proposed 

actions are contained in this summary because of their significance or 

high public interest. Some actions lack specificity because their 

occurrence is either sporadic, not under BLM control or conceptual in 

nature, and these are being evaluated. All subplans which comprise the 

SRBOPA Management Plan are located at the Boise District BLM office and 

available for further public review and comment. 

-7-
Part I: Birds of Prey and General Management Actions 

Goal 1 

Perpetuation of the nesting raptor populations will be accomplished 

through habitat management measures to: 

protect exisitng nesting areas from unnecessary human and physical 

disturbance. 

mitigate the unnatural loss of nest sites and improve public land 

nesting habitat. 

protect existing sensitive prey habitat from physical damage and 

vegetation community changes due to recreational activities (see Part 

II), fires and fire rehabilitation efforts (see Part III) and the 

invasion of undesirable exotic plants. 

mitigate degradation or loss of prey habitat by rehabilitating areas 

altered by fire or physical disturbance and by taking advantage of 

opportunities to acquire unprotected prey habitat within the area 

through exchange, purchase or donation. 

improve the quality of existing prey habitat currently supporting less 

than optimum prey levels. 

Perpetuation of raptor numbers will be accomplished through actions 

designed to: 

minimize direct sources of mortality due to powerline electrocution of 

raptors, shooting and the destruction of nests and loss of young from 

vandalism and unintentional but controllable actions. 

minimize indirect sources of mortality due to disturbance from human 

activities such as undue human presence around nests, firearms 

discharge during the nesting season, airspace intrusion by aircraft 

during the nesting season and construction activities determined 

likely to adversely impact nesting success. 

support U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Department of Fish 

and Game efforts to improve numbers of threatened, endangered or 

sensitive species of raptors currently or previously endemic to the 

SRBOPA. 

-8-
Goal 2 

Provision of other compatible resource uses in the SRBOPA will be 

identified in this and other appropriate land use plans, as they relate to 

Goal 1. When environmental assessment procedures determine that the 

conduct of other resource activities and uses would conflict with 

accomplishment of Goal 1, those activities and uses will be constrained 

accordingly. Present and known potential land uses and management 

programs, other than those discussed in Parts II through IX are addressed 

as follows: 

Vegetation Management: Vegetation use and management for any resource 

values (livestock, wildlife, recreation, watershed, etc.) may be 

authorized when such management will either benefit or have no adverse 

impact on the nesting raptor population. 

Locatable Minerals and Salable Commodities: The key cliff and canyon 

nesting areas for the birds of prey are included in an area that is 

defined as the "essential nesting habitat," and which extends from 

approximately the Guffey Bridge upstream to Hammett. That portion of 

the Area is withdrawn from location or entry under the Mining Laws of 

1872, as amended and supplemented, subject to valid existing rights at 

the time the SRBOPA withdrawal was issued in 1980. Outside of the 

essential nesting habitat area, the Mining Laws of 1872 are in 

effect. Salable commodities such as sand, cinders and gravel will 

continue to be made available with appropriate stipulations for 

protection of raptor and prey habitat. 

Lands Program Management: For purposes of this section, lands actions 

are divided into Rights-of-Way and Land Acquisition and Disposition. 

A. Rights-of Way: Existing rights-of-way will be reviewed at 

the end of their authorized effective period and may be 

either4regranted or modified to accommodate the needs of the 

grantee or BLM management, notwithstanding the legal rights of 

either party under FLPMA. New rights-of-way will be issued under 

the authority and provisions of FLPMA, with appropriate 

stipulations for the protection of raptors and prey and their 

habitats. 

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B. Land Acquisition and Disposition: Land acquisition and 

disposition are conducted under the provisions of Title II of 

FLPMA. Any such actions will be pursued only when deemed in the 

best interests of the resources in the area and/or the nation. 

1. Land exchanges, sales or Recreation and Public Purposes 

Act disposals may be conducted when such actions will either 

benefit or have no adverse impact upon this ecosystem and 

its ability to support the nesting raptor population (Table 

1). 

2. During the effective period of the withdrawal, all lands 

within the Area are withdrawn from entry, application, or 

selection under the Desert Land Act, the Carey Act, and the 

State of Idaho Admissions Act (refer to PLO #5777 for 

statutes and designations). All pending applications for 

land in the SRBOPA which were filed under these acts will be 

rejected following _development of a plan and timetable for 

this action. 

3. BLM will put together a total lands acquisition/easement 

proposal in 1986 for acquiring significant lands or public 

access within the SRBOPA. 

Non-Birds of Prey Wildlife Management: Habitat management for 

non-raptorial and non-prey species will continue to be an ongoing 

program. These efforts are oriented primarily toward preparation and 

implementation of a C. J. Strike Habitat Management Plan in 

conjunction with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 

Paleontological Resource Management: Paleontological resource 

management is a relatively recent program for the Bureau of Land 

Management, with limited official guidance. Efforts are presently 

directed at inventory and protection of paleontological sites, with 

some interpretive programs being implemented. Because the SRBOPA has 

relatively rich and widespread paleontological resources, a 

Paleontological Resource Management Plan (PRMP) will be prepared in 

FY-87 to better define appropriate management actions and programs for 

them. Hobby collection of all vertebrate orders higher than fish is 

not allowed. All vertebrate collection efforts require special 

permits issued through the National Park Service. In exchange for 

turning vertebrate fossils in to BLM, finders are presently and will 

continue to be awarded molded duplicates of the fossils. 

-10-
Goal 3 

Information needed for managing the SRBOPA is related to the existing 

situation in terms of raptor population stability, identifying causes most 

likely to alter population stability and determining appropriate methods 

and procedures for obtaining pertinent management information. Population 

stability and related habitat conditions will be determined through 

monitoring of both raptor and prey numbers and vegetation communities in 

the SRBOPA. These activities are further discussed in Part VIII: 

Ecosystem Monitoring, Research and Studies. 

Goal 4 

Activities conducted under Goal 4 fall into three general categories: (1) 

the dissemination of general information about the SRBOPA, (2) visitor 

services and (3) the dissemination of technical information gained through 

management and research efforts. Prompt response to all information and 

public program requests relating to the SRBOPA and its resources will 

continue to be emphasized. 

General information: This element is continuous in nature, and BLM 

response is oriented to an "on request" or as-needed schedule. 

Information and public program requests will be coordinated through 

the Bruneau Resource Area. A draft public affairs plan for the Birds 

of Prey Area was completed in January, 1983. It addresses requests 

for general printed information such as interpretive brochures, media 

releases, maps, etc., audio-visual programs for schools, the general 

public, and interest groups, and how to best respond to the rapidly 

growing public awareness of this area and demand for information about 

it. The draft plan was determined to be out of sequence with the land 

use planning process at that time and was not finalized. It will be 

revised and finalized in 1986. Until the public affairs plan is 

completed, current published information such as maps and interpretive 

brochures will be kept available to efficiently meet public requests 

for such material, as funding permits. A revised interpretive 

brochure is in the process of being printed and should be available in 

October, 1985. 

Public information programs such as audio-visual presentations, 

in-area interpretive tours, and assistance with school and other 

educational efforts will continue to be accommodated as time and 

funding permit. In the SRBOPA ecological relationships between the 

land, prey and raptors are easily identified and understood. This 

fact coupled with the area's relative closeness to Idaho's population 

center facilitates visiting the area for educational and recreational 

-11-
field trips to see these relationships on a first-hand basis, as well 

as for its scenic values. Because of the foregoing, interest in and 

requests for BLM participation in these programs have grown 

tremendously over the past few years. These public information and 

education efforts are a key element in controlling and reducing both 

present and future adverse impacts to the ecosystem resulting from 

increased visitor use. 

Visitor Services: Visitor services for the SRBOPA are oriented toward 

in-area public contacts through visitor accommodations (parking areas, 

interpretive signs, information kiosks, user facilities) and public 

use supervision patrols by uniformed personnel. These programs are 

discussed under Part II: Recreation and Part V: Cultural Resources. 

Technical Information: This type of information will be disseminated 

by publication of research results in scientific literature, 

publication of technical notes through BLM, workshop and civic 

presentations, and oral and written response .to day-to-day inquiries. 

-12-
Part II: Recreation 

The actions proposed for managing recreation use in the SRBOPA are fully 

detailed in the SRBOPA Recreation Area Management Plan (RAMP). 

Implementation of actions in the RAMP will provide the area with necessary 

resource protection and at the same time allow for substantial public 

enjoyment of those resources. Recreation resources and activities will 

therefore be managed to be consistent with the primary goal of protection 

of the raptors and their habitat. The following hierarchy is used to 

determine action items and priorities for implementing the recreation 

management program: 

1. Visitor use patterns will be managed to minimize the effects of 

visitor disturbance on nesting raptor productivity. Within this 

limitation, the primary recreation objective is to manage for 

nature study related to the birds of prey resource and for 

archaeological and scenic sightseeing opportunities. The plan 

attempts to provide these opportunities without displacing 

current recreation users. 

2. Emphasis will be on informational and interpretive efforts rather 

than facility developments or improvements, except for those 

facilities or actions necessary for a) informational/interpretive 

needs, b) resource protection needs and/or c) public safety needs. 

3. Management of other recreational uses already occurring in the 

SRMA (fishing, camping, sightseeing, petroglyph visitation, etc.) 

will emphasize improvement of access to and sanitation at and 

around existing attractions, consistent with the above. 

4. Scenic and cultural resource values will be conserved and managed 

for public enjoyment. 

Initial emphasis is directed at meeting resource protection needs through 

actions intended to correct significant existing problems within the most 

heavily used area, the Birds of Prey Natural Area (BPNA) (see Map 1). 

These actions will consist of a combination of the following: 

1) Public information and education programs 

2) In-area public use supervision patrols 

3) Providing recreational developments designed to channel visitor 

use to areas where visitors can have broad opportunities to enjoy the 

area while at the same time having minimal impacts upon it. 

Attention will then be focused on other areas of management need and 

opportunity. 

-13-
Six recreation management issues and actions necessary to deal with them were 

identified during development of the RAMP. The issues are: 

Issue 1: Visitor Management and Resources Protection. Actions developed 

in conjunction with this issue are designed to correct problems resulting 

from largely uncontrolled recreation use areawide, but especially within 

and along the canyon between Swan Falls and the Guffey railroad bridge. 

Ease of vehicular access to this portion of the canyon has and continues 

to result in both intentional and unintentional damage to natural and 

cultural resources, littering, sanitation problems, vandalism of 

property, violation of regulations, unnecessary disturbance to nesting 

raptors and other wildlife and unnecessary hazards to the recreating 

public. The solitude otherwise present in parts of the area is often 

interrupted by the sounds of motorcycles. 

Lack of sustained enforcement of ORV and other regulations because of (1) 

insufficient personnel for patrolling the area and maintaining an 

adequate visitor management program and (2) diversion of employee efforts 

from recreation use supervision to other high priority work in the 

district. 

Issue 2: Visitor Safety. Visitors to the SRBOPA are exposed to a 

variety of real and potential hazards, some of which can be dealt with 

effectively through a comprehensive visitor information program. The 

risks from other hazards can only be dealt with through restriction of 

access and timely use supervision efforts. Four general categories of 

hazards faced by visitors are: 

natural biological hazards (rattlesnakes, scorpions, ticks, badgers, 

poisonous plants, raptors defending nests, unsafe natural water 

sources), 

natural physical hazards (vertical cliffs and falling rocks, boating 

hazards--rapids, winds and currents, hypothermia and heat stress), 

human caused biological hazards (uncontrolled human waste disposal 

(which is contollable to a large degree), presence of pesticides and 

fertilizers in runoff irrigation waters (not under BLM control)) , 

and 

human caused physical hazards (military training area proximity, 

firearms discharge by recreational shooters, throwing of rocks over 

cliffs, off-road vehicle use of areas frequented by pedestrians, 

unsafe driving practice on roads in the area, air operations near 

Mountain Home Air Force Base). 

-14-
Issue 3: Recreational Developments and Access. Thousands of people use 

federal and non-federal lands and waters within the SRBOPA each year. 

Around C. J. Strike dam and upstream from it, visitor accommodations and 

facilities are generally adequate for present and immediate future needs 

and use levels. However from Grand View downstream to the Walters Ferry 

crossing on the Snake River, a variety of problems and needs exists due 

to unaccommodated and largely uncontrolled recreation use. Without 

active efforts to correct existing problems and also accommodate 

projected increases in visitor use to reduce future problems, the 

situation will likely worsen. 

Issue 4: Visitor Information. Visitor interest in the SRBOPA has 

increased substantially in recent years due to events and publicity 

related to 1) the area itself and attempts to have it designated as a 

National Conservation Area, 2) general increased public interest in 

non-game wildlife, 3) construction of the World Center for Birds of Prey 

in Boise and 4) general population growth in the Boise area. Promotion 

of the SRBOPA by State and local community and business interests, the 

World Center and a newly developing program in raptor biology at Boise 

State University (BSU) are further increasing the need for a 

comprehensive visitor information program to ensure maximum resource 

protection. 

Issue 5: Compatibility of Land Uses. Since raptor and prey populations 

and the habitat they depend upon for existence have priority for managing 

uses of the land, actions for meeting recreation needs will be guided and 

possibly constrained by actions, policies, programs necessary to ensure 

the perpetuation of the raptors and their prey. The objective of 

providing recreation opportunities in settings ranging from 

semi-primitive non-motorized to roaded natural could similarly result in 

conflicts with or constraints on some other land uses in order to 

maintain these settings 

Issue 6: Area Monitoring, Use Supervision and Administration. The SRBOP 

Area and attendant programs provide the BLM with an excellent opportunity 

to manage visitor use within a nationally significant area in a manner 

which will complement the values for which the area was established. To 

date, the Bureau's management of recreation use has not been adequate due 

to erratic program funding and shifting of priorities on the basis of 

crisis management, particularly in the absence of Congressional direction 

in the form of legislation. These actions have occurred with respect to 

not only the recreation program, but to other programs which either 

influence the recreation program or are influenced by it such as lands, 

wildlife, cultural resources, and others. If a reasonable recreation 

management program is to be implemented in the SRBOPA there must be 

long-term stability in funding, personnel assigned and program emphasis 

by the recreation subactivity. 

-15-
Management Actions to Resolve Issues Identified in the RAMP 

For each of the six issues addressed in the RAMP, a series of management 

actions was identified as necessary to meet recreation and resource management 

objectives. Some management actions identified for a particular issue will 

resolve concerns addressed in one or more of the other issues. General 

locations for most of the proposed recreation actions within the BPNA are 

shown on Map 3. 

Issue 1. Action 1.1: Some roads would be upgraded within the area to provide 

the public access to key observation and use areas while minimizing 

disturbance to raptors and to establish a more orderly flow of 

visitor traffic in the area. Other roads would be closed for 

resource protection or public safety purposes. Map 4 'shows the 

locations of specific improvement/closure actions within the BPNA: 

l.lA. Close the spur road between the Swan Falls road and the 

1971 BPNA dedication site on the canyon rim and the road 

parallel to the canyon rim accessed by the spur road. A 

parking lot adjacent to the Swan Falls road and an interpretive 

trail leading to the canyon rim would be constructed so that 

visitors would be able to continue viewing the canyon from this 

location. This action is already being implemented. 

l.lB. Improve to an all-weather low speed gravel road the 

river access road upstream of the E. T. Evans ranch in Canyon 

County. Improve that portion from the Evans ranch cattleguard 

upstream to approximately the section line between sections 31 

and 32 in T 1 S, R 1 W. Construct a parking area at that 

location and close the road through the "boulder field" at that 

point. Gravel small parking areas (20' x 20') at heavily used 

spots along this road where people now pull off to the side of 

the road to park while fishing. 

This road receives a great deal of public use but difficulty in 

passing over it and traversing the boulder field has resulted 

in several parallel ruts, erosion and damage to cultural 

resource sites. In addition, the road is extremely narrow in 

spots, squeezed between boulders on one side and the Snake 

River on the other, posing the very real hazard of vehicle 

rollovers into the Snake River. Primary recreation activities 

in this area are fishing, hunting (legal open season), visits 

to petroglyph fields and Halverson Bar cultural resource sites, 

hiking, horseback riding and the like. Gravelling of small 

parking areas will help reduce erosion and damage to cultural 

resources by reducing the amount of indiscriminate off-road 

parking. 

-16-
l.lC. Improve to low speed gravel road status the road 

downstream of the Idaho Power Company (IPCo) property at Swan 

Falls to the USGS gauging station across from Wees Bar in 

Section 35, T 1 S, R 1 W, contingent upon IPCo making similar 

improvement to the same road where it traverses their property 

below Swan Falls dam. Gravelling of small parking areas at 

popular fishing locations will help reduce erosion and damage 

to cultural resources by reducing the amount of indiscriminate 

off-road parking. 

This road receives heavy public use, primarily by fishermen and 

sightseers. It has many of the same problems as the road 

mentioned in Action l.lB. The improvements to river access as 

a result of the reconstruction of the Swan Falls grade road 

will only aggravate problems already existing with and along 

this road. 

l.lD. Improve to low speed gravel status those portions of the 

access road to the Priest Ranch which do not get upgraded as a 

result of the improvements associated with reconstruction of 

the Swan Falls dam only if the EA process d'etermines that such 

improvement would have no adverse impacts to nesting raptors 

and no adverse impacts to cultural resources •• Do not improve 

the road downstream beyond the cattleguard in Section 12, T. 2 

S.,R.lW. 

Severe erosion occurs on the access road in Section 18 of this 

township. With improved access to the south side of the river 

as a result of proposed road improvements by IPCo, the problem 

will only get much worse with projected traffic increases. 

Permanent closure of this road could also be considered if in 

fact the dam access road is upgraded and a determination is 

made that the increased traffic levels into the Priest Ranch 

and Wees Bar areas would result in resource degradation. 

l.lE. Permanently close the road which traverses the canyon 

wall in Section 33, T 1 S, R 1 W. 

This road is extremely rough and passable by four-wheel drive 

vehicle only. It is already listed in the Federal Register as 

being closed but this closure is not enforced. Access to this 

road at the top of the canyon is through private land on an 

unimproved road. Improvement of the roads in 1.lB and l.lC 

will more than assure visitor access to the area of the canyon 

-17-
this road now serves. Because this road is used only by 

four-wheel drive and other ORVs, it contributes to ORV damage 

created around Halverson Lake and sand dunes by encouraging ORV 

use there. 

l.lF. Expand the year-round closure to motor vehicles off of 

designated routes in the BPNA to include all of the essential 

nesting habitat. 

This action is consistent with maintaining the road closure in 

the BPNA to protect nesting raptors and cultural resources, and 

to prevent soil erosion. All existing consistently used public 

roads would remain open, with appropriate signing installed. 

l.lG. Close the Halverson sand dunes to ORV use by placing 

huge basalt rocks at the base of the dunes and signing the 

area. Direct ORV activity to other areas. 

This action will help resolve some public safety and erosion 

problems, as well as lessen disturbance to raptors nesting in 

the vicinity. In the past, signing efforts to control ORV use 

and limit subsequent damage have been unsuccessful. Several 

near-misses have occurred between pedestrians on the dunes and 

ORVs trying to climb the dunes. Enforcement actions may also 

be needed to effect this closure. Such closure is consistent 

with the "Limited" ORV designation for this area. 

l.lH. Coordinate/work with the Idaho Department of Fish and 

Game to acquire fishermen access easement through the Frisch 

Property (T 1 S, R 1 W, Section 25). 

This road is presently the only practical way for people 

without high-clearance vehicles to gain ready access to 

Halverson Lake, a popular fishing spot. The route goes right 

between the Frisch house and barn resulting in substantial 

traffic through the property. There is presently no legal 

public access through the Frisch property other than that 

established through public use over time. If Action l.lB can 

be accomplished however, that upgraded road would provide ready 

access to Halverson Lake and therefore any need for the 

existing travel route through the Frisch property would be 

reduced or possibly eliminated. 

-18-
l.2A: Continue the Sikes Act cooperative law enforcement 

agreement with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. 

l.2B: Through cooperative agreement with law enforcement 

agencies, develop direct county sheriff-BLM radio 

communications capabilities for personnel conducting public use 

supervision patrols. 

BLM currently has no consistent weekend or after-hours radio 

communications link for use supervision activities either with 

dispatch offices or with sheriff deputies, thus immediate or 

timely assistance in emergency situations is not available. 

1.3: Designate as primary visitor use sites and create 

improved gravel parking areas at the following five locations: 

(1) the 1971 dedication site (Map 5 and Illustration 1). 

(2) the upstream terminus of the improved road to 

Halverson Bar (Map 5). 

(3) the junction of the roads to the Priest Ranch and Swan 

Falls dam as noted in Action l.lD. (Map 5). 

(4) the top of the Swan Falls grade north of the river 

(Map 5). 

(5) in T. 4 S., R. 2 E., Section 22, on the east side of 

the Snake River adjacent to the boat launching area 

described in Action 1.4 (Map 6 and Illustration 2). 

Improved parking availability at all of these areas will serve 

to focus what is now a helter-skelter parking arrangement in 

these areas. At areas 1 and 3 it will establish overlook 

control points, and at area 5 will solve a mass public 

confusion problem about where to park on public lands when 

boating through the SRBOPA (some parking is currently 

unintentional trespass on private lands). All will serve to 

establish more predictable and directed visitor use patterns to 

facilitate management. Portions of this action are already 

being implemented at areas 1 and 5, above. 

-19-
l.4A. Install a gravelled boat launching area for small 

watercraft on the east side of the Snake River in T. 4 S., R. 2 

E., Section 22 (Map 6 and Illustration 2). 

Much public uncertainty exists as to where to launch boats for 

float trips through the SRBOPA, especially near Grand View, and 

boaters unknowingly frequently trespass on private land for 

launching and parking and may or may not choose a safe launch 

site. Designated launching and pull-out areas will eliminate 

the sometimes hazardous conditions boaters face when putting-in 

and taking-out at likely-looking but unsafe locations. 

Much of this action (l.4A) has already been implemented but 

some completion work is necessary. 

l.4B. Install a gravelled boat pull-out area for small 

watercraft either at the Guffey Bridge on the north side of the 

river or in T. 1 S., R. 2 W., Section 28, on the south side of 

the river (Map 5). Launching areas and portage trails in the 

vicinity of Swan Falls dam will be improved as a result of work 

by IPCo in conjunction with reconstruction of the dam and 

powerplant. Minimal gravelling of a pullout area will enable 

float-boaters to avoid the flat-water slow progress area 

between Guffey Bridge and Walters Ferry, particularly during 

windy weather when downstream progress becomes impossible at 

times. 

1.5. Install and maintain trash receptacles and either 

Clivus-Multrum or vault toilets at the following locations: 

(1) 1971 Dedication Site area (Map 5 and Illustration 3). 

(2) Halverson Bar area (Map 5). 

(3) Halverson Lake (Map 5). 

(4) Priest Ranch (Map 5). 

(5) Guffey Bridge boat take out (Map 5). 

(6) T. 4 S., R. 2 E. , Section 22, east side river boat 

launch (Map 6 and Illustration 3). 

These installations are necessary to improve sanitation and 

littering problems in the area. 

-20-
1.6. Conduct routine public use supervision patrols in 

high-use areas from March 1 to August 31, annually, to provide 

visitor assistance and information, enforce regulations and 

monitor recreation use patterns and activities. Conduct 

intermittent patrols from September 1 to October 31. 

These efforts will be done by a combination of BLM personnel 

and through contractual agreements with Ada, Elmore and Owyhee 

County sheriff's departments. Assignment of this work to 

in-house personnel will require a long-term commitment by BLM 

to provide both adequate and consistent funding for its 

accomplishment. The intent of these patrols is to prevent 

resource degradation and violations before they occur. These 

patrols would be conducted regularly each weekend and 

occasionally on weekdays throughout the March-August period. 

1.7. Implement first those provisions of the SRBOPA cultural 

resources management plan (CRMP) which will resolve existing 

cultural resource damage problems. No additional publicity 

will be given to unprotected cultural resources. 

1.8. Continue implementation of the Oregon Trail management 

plan. The Oregon Trail management plan is consistent with 

management of the SRBOPA for raptors, has adequate protective 

measures for the trail and is consistent with this recreation 

area management plan. 

Issue 2. A number of visitor safety concerns are already addressed in other 

action items. They are safety on roads (l.lA, l.lB, l.lC, l.lE, 

l.lI), sanitation (1.5), and visitor assistance (l.2B, 1.6). In 

addition to those actions, the following are proposed. 

Action 2.1. Construct a low basalt rock retaining wall (less 

than 3 feet high) on the canyon rim west of the parking area at 

the 1971 Dedication site (Map 5 and Illustration 4). The 

absence of a retaining wall along this heavily used portion of 

the canyon rim provides no measure of safety for visitors who 

are not familiar with the crumbling nature of the basalt 

cliffs. 

-21-
2.2(A&B). Install warning posters and signs in conjunction 

with general visitor information at the primary road entrances 

into the SRBOPA near Kuna and Grand View, at the 1971 

Dedication Site in conjunction with other interpretative 

materials (Maps 5 and 6 and Illustration 5). In the proposed 

visitor center install small but prominent displays about the 

hazards in the area and how to obtain help if needed (see 

Action 4.4). With emphasis on natural phenomena in the area 

and interpretation as the primary tool, public awareness of the 

potential and existing hazards in the Birds of Prey Area is the 

best way to assure visitor protection. 

2.2C. Continue the annual shooting closure from March 1 

through August 31. Heavy spring and early summer recreational 

use in the Grand View to Walters 

Ferry stretch of the Snake River Canyon warrants continuation 

of this closure for visitor protection, in addition to its 

value for protecting birds of prey. 

Issue 3. Many of the concerns pertinent to this issue are addressed in issues 

1 and 2. The following action items are over and above those 

presented for Issues 1 and 2. 

Action 3.1. Continue the cooperative sign program with the Ada 

County Highway District (ACHD) for installation and maintenance 

of directional signs to the SRBOPA. Pursue development of 

similar agreements with Elmore, Canyon and Owyhee counties. 

The BLM/ACHD agreement provides that BLM will furnish materials 

and supplies for such signs and ACHD will make, install and 

maintain the signs along major travel routes to the SRBOPA. 

Signing along State highways and county roads is necessary to 

direct visitors into those portions of the SRBOPA where 

accommodations for public use have been made. Cooperative 

agreements with the respective highway districts ensures timely 

maintenance of signs since highway crews routinely patrol roads 

and perform needed maintenance. 

3.2. Pursue installation of signs at three locations along 

Interstate Highway 84 (rest areas east and west of Boise and 

near the Meridian exit) directing tourists to a visitor 

information center for birds of prey such as the Boise District 

office or the World Center for Birds of Prey and to the SRBOPA 

itself. With the SRBOPA and World Center for Birds of Prey 

becoming major tourist attractions, it is essential that the 

public be accorded the courtesy of locating these features 

readily. 

-22-
3.3. Designate that stretch of the Snake River Canyon along 

the river between Thomas Flats and Sinker Creek as a "Day Use 

Only Area" where no camping is permitted (Map 7). This area 

has some of the lowest nesting cliffs in the entire SRBOPA and 

the cliffs are immediately adjacent to the Snake River. 

Passive visitor activity such as boating past the cliffs does 

not cause the degree of nesting disturbance that on-shore 

hiking and camping activity would create. There are ample 

places for visitors to camp and hike both above and below this 

stretch of the canyon. 

3.4. Monitor visitor use patterns and levels between Grand 

View and Walters Ferry to determine existing or potential 

problem areas which may need protective or accommodative 

management actions. Though existing problem areas are readily 

identifiable in areas of roaded access at current use levels, 

the use of less accessible areas (such as by boaters or 

backpackers) may result in unacceptable disturbance levels to 

nesting raptors, particularly with increasing interest in 

boating or hiking in the area. 

3.5. Complete a carrying capacity study for boating on the 

Snake River between Grand View and Walters Ferry. Increasing 

commercial and private boating activity along this stretch of 

the Snake River will likely result in river congestion levels 

unacceptable to not only boaters, but perhaps to nesting birds 

of prey as well. It is necessary now to de.temine acceptable 

use levels on the river so that allocation of river use is 

considered before problems arise. 

-23-
3.6. Until the completion of Action 3.5, commercial 

float-boating permits will be limited to 5 outfitters. Up to 

ten overnight trips per outfitter may be authorized between 

April 1 and June 30, annually, the most sensitive time period 

for nesting raptors. Party size will be limited to a maximum 

of 30. Commercial float-boating or other commercial 

recreational activities will be monitored and adjusted as 

necessary to protect the resource base and maintain adequate 

recreation opportunities for non-commercial recreation 

pursuits. At least 50% of the use capacity (determined from 

Action 3.5) will be reserved for non-commercial use, with 

outfitting use revised accordingly. Because one-day float 

trips do not usually involve extensive human activity which 

disrupts raptor nesting through prolonged disturbance, such 

trips may exceed the maximum party size limitation when 

approved in advance by the Bruneau Area Manager. 

For purposes of scheduling commercial float trips, reservations 

for starting dates will be taken on a first request-first 

reserved basis no more than one year in advance of proposed 

starting dates. Special protective stipulations are attached 

to all permits issued for commercial floating activities. 

Private boating use is currently unregulated, but is and will 

continue to be monitored since it, too, is increasing. Private 

boaters are required to register for float or powerboat trips 

between Grand View and Walters Ferry. 

-24-
3.7. Redevelop the Cove Recreation site (Map 8). The Cove 

Recreation Site is plagued by problems arising from overuse, 

poor design, traffic flows, and a degenerated boat ramp. It is 

used primarily by local people in conjunction with recreation 

(fishing and boating) at the reservoir. Though it is close to 

a segment of the Oregon Trail, it is not directly tied to any 

BLM recreation resource per se. The future of this facility 

needs to be considered in terms of where it should or can be 

included in recreation management for the SRBOPA and the Oregon 

Trail. In the interim, until such time as its future role and 

need are determined, existing problems at this site should be 

corrected. If a future determination is made that this 

facility does not appropriately fit into BLM's recreation or 

other management programs, consideration should be given to 

turning operation and maintenance over to an entity more 

closely allied with recreation activity at the reservoir such 

as one of the following: 

Idaho Parks and Recreation Department 

Idaho Fish and Game Department 

Idaho Power Company 

Owyhee County 

3.8. In cooperation with the Idaho Department of Fish and 

Game, develop a uniform method for handling requests from the 

various publics to photograph nesting raptors. Consultation to 

resolve this issue will begin in FY-85. The district annually 

receives many requests from the general public, media 

representatives, and professional photographers concerning 

access to some raptor nests so that they may engage in 

photographing and/or filming birds of prey. BLM's response in 

the past has been variable, although requests from media 

representatives have generally been granted. The problems are 

compounded because of different federal and state 

responsibilities with respect to wildlife management, 

especially since pursuit of wildlife for photographic purposes 

is specifically allowed by Idaho State Law as long as such 

activities do not constitute harassment of the animals. Though 

wildlife in general receives tremendous benefit from media 

exposure, there are certain problems associated with 

interpretation and administration of laws, policies, and 

management actions. This situation will be resolved through 

consultation with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

-25-
Issue 4. Some of the concerns of this issue would be taken care of by action 

items for the preceding issues. 

Action 4.1. Update in FY-86 and implement in its entirety the 

Draft Public Affairs Plan for the SRBOPA (see Part I, Goal 4 

discussion). Since interpretive efforts are the key element in 

recreation objectives for the SRBOPA, the Public Affairs Plan 

is the best means for identifying and obtaining the printed and 

audio-visual materials needed to implement the program. 

4.2. Install interpretive signs at the 1971 Dedication Site, 

at the top of Swan Falls grade, at the boat launch area in 

action item l.4A, at the northern boundary of the SRBOPA along 

the Swan Falls and Halverson Bar roads and at the Cabin Draw 

Road (Maps 5 and 6). Installation and proper location of these 

signs is essential for attaining the recreation management 

objectives for this area. These sites are, and will likely 

continue to be, the most heavily used by visitors. Keeping use 

concentrated at these locations rather than letting people 

disperse to more or broader areas will help minimize additional 

disturbance to nesting raptors, particularly in areas where the 

raptors are not already conditioned to human activity. This 

action is therefore consistent with protecting the nesting 

raptor population. 

4.3. Continue to accommodate requests by the general public, 

school, professional, civic and other interest groups for 

information and education programs about the Birds of Prey Area 

as outlined in the SRBOP Public Affairs Plan. (see Part I, 

Goal 4 discussion). 

4.4. Either in the SRBOPA itself or other appropriate 

location, construct a visitor and interpretative center for the 

Snake River Birds of Prey Area. The need for a visitor's 

center bas been considered periodically for several years. 

Visitor requests for information about the SRBOPA have 

generally been satisfied at the Boise District BLM Office, 

however several significant events related to birds of prey in 

southwestern Idaho have evolved recently, all of which were 

evaluated in arriving at this proposed action. These include 

the following: 

increasing visitations to the SRBOPA and resultant visitor 

assistance workloads, 

-26-
Issue 5 

construction of the World Center for Birds of Prey, 

BSU's raptor biology program development 

the proposed annual Idaho Birds of Prey Festival 

increasing media exposure which generates many information 

requests 

local business and community leader interest in such a facility, 

increasing use of the SRBOPA as an environmental education 

laboratory by local and out-of-area schools and more. 

The building of a visitor center must be put in the perspective 

that protection of the raptors and their habitat is paramount 

and that resource protection is of first priority. As BLM's 

first and most important contact with visitors to the SRBOPA 

the visitor center would thus be central to effective resource 

protection, interpretation and enforcement efforts. 

Action 5.1. Within the essential nesting habitat, all new 

developments will be designed to remain subordinate to existing 

landscape character. 

5.2. Throughout the SRBOPA, all developments on public land 

will be located, designed and constructed in such a manner so 

as to maintain or improve existing VRM classes. This may 

necessitate the use of additional landscape materials to 

maintain the landscape character setting. 

5.3. Remove, rehabilitate and/or screen existing visual 

distractions within the BPNA and in close proximity to other 

popular recreation sites in the SRBOPA to make such intrusions 

less conspicuous. 

Actions 5.1 through 5.3 are designed to maintain or improve 

existing Visual Resource Management and recreational settings, 

consistent with recreation management objectives. 

5.4. Include in the land acquisition/easement package in Lands 

Program Management Action B.(3) the following: 

(1) Those State of Idaho lands identified for exchange in 1980. 

(2) That parcel of the E.T. Evans ranch on Halverson Bar which 

was previously offered in exchange for the Melba seeding. 

-27-
Portions of these lands receive heavy recreation use, and all 

have been proposed previously for exchange or acquisition. 

Their acquisition will enable BLM to implement a comprehensive 

controlled recreation management program. 

5.5. Through cooperative management or other agreements, take 

advantage of opportunities made available by private 

landholders to facilitate BLM's management and development of 

recreation resources in the SRBOPA. Such agreements would be 

consummated to meet recreation program needs not otherwise 

attainable on public lands, and are directed toward resource 

protection and ensuring public access to portions of the area. 

One such agreement with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) allows 

public camping on TNC lands within the canyon (Map 7). This 

opportunity for the public to camp on TNC lands reduces the 

amount of disturbance to nesting raptors which would otherwise 

result from camping on adjacent public land in the area 

proposed for protection by Action 3.3. Additional cooperative 

efforts with Idaho Power Company have resulted in the 

incorporation of BLM suggestions into recreation and other 

developments associated with the reconstruction of the Swan 

Falls hydroelectric project. 

5.6. Within the essential nesting habitat, generally prohibit 

the following types of recreation activities between February 1 

and October 1, annually: 

(1) use of hang gliders and ultralight aircraft and 

(2) rock climbing and rappelling, except for emergency 

purposes. 

These types of recreational activity are not generally 

compatible with minimizing disturbance to nesting raptors. 

Ample opportunities for these activities exist elsewhere in the 

southwest Idaho area, however there may be cases in which these 

pursuits could be allowed, but only with the specific advance 

written approval obtained from the Bruneau Resource Area 

Manager or the BLM Boise District Manager. 

-28-
Issue 6. Action 6.1. Construct a permanent field station at Swan Falls 

no later than September 30, 1988 (Map 5). Construction of a 

permanent field camp on BLM land at Swan Falls would facilitate 

visitor contacts and recreation management both above and below 

Swan Falls Dam and provide a permanent, visible BLM presence in 

the SRBOPA. Construction timing would enable its completion at 

approximately the same time that reconstruction of the Swan 

Falls hydroelectric facility is completed and subsequent public 

use intensifies. 

6.2. Create and staff the following additional positions in 

the SRBOPA to implement the provisions of this plan: 

(1) One permanent full-time Ranger 

(2) One permanent full-time Interpretive/Environmental 

Education Specialist 

(3) Two seasonal Recreation/Wildlife Aides 

These positions are necessary to successfully resolve many 

action items previously discussed such as use supervision, 

monitoring, visitor center staffing, maintenance of 

developments and improvements, resource protection, visitor 

contacts and assistance, etc. 

-29-

Part III: Fire Management 

The SRBOPA Fire Management Plan prescribes fire suppression and fire 

rehabilitation operations to be carried out on public land within the area. 

Fire management within the Idaho Military Division (IMD) Training Area (TA) 

(see Map 2 and Map 12) is administered under the IMD/BLM Memorandum of 

Understanding for the TA due to hazards associated with unexploded ammunition 

in that portion of the TA known as the Impact Area (IA). 

Fire Suppression 

On public Land outside of the TA, full normal fire suppression actions will be 

taken for all fires according to Boise District BLM policy. For multiple fire 

occurrences, top priority will be given to those fires occurring in previously 

unburned areas, particularly in winterfat and sagebrush plant communities 

which are important prey habitat for jack rabbits. Heavy equipment will be 

used in most fire suppression actions to keep the amount of burned acreage to 

a minimum. 

On public land within the TA, the IMD is responsible for 

suppression of all fires resulting from IMD activities. 

suppression and activities are discussed under Part VI: 

Individual Responsibilities section A(6). 

Fire Rehabilitation 

prevention and 

Details of fire 

MILITARY TRAINING, 

On public land outside of the IMD TA, areas suitable for rehabilitation are 

identified by resource area representatives immediately following fires. 

Special emphasis is given to re-establishing shrub communities within golden 

eagle hunting territories, generally within five miles of the Snake River 

canyon rim. 

Fire and other land rehabilitation procedures on public land within the IMD TA 

are discussed in Part VI: MILITARY TRAINING, Mutual Responsibilities section 

B. 

-30-

Part IV: Livestock Grazing 

Twenty-four grazing allotments in the three resource areas are partially or 

entirely within the SRBOPA (Maps 9, 10 & 11). A total of 45,968 Animal Unit 

Months (AUMs) of grazing is licensed annually within the area, 80% for cattle 

use and 20% for sheep use (Table 2). Ten of the 24 allotments have more than 

one permittee and are classified as common use allotments. 

Livestock grazing will continue to be authorized according to grazing 

privileges of the respective permittees, within the limits of MFP and RMP 

guidelines and decisions. Little change from the current stocking rates and 

season of use is expected in most allotments. Since most allotments within 

the SRBOPA are in the less intensive management category, Allotment Management 

Plans (AMPs) will generally not be developed, though grazing systems may be 

established for some allotments. 

Any increases or reductions in livestock use will be accompanied by monitoring 

programs to insure that such changes do not result in adverse impacts to 

raptor and prey habitats (vegetation type, quantity, structure, etc.) or to 

other resource values. Utilization levels of key forage species will be 

determined in all allotments and trend studies (permanent photo plots or 

nested frequency transects) will be established in the allotments where AMP's 

are developed. Additional monitoring studies will be established in all 

emergency fire rehabilitation seedings. Monitoring and research studies have 

been established at various locations in the SRBOP to study grazing and fire 

impacts on vegetation and prey species. 

Facilities and improvements for livestock management will be authorized when 

their installation will not adversely impact the nesting raptors, prey habitat 

or other resources. 

Livestock permittees will be notified by the appropriate Area Manager of 

research activities which may affect grazing use patterns (construction of 

exclosures, study areas, location of prey trapping grids, etc.) in their 

respective allotments. 

-31-
Table 2. Grazing allotments within the Snake River Birds of Prey Area. 

Some of these allotments are not totally contained within the Birds of 

Prey Area. 

Predicted 

!Year Grazing 

Allot. Lives tock Season Kind of No. of Decision Will 

No. Name Use AUMs of Use Lives tock Permit tees Be Issued 

!Bruneau Resource Area l 

801 Castle Creek 256 111/1-1/31 Cattle 7 1987** 

802 !Battle Creek 200* lll/1-1/31 Cattle 1 1986** 

806 Pole Creek Ind. 156 4/1-9/30 Cattle 1 1984 

813 !Mountain Home Sub-Unit 4,260 4/1-6/30 Cattle 11 1987** 

lll/1-12/30 

821 Chalk Flat 2,511 4/1-6/30 Cattle 2 1986 

10/16-12/31 

825 Sunnyside Sp. - F. 13,300 4/1-6/30 Cattle 14 1986 

10/16-12/15 Sheep 

826 Sunnyside~ Winter 14,361 12/16-2/28 Cattle 5 1987 

. Sheep 

827 !Rattlesnake Seeding 1,386 4/1-12/31 Cattle 1 1985 

828 Crater Ring Seeding 650 4/1-6/5 Cattle 2 1986 

832 !Duck Ponds 56 7 /1-8/30 Cattle 1 1985 

834 !Rattlesnake Creek 220 4/1-6/15 Cattle 1 1984 

10/1-11/16 

837 !Rabbit Springs 84 4/1-9/30 Cattle l 1986 

839 !Melba Seeding 333 4/1-6/30 Cattle 1 1985 

11/1-12/15 

!Owyhee Resource Area 

517 Rabbit Crk./Peters Gulch 250 4/1-5/31 Cattle 1 1983 

535 !Fossil Butte 600 10/1-2/28 Cattle 6 1982 

569 Silver City l 250 4/1-10/31 Cattle 2 1982 

571 Con Shea 1,250 11/1-2/28 Cattle 2 1982 

578 Sinker Butte 700 11/15-2/28 Cattle 1 1983 

654 Montini 140 *** Cattle 1 1983 l 

(Fenced Federal Range) l 

Jarbidge Resource Area l 

1137 !Bruneau Arm 2,500 11/1-3/25 Cattle 1 1986-87 l 

1137 Bruneau Hills 210 3/1-1/15 Cattle 1 1986-87 

1137 !Browns Gulch 1,200 11 /1-2/28 Cattle 1 1986-87 

1137 Flat Iron 255 4/16-10/31 Cattle 3 1986-87 

1137 !West Saylor Creek 300 4/1-11/30 Cattle 1 1986-87 

100 3/16-6/15 Sheep 

l 200 10/16-12/15 Sheep 

1137 !Hammett - Billy Stevens 240 9/15-3/15 Cattle 2 1986-87 

* Potential use, as no livestock currently graze this unit. 

** Allotment Management Plan (AMP) will be completed in conjunction with 

issuing grazing decision. 

*** At permittees discretion, as long as use on key species does not exceed 50%. 

-32-
Part V: Cultural Resources 

General management actions apply to groups of sites or to administration of 

the Archaeological District as a whole. Site-specific management actions are 

based on individual site needs. A monitoring plan has yet to be developed for 

the sites included in the CRMP, therefore monitoring requirements ate not yet 

identified for specific sites. 

General Management Actions 

Many of the general management actions in the CRMP are administrative in 

nature and involve records procedures, artifact storage, data management and 

the like and will not be covered in this document. However, the following 

actions are considered significant enough for review here. 

1. Support through exchange or purchase the acquisition of private and 

state owned lands within the Archaeological District and retain lands 

already in Federal ownership. 

2. Develop a Cooperative Management Agreement with Idaho Power Company 

(IPCo) to coordinate management efforts on adjacent BLM/IPCo lands in the 

Birds of Prey Area. Much recreation use in the canyon occurs on land 

owned by IPCo or because of public access across IPCo land to other 

portions of the canyon. Coordinated recreation management would benefit 

the overall land management efforts of both IPCo and BLM. 

3. Assist IMD to the maximum extent possible with its efforts in 

completing a cultural resources inventory and management plan for the IMD 

Training Area (see Map 12). This action is discussed under Part VI: 

MILITARY TRAINING, Individual Responsibilities· section A(ll). The 

military maneuvers area has never been inventoried for cultural 

resources, and this inventory will identify sites which may need further 

management attention. A protection plan for cultural resources within 

the TA will be developed in conjunction with this inventory. In the 

interim, military training activities are planned so as to avoid all 

known cultural resource sites. Training participants receive 

pre-maneuvers briefings regarding the values and regulations relative to 

cultural resource sites. 

4. Initiate proceedings to have the artifact collection and supporting 

records from the 1971 cultural resources survey by Keeler and Koko 

transferred from Idaho State University (accession number 1638) to the 

Southwest Idaho Regional Archaeological Center in Boise. Investigate the 

whereabouts of other federally owned collections from the SRBOPA and try 

to have them transferred to Boise also. 

-33-
5. Support the Birds of Prey Recreation Management Plan recommendations 

for visitor use control, and emphasize the following components of this 

effort: 

A. Increased law enforcement efforts 

B. Accelerated public information programs 

C. Limited road access to the canyon rim and within the canyon 

to existing roads only. 

6. Support active enforcement of the ORV closure in the Archaeological 

District since ORV use can cause significant damage to cultural sites. 

Evaluate site areas in the larger SRBOPA to determine if ORV use is 

damaging sites, and if so, prepare recommendations for physical 

protection measures. The biggest problem area in the Archaeological 

District is around Halverson Lakes and the adjacent dunes. This action 

is consistent with Recreation Actions l.l(B) and l.l(G). 

11. Encourage minimum impact camping: carrying out of trash and human 

waste, prohibition of fire rings and leveling or trenching around tents, 

no camping in rock or frame structures, using only dead and down wood, 

restrict, modify, and/or designate recreation trails. As recreation use 

increases there will be increased impacts to cultural resources. 

Encouraging or requiring recreationists to use minimum impact camping 

techniques should result in reducing adverse impacts to sites. 

8. Contact recreationists (especially outfitters and guides 

associations) to discuss cultural resource concerns and exchange 

information regarding site conditions and needs. Coordination between 

recreationists and the Bureau is important in protecting cultural 

resources. Outfitters and guides are especially concerned with acquiring 

information about cultural sites encountered by their clients to enhance 

the float boaters' experience. 

9. Retain or add the following conditions to the commercial outfitter 

permits: 

A. Permittee and trip participants must not disturb archaeological 

or historical values, including, but not limited to petroglyphs, 

historic structures, rockshelters, and open surface sites. 

Petroglyphs are not to be chalked for photo enhancement. 

B. Permittee must leave in place and report any hidden cultural 

values uncovered through authorized operations. 

-34-
Most commercial outfitters recognize the incentive for leaving cultural 

sites intact since it enriches everyone's appreciation of the river. A 

legal deterrent is still appropriate. Many recreationists are unaware 

that the chalking of petroglyphs may be potentially harmful to the rock 

art and definitely detracts from the experience of those who follow. 

10. As information and data are obtained through monitoring, develop and 

implement physical protection measures to prevent further loss of values 

for sites not specifically identified under Site Specific Management 

Actions, below. 

11. Physically close and rehabilitate alternate vehicle tracks and 

trails abounding next to existing roads. On a case by case basis, erect 

barriers or signs as necessary to restrict travel to one set of tracks 

through important site areas. If necessary, conduct limited test 

excavations to determine the least destructive route through the site. 

12. Maintain all physical protection facilities and interpretive 

projects installed in conjunction with protection of individual cultural 

resource sites. Physical protection projects must be maintained to 

provide on-going and long-term protection and preservation of cultural 

resources. 

13. Develop a 3-year cyclic monitoring schedule for all recorded sites 

in the SRBOPA. Especially significant or vulnerable sites will be 

visited more frequently. 

14. All cultural resources along the river will be preserved as a 

storehouse of information for scientific research. All proposals for 

destructive research (i.e. excavations) at sites within the 

Archaeological District will be considered in consultation with the State 

Historic Preservation Officer. Generally, research will be authorized 

only if the site is in danger of being destroyed or the value of the 

information obtained would outweigh the loss of the site itself. 

Non-destructive research (e.g., settlement pattern analysis, 

architectural studies, oral history interviews, archival research, etc.) 

will be encouraged. 

15. Complete detailed recording of all rock art known to exist in the 

Archaeological District, excluding the Wees Bar petroglyph field which 

has already been mapped. 

16. Post interpretive/warning signs at significant rock art sites to 

enrich visitor experiences and dissuade would-be vandals. 

-35-
17. Produce at least one cultural resource brochure annually as part of 

the Public Affairs Plan Critical Concern Brochure Series. A few brochure 

topics are: 

A. General history of the area with numbered points of interest and 

brief descriptions. 

B. Wees Bar petroglyphs (reissue existing handout). 

C. Wees Bar stone house. 

D. Doc Hisom's cabin. 

E. Railroad and Guffey Bridge and townsite. 

F. Farming on the Snake River. 

G. Mining in the Birds of Prey Area. 

18. Evaluate the interpretive potential of the following major sites in 

the Birds of Prey Area. In addition to those listed below, other sites 

may be designated in the future. 

Halverson Bar 

Wees Bar (petroglyphs and stone house) 

Priest Ranch 

Ferry Sites 

Guffey Bridge, Townsite and Railroad Grade 

The Peach Orchard 

Stone Cabin, 10-AA-184 

Oregon Trail (already covered in District's Oregon Trail 

Management Plan). 

The locations of these sites are generally well known by people coming 

into the area. Some are clearly identified on maps readily available to 

the public. Interpreting these sites will enhance the visitor's 

experience while simultaneously encouraging preservation. 

-36-
Site Specific Management Actions 

1. GUFFEY BRIDGE AND VICINITY: At the Guffey Bridge, install 

interpretive signs and warning notices. In conjunction with the State 

Historical Society, prepare a brochure on the history of this impressive 

structure, the railroad and and the townsite associated with its 

construction (Map 5). 

So important is the Guffey Bridge to local citizens that they and the 

State Historical Society banded together a few years ago to save the 

bridge when it was threatened by a steel salvage operation. Although it 

is not on BLM administered land the bridge has high interpretive 

potential and contributes a great deal to the quality of visitors' visual 

experience. 

2. FERRY LOCATIONS: At all ferry locations in the Archaeological 

District where physical locations can be determined, install interpretive 

signs and post warning notices. Prepare an interpretive brochure for 

distribution covering the importance of ferry boats to southwestern Idaho. 

3. SCHELLBACH CAVE: Post an interpretive sign below the cave at a 

suitable location such as Wees Bar. Explore the feasibility of removing 

spray paint graffiti on cave walls. Prepare an interpretive brochure 

describing the results of Schellbach's 1929 excavation efforts. 

Schellbach Cave was the first scientifically excavated site in Idaho 

which makes it historically interesting as well as being of prehistoric 

concern. 

4. HALVERSON BAR SETTLEMENT: Install interpretive signs and post 

warning notices (Map 5). Complete architectural recordings of all 

structures/ruins, including measured drawings and photographs. Map all 

visible features including ruins, ditches, water wheel, etc •• Prepare a 

brief report suitable for publication and distribution as a brochure to 

river outfitters and other interested members of the public. Monitor the 

condition of the structures to detect stabilization needs as early as 

possible since the area is highly vulnerable to vandalism, livestock 

impacts and ORV related impacts. 

5. WEES BAR PETROGLYPHS: Install interpretive signs and post warning 

notices at this location. Monitor the condition of the petroglyphs to 

identify trends in deterioration or incidences of vandalism. Prepare an 

interpretive brochure for these features. The petroglyph field is a 

spectacular display of rock art and is in fairly good shape. The figures 

have been extensively recorded and photographed, but nothing has been 

done with the tremendous interpretive potential of this site. The 

District receives frequent inquiries regarding the site and its location, 

and it is a favorite stop for those using the river. 

-37-
6. WEES BAR STONE HOUSE: Install interpretive signs and post warning 

notices at this site. Prepare a brief historical report suitable for use 

as an interpretive brochure. Monitor the condition of the structure 

carefully to determine additional surveillance, signing or stabilization 

needs. Of all the historic sites in the canyon, there is none more 

obscure in origin or intriguing in appearance than this large, well built 

stone house. Mistaken assumptions about this structure have identified 

it variously as a mansion or even a church. The stone house receives 

heavy visitor use along with the adjacent petroglyph field. Vandalism 

has taken its toll as recreationists have used what little wood remained 

in the structure for firewood. 

7. PRIEST RANCH: Install interpretive signs and post warning notices at 

this location (Map 5). If feasible, stabilize the remaining structure. 

The remains are especially vulnerable to vandalism, fire, and natural 

decay. One structure was destroyed by a man-caused fire in 1983. 

8. THE PEACH ORCHARD: Limit access to this area to foot traffic only. 

Block vehicular access at the top of the cliff and adjacent to the 

river. Prepare an interpretive brochure about this area and support 

proposals to acquire this parcel from The Nature Conservancy. The Peach 

Orchard cabin is presently in good condition but very susceptible to 

vandalism. The area is popular with float boating groups and receives 

additional heavy visitor use. The District receives frequent inquiries 

regarding the history of this cabin and its surroundings. 

9. Cultural Resource Site 10-AA-184: Install interpretive signs and 

post warning notices at this site. Complete architectural recording of 

cabin, including measured drawings and photographs. Prepare a brief 

interpretive brochure about this site. This cabin has been mistakenly 

identified for several years as having been occupied by William C. "Doc" 

Hisom, a half black, half Indian veterinarian who lived on the Snake 

River for at least fifty years. It is a regular stop for boaters and 

receives heavy visitor use. 

10. Cultural Resource Site 10-AA-09: Excavate this rockshelter located 

along the Swan Falls-Melba Road. Severe damage to this site was reported 

in the 1970's. The midden from the site extends across the road to the 

river and is cut to a depth of three feet in some places by vehicle 

ruts. In addition, vandals have disturbed the deposits. There is no 

alternate route because of the steep terrain, therefore salvage 

excavation is the only option for site treatment. 

-38-
11. Cultural Resources Site 10-AA-19: Determine the route through this 

area least harmful to the extensive prehistoric site presently being 

damaged by vehicle traffic. Close alternate tracks and reroute vehicles 

to one road. If necessary, test excavate to determine the boundaries of 

the site. Extensive disturbance to the buried archaeological deposits in 

this area was noted in the 1970's. To date, nothing has been done to 

protect this rich site. 

12. THOMAS FLATS STONE REMAINS: Support proposals to acquire this 

parcel from the private landowner. Complete map of associated features; 

include measured drawings and photographs. The origin and function of 

this large historic site are unknown. It has good interpretive potential 

and probably contains archaeological values. It is possible that these 

structures served as a way station on a historic route to Silver City or 

may have been associated with one of M. Monahan's ferries. 

-39-

Part VI: Military Training 

The Idaho Military Division (!MD) uses approximately 130,000 acres within the 

boundaries of the SRBOPA as a Training Area (TA) (Map 2 and Map 12). Use of 

the TA is authorized under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the IMD 

and BLM. Training use has been primarily on weekends with numerous two week 

training sessions throughout the summers. The number of personnel being 

trained has steadily increased over the years. Use of the TA and other public 

lands by regular federal armed forces is permitted only through rights-of-way 

or withdrawals issued under FLPMA (Section 302(b), and only when the proposed 

use is similar or closely related to the programs of the Secretary of the 

Interior for the public lands involved. 

The responsibilities of BLM and !MD are defined in the IMD/BLM MOU for use of 

the Training Area (TA). The MOU was recently reviewed and reauthorized on May 

17, 1985, signed by the BLM State Director and the Governor of Idaho. The 

following selected excerpts are quoted verbatim from the MOU. The TA is 

divided into two areas. The Impact Area (IA) is that land used as a target 

zone into which live ammunition is fired. Outside of the Impact Area (OIA) is 

the region in which maneuvers are conducted and from which artillery is 

fired. 

MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The BLM and !MD agree to: 

A. Meet annually on or about November 1, to discuss and outline IMD's 

annual operating plan and the prior years' activities. The level of 

activity authorized shall not further diminish the area for the nesting 

raptors. 

B. Jointly assess soil and vegetation disturbance caused by training 

activities (including fires) by October 1 of each year. The BLM will 

prescribe species to be planted, application rates, time of year and 

provide rangeland drills if available. The !MD will be responsible for 

all costs in carrying out the rehabilitation including maintenance of the 

BLM drills while they are being used on the seedings. All seeding 

results must be to the satisfaction of the BLM. 

C. The MOU shall be reviewed every five (5) years •••• " 

-40-
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

A. The !MD will: 

(1) Coordinated (sic) and control military use of the TA. 

(2) Provide information concerning major changes to the annual 

operating plan. 

(3) Install and maintain warning, safety and closure signs around 

the perimeter of the IA at 1/4 mile intervals • Trespass control 

will be the responsibility of the !MD, when the IA has been closed 

to the public by the BLM. 

(4) Install and maintain closure signs on roads likely used by the 

public to enter the OIA. Such signs will close the area to 

unauthorized persons during periods of use by the !MD • 

(5) Conduct aerial and/or ground reconnaissance prior to all live 

firing to insure all people and livestock are out of the impact area 

or any other unsafe areas. 

(6) Be responsible for prevention and suppression of all fires 

within the training area resulting from !MD activities. 

(a) Take action to control or suppress fires within the impact 

area at the discretion of the !MD. 

(b) Report all fires to the BLM Boise District fire dispatch 

office (334-1497) immediately, giving location, size and 

expected time of control. The BLM may take suppression action 

when deemed necessary and will notify !MD immediately when 

taking such action. The !MD will pay all BLM suppression costs 

incurred. A fire coordination plan will be part of the annual 

operations plan •••• 

(7) Repair or replace range improvements such as fences, water 

tanks, cattleguards, and corrals ••• that are damaged or destroyed 

by military activities •••• 

(8) Annually remove debris and litter generated by !MD activities 

unless otherwise agreed to by the BLM Boise District Manager. 

-41-
(9) Take reasonable efforts to locate and destroy all unexploded 

munitions within the area, and eliminate any other hazards that may 

result from the use of the area by the military. If use of the area 

is abandoned or this MOU is terminated, the IMD will be responsible 

for decontamination of the public lands included per 43 CFR 

2374.2(a). 

(11) By September 30, 1986 complete a cultural resource survey, 

excluding the IA, and implement a protection plan to avoid or 

mitigate damage to sites eligible for the National Register of 

Historic Places. 

(16) Support the BLM in its monitoring studies to assure that the 

use level is compatible with maintaining a prey base in the area. 

B. The BLM will : 

(1) Confine authorized livestock use in the TA to the periods from 

April 1 - June 30 and October 16 - February 28 annually. Additional 

livestock use may be authorized outside these periods with 30 days 

notice to the IMD. 

(3) Include any State of Idaho lands into this MOU if they are 

acquired by the BLM. 

(4) Conduct monitoring studies on the level of use by the birds of 

prey to determine the effects of military activities and provide IMD 

with a report of such studies or findings. 

(5) Close IA to the public and provide appropriate signs to the IMD 

designating closure." 

-42-

Part VII: Oil/Gas/Geothermal Leasing 

During the effective period of the withdrawal, leases will continue to be 

issued for oil and gas and geothermal resources in the Birds of Prey Area 

with appropriate stipulations to protect raptor and prey habitat. 

Environmental assessments have been completed for both Oil and Gas and 

Geothermal leasing within the area. Especially significant among the BLM 

land use stipulations applied for ensuring adequate resource protection or 

public safety are the following: 

1. No occupancy or other activity on the surface of the land within 

the essential nesting habitat is allowed except for certain types of 

exploratory activities. Geophysical exploration (without explosives) 

may be conducted from September 1 through the end of February. 

Exploration activities involving vehicle or mobile heavy equipment is 

limited to travel and use on existing roads and trails. Variations 

must specifically be approved in writing by the Boise District Manager. 

2. No surface occupancy is allowed in the Crater Rings area. 

3. Only seasonal occupancy from Julyy 1 through March 14, annually, is 

allowed in the long-billed curlew habitat area north of the IMD TA. 

4. Surface disturbance and/or occupancy are prohibited within 330 

feet each side of all historic trails in the lease area (Oregon Trail). 

5. No occupancy or other activity on the surface of the Idaho 

National Guard (IMD TA) impact zone (Map 12). 

In addition to BLM stipulations, the Idaho National Guard (ING) has 

requested that the following stipulations apply to all oil and gas leases 

issued in the IMD TA: 

1. The ING will be furnished with detailed plans for all exploration 

and construction/operations activity planned by the lessee at least 60 

days prior to its commencement. 

2. Roads and trails in the area will remain open for use by the 

National Guard. 

3. No area fence closures will be built, other than around the 

immediate vicinity of the construction/operation activity. 

4. The Federal Government (all agencies), the State of Idaho, and the 

ING will be immune from liability for any injuries or damage to 

property resulting from the explosion of military ammunition and/or 

explosives. 

-43-

Part VIII: Ecosystem Monitoring, Research and Studies 

Ecosystem Monitoring 

In order to determine the stability of the raptor population in the SRBOPA, 

periodic monitoring of the raptors themselves, their prey, habitat 

condition and land uses is necessary. Monitoring data help in determining 

management actions necessary to ensure perpetuation of these populations. 

The goals for monitoring in the SRBOPA are to detect environmental changes 

which may affect the stability of raptor and prey populations; to detect 

significant population changes of the major nesting raptor species to alert 

managers of potential downward trends; and to record changes in prey, 

vegetation and human use in relation to raptor population levels so 

managers can respond to raptor population declines, should that occur. 

Annual monitoring efforts evaluate raptor and prey populations, habitat 

conditions related to vegetation, the effects of fires and fire management 

and levels of recreational and other human uses. 

Research and Studies 

Research and management studies are conducted within the SRBOPA to address 

management concerns related to exisitng information needs and anticipated 

information needs. At present, three areas for investigation of prey 

habitat condition have been identified. They are: 

1. The effects of fire, grazing, and range rehabilitation practices 

on existing vegetation communities and how these affect prey habitat 

values 

2. Prey densities related to successional stages of vegetation within 

each habitat type resulting from those practices. 

3. Prey vulnerability to raptors in those successional stages. 

In addition, since nesting success may be effected by direct or indirect 

effects from human disturbance or other causes, additional information 

needs are being evaluated. If existing information is not sufficient to 

meet management needs, BLM will seek to obtain that information by 

(1) conducting in-house research, 

(2) contracting for such research, 

(3) authorizing qualified non-BLM entities and/or persons to conduct 

the needed research within the area or 

(4) seeking outside funding as authorized in Section 307(c) of FLPMA. 

-44-

T. 

1 

T. 

2 

s. 

T. 

3 

s 

T 

s 

T. 

s 

t 

[J D 

MAP 1 

SNAKE RIVER 

BIRDS OF PREY 

AREA 

T. 

3 

T 

. 

MAP 2 

CASCADE SNAKE RIVER BIRDS OF rREY AREA 

LEGEND 

of y 

~RESOURCE AREA Boundaries 

_____ 

BRUNEAU RA 

i 

. 

i 

RA 

! 

i 

i 

__ 

r 

MAP 3 SNAKE RIVER BIRDS Of PREY AREA 

LEGEND 

ot 

NHion 

1. Halverson Bar/Guffey area 

~2. 1971 Dedication Site area 

3.~ Black Butte launch area 

24 

v 

.. .. -... 

., 

__ 

p . 

MAP 4 

LEGEND 

\. 

\ 

Road Improvements p 

Road Closures 

. 

\ 

/ 

.. 

\ 

\ 

. 

29 

2 

// 

4 

\ 

\ 28 ' 

' \ 

. 

.. . \ 

? 

p 

T 

R 

. 

MAP 5 

LEGEND 

erpretlve 

Parking 

Toll et 

Boat Ramp 

Signs 

.---- . 

J 

Proposed Recreation 

\ '. l 

) 

) 

.. ) 

23 24 

/ 

1 

( 

\ 

) J 

Developments 

, : 

i 

.. -

. . . .. 

16 

. . 

MAP 6 

LEGEND 

? Int erpretlve Signs 

p Parking v 

R. 2 E. 

T Toll et 

R Boat Ramp Proposed 

6 

NW 

r 

v 

. . - \ 

__ 

R. 3 E 

11 

( 

-.. - . 

23 

Recreation Developments 

5-

i p 

• i 

' p 

. 

L 

) 

' 

. . . 

. 

p 

11 

iP 

. 

:v \ 

) 26 

... 

2 

' - ' 

P __ 

/ 

25 

Conservancy 

-

34 

2 

. . . ... . 

RW '' 

12 

J 

/ 

RW 

__ - -

RW 

( 

2973 

. 

. . _ 

l 

1 R 4 E 

MAP 8 

BRUNEAU RESOURCE AREA 

GRAZING ALLOTMENTS 

MAP 9 

JARBIDGE RESOURCE AREA 

GRAZING ALLOTMENTS 

MAP 10 

. 

T . N. 

T. 1 

T. 3 . 

. .. 

.. _ 

R. 4 E. C. J. 

OWYHEE RESOURCE AREA 

GRAZING ALLOTMENTS 

MAP 11 

4 

S. 

---- MAP 

... . . ... . 

. :- .- . .: . . ' 

' 

.. ., . - -

-,.- .. 

... .. .. J. . l . . , 

. ! . _ ___ _ . . 

.- . . ....... .. f . . . _,.. 

. 

12 

. . . 

.. . .. . ... - ... -. -

.. 

·=· 

IDAHO MILITARY DIVISION 

TRAINING AREA 

LEGEND 

IA IMPACT AREA 

-

OIA OUTSIDE OF THE IMPACT AREA 

-

ILLUSTRATION 1 

PRELIMINARY~ DEVELOPMENT PLAN 

DEDICATION POINT INTERPRETATIVE SITE 

SWAN 

FALLS 

ROAD 

i 

' ' 

\ 

INTERPRETIVE NATURE TRAIL 

- - - ,, / 

,, / / 

\ '/ 

,, _______ 

,, .. , -- • 

\ 

SNAKE •. 

RIVER 

CANYON 

& INTERPRETATIVE ! 

SIGNING 

Schematic cross-section of the rock wall 

-6-

36 

-24-

The rock wall will be 36" high, 24'' wide at the base and 6" wide at the 

top. It will be constructed of basalt and mortar 

1 

\ 

ILLUSTRATION 2 

PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN / 

BLACK BlITTE BOAT RAMP : / 

. 

. .. . t . .. , 

. '. .... _ . -. ... ... __ / ' . RimrQc . . .. 

SNAKE RIVER 

'ng access 

road LEGEND 

- Area to 

be gravelled 

SCALE 

ILLUSTRATION 3 

EXAMPLE OF A RESTROOM FACILITY WITH SPACE FOR A SMALL EXHIBIT AS COULD BE 

USED AT DEDICATION POINT OR_THE BLACK BUTTE ~BOAT RAMP 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --- - - -----------------------~ 

END EL.E'VATION 

-

END ELEVATION 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

' 

----------- ---,J- - - - ___ 

SIDE ELEVATION 

. 2" 13• " 13'· 2 .. 

Women 

Office 

Exhibits i 

Concrete Slab 

...... 

! ' 

L ! men __ __ 

i Brick~ Wall 

i j ---

____ ____ ______ -------1 S' 

PLAN 

ILLUSTRATION 4 

EXAMPLE OF INTE_RPRETATIVE SIGNING THAT WOULD BE INSTALLED ON THE ROCK WALL 

A1 DEDICATION POINT AND AT TRE TOP OF THE SWAN FALLS GRADE 

A display interpreting the features 

oI a broad visual panorama. The 

broad terrace proVides for general 

multidirectional viewing as well as 

specific interpretation; therefore, 

no shelter with obstructing supports 

is included. Note the metal railing provided to help 

in maintaining a visual perspective between the actual 

scene and the interpretive device . 

ILLUSTRATION 5 

EXAMPLE OF A PORTABLE KIOSK THAT COULD BE USED SEASONALLY AS A VISITOR 

CONTACT POINT IN THE BIRDS OF PREY AREA 

_ Ventilator for GeVeUt climates 

l 

: . 

-

r--

- - _--'~ 

ELEVATION 

The kiosk shown here serves a wide range of uses--a parking area office, 

ticket counter and information booth. The structure is economical ($2,000. in 

1975 for materials alone). and can be moved with ease . It is designed to be 

weather resistant and comfortable . 

Inside . the kiosk has projecting counter units so that there is generous 

internal storage capacity. The windows can be bolted in an open or closed 

position and offer ample ventilation for hot days. 

The projecting roof line and its internal air space provide protection and 

insulation from the sun. The roof space can also accommodate concealed 

cooling units. a fan or additional storage. Working space inside is S' x 5' with 

-inch deep shelves and closets on all sides. 

Ground line 

finiah with block epo•y poi"t 
• 
•