6/30/2017
ITD mowing along area highways to reduce wildfire fuel
SHOSHONE – As wildfire season begins, the Idaho Transportation Department will begin mowing areas of roadside through at least two stretches of highway that are of greatest risk for rangeland fires and lie in critical habitat zones. In the Magic Valley, ITD is following the lead of a similar program along Interstate 84 through the Mountain Home and Boise areas that was successful.
Mowing began this week along Idaho 75 between Shoshone and the U.S. 20 junction (Timmerman Hill). The impact to traffic will be minimal and the work supports the mission of ITD to promote safe, uninterrupted travel and benefit the general public through the reduced threat of wildfire.
ITD usually mows about 12 feet from the edge of the roadway along most highway corridors, but committed to mowing up to 15 feet from roadway edge along Idaho 75 in southern Blaine County and U.S. 93 in southern Twin Falls County. Mowing focuses on areas traversing critical sage-grouse habitat. Additional areas of highway right of way could be added as resources allow.
ITD received a fire-mitigation grant from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Twin Falls District to assist in the reduction of hazardous fuels along Idaho highways. The program seeks to reduce or eliminate the ignition and spread of wildfire along roadsides, protect natural resources, and reduce the risk of wildfire to communities and firefighters.
ITD received a grant from the BLM to perform similar work through the fire-prone areas of Elmore and eastern Ada Counties.
With the approved grant, ITD purchased a 15-foot mower deck and will lease a tractor to accommodate the additional work. The initial grant application was for $55,000 to be reimbursed to ITD over a two-year period.