Partnership with conservation group improves safety along ID-21

In southwest Idaho, creeping brush growth along the highway creates great hiding spots for critters – posing a serious safety risk for motorists when they suddenly jump out onto the highway from behind a bush or tall grass. But thanks to a partnership with the Idaho Conservation Corps (ICC), one of the most potentially problematic sections on Idaho Highway 21 got a safety boost recently by clearing out adjacent plants.

The partnership is a win-win. ITD receives the benefit of the additional workforce, and ICC members learn new skills. The teens are more hirable and animals have fewer hiding spots to jump out from.

The idea of the partnership came from Russ Rivera in the Office of Civil Rights. ITD covered the expense of this work without touching the department's allocated maintenance funds. Instead, Russ found training funds from the Federal Highway Administration and U.S. Forest Service.

Russ reached out to District 3 about finding a job for ICC members. With no shortage of maintenance needs, the D3’s Maintenance Coordinator John Hall quickly identified the overgrown area as a target and worked with ICC to make the cleanup a reality.

Over the course of a week, the team cleared brush along two miles of ID-21 between milepost 20-22. This stretch of road is a major migration path for big game, like mule deer and elk. After completing the brush cleanup, the ICC crew moved into Forest Service land to work on trails and forest management. They’ll return to do more brush cleanup in October.

This is the second year ITD has partnered with ICC. Last year, the organization sent a crew to do work in the Coeur d’Alene area.

The purpose of ICC is to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. These volunteers learned new skills, work ethic, and an appreciation for highway safety.

You can learn more about ICC by visiting their website, idahocc.org.

Published 09-14-18