Background

Creation of the Deer Parks Complex Wildlife Management Unit (DPCWMU) was made possible by BPA funding, and the cooperative efforts of Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG), Shoshone-Bannock Tribe (SBT), US Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Trust for Public Lands, The Conservation Fund, and others.

BPA is the principal contributor to land acquisition funding as well as ongoing operation and management funding. This contribution serves to partially mitigate for impacts associated with construction and operation of Palisades Dam on the South Fork Snake River. IDFG also contributes to ongoing operation and maintenance funding.

The first acquisition was the 140 acre K1 segment ("Menan"), acquired in 1997, and protecting an estimated 317 Habitat Units (HUs). Next was the 310 acre K2 segment ("Beaver Dick"), acquired in 1997, and protecting an estimated 901 HUs. Next was the 2,556 acre Boyle segment, acquired in 1999, and protecting an estimated 6,918 HUs. Next was the 81 acre Allen segment, acquired in 2002, and protecting an estimated 535 HUs. Last was the 120 acre Horkley segment, acquired in 2002, and protecting an estimated 195 HUs. All Habitat Unit protection estimates assume continuing O&M funding from BPA.

For the protection of Shoshone-Bannock Tribes' treaty rights, BLM holds title to the properties, and they are co-managed by IDFG and SBT. Sho-Ban tribal participation primarily is coordination with IDFG, to ensure protection of treaty rights. Coordination between IDFG and BLM occurs, primarily to ensure that management activities comply with federal regulations.  

The 5 segments are managed as a complex, for cost-effectiveness and management efficiency. Equipment, materials, supplies, and personnel can be shared between the segments.


Project Goals

Protect and maintain wetland, riparian, and upland habitats on the DPCWMU. The Mitigation Unit is comprised of 5 segments: Boyle, K1, K2, Horkley, and Allen.

1. Management of Acquired Lands.

2. Monitoring and Evaluation.

3. Coordination.

Coordination of the contract will involve IDFG, SBT, BLM and BPA.

Background - Quarter Circle O

The Quarter Circle O (QCO) acquisition, completed in December ,1997, added 2135 acres fee-title plus 640 acres Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) lease to the existing 28,750 acres Tex Creek Wildlife Management area (TCWMA).  The three QCO parcels include approximately 3.75 miles of perennial stream in the Willow Creek, Tex Creek and Deer Creek drainages.  Historically the QCO has been farmed for grain and used as pasture for livestock.

Objectives

1.  Manage Vegetation
2.  Reduce soil erosion
3.  Noxious Weed control
4.  Protect habitat around bald eagle nest site
5.  Monitor vegetation and target species habitat