Helicopter herbicide treatments and seeding to begin Oct. 25 in portion of Unit 76

Low-level helicopter flights will apply herbicide and seed to designated areas near Mahogany Ridge and Bear Lake in Game Management Unit 76 starting Oct. 25 through Oct. 31, weather and wind conditions permitting.

The Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with Idaho Fish and Game, will reseed private and public land that was treated for cheatgrass last year. Additional public land will also receive cheatgrass treatments to help control this invasive annual grass and other noxious weeds.

These efforts aim to reduce future wildfire risk and give native plants time to recover and compete with invasive vegetation, improving habitat for big game and other wildlife. Fall is the most effective time to treat cheatgrass while minimizing impacts to desirable native plants, and treatment benefits can last several years.

Although the flights may temporarily affect hunters and other recreationists, the treatments are expected to provide long-term benefits for wildlife and help reduce wildfire risk.

The treatment areas are outlined on the map below. The helicopter can be identified by large spray booms extending from both sides of the aircraft.

For more information, contact the BLM Pocatello Field Office at 208-478-6340 or the IDFG Southeast Regional Office at 208-232-4703.