Commissioners Approve Land Acquisitions

Meeting by conference call Wednesday, December 23, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved two proposed land acquisitions. The commissioners authorized Idaho Fish and Game to buy two parcels offered by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at about half of the appraised value. One parcel borders the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area in the Upper Snake Region; the other borders the Georgetown Summit Wildlife Management Area in the Southeast Region. Both include critical mule deer and elk winter range, as well as upland habitat. The Tex Creek parcel is 700 acres, 380 in native habitat and 320 in dry cropland. The Georgetown parcel is 895 acres, all in native habitat. Together the two would cost $550,000. Fish and Game would make four installments of $137,550 each. Fees in lieu of taxes would be $340 for the Tex Creek parcel, and $180 for the Georgetown parcel. The counties have been notified of Fish and Game intent to buy the parcels. There would be no additional management costs, because both already are managed by Fish and Game and would continue to be managed as part of the wildlife management areas.