Help Needed to Plant Bitterbrush in Idaho Falls Area

As the snows of winter recede, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is seeking volunteers to help plant bitterbrush this spring. Fish and Game wants help planting bitterbrush because it is a native shrub that provides an essential food source for deer, elk, and other wildlife. To plant as much bitterbrush as possible, Fish and Game is looking for volunteers who enjoy working in the outdoors. The planting project is a part of Fish and Game's Mule Deer Initiative, a statewide effort to improve habitat and mule deer populations. Planting will take place on and around the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area in Southeast Idaho. "Volunteers are an important part of getting this work done. Without volunteers we would not get the work done. I encourage individuals, sportsman groups, church, scouting, and school groups to contact me to sign up for some days to help," Volunteer Coordinator Randy Poole said. Poole is a volunteer of sorts, his position with Fish and Game is provided through an arrangement with the federal AmeriCorps program. "Planting can be a fun activity for all ages and it helps improve habitat for wildlife," Poole said. "This is a chance for all who enjoy the outdoors to give back to it." Anyone interested in interested should contact Poole at the Upper Snake Region office in Idaho Falls at 208-525-7290 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). He can also be reached via Email at: rpoole@idfg.idaho.gov.